What is WPC and Its Advantages and Uses

Going into any construction project is both an exciting and confusing process, especially when working with unfamiliar materials. Commonly, when we think of construction and interior materials, we think of more straightforward materials. Examples of common materials that come to mind could be lumber wall and ceiling panels, or even inorganic materials such as concrete or steel. However, these materials pose their own challenges in the long run. Because of this, manufacturers worldwide have innovated construction and interior design alternatives that combat these shortcomings while also bringing more benefits to the table.

In this article, we go over one of the more common types of building and interior materials used by professionals as well as the advantages they can bring to both builders and space owners like you. Get to know more about WPC material and explore its potential applications that you can incorporate into your space during you current or future projects!

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What is WPC?

The first step to understanding WPC material and how you can utilize it is to have baseline knowledge of what WPC is. WPC wall panels or wood plastic composite panels are a compound building and interior design material that combines lumber product such as wood fibers and wood particles with recycled plastic. WPC sheets have seen widespread success globally both for its structural benefits as well as the good it does for the environment—by utilizing thermoplastic waste as well as putting scrap and uneven pieces of wood to good use. These materials are converted into durable WPC materials that find new purpose as the building blocks for making better homes, offices, and other structures for a brighter tomorrow.

To breakdown what WPC material is, the simplest way to describe it would be to imagine something akin to a cookie dough. A compound mixture of liquified thermoplastics and wood grains or particles is combined into a single substance called ‘wood flour.’ To this substance, manufacturers add materials to aid with capturing the desired finish and color that customers or distributors have in mind. These can come in the form of lubricants that create a smoother finish, or dyes to amplify a color or mimic a specific type of wood like oak, mahogany, cherry, and more. Just like any dough, this mixture is then shaped to the desired dimensions. This process is called extrusion, in which the mixture is passed through a patented mold in order to produce a smooth and high-quality WPC sheet.

Now that you have a basic understanding of WPC board material, we can now proceed to learning about WPC advantages and disadvantages, as well as its wall panel applications.

What are the Advantages of Using WPC Materials?

Below are some of the advantages that compel builders and designers to use WPC sheets in their respective projects.

Reduced Environmental Impact

Among the advantages that WPC can offer, this one is the most humanitarian and wide-reaching. WPC board materials utilize what could be considered lumber and plastic waste and turn it into something purposeful and sturdy while also eliminating health risks that producing other industrial materials may pose. WPC sheets are made completely free of common harmful chemicals like lead, methanol, and formaldehyde—which all pose significant danger to children and the elderly when ingested or inhaled. Not only do you have a construction material at your disposal, but you also know that you are making an environmentally friendly building choice.

Lower Maintenance Costs

While production costs for WPC sheets may be slightly higher than that of treated wood, you can rest easy knowing that you will be paying significantly lower maintenance costs over the course of your WPC sheet application’s lifespan. This is because it fuses organic and inorganic materials that resist the natural corrosion and decay that regular wood undergoes over time.

Better Durability

More often than not, WPC sheets are crafted to mimic the look and feel of pure wood. If so desired, they can carry the same feel of wood grain and the natural, organic hues without the long-term challenge that real wood can give. Pure and organic lumber is often in danger of corrosion and rot from water and mold damage, as well as persistent termite attacks if left unchecked. With WPC board materials, these risks are much lower. On top of this, WPC sheets also possess innate resistance to hazards like fire. Opt for WPC in areas that are at higher risk for fire incidents due to their flame-retardant properties.

What are the Disadvantages of WPC Materials?

No material is perfect and completely free from drawbacks. Below are some of the common disadvantages that builders and homeowners face with using WPC sheets.

Limited Outdoor Use

While WPC sheets do have moisture resistance, it is still best to use them in controlled environments like indoor spaces. WPC material can be used as decking, but bear in mind that you also expose it to potentially harmful factors like thermal fluctuation, moisture, and even insects when using it outdoors. Though it bears built-in resistance to all three, they can still contribute to staggered corrosion over time.

Challenging Paint Application

Some builders and DIYers may like the idea of simply painting over WPC board material if they want a fresh coat of paint for a change of scenery. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done when it comes to WPC sheets. WPC material is often constructed to have a smooth and even surface for a cleaner look after extrusion, so paint may just slide off when applied without PVC primer.

Eventual Decay

Being a compound material, WPC sheets are still susceptible to the woes that their wood component faces at a much slower rate. Unlike materials such as concrete or steel, WPC board material is still at risk for eventual decay. The good news is that the rate of its decay is very manageable, and can be further slowed by ensuring that you limit its moisture exposure and properly maintain your WPC panels.

The Uses & Applications of WPC Board

Though you can explore more WPC board uses in this page, here are a few to give you a simple overview.

Design Solutions

WPC sheets make for showstopping material to incorporate into your interior. Find a style that complements your home or mix and match styles to come up with a look that’s distinctly your own.

Wall & Ceiling Covering

WPC board materials are easily some of the prettiest yet low-maintenance wall and ceiling solutions available on the market. Get in touch with a trusted supplier today to explore the different designs, finishes, and colors available. From jointed ceilings to fluted walls, turn your space into one fit for a magazine spread with ease.

Outdoor Wall Cladding

Looking for a quick and easy design element to add to a blank outdoor wall? Add a decorative WPC wall panel covering to a bare concrete wall for a modern yet industrial feel or go for a fluted shuttering board coupled with outdoor deck flooring overlooking a garden for a fresh take on a traditional Zen garden. With WPC sheets, the possibilities are endless.

We hope you learned more about what WPC material is from this short article, as well as its different pros and cons. While there are endless possibilities for its application, only you can gauge what the best one is for your space and needs. Get in touch with a trusted WPC board supplier today and consult regarding your desired design and application ideas!


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