I. Overview of WPC Decking
1. What is WPC?
WPC is a type of decking made mainly from wood fiber/wood powder and thermoplastic plastics (such as PE, PP, PVC, etc.).
2. Differences between WPC and other materials
- Compared with solid wood decking: Solid wood is beautiful but afraid of water, prone to cracking, and requires regular maintenance; WPC is weather-resistant and maintenance-free.
- Compared with SPC decking: SPC (stone-plastic composite) is mostly used indoors, waterproof but with a harder feel; WPC is more suitable for outdoor use, with a softer feel.
- Compared with PVC decking: PVC is moisture-proof but has poor texture; WPC has a visual effect closer to natural wood.
In general, WPC is a type of beautiful + durable + environmentally friendly outdoor decking.
II. Structure and Classification of WPC Decking
1. Hollow WPC Board
Structural features:
The hollow board has internal hollow cavities, commonly in rectangular grid, circular, or honeycomb shapes. Because less material is used, it is lighter than solid boards.
Advantages:
• Lightweight and easy to install: Hollow structure makes transportation lighter and construction easier for workers.
• Low cost, high cost-effectiveness: Less material used, cheaper than solid boards.
• Good insulation: The cavity acts as an air buffer layer, keeping the surface temperature relatively lower in summer.
Disadvantages:
• Insufficient load-bearing capacity: Under high traffic or heavy load, it may deform.
• Slightly shorter lifespan: Long-term sun exposure or frequent stepping reduces durability compared to solid boards.
• Average sound insulation: Although the cavity absorbs some sound, overall it is not as dense as solid boards.
Application scenarios:
Home balconies, small courtyards, lightly used terraces, suitable for price-sensitive places with low usage frequency.
2. Solid WPC Board
Structural features:
The solid board is dense without cavities, uses more material, and has higher density.
Advantages:
• High load-bearing capacity: Can withstand more traffic and impact, far more durable than hollow boards.
• Longer lifespan: Dense structure resists deformation and cracking.
• Better sound insulation: Effectively reduces footstep and impact noise.
• Wind and impact resistance: Not easily damaged by wind or external forces.
Disadvantages:
• Heavy: Transportation and installation require more manpower, increasing construction cost.
• Expensive: More material used, overall cost higher than hollow boards.
Application scenarios:
Scenic trails, poolside, commercial plazas, high-traffic walkways, places requiring high strength and long life.
3. Co-extruded WPC Board
Process features:
Co-extruded WPC uses a “double-layer extrusion” process, wrapping the WPC base with a high-molecular protective layer. This outer layer is usually made of PE or modified materials, forming a “core + protective layer” composite structure.
Advantages:
• More wear-resistant surface: Greatly improves scratch resistance.
• Waterproof and stain-resistant: Dense protective layer prevents stains from penetrating and is easy to clean.
• Strong UV resistance: Colors remain stable, not easy to fade under long-term exposure.
• Longer lifespan: Longer than ordinary WPC, reducing maintenance costs.
• Attractive appearance: Surface can have 3D wood grain, embossing, visually closer to natural wood.
Disadvantages:
• High cost: Complex manufacturing process, more expensive than ordinary hollow or solid boards.
• Slightly harder feel: Protective layer adds some “plastic feel,” less soft than regular WPC.
Application scenarios:
High-end villas, pool surroundings, scenic avenues, environments with long-term sun exposure, places requiring both beauty and durability.
4. Surface Process Classification
Besides structure, WPC decking surfaces can be treated differently:
• Embossing: Wood or stone patterns pressed by mold, slip-resistant and beautiful.
• Brushing: Fine grooves on the surface, improving slip resistance.
• 3D Wood Grain: Deep embossing, realistic visual effect, foot feel close to natural wood.
• Gloss/Polished: Suitable for modern minimalist style.
Surface processes can be combined with hollow, solid, or co-extruded boards to form various combinations.
5. Installation Method Classification
Common installation methods for WPC boards are:
• Click-lock installation: Hidden fasteners, neat appearance, fast construction.
• Screw fixing: More secure, suitable for high-traffic or long-term fixed areas.
6. Product Application Expansion
WPC is not limited to decking; it can also be expanded to:
• Wall panels: Outdoor facade decoration, waterproof and sun-proof.
• Fences: Garden or scenic area railings, weather-resistant and anti-corrosion.
• Ceiling panels: Suitable for outdoor corridors and pavilions.
• Decorative trims: Beautify edges and finishings.
III. Detailed Analysis of Different Types of WPC Decking
The three typical types of WPC decking—hollow board, solid board, co-extruded board—may not differ much in appearance but have different structures, performance, lifespan, and user experience. Many users struggle to choose the right type. This section analyzes from multiple dimensions.
