WPC and hardwood in comparison

WPC or wood? A comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of WPC and wooden decking boards and what you should look out for when choosing decking boards. There are different materials from which decking boards are made. We therefore compare hardwood decking boards and WPC to make the decision easier.

What is WPC?

WPC stands for Wood Plastic Composite. WPC decking boards are made from a mixture of wood fibers and plastics, which are pressed into a solid material under high pressure and temperature. WPC decking boards are available in various colors, shapes, and surfaces. They are considered easy to care for, weather-resistant, and durable.

What are hardwood floorboards?

Hardwood planks are made from solid wood that comes from tropical or native tree species. Hardwood planks have a natural and elegant look. They are robust, durable, stable and resistant to pests and fungi. Like all types of wood, hardwood floorboards turn gray over time. To maintain the color, they must be oiled regularly. known tropical hardwood species are Cumaru, Garapa or teak.

Both decking boards have their advantages and disadvantages, which you should take into account when making your decision:

Optics: natural or industrial?

Hardwood planks have an incomparable beauty and radiance that cannot be matched by WPC planks. Hardwood decking has an individual grain, color and texture that adds a unique character to any outdoor space. WPC boards have an artificial and uniform appearance that is sometimes perceived as monotonous or inferior. WPC boards can also fade or yellow over time.

Durability

Hardwood decking boards, such as Cumaru, Teak, Jatoba, or Garapa, have a durability of at least 20-25 years. This corresponds to durability class 1 and 2. The durability of WPC decking boards varies depending on the composition of plastic and wood particles and processing. Hollow chamber WPC is less durable than solid WPC decking boards. The respective manufacturer should provide information on this.

Feel and smell

Hardwood planks have a pleasant and warm feel that invites you to walk barefoot. Hardwood planks feel natural and lively and adapt to the ambient temperature, but do not heat up as much as stone and plastic in summer. WPC planks have a smooth and cool feel that is perceived as uncomfortable or slippery. WPC boards can heat up considerably in summer and give off an unpleasant plastic smell.

Ecology: Origin and microplastics

Hardwood planks are more environmentally friendly than WPC planks, as they are made from a renewable and biodegradable raw material. Hardwood planks should be made from certified wood that is obtained from sustainable forestry. Certificates such as FSC-100% or SVLK ensure a sustainable origin. WPC decking is largely made of plastic, which is produced from crude oil. WPC boards are difficult to recycle and can contain harmful substances that pollute the environment. In addition, small plastic particles and microplastics can break off over time and end up in the garden or groundwater.

Costs

WPC decking, especially less durable hollow chamber decking, can be cheaper than hardwood decking. WPC boards do not require any special fastening systems or substructures as they hardly warp or crack. Hardwood decking boards are often more expensive to purchase and the spacing between screws and ventilation of the decking should be taken into account.

WPC or hardwood?

WPC decking is a cost-effective and low-maintenance alternative to hardwood decking, but it has disadvantages in terms of appearance, feel and ecology. Hardwood planks are a high-quality and natural choice for decking, but may require more investment and maintenance. The decision ultimately depends on your personal taste, budget and requirements. We recommend that you look at and compare both decking boards in a specialist store before making your decision. We will be happy to send you samples of our hardwood decking boards.

We at Betterwood have decided not to sell WPC. We see clear advantages in the tried and tested properties of hardwood, such as durability and naturalness, compared to a plank made from a plastic/wood mixture.