Duradek and Valordek are both vinyl decking membranes used to waterproof balconies and rooftop decks in Canada. The most important differences are price, membrane thickness, colour options, and whether you can install it yourself. Valordek starts at $3.74 per square foot for a 68mil membrane. Duradek's installed pricing typically ranges from $12 to $22 per square foot for a 60mil membrane. Both carry 10-year waterproofing warranties.
If you're researching Duradek, you've probably noticed that pricing isn't listed on their website. That's because Duradek bundles the product and installation through certified applicators, so the cost depends entirely on your project and which installer you work with. Valordek takes a different approach: published pricing, a thicker membrane, and the option to either install it yourself or go through a certified dealer. Here's how the two stack up on the details that affect your wallet and your project.
How Much Does Duradek Cost vs Valordek?
Valordek vinyl decking membrane starts at $3.74 per square foot for material, published directly on the website. This is manufacturer-direct pricing with no distributor markup. Duradek does not publish material pricing. Based on Canadian dealer quotes and online sources, Duradek installed costs typically range from $12 to $22 per square foot depending on the product line and project complexity.
| Valordek | Duradek | |
|---|---|---|
| Material cost | From $3.74/sq ft | Not published |
| Typical installed cost | Varies by dealer | $12-$22/sq ft |
| 200 sq ft balcony (material only) | ~$748 | Not available |
| Pricing model | Published, transparent | Quote-based only |
| Why the price is what it is | Manufacturer-direct, no middleman | Bundled with certified installer |
The price difference comes down to the supply chain. Valordek is the manufacturer, selling through a network of 19+ dealers with no distributor layer adding cost. When you buy Valordek, you're paying for the membrane from the company that made it. For a detailed look at vinyl decking material and project costs, see our vinyl decking cost guide.
Membrane Thickness: 68mil vs 60mil
Valordek's primary product line is a 68mil PVC membrane with a fleece backing, making it thicker than Duradek's standard 60mil product. A thicker membrane means greater puncture resistance and durability underfoot, which matters on high-traffic balconies and outdoor entertaining spaces. Valordek also offers a 60mil Smooth-Back membrane with PVC backing, engineered specifically for rooftop deck applications with a Class A and C fire rating.
| Specification | Valordek | Duradek |
|---|---|---|
| Standard thickness | 68mil | 60mil |
| Roll width | 72 inches | 66 inches |
| Roll length | Up to 480 lineal feet | Varies |
| Temperature rating | -40°C to 80°C (tested) | Not specified |
| Material | PVC with UV screens and stabilizers | PVC |
| Code compliance | Exceeds CGSB-37.54.95 | Code compliant |
Valordek's 72-inch roll width is wider than Duradek's 66-inch rolls. Wider rolls mean fewer seams on most installations. Fewer seams means fewer potential failure points and a cleaner finished appearance. The Valordek 68mil Premium Series is CCMC tested and the 60mil Ultra Series is Intertek tested, both exceeding the requirements of Canadian building code 37.54.95 for waterproofing. Full certification details are available on the certifications page.
Can You Install It Yourself?
Valordek's 68mil Fuzzy-Back membrane is designed to be DIY-friendly with proper surface preparation. You can purchase the membrane, adhesive, and all accessories directly, then handle the installation yourself on your own schedule. If you'd rather have a professional do it, Valordek connects you with a certified dealer in your area. Either way, you're not locked into a single installer's pricing or timeline.
Duradek can only be installed by a certified Duradek applicator. You cannot purchase the material separately. This means your project depends on installer availability in your area, and the pricing is whatever that installer quotes you.
For homeowners and contractors who want control over their project timeline and costs, the ability to source materials directly and choose your own installer is a significant advantage. See our guide on installing vinyl decking over plywood for a look at the process.
Colour and Style Options
Valordek offers 11 colours across three style lines, all designed around current residential and commercial design trends. The Wood Look line includes Walnut Plank, Smoke Grey, and Ash Plank with realistic grain patterns that customers regularly mistake for real hardwood. The Stone Look line features Marble Grey and Marble Beige with dramatic veining patterns popular on modern condos. The Classic line offers six solid colours for a clean, timeless finish.
