What is Wood-Plastic Composite
Wood-plastic composite (WPC) is a synthetic material typically made by combining wood fibers and plastic (usually polyethylene). This material combines the appearance of wood with the durability and ease of processing inherent in plastic. WPC finds extensive applications in outdoor flooring, fencing, wall panels, railings, as well as in interior decoration, making it highly relevant to our daily lives.
What is the Difference Between WPC Decking and Ordinary Wood Flooring?
WPC decking is a manufactured product. Due to its unique production process, it possesses characteristics like waterproofing, non-cracking, mold resistance, and UV resistance when used outdoors. Its excellent waterproof properties allow it to be used in hydrophilic environments where ordinary wood cannot be used.
WPC decking does not require regular painting maintenance and is easy to clean daily. It incurs no additional maintenance costs over time and is a green, environmentally friendly material that can be recycled and reused.
Is WPC Decking Really Waterproof?
WPC decking is made from a combination of wood fibers and rigid plastic, where the plastic component provides strong waterproof and moisture-proof properties. Additionally, co-extruded WPC decking has a high-molecular co-extruded layer on its surface, making it suitable for use in near-water areas.
The water absorption rate of WPC decking is 0.37%, which is significantly lower than that of ordinary wood flooring. This low absorption rate makes WPC decking less prone to water-induced expansion when used outdoors, allowing it to be used on outdoor terraces, yards, swimming pools, waterside boardwalks, landscape lakes, beaches, and other locations.
Under normal conditions, WPC decking is not susceptible to water damage and is resistant to deformation, rotting, or mold.
Will WPC Decking Outdoor Fade?
The main cause of fading for wood flooring is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. WPC decking outdoor incorporates UV-resistant additives during production, providing it with excellent weather resistance. This enables it to withstand UV radiation and other natural environmental factors outdoors without easily fading. The color fastness can reach level 4, with the highest level being 5.
Does WPC Decking Require Painting Maintenance?
WPC decking is truly "low-maintenance flooring" for outdoor use. Because WPC decking colors can be customized and are not prone to fading, it eliminates the need for painting to maintain surface color.
WPC decking is waterproof, wear-resistant, and corrosion-resistant without cracking, providing strong stability. There is no need to maintain its properties with painting, eliminating the tedious annual painting maintenance process required for traditional outdoor flooring. You only need to rinse the flooring surface with water to keep it clean and tidy, allowing you to effortlessly enjoy outdoor life.
How Long Can WPC Decking Last?
The raw materials of WPC decking are wood powder and rigid plastic, providing strong stability for outdoor use. With continuous upgrades and iterations in WPC decking, it has evolved from the initial hollow flooring to the solid co-extruded WPC decking, with an increasing lifespan.
High-quality WPC decking can have a warranty period of up to 25 years, making it suitable for outdoor use for over 20 years. Its excellent waterproof properties, mold resistance, and UV resistance allow it to be used outdoors for decades.
Is WPC Decking Safe?
Traditional outdoor flooring requires continuous safety check-ups during usage, such as checking for structural damage or wood splinters caused by cracking. Warping and deformation of the wood can loosen screws, leading to structural hazards on terraces.
WPC decking eliminates these concerns. The flooring has dedicated slots on the side for hidden fastener installations. The fasteners are fixed to the joists, with no need for surface nails, ensuring a nail-free installation that avoids safety hazards from nail hole corrosion. This achieves a seamless surface installation effect. WPC decking is increasingly favored by consumers and is gradually becoming a part of people's lives.
