I. Performance Comparison
When selecting WPC decking, many users are often attracted by its “appearance,” but the actual experience and lifespan are determined by performance. Below, we compare the performance of hollow boards, solid boards, and co-extruded boards across six key dimensions to help users make more rational and scientific choices.
1. Load-Bearing Capacity
Load-bearing is a critical indicator for long-term stable use.
Hollow Board
- Medium load-bearing capacity, typically 250–350 kg/m².
- Internal cavity structure reduces weight but weakens pressure resistance.
- Suitable for daily household use, such as balconies and terraces.
Solid Board
- Strong load-bearing capacity, 500–800 kg/m², some high-density boards exceed 1000 kg/m².
- Can withstand outdoor furniture and gym equipment without deforming.
- Suitable for public areas with high foot traffic.
Co-Extruded Board
- Load-bearing depends on the core material; solid co-extruded boards perform similarly or better than regular solid boards.
- Outer protective layer enhances impact resistance.
Conclusion: Solid and solid co-extruded boards are the best in load-bearing, hollow boards are relatively weaker.
2. Sound Insulation
WPC decking has relatively good sound insulation for outdoor flooring due to its composite structure absorbing part of the noise.
Hollow Board
- Cavities provide some sound absorption, reducing footstep echoes.
- Low material density results in average overall sound insulation.
- Suitable for ordinary gardens, not ideal for areas requiring quiet.
Solid Board
- High-density structure effectively blocks sound.
- Footsteps sound “solid,” significantly quieter than hollow boards.
- Commonly used in villa gardens and scenic viewing platforms.
Co-Extruded Board
- In addition to solid board performance, the outer layer further reduces vibration.
- Very suitable for high-end residences or commercial environments requiring noise isolation.
Conclusion: Sound insulation ranking: Co-Extruded ≈ Solid > Hollow.
3. Weather Resistance
Outdoor environments are complex and variable, requiring decking to withstand sun, rain, and temperature changes.
Hollow Board
- Moderate anti-aging, prone to fading under long-term sun and rain.
- Water may accumulate and freeze in winter, increasing crack risk.
- Suitable for mild climates.
Solid Board
- Stable, can handle temperature fluctuations, strong crack resistance.
- Performs well in both humid southern regions and cold northern areas.
Co-Extruded Board
- Outer protective layer greatly improves water, sun, and stain resistance.
- Strong UV resistance, less prone to fading.
- Especially suitable for coastal, hot-humid, and high-UV areas.
Conclusion: Co-extruded boards are the best, followed by solid boards, hollow boards slightly weaker.
4. Environmental Friendliness
With growing green awareness, environmental performance is a key consideration.
Hollow and Solid Boards
- Made from wood powder, plastic, and additives; recyclable.
- Free of formaldehyde, benzene, and other harmful substances; suitable for homes and public areas.
Co-Extruded Board
- Outer polymer layer is also environmentally friendly; production process better controls additive use.
- Longer lifespan reduces replacement frequency, indirectly lowering environmental impact.
Conclusion: All three are environmentally friendly, but co-extruded boards are more energy-efficient and longer-lasting.
5. Price
Price is often the most direct factor for users.
Hollow Board
- Low cost, typically 20–35% cheaper than same-spec solid boards.
- Suitable for budget-conscious or light-use users.
Solid Board
- Higher cost, mid-to-high price range.
- Considering long lifespan and low maintenance, overall cost-effectiveness is good.
Co-Extruded Board
- Highest price, 30–50% higher than regular WPC.
- Targets high-end market, suitable for long-lasting and high-quality use.
Conclusion: Price ranking: Hollow < Solid < Co-Extruded.
6. Installation Convenience
Installation affects construction time and labor cost.
Hollow Board
- Lightweight and easy to handle, fast installation.
- Less demanding on joist structure, lower labor cost.
Solid Board
- Heavy, higher handling and construction cost.
- Requires stronger joist support, longer installation time.
Co-Extruded Board
- Similar installation to solid boards, but outer layer more fragile, requiring careful handling.
- Higher skill requirement for installation team.
Conclusion: Installation convenience ranking: Hollow > Solid > Co-Extruded.
7. Summary
| Performance | Hollow | Solid | Co-Extruded |
| Load Capacity | Medium, 250–350 kg/m² | Strong, 500–800 kg/m² | Strong, solid co-extruded best |
| Sound Insulation | Average, limited absorption | Good, high-density | Best, outer layer absorbs vibration |
| Weather Resistance | Average, fades easily | Good, stable | Best, water/sun/UV resistant |
| Environmental | Recyclable | Recyclable | Better, long-lasting & energy-saving |
| Price | Lowest | Mid | Highest |
| Installation | Best, easy | Moderate, needs support | Hard, professional required |
| Lifespan | 8–10 years | 12–15 years | 15–20 years |
II. WPC vs Other Materials
1. WPC vs Solid Wood
| Dimension | WPC | Solid Wood |
| Weather Resistance | High, waterproof, sunproof, moisture-proof | Low, absorbs water, prone to cracking |
| Foot Feel | Soft, close to wood | Natural wood feel |
| Maintenance | Simple, no varnish or waxing needed | Requires periodic varnishing, waxing, pest control |
| Lifespan | 8–15 years (co-extruded up to 20) | 10–15 years, environment-dependent |
| Price | Mid-to-high | High, especially for precious wood |
| Environmental | Recycled plastic + wood powder | Natural wood, impacts forest |
Summary: WPC is better for outdoor or humid environments; solid wood emphasizes natural feel but is weather-sensitive, suitable for dry indoor use.