1. Hollow WPC Board vs Solid WPC Board
(1) Load-bearing comparison
• Hollow board: Due to internal cavities, stress dispersion is limited, with load-bearing capacity generally around 250–350 kg/m². Long-term heavy pressure may cause slight sagging or deformation. Suitable for light daily use, e.g., home balconies, terraces, or viewing platforms.
• Solid board: Dense structure, high density, load-bearing capacity can reach 500–800 kg/m² or more, easily coping with crowded or heavy-load environments, e.g., scenic walkways, pool platforms, commercial plazas.
Conclusion: For light household use, hollow boards are enough; for public places with heavy traffic and high load, solid boards are necessary.
(2) Sound insulation comparison
• Hollow board: Cavity structure absorbs some sound, reducing some footstep echoes. But due to light weight, sound insulation is limited.
• Solid board: High-density structure effectively blocks sound transmission, significantly better than hollow boards, suitable for quiet atmospheres, e.g., villa courtyards or scenic platforms.
Conclusion: For better sound insulation, solid boards are more suitable.
(3) Price difference
• Hollow board: Less material, simpler processing, lower market price. Generally, hollow boards are about 20%–35% cheaper than the same specification solid boards.
• Solid board: More material, higher production cost, transportation and installation also more labor-intensive, thus more expensive.
Conclusion: For limited budget, hollow boards are preferred; for longevity and durability, solid boards offer higher cost-effectiveness.
(4) Installation convenience comparison
• Hollow board: Lightweight and easy to install, low requirements for construction workers, fast.
• Solid board: Heavy, transportation and construction cost higher, requires more solid support.
Conclusion: If construction conditions are limited, hollow boards are easier; with a professional team, solid board installation is manageable.
(5) Summary Comparison Table
| Dimension | Hollow Board | Solid Board |
| Load-bearing capacity | General, suitable for light use | Strong, suitable for high-traffic areas |
| Sound insulation | Medium, limited cavity absorption | Better, high-density sound blocking |
| Price | Low, cost-effective | Higher, longer durability |
| Installation convenience | Lightweight, easy to install | Heavy, high installation requirements |
| Lifespan | General (8–10 years) | Longer (12–15 years or more) |
2. Introduction and Pros & Cons of Co-extruded WPC Decking
(1) Process Introduction
Co-extrusion refers to extruding a layer of high-molecular protective layer on the surface of ordinary WPC core material. This layer is usually 0.3–0.5mm thick, greatly enhancing product performance.
Can be understood as: Ordinary WPC = bare unit; Co-extruded WPC = flagship unit with full protective shell.
(2) Advantages of Co-extruded WPC
• Extremely wear-resistant: Dense surface, not easily scratched, especially suitable for homes with pets or high traffic.
• Waterproof and stain-resistant: Coffee, oil stains, etc., are not easy to penetrate, can be cleaned with water.
• Strong UV resistance: Long-term exposure without fading.
• Longer lifespan: Usually 15–20 years.
• Attractive appearance: Rich surface processes, can achieve 3D wood grain, stone patterns, etc.
(3) Disadvantages of Co-extruded WPC
• Higher price: 30%–50% more expensive than ordinary WPC.
• Slightly hard foot feel: Outer protective film makes it feel slightly “plastic,” less natural than ordinary WPC.
• Installation requires precision: If the surface is damaged, repair is difficult.
(4) Applicable Scenarios
• High-end villa gardens, terraces
• Poolside, scenic avenues
• Commercial complex plazas
• Any outdoor space requiring long life and low maintenance
3. How to Choose Between Hollow and Solid Boards?
Many users struggle with whether to choose hollow or solid boards. Consider the following aspects:
4. Usage scenarios
• Home balcony, small courtyard → Hollow board is enough
• Scenic trail, pool platform, commercial plaza → Solid board is necessary
5. Budget
• Limited budget → Hollow board cost-effective
• Pursuit of durability → Solid board more economical long-term
6. Load requirements
• Light use → Hollow board enough
• Heavy use → Solid board safer
7. Sound insulation requirements
• General requirement → Hollow board
• Emphasis on quiet → Solid board
8. Installation conditions
• Limited manpower, simple construction → Hollow board
• Professional team, pursuing stability → Solid board
Summary:
• Hollow board: Lightweight, economical, suitable for small-scale household use.
• Solid board: Durable, strong load-bearing, suitable for public or high-frequency places.
• Co-extruded board: High-end, stain-resistant, fade-resistant, suitable for places with high demands for beauty and lifespan.
