WPC Boards: Composition, Features, and Applications in Modern Construction

What Is WPC Board?

WPC board is a highly durable and safe material used for construction purposes. It is a mixture of wood fiber/wood flour and thermoplastics.

WPC boards are also prepared from inorganic fillers and plastic composites. Wood and plastic composite is also used as a strong, high-quality coating option.

WPC doors are used for floors, decks, rails, fences, landscaping, windows, doors, external or internal cladding, for the manufacture of door and window frames, for the preparation of strong and designed structures, mixing floor furniture, etc.

In the modern era, due to the advancement of technology and research every day, new materials are emerging in the construction industry, which is no exception. 

One of these materials in the construction industry is Wood Plastic Composite (WPC). It is an ecological material that is emerging as an alternative to natural wood and plywood.

It is a composite material that constitutes a waste of wood fibres and thermoplastics. They are mixed to form a base material that has a thick consistency. Then it is extruded and moulded to the different shapes and sizes needed.

WPC Board

Several different colours and additives can also be added to create materials with better specifications.

There is a wide variety of uses and applications for WPC boards on outdoor deck floors, fences, door and window frames, and outdoor landscapes, and so on.

In percentage terms, it comprises 70% virgin polymer, 15% wood powder (fiber), and the remaining 15% additives.

It is available in a size of 2440 mm x 1220 mm (8 feet x 4 feet) with the thickness of the plates 5 mm (0.20 in.), 6 mm (0.24 in.), 7.5 mm (0.30 in.), 11 mm (0.43 in.), 12 mm (0.47 in.), 17 mm (0.67 in.) and 18 mm (0.71 in.).

Features of WPC Board

There are various features of the WPC board that are listed below:

1. The look and feel are similar to that of natural wood. It requires less repair and maintenance, as it does not distort/fold or splinter into small pieces like natural
2. It is highly resistant to moisture and, therefore, a highly durable material.
3. It also has resistance to termites and fungi.
4. It does not corrode easily and does not deteriorate or lose its constituents.
5. Because it is composed of recycled plastic and wood waste, it is a sustainable and green material.
6. There is a greater fixation of nails, screws, and fasteners when used with WPC compared to natural wood.
7. It is gaining popularity as it avoids unnecessary logging and is made with waste in a very beneficial way to create improved building materials. One tree is saved for every ten WPC cards.

Disadvantages of WPC board

The disadvantages of the WPC board are as follows.

1. Chemical Properties

It contains plastic polymer and wood fibres, so the deficiencies of both materials will be present in it.

2. Resistance:

1. The resistance of WPC to extreme temperatures is low compared to wood.
2. The cost of the WPC material is higher compared to the other materials used for the same purpose.
3. Natural wood texture is lacking, due to the lack of natural wood feel when furniture or doors are made of this material.
4. WPC consists of wood and plastic, so the deficiencies of both materials are also present in the WPC material.
5. Its resistance to extreme temperatures is low compared to wood.
6. The initial cost is high. The purchase costs of WPC decks are higher than wood but save on maintenance costs later, and the overall cost is not too high after long-term use.

3. Artificial Materials

1. WPC decks are not 100% real wood.
2. WPC board is composed of wood fibers and plastics but still has a realistic wood grain imitation effect.
3. WPC board is not entirely maintenance-free.
4. The WPC deck still needs to regularly remove leaves and other debris and wash them with soap and water.
5. Heavier than wood compared to wood materials, composite materials of the same size are much heavier.
6. WPC’s resistance to extreme temperatures is low compared to wood. If you place kitchenware directly on the WPC plates, it will cause a fusion impression if the temperature exceeds 70 ° C.
7. The laser cutter cannot be used on WPC boards, as it burns the boards.
8. It contains a plastic polymer and wood fibers so that the deficiency of both materials will be present in it

Application of WPC Board

1. Outdoor Decks

It is highly used on decks and outdoor patios. WPC manufacturers offer a variety of deck options, such as a solid deck, hollow deck, mosaic deck and

2. Fencing

How the material is safe and durable; It is widely used for the preparation of fences for gardens and other purposes for outdoor fences.

3. Panel

This material is quite durable and, as it is available in a larger size, this allows the use of this material in internal and external panels.

4. Interior Areas

WPC boards are also used in the internal areas for making various items of furniture, such as wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, internal partitions, bathroom vanities, and also on the ceiling of the room.

FAQs on WPC Boards

What is a WPC Board?

WPC board stands for Wood Plastic Composite board, a durable and safe construction material made from a mixture of wood fiber/wood flour and thermoplastics, often including inorganic fillers and plastic composites.

What are the primary components of a WPC Board?

WPC boards typically consist of 70% virgin polymer, 15% wood powder (fiber), and 15% additives.

What are the common uses of WPC Boards?

WPC boards are used for a variety of applications including outdoor deck floors, fences, door and window frames, external and internal cladding, and in the manufacture of furniture and other structures.

What are the benefits of using WPC Boards?

The benefits include high resistance to moisture, termites, and fungi, durability, low maintenance, sustainability as they use recycled materials, and good fixation for nails, screws, and fasteners.

Are there any disadvantages to using WPC Boards?

Yes, WPC boards have some disadvantages such as lower resistance to extreme temperatures compared to wood, higher initial costs, lack of natural wood texture, and they are heavier than traditional wood materials.

How do WPC Boards contribute to sustainability?

WPC boards are eco-friendly as they are made from recycled plastic and wood waste, reducing the need for logging and utilizing waste materials effectively.

What are the standard sizes available for WPC Boards?

WPC boards are available in the size of 2440 mm x 1220 mm (8 feet x 4 feet) with various thicknesses ranging from 5 mm to 18 mm.

Can WPC Boards be used in high-temperature environments?

WPC boards have lower resistance to extreme temperatures and can get damaged if exposed to temperatures exceeding 70°C, such as placing hot kitchenware directly on them.

What are the maintenance requirements for WPC Boards?

While WPC boards are low maintenance compared to natural wood, they still require regular cleaning to remove debris and washing with soap and water to maintain their appearance.

In what ways are WPC Boards utilized in interior spaces?

WPC boards are used for making furniture such as wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, internal partitions, bathroom vanities, and ceiling panels in interior areas.