2. WPC vs SPC
| Dimension | WPC | SPC |
| Foot Feel | Soft, wood-like | Hard, less elastic |
| Water Resistance | High, suitable outdoors | High, not suitable for prolonged outdoor exposure |
| Appearance | Wood grain, embossed, diverse | Limited wood patterns, mostly flat |
| Installation | Click/ screw, indoor & outdoor | Click system, mostly indoor |
| Lifespan | 8–20 years | 10–15 years |
Summary: SPC is better for high-traffic indoor floors; WPC is comfortable, suitable for indoor & outdoor, especially terraces, balconies, poolside.
3. WPC vs PVC
| Dimension | WPC | PVC |
| Foot Feel | Warm, wood-like | Hard, cold |
| Appearance | Wood grain, stone patterns, diverse | Solid color or simple patterns |
| Weather Resistance | High, outdoor suitable | Low, degrades under sun |
| Environmental | Recyclable, eco-friendly | Generally difficult to recycle |
| Maintenance | Easy, low-maintenance | Easy, but scratches easily |
Summary: WPC is natural, comfortable, durable outdoors; PVC is indoor, low-cost, less comfortable and aesthetic.
4. WPC vs Bamboo/Wood
| Dimension | WPC | Bamboo/Wood |
| Weather Resistance | High, waterproof & moisture-proof | Low, absorbs water, deforms |
| Foot Feel | Soft, wood-like | Natural, slightly elastic |
| Maintenance | Simple, no varnish | Requires varnish, pest & moisture control |
| Lifespan | 8–20 years (co-extruded longest) | 5–10 years |
| Environmental | Recycled plastic + wood powder | Natural, renewable |
Summary: Bamboo/Wood is beautiful and eco-friendly but limited outdoors; WPC is more durable and long-lasting, ideal for terraces, gardens, scenic areas.
5. Overall Suggestions
- Outdoor: WPC is advantageous in comfort, aesthetics, weather resistance.
- High-traffic indoor: SPC or WPC; SPC more wear-resistant but harder.
- Pursuing natural feel: Solid wood or bamboo, higher maintenance, lifespan affected by environment.
- Budget-conscious: Hollow WPC or PVC, but slightly weaker durability and aesthetics.
- High-end durability: Solid co-extruded WPC is best for long-term use with low maintenance.
Summary: WPC excels in outdoor durability, comfort, and low maintenance, adaptable to hollow, solid, or co-extruded types for different budgets and performance needs. Compared to wood, SPC, PVC, or bamboo, WPC suits modern terraces, gardens, scenic paths, and poolside applications.
III. WPC Decking Selection Guide
1. Clarify Usage Scenario
- Home balcony or terrace: Light traffic, choose hollow boards, cost-effective and easy to install.
- Commercial plaza or scenic walkway: High traffic, choose solid or solid co-extruded boards.
- Poolside: Wet, sun-exposed, choose co-extruded for slip and water resistance.
- High-end villa garden: Emphasize aesthetics and durability, co-extruded with 3D wood grain embossing.
2. Performance Parameters
| Parameter | Recommended | Notes |
| Thickness | 20–30mm (hollow), 25–40mm (solid) | Affects load-bearing and lifespan |
| Width | 140–180mm | Affects appearance |
| Load Capacity | ≥250 kg/m² (hollow), ≥500 kg/m² (solid) | High traffic requires stronger boards |
| Slip Resistance | ≥35 (outdoor) | Essential for poolside or wet areas |
| Lifespan | Hollow 8–10y, Solid 12–15y, Co-extruded 15–20y | Impacts long-term cost |
3. Appearance & Surface Treatment
- Embossed: Anti-slip, waterproof, aesthetic.
- 3D Wood Grain: Realistic, high-end villas.
- Smooth/Brushed: Modern minimalist, landscape platforms.
4. Budget Consideration
- Limited budget: Hollow or standard solid boards.
- Ample budget: Solid co-extruded boards, long-lasting, reduces long-term maintenance cost.
5. Installation Convenience
- DIY or limited construction: Hollow boards, easy click system.
- Professional team: Solid or co-extruded, suitable for high-frequency long-term use.
6. Brand & After-Sales
- Choose reputable brands ensuring eco-friendly material sources.
- Check warranty and after-sales service to avoid high future maintenance costs.
IV. WPC Decking Installation
- Joist Support: Hollow boards can use light joists; solid & co-extruded require sturdy joists.
- Gap Allowance: 2–5mm for heat expansion in summer to prevent deformation.
- Drainage: Ensure water flows freely outdoors to prevent corrosion or slipping.
- Fixing: Click system for fast and concealed, screws for high-traffic stability.
V. FAQ
1. Can WPC be installed directly on concrete?
Not recommended; joists ensure ventilation and drainage, reducing moisture deformation.
2. How much difference in durability between hollow and solid boards?
Hollow: 8–10 years, Solid: 12–15 years, Co-extruded: 15–20 years.
3. Is co-extruded always better?
Better stain/sun resistance and longer lifespan, but higher price; choose based on budget and usage.
4. Can WPC be exposed to rain long-term?
Yes, but ensure proper drainage, especially for hollow boards.
5. Suitable for hot or cold regions?
- Hot: Solid or co-extruded, stable.
- Cold: Hollow may expand; solid or co-extruded recommended.
6. How to prevent fading?
- Choose UV-resistant co-extruded boards.
- Avoid strong sun; install shading if needed.
7. Is maintenance difficult?
Simple: sweep or rinse; avoid sharp objects or strong chemicals.
VI. Conclusion
WPC decking offers a wide variety (hollow, solid, co-extruded), suits different budgets and needs, easy to install, and low-maintenance, making it ideal for modern homes, villas, scenic areas, and commercial spaces.
