In the world of outdoor flooring, composite decking materials are becoming bigger and bigger. That’s why we all got to be very careful about falling in love with fashion advertised by sales people without the proper technical knowledge. How many times you’ve been told ZERO MAINTENANCE, EASY INSTALLATION, LASTS FOREVER! That’s absolutely wrong… or better, these shouts definitely need a deeper analysis. Let’s go then!
WPC/BPC Composite – What does that really mean?
Standard WPC composite decking boards are made of recycled polymers such are PE or HDPE, which are no more and no less than recycled plastic bottles, bags etc.etc. Though this represent a potential good Green commercial hook, those polymers cannot be recycled infinitely! And the boards made out of those polymers are subject to extremely bigger movements and torsions if compared to the not recycled PVC (which can be recycled, is more valuable and doesn’t move as much!).
This is what we need to know when we approach the idea of buying a composite product, especially if you’re willing to install it… a material that moves a lot needs a master deck builder to deal with, otherwise you just trashed your money. In the compound/mixture of the standard wpc decking boards there is even a percentage of natural product, the most common is SAWDUST! Wow… sawdust! When dropping oil on the floor, my grandmother used to put sawdust on top in order to absorb it and better clean! IT ABSORBS A LOT… really a lot! So again be prepared to dimensional changes according to the percentage of sawdust inside… this again it’s not a that bad thing if you know it before you get it installed (to do it the right way).
What does it happen when you build your deck with a standard wpc composite decking? Look below:
What you just seen can happen sooner or later, more or less, according to the quality of decking boards you are buying. This is essential to know in order not to encounter a deep disappointment after what looked like a good deal!
This ONLY depends by the quality of the material the boards are made of. In a standard WPC, in fact, a solid board it’s preferable because these kind of composite deckings have a soft structure, and in this case a hollow board could be more fragile if the material is the same. But there a back side to take in consideration, the more mass you have, the more the board will move! It would be much better opting for an innovative material made of PVC… in this case is much better a PVC hollow board than a PE or HDPE solid one! Because it has a stronger, more resistant structure!
https://www.idecksystems.com/wpc-composite-right-choice