Why is WPC pricier than Wood?
WPC decking is becoming increasingly popular due to its environmental friendliness, durability, and low maintenance requirements. However, many people might wonder: why is WPC decking more expensive than wood decking? When choosing flooring materials, both wood and WPC decking have their pros and cons. Many prefer WPC decking for its environmental benefits and durability, while others prefer the natural feel of wood decking. There is no absolute “better” choice—only the one that suits you best.
But one thing is certain: WPC decking is typically more expensive than regular wood decking. Generally speaking, WPC decking costs more than twice the price of regular wood decking
Reasons：
1. Raw Material Differences
The primary reason WPC decking is more expensive is the complexity of the raw materials required. WPC decking is made from plastic particles, wood powder, and additives, and the process of recycling and processing these raw materials is complicated and time-consuming. As a result, the cost is higher. This is especially true in regions where timber resources are abundant, making wood cheaper, while the production process for WPC is much more intricate.
2. Production Process Differences
The production of WPC decking requires advanced technology and equipment, including granulation, extrusion, and polishing. Simply put, this process involves bonding different materials together, adding wood grain, textures, and decorative treatments to the surface. These processes increase production costs, making WPC decking more expensive than wood decking. In comparison, the production of regular wood flooring is much simpler, leading to lower costs.
3. Consideration of Maintenance Costs
When purchasing items, people often consider not just the initial cost, but also the future repair and maintenance expenses. For instance, a BMW that is more than 10 years old might cost only a few thousand dollars, but the repair costs after purchasing could exceed the car’s original price. The same applies to WPC decking. While the initial cost is higher, the maintenance costs are lower. Wood decking needs regular painting and surface protection, while WPC decking requires almost no maintenance, reducing repair costs and time spent.
4. Durability Considerations
WPC decking is waterproof, UV resistant, and corrosion-resistant, and its lifespan typically exceeds 15 years, whereas wood decking usually doesn’t last as long. With proper care, wood decking can last around 10 years. Therefore, although WPC decking has a higher initial price, its long-term durability makes it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.
5. Better User Experience
Just like luxury cars are more expensive due to their better performance and longer lifespan, WPC decking is priced higher due to its superior performance and longer service life. Our SENLAI WPC decking uses the latest composite building material technology, providing consumers with a better outdoor decking experience.
How to Calculate WPC Decking Price?
When purchasing home decoration and building materials, many people focus on appearance, quality, or brand. However, no matter what aspect you focus on, price is always an unavoidable topic. Below, I will share some factors that affect the price of WPC decking and a simple price calculation method to help you be prepared before making a decision.
Factors Affecting WPC Decking Price：
1. Material Quality
The price of WPC decking is directly related to the quality of its raw materials. High-quality plastic particles, wood powder, and additives result in a higher price. Premium raw materials have higher strength and flexibility, making them less prone to bending, warping, or breaking. The price differences between various grades of plastic particles, wood powder, and additives can be substantial. High-quality materials not only affect the color and durability but also enhance waterproof, anti-corrosion, and anti-oxidation properties.
2. Weight
The weight of WPC decking is another important factor influencing its price. Even when the style and texture are the same, the price can vary if the weight is different. Heavier decking usually requires more material, thus raising the price.
3. Brand and Manufacturer
WPC decking from well-known brands or reputable manufacturers tends to be more expensive. These brands often have a good reputation in the market and provide better product quality and after-sales service, with the extra cost often reflected in the services provided.
4. Design and Style
The design and style of the decking can also affect its price. Special designs, patterns, or textures can increase the production cost. For example, wood-grain decks tend to be more expensive than straight-grain decks, and co-extruded decking is usually more expensive than standard decking. White decking, due to the high cost of white paint, is also priced higher than other colors.
How to Calculate the Price of WPC Decking?
WPC decking is usually priced per square meter. If you are purchasing WPC decking or budgeting for a construction project, the simplest approach is to know the required area and then multiply it by the price per square meter. For example, if you need to cover a 120-square-meter garden and the price per square meter of decking is $10, the total price would be 120 * 10 = $1,200.
When calculating, be aware that there will be some material loss during installation, so it is recommended to add about 8% more to the required area to ensure you have enough material. After all, extra material is better than running short, especially when additional transportation costs are involved.
How to Calculate the Required Accessories
In addition to the decking itself, you’ll need to purchase auxiliary materials such as keels, edge strips, screws, and clips. The prices of these materials vary, but you can roughly estimate the quantities required using the following table:
| Material | Quantity per Square Meter |
| Keel | 3 meters |
| Edge Banding Strip | Based on actual situation |
| Screws and Clips | 20 sets |
For example, if you purchase 100 square meters of WPC decking, you will need:
- 300 meters of keels
- 2,000 sets of screws and clips (edge banding strips will need to be measured based on your actual perimeter)
Conclusion
By understanding the pricing method for WPC decking and the main factors that affect the price, you can make a more informed decision. Not only should you consider the quality of materials, brand, and design, but also calculate the required area and accessories to ensure your budget is sufficient. While the initial price of WPC decking is higher, its long-term low maintenance cost and durability give it a clear advantage in overall cost-effectiveness.
