Guides

TrueGrain vs Legacy PVC. Which American Pro Deck Fits Your Project?

Split image of an American Pro Legacy PVC deck in a light Khaki tone beside a TrueGrain deck at a lakeside sunset, labeled Legacy PVC and TrueGrain
Illustrative renderings of Legacy PVC in Khaki (left) and TrueGrain in Aged Oak (right). Confirm color with a physical sample.

Both boards come off the same extrusion line in Linden, New Jersey, with the same cellular PVC compound and the same groove. The choice is simpler than it looks. It comes down to the surface.

Same Board Underneath

Linden, NJExtruded by Patwin Plastics
Cellular PVCSame compound on both lines
One grooveSame geometry, InvisiClip™ ready
16 in.Maximum joist spacing, on center
6 + 6Colors, all sampled free
25 yrLimited residential warranty

The Surface Is the Difference

Legacy PVC

Solid color runs through the cellular PVC

A clean, classic finish with a subtle embossed grain.

TrueGrain

Hardwood-grain laminate
ASA cap, four sides
Cellular PVC core

A laminated wood-grain surface with real depth you can feel.

Simplified illustration, not to scale.
FeatureLegacy PVCTrueGrain
SurfaceSolid color, subtle embossed grainLaminated hardwood grain
ColorsSix classic tonesSix hardwood-inspired colors
ProfilesSameSolid Edge or Grooved
Hidden fastenersSameInvisiClip on grooved boards
Face fasteningColor-matched plugs, Pro Plug SystemColor-matched plugs
Warranty25 yr residential, 10 yr commercial25 yr residential
Built forResidential and commercialResidential projects

Limited warranties. See the full terms on each product page.

Six Colors Each

Legacy PVC
  • Legacy PVC Driftwood swatch, light greyDriftwood
  • Legacy PVC Khaki swatch, warm tanKhaki
  • Legacy PVC Hazelnut swatch, medium warm brownHazelnut
  • Legacy PVC Beachwood swatch, cool greyBeachwood
  • Legacy PVC Chestnut swatch, rich red-brownChestnut
  • Legacy PVC Redwood swatch, warm reddish-brownRedwood
TrueGrain
  • TrueGrain New England Birch swatch, weathered silver-greyNew England Birch
  • TrueGrain Coastal Driftwood swatch, soft warm greyCoastal Driftwood
  • TrueGrain Aged Oak swatch, golden tan with open grainAged Oak
  • TrueGrain Embered Taupe swatch, warm smoky brownEmbered Taupe
  • TrueGrain Royal IPE swatch, deep mahogany amberRoyal IPE
  • TrueGrain Tropical Walnut swatch, dark walnut grainTropical Walnut

Which One Is You?

ChooseLegacy PVC if

  • You want a clean, classic solid color
  • The job is commercial
  • You have face-fastened spots, like stair treads and the board against the house
  • You want the line dealers stock first

ChooseTrueGrain if

  • You want the deepest hardwood-grain look
  • You want a cool-underfoot surface in full sun
  • The project is residential
  • You want a premium hardwood appearance