WPC boards are relatively new age boards also known as wood-plastic composite boards have gained immense popularity in recent years as one of the best building and construction material. WPC boards are also known as hybrid lumber or filled plastics as they possess some of the finest characteristics of wood and plastics. I propose now to provide a detailed overview of what WPC boards are, the benefits of using them, and the wide range of possibilities for application.
What Are WPC Boards?
WPC boards are made up of a combination of processed and recycled materials such as wood fiber and plastic coupled with other ingredients at the times of production. The wood fibers, which could be derived from sawdust or any other wood by-product, will generally constitute 50%-70% of the whole composite material. The remaining 30-50% of the material is derived from recycled plastic namely polyethylene from packaging or bottles, polyvinyl chloride pipes and polypropylene from appliances or automobile parts. A few other ingredients such as bonding agents, colours, lubricants or compatibilizers could also be added while manufacturing the product.
The combination of these two materials creates a hard and rigid board like material to the blended composite. WPC boards can mimic the appearance and texture of the real wood while having the advantages that come with plastic due to the blend.
Benefits of WPC Boards
WPC boards offer many advantages that explain their surging popularity:WPC boards offer many advantages that explain their surging popularity:
Sustainability: In this aspect, utilizing waste wood and recycled plastics and using material that are not dumped into the landfills, WPCs are environment friendly structures. Criticisms are few and far between but their life cycle analysis is positive for they produce no waste at all.
Durability: For performance durability, the plastic imparts on WPC boards the abilities to: resist moisture, rotting, cracking, and insects.
Low Maintenance: Thus, WPCs used outdoors do not need any other additional surface treatment such as varnish, paint or stain as is the case with natural woods. They are essentially non-fuss for years and rarely require any servicing or attention.
Customization: WPCs can replicate wooden grain and wooden shade during production. It seems that it is possible to choose a variety of textures and colors for laminate floors as to get the impression of natural wood or something more<|reserved_special_token_260|>, more avant-garde.
Cost Savings: Even though WPC boards are comparatively expensive than the untreated wood lumber, they can be highly durable to that the money spent on them can be saved in the long run as they do not require much maintenance.
Design Flexibility: The WPCs can be molded into more shapes which are unique and not just limited to the standard dimensions of lumber. This creative freedom is also advantageous to designers and architects in the following ways.
WPC Boards Applications
Thanks to this outstanding combination of functionality, sustainability, low maintenance, and customization, WPC boards have emerged in the last decade or so as go-to materials in the following applications:Thanks to this outstanding combination of functionality, sustainability, low maintenance, and customization, WPC boards have emerged in the last decade or so as go-to materials in the following applications:
- Outdoor Decking and Furniture
- Exterior Construction Elements
- Marine Structures such as piers, walks, and piles
- Fences, Pergolas, and Sheds
- Remodeled Park Features like Benches, Play Sets, and Signs
- Moldings, Millwork, and Columns
- Interior Furnishings for example Tables; Cabinets; and Wall Panels.
The building and construction industry, more specifically infrastructure, uses massive amounts of WPC lumber due to its strength and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Such products in public displays are low maintenance and this makes municipalities benefit from the long-term costs incurred. Installing ingenious WPC decking, furniture, and accessories in their backyards, homeowners use handsome stuff for purpose and aesthetics. Interior designers opt for WPC boards instead of real timber for the aesthetic appeal that has enhanced strength and sustainability.
To sum it all up, the WPC boards have the best of both the worlds, wood and plastic entwined in one single material used in construction. Starting from the highly valued endurance of outdoors to the freedom of choosing from the offered and almost infinite colour variations, WPC boards have rightfully earned their place as an environmentally friendly and progressive shapeshifters of the construction market and others. Many people believe that their applications will only continue to grow as technology and designs push forward.
