What is PVC?
The Wood Guide · Materials
MaterialPVC
A plastic that does not rot, does not rust and can be moulded into any shape. You find it in water pipes, window frames, raincoats and in the finishing layer of furniture. This is what it is, and what it is not.
- Plastic, not wood
- Water-resistant and easy to shape
- Hard or soft, depending on the additives
What is PVC?
PVC is one of the most widely used plastics in the world. It is not wood and not a wood product, but you do come across it in places where wood struggles: around water, dirt and weather.
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. It is made from vinyl chloride, a substance that consists largely of chlorine. That chlorine comes from salt, the rest from oil or natural gas. The result is a powder or granule that you can melt, shape and let set again. That is why it is called a thermoplastic.
Pure PVC is hard and fairly brittle. Adding plasticisers makes it supple and flexible. So there is hard PVC for pipes and window frames, and soft PVC for tarpaulin, flooring and film. The same base material, a very different product.
With us, PVC appears in two places: as a waterproof protective cover for picnic tables, and as a finish on furniture made of MDF, such as some wall shelves and cabinets. We do not use it as the main material of a piece of furniture.
Hard PVC (unplasticised) is what you see in pipes and window frames. Soft PVC contains plasticisers and is found in tarpaulins, films and imitation leather. So when you read "PVC" somewhere, it does not yet tell you how it feels, how long it lasts or how it is disposed of.
- Full name
- polyvinyl chloride
- Type of material
- plastic (thermoplastic)
- Raw materials
- salt (for the chlorine) and oil or natural gas
- Two families
- hard PVC and soft (plasticised) PVC
- Water
- absorbs almost no water, does not rot
- Recycling code
- 3 (a triangle with a 3, sometimes "V" or "PVC")
- With us
- protective covers and a finishing layer on MDF furniture
To be honest, PVC has well-known downsides. Its production and waste are debated, and soft PVC with plasticisers is harder to recycle than hard PVC. You can read more about that further down, without embellishment.
What PVC does well
No exact measured values here: they differ greatly by type. These are the properties that apply to every type of PVC or are widely known.
| Property | What it gives you | Where you see it |
|---|---|---|
| Water-resistant | absorbs almost no water and does not rot | water pipes, drain pipes, rainwear, tarpaulins |
| Easy to shape | can be injection moulded, extruded or made into film or sheeting | window frame profiles, film, flooring |
| Hard or supple | with or without plasticisers it can be stiff or flexible | pipes (hard), tarpaulin and imitation leather (soft) |
| Smooth, closed surface | dirt stays on the surface and can be wiped off | finish on boards, covers, wall coverings |
| Resists burning | the chlorine slows burning, and it often goes out by itself | cable sheathing, pipes |
| Low maintenance | no painting or oiling needed | window frames, covers |
| Inexpensive to make | a plastic that is made on a large scale | almost everywhere in construction |
PVC in everyday life
Building and plumbing
Drain and water pipes, cable trunking and window frames. Anywhere a material has to cope with moisture and must not rot.
Floors and walls
Vinyl floors, wall coverings and film. The smooth surface is easy to keep clean.
Sheeting and film
Tarpaulins, tent fabric, rainwear and covers. The material is then made supple and applied to a fabric or film.
Electrics
The sheath around many cables is made of PVC: it insulates and usually goes out by itself in a fire.
Where PVC is in our products
We only say what is stated on our product pages and in the factory's data.
The clearest example is the protective cover for KING picnic tables. According to our product pages, our covers for the 180 cm table, the 300 cm table and the square and round tables are made of PVC and polyester, with a tensioning system at the bottom so that the cover stays tight. They are meant to keep rain, dirt and sun off the table. Pay attention to the sizes and to the backrests: the covers are not intended for tables with backrests.
The second place is indoors. Some MDF furniture has PVC as a finish. According to the product page, the Selva wall shelf is made of MDF with a PVC finish and has an oak look. In the factory's data for the Curve chest of drawers, the material is listed as MDF with melamine and PVC. You can read more about the board itself on our page about MDF.
Want to see a cover like this? These are two of our PVC products:
Our tables and benches are made of wood. PVC comes in as protection (the cover) or as a finishing layer on boards. So it never replaces the wood.
Where PVC is strong, and where it falls short
Both sides belong to the story. PVC is neither bad nor perfect; it is a material with a clear profile.
Practical and resistant to moisture
The reason it is everywhere.
- Absorbs almost no water and does not rot
- Can be made in almost any shape
- Smooth surface that wipes clean easily
- No oil or paint needed
- Hard PVC is widely used in pipes and window frames
The downside
What also comes with it.
- Production and waste are debated; the chlorine in the base material is one reason for that
- Soft PVC with plasticisers is hard to recycle
- Harmful fumes are released in a fire; do not burn it in a stove
- Can discolour or become stiffer through sun and heat, unless it contains stabilisers
- Does not feel warm or natural like wood
Choose PVC where water and dirt are the problem, such as a cover or a washable finishing layer. For furniture that has to stand outdoors for years and for a warm, natural feel, solid wood remains our choice.
Identifying and caring for PVC
- Recognise itLook on the back or underside for a small triangle with a 3 in it, or the letters "PVC" or "V". That is the usual recycling code for this plastic.
- Wipe it down with lukewarm waterA damp cloth or soft brush with a little mild soap is usually enough.
- Avoid abrasives and strong solventsThey can damage the smooth surface or make it dull.
- Let it dry thoroughlyOnly store a cover or film once everything is dry. That way dirt does not stay damp.
- Keep it away from sharp edges and open flamesPVC can tear and does not burn cleanly.
Frequently asked questions about PVC
What is PVC?
PVC is polyvinyl chloride, a plastic made from salt and oil or natural gas. It can be hard (pipes, window frames) or supple thanks to plasticisers (tarpaulin, film).
Is PVC the same as vinyl?
In everyday language, often yes. Vinyl flooring and vinyl wallpaper usually consist of PVC. Strictly speaking, vinyl is a broader term, but PVC is the best-known vinyl plastic.
Is PVC waterproof?
PVC itself absorbs almost no water. Whether a product is waterproof depends on how it is made: the seams, the thickness and the fabric or film it is applied to.
Can PVC be recycled?
Yes, especially hard PVC such as pipes and window frame profiles, which is collected and reused on a large scale. Soft PVC with plasticisers, and PVC that is attached to other materials, is harder to recycle.
Is PVC harmful?
That depends on the type and the additives, and on what you do with it. The known concerns are about production, about plasticisers in some types and about the fumes when it is burned. For the exact composition of a product, it is best to ask the manufacturer or us.
Why is there PVC on your wall shelves and cabinets?
For some MDF furniture, the factory uses PVC as a finishing layer. For the Selva wall shelf, the product page states that the finish gives a smooth surface, protected edges and easy maintenance.
A cover for your table, or would you rather learn more about other materials?
Take a look at our protective covers, or read on about MDF, composite and aluminium in The Wood Guide.
Have a question about your project? Just ask — we're happy to help.