Tufdek and Valordek are both PVC vinyl decking membranes used to waterproof balconies and rooftop decks in Western Canada. The most important differences are membrane thickness, published pricing, installation flexibility, and who actually manufactures the product. Valordek's primary membrane is 68mil thick and starts at $3.74 per square foot. Tufdek is a 61mil membrane made by a parent company called Ducan, with pricing available only through quotes.
If you're comparing Tufdek and Valordek, you're already doing the right research. Most homeowners and contractors don't realize that Tufdek is not actually its own manufacturer. It's one of several product lines produced by Ducan Industries, which also makes Dek-Master. Valordek, by contrast, is a manufacturer-direct operation. You're buying from the company that formulates the PVC, designs the patterns, and tests every roll. Here's how the two compare on the details that matter for your project.
Membrane Thickness: 68mil vs 61mil
Valordek's primary product line is a 68mil PVC membrane with a fleece backing. That is 11% thicker than Tufdek's 61mil membrane. A thicker membrane means greater puncture resistance and longer service life underfoot, which matters on high-traffic balconies, entertaining areas, and commercial walkways. Valordek also offers a 60mil Smooth-Back membrane with PVC backing, designed for rooftop deck applications with a Class A and C fire rating and a 15-year waterproofing warranty.
| Specification | Valordek | Tufdek |
|---|---|---|
| Standard thickness | 68mil (Fuzzy-Back) | 61mil |
| Backing type | Fleece (68mil) / PVC (60mil) | PVC |
| Roll width | 72 inches | Not specified |
| Roll length | Up to 480 lineal feet | Not specified |
| Temperature rating | -40°C to 80°C (tested) | Not specified |
| Code compliance | Exceeds CGSB-37.54.95 | Code compliant |
Valordek's 72-inch roll width also means 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.
How Much Does Tufdek 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. Tufdek does not publish pricing. You need to contact a certified dealer for a quote, and the cost will depend on the installer and your project specifics.
| Valordek | Tufdek | |
|---|---|---|
| Material cost | From $3.74/sq ft | Not published |
| 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 | Through certified dealers |
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. Tufdek is manufactured by Ducan Industries and sold through a separate dealer network, which adds steps between the factory and your project. For a detailed look at vinyl decking material and project costs, see our vinyl decking cost guide.
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.
Tufdek requires a certified professional installer. You cannot purchase the material separately for self-installation. This means your project timeline and cost depend entirely on which Tufdek installer is available in your area and what they charge.
For homeowners and contractors who want control over their project, the ability to source materials directly and choose whether to DIY or hire a pro is a significant advantage. Learn more about vinyl decking longevity and what to expect from an installation in our guide on how long vinyl decking lasts.
Who Actually Makes the Product?
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.
Tufdek is manufactured by Ducan Industries, a company that also produces Dek-Master vinyl decking. Tufdek is a product line, not an independent manufacturer. When you contact Tufdek, you're reaching a brand within a larger parent company.
Why does this matter? Manufacturer-direct means no middleman markup on pricing, faster answers to technical questions, and direct accountability for the product on your deck. Valordek keeps product in stock at the Surrey, BC facility and available for immediate pickup or shipment through the dealer network.
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.
Tufdek lists 14 colours. More options does not necessarily mean better options. What matters is whether the colours match current design trends and the look you want for your space. Valordek's three curated style lines are built around what architects, builders, and homeowners are actually specifying today. Free samples are available through any Valordek dealer or directly from the Surrey, BC office so you can see the patterns and textures in person before committing.
Warranty Comparison
Tufdek offers a 15-year product warranty and a 5-year workmanship warranty. Valordek's warranty structure covers both product lines: the 68mil Fuzzy-Back carries a 10-year waterproofing warranty and a 5-year appearance warranty, while the 60mil Smooth-Back carries a 15-year waterproofing warranty and a 5-year appearance warranty. Both Valordek warranties are backed directly by Valordek as the manufacturer. Full terms are published on the warranty page.
| Warranty Detail | Valordek | Tufdek |
|---|---|---|
| Product/waterproofing | 10 years (68mil) / 15 years (60mil) | 15 years |
| Appearance warranty | 5 years (both lines) | Not specified |
| Workmanship | Through dealer | 5 years |
| Fire rating | Class A/C (60mil Smooth-Back) | Not specified |
| Warranty terms published | Yes, on website | Contact for details |
Valordek's 60mil Smooth-Back matches Tufdek's 15-year warranty and adds a Class A and C fire rating, which is required for many commercial and multi-family rooftop deck applications. And Valordek publishes its full warranty terms on the website, so you know exactly what's covered before you buy.
The Bottom Line
Both Tufdek and Valordek are PVC vinyl decking membranes designed to waterproof outdoor living spaces. But the differences add up. Valordek gives you a thicker membrane (68mil vs 61mil), transparent pricing ($3.74/sq ft published), 72-inch wide rolls, the flexibility to install it yourself or through a dealer, and manufacturer-direct support with no middleman. Tufdek is made by Ducan Industries, requires a certified installer, and does not publish pricing.
If you want to compare products side by side, visit the vinyl deck membrane page to see all Valordek products and specifications. Already comparing competitors? Read our Duradek vs Valordek comparison for more context on the vinyl decking market.
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
Is Valordek thicker than Tufdek?
Yes. Valordek's primary product is a 68mil membrane. Tufdek is 61mil. That makes Valordek 11% thicker, which provides greater puncture resistance and durability. Valordek rolls are also 72 inches wide, resulting in fewer seams per installation.
How much does Tufdek cost compared to Valordek?
Valordek vinyl decking starts at $3.74 per square foot for material, published on the website. Tufdek does not publish pricing. Valordek's lower price reflects manufacturer-direct sales with no distributor markup. Both are PVC vinyl membranes designed for waterproofing balconies and rooftop decks.
Can you DIY Tufdek or Valordek?
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. Tufdek requires installation by a certified professional installer and does not sell material for self-installation.
Is Tufdek or Valordek better?
Valordek offers a thicker membrane (68mil vs 61mil), published pricing ($3.74/sq ft), DIY installation option, and manufacturer-direct support. Valordek is the manufacturer. Tufdek is a product line made by Ducan Industries. Both are PVC vinyl membranes, but Valordek gives you more product for less money with more flexibility in how you buy and install it.
Who makes Tufdek?
Tufdek is manufactured by Ducan Industries, a company that also produces Dek-Master vinyl decking. Tufdek is not an independent manufacturer. Valordek is manufacturer-direct, meaning you buy from the same company that formulates, produces, and tests the product.
