WPC (wood plastic composite) boards are the relatively new materials that are used as a substitute for hardwood, softwood and other traditional materials for decking, railing, fencing, cladding and many other applications in the outdoor areas such as patio, terrace, balcony, walking and jogging tracks, and parks. When purchasing a WPC board, one must consider the following factors depending on the project needs and needs of the client. This guide combines information on how to choose the right WPC board according to its thickness, texture, application, and other factors.
Assess Your Application
The first step is to determine whether you plan to use the WPC in its liquid form or in its solid particulate form, and in which application. Key questions to ask:
- Is it meant for a deck, a fence, a facade or something else? For example, decks need more load bearing than a simple ground level addition at that same location.
- What will be the environmental parameters? These include sunlight, rain, snow, humidity etc. This affects the required measure of longevity.
- What type of surface texture are you interested in – woodgrain, smooth, or embossed? Woodgrain texture has usefulness in certain applications, as it provides a simple aesthetic that is most effective in given scenarios.
- Are the local building codes and Homeowner Association regulations important?ANY of the design constraints such as the aesthetic design and the functional design of the product.
- How are you going to create the general outlook of your website? Kuomarsh 5 helps match boards to the desired goals in terms of the boards’ overall appearance.
Consider Board Thickness
Thickness is proportional to structural strength and load-bearing capability desired in an application. Typical WPC board thicknesses are:Typical WPC board thicknesses are:
- 0. 5-0. 75 inch – Appropriate for light fabrication such as cladding, internal paneling, and some vertical gates. Not rigid enough for decking or horizontalfencing unless on a frame spacing that is very narrow.
- 1 inch – Suitable for use in vertical fencing, and certain types of decking, when installed with-close center joist spacing; this type of board is frequently grooved on the back to enhance ventilation. Lacks required thickness to meet railing structures.
- For deck boards: 1. 25 inches – this thickness is standard and offers the required foot traffic surface strength and can be used for some railing applications but only when firmly fastened to structural posts and joints.
- 1. 5 inches+ – Offers most deflection force for decking on a larger joist center-to-center distance or railing circumstances where the connection between the post and rail can experience higher lateral or downward force at the midpoint of the span. Improvedstability with less bounce. Useful over existing decks.
Evaluate Texture and Finish
Texture plays a crucial role on texture, look and feel, grip, and durability and resistance to spots and stains, respectively. Main WPC texture options include:Main WPC texture options include:
- Woodgrain – It has a surface finish that emulates the appearance of wood grain in the longitudinal direction. provides textured feel with non-slip surface that is suitable for use when you are walking around with your bare feet. It is easier to show smudges, oil or dirt compared to a smooth surface but is difficult compared to the one with an embossed pattern.
- Smooth – Has a non-Portland uniform surface texture that has the potential of creating industrial or contemporary looks. Non abrasive to bare feet but very slippery when wet, hence, it requires some additives if you want it to be grippy. Hides imperfections such as smudge and stains better unless one is glossy.
- Embossed or Diamond Plate – Raised design on surface for enhanced traction and to blend in soiling. The highest level of surface protrusion is still shiny yet skid resistant, but the grooves are more difficult to scrub than the other level of diamond plate patterns. Sculptured effects are related with the pattern you have chosen.
It involves assessing the amount of fade resistance and the level of moisture.
Due to WPC being made of organic wood fiber and plastic resins, it is clear that all products have a different level of protection against moisture, color fading, and the effects of weather in different regions. Check specifications particularly for:
- Moisture absorption – Should not exceed 1% ideally for use in structural application these products are evaluate based on ASTM D1037 standards. The smaller the extent of absorption that it displays, the better performance in wet situations without the problems of swelling.
- Color fade resistance – It is recommended that the color fade rating should be 4 or higher on the color fade resistance scale since it provides reliable UV protection to aid the flooring from turning colourless, grey, or crack after being exposed to sunlight for many years.
Review Structural Certifications
It is expected that WPC boards should meet various building standards associations criteria to ensure they provide the required structure. Key marks to look for certifying safety include:Key marks to look for certifying safety include:
- IBC – Maximum allowable seismic loads, shear strength, wind uplift, live loading, and minimum selfweight provisions.
- ADA compliance for ramps to ensure the slip resistance of the ramp surface that is fabricated and installed.
- Additional proof of propertesting is the presence of the ASTM and ICC ratings.
