What is WPC Boards? Advantages, Disadvantages & Uses

WPC boards, short for wood plastic composite boards, provide a compelling alternative to natural wood and plywood. These boards address various issues encountered with traditional plywood, offering increased internal strength and weight. Notably, WPC boards contribute to environmental preservation by not requiring tree cutting during their production. Let’s delve into the composition, sizes, advantages, disadvantages, and applications of WPC boards.

Composition of WPC Boards

WPC boards consist of 70% virgin polymer, 15% wood powder, and 15% additive-chemical. This combination results in a versatile material suitable for various applications.

Component Percentage
Virgin Polymer 70%
Wood Powder 15%
Additive-Chemical 15%

Sizes Available in WPC Boards

WPC boards come in the standard size of 8’×4′ with thickness options ranging from 5mm to 25mm. The density of WPC boards is 600 kg/cm3.

Size (in feet) Thickness (in mm)
8′ × 4′ 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 18, 20, 25

Advantages of WPC Boards

Termite and Waterproof: WPC boards are 100% termite-proof and waterproof, ensuring durability and longevity. Some vendors even offer a lifetime guarantee on these boards.

Corrosion Resistance: WPC boards do not corrode and show high resistance to rot, decay, and marine borer attacks.

Low Maintenance: These boards eliminate the need for painting, staining, and oiling. While painting is possible, a PVC primer is required.

Versatile Design: WPC boards can be intricately cut with a CNC router, making them ideal for various designs. The finishing of WPC grills surpasses that of MDF, offering both aesthetics and strength.

Moldability: WPC boards can be molded into different shapes and sizes, allowing for the creation of designer doors and windows with a rich finish.

Fire Retardant: Being a polymer-based product, WPC is self-extinguishing and does not ignite when exposed to a fire source. It acts as a fire retardant material.

Eco-Friendly: Free of harmful chemicals, WPC boards are environmentally friendly and do not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Easy Installation: All types of screws and nails can be easily used, showcasing better holding capacity than plywood.


Disadvantages of WPC Boards

Despite their advantages, WPC boards have some limitations:

Temperature Sensitivity: WPC’s resistance to extreme temperatures is lower compared to wood, causing melting impressions when exposed to temperatures above 70°C.

Lack of Compatibility: Laser cutters cannot be used on WPC boards as they lead to burning.

Material Cost: The cost of WPC material is relatively higher compared to alternatives.

Texture Absence: WPC lacks the natural wooden texture, missing the authentic feel of wood.


Uses and Applications of WPC Boards

WPC boards find versatile applications in interior, exterior, and advertising sectors:

Interior Applications:

  • Modular kitchen
  • Home & office furniture
  • Wall paneling
  • Ceiling solutions
  • Wardrobes
  • Industrial sections
  • Control cabinets & panels
  • Bathroom cabinets
  • Window & door frames
  • Railings

Exterior Applications:

  • Construction/shuttering boards
  • Exterior wall cladding
  • Garden furniture
  • Park benches & fencing
  • Prefabrication houses
  • Outdoor deck flooring
  • Other exterior applications

Advertising:

  • Signboards
  • Display boards
  • Direct digital printing
  • Exhibition stands & graphics