Duradek offers more colours in total (27), but many of those options have been in the lineup for years. When comparing contemporary design options, look at the actual patterns and finishes side by side. Valordek samples are available free through any dealer or directly from the Surrey, BC office.
Warranty: What's Actually Covered?
Valordek's warranty structure is straightforward. The 68mil Fuzzy-Back carries a 10-year waterproofing warranty and a 5-year appearance warranty. The 60mil Smooth-Back carries a 15-year waterproofing warranty and a 5-year appearance warranty. Both are backed directly by Valordek as the manufacturer. Full terms are published on the warranty page.
Duradek offers a 10-year product warranty on their 60mil line and a 5-year warranty on their thinner 45mil Okanagan line. Notably, Duradek does not mandate a workmanship warranty from their installers. The product itself is covered, but the quality of the installation may or may not be separately guaranteed depending on which applicator you use.
| Warranty Detail | Valordek | Duradek |
|---|---|---|
| Standard waterproofing | 10 years (68mil) | 10 years (60mil) |
| Extended waterproofing | 15 years (60mil Smooth-Back) | N/A |
| Appearance warranty | 5 years (both lines) | Not specified |
| Installer workmanship | Through dealer | Not mandated by Duradek |
| Warranty terms published | Yes, on website | Contact for details |
Buying Direct from the Manufacturer
Valordek is the manufacturer. When you contact Valordek, you're talking to the people who formulate the PVC, design the colour patterns, and test every roll against Canadian building codes. If you have a question about substrate preparation, adhesive compatibility, or how the membrane handles a specific detail on your deck, you get an answer from someone who knows the product from the inside out.
This also means pricing stays lower because there's no distributor or middleman adding markup between the factory and your project. You can reach the Valordek team directly by phone, WhatsApp, or email and get a response within one business day. Product is kept in stock at the Surrey, BC facility and available for immediate pickup or shipment through the dealer network.
Valordek vinyl decking is available across British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan through 19+ authorized dealers. Visit the vinyl deck membrane page to explore all products and request samples.
The Bottom Line
Both Duradek and Valordek are vinyl decking membranes that create a waterproof surface for balconies and rooftop decks. But the numbers tell a clear story. Valordek gives you a thicker membrane (68mil vs 60mil), wider rolls (72" vs 66"), transparent pricing ($3.74/sq ft), the flexibility to install it yourself or through a dealer, and up to a 15-year waterproofing warranty. All from the manufacturer, with no middleman.
The best way to decide is to see and feel the product. Find your nearest Valordek dealer for free samples, or call 1-888-400-6155 to talk directly with the team that makes it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cheaper is Valordek than Duradek?
Valordek vinyl decking starts at $3.74 per square foot for material. Duradek installed costs typically range from $12 to $22 per square foot. Valordek's lower price reflects manufacturer-direct sales with no distributor markup, not a difference in product quality. Both are PVC vinyl membranes that exceed Canadian building code 37.54.95.
Is Valordek thicker than Duradek?
Yes. Valordek's primary product is a 68mil membrane. Duradek's standard product is 60mil. A thicker membrane provides greater puncture resistance and durability. Valordek rolls are also wider at 72 inches compared to Duradek's 66 inches, resulting in fewer seams per installation.
Can you install Valordek without a professional?
Valordek's 68mil Fuzzy-Back membrane is DIY-friendly with proper substrate preparation. You can purchase materials directly from Valordek or through an authorized dealer. Duradek requires installation by a certified applicator and does not sell material separately for self-installation.
What colours does Valordek offer?
Valordek offers 11 colours across three style lines: Wood Look (Walnut Plank, Smoke Grey, Ash Plank), Stone Look (Marble Grey, Marble Beige), and Classic (6 solid colours). All patterns are designed around current design trends. Free samples are available through any Valordek dealer.
Is Valordek a good alternative to Duradek?
Valordek is a Canadian-manufactured vinyl decking membrane that is thicker (68mil vs 60mil), wider (72" vs 66" rolls), and more affordable ($3.74/sq ft material) than Duradek's standard product. It carries a 10 to 15-year waterproofing warranty, is CCMC and Intertek tested, and is available through 19+ dealers across Western Canada.
