What is WPC Decking
Composition
Many of our customers ask, “What is your composite decking?” C&R Interiors’ composite decking is a variegated, co-extruded Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC) decking. That might sound quite complicated, so let’s break down what it means:
Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC) is the primary material and is what the ‘core’ of our decking planks is made of. At its simplest, it combines finely processed wood fibres and a thermoplastic, which acts as a binder holding the material together. Additives can also be added during manufacturing, such as stabilizers, processing aids and pigments.
Co-extruded essentially refers to the manufacturing process of extruding multiple materials through the same die simultaneously; in this case, the WPC core and an outer polymer layer, referred to as the capstock or ‘capping.’ This tough polymer layer forms the textured outer surface and helps protect the core from weather and everyday wear.
Variegated refers to the variation in colour within the surface of the plank. Rather than using a single, uniform colour throughout the capstock, multiple pigments are used to create changes in tone along the surface. This, along with the embossed wood-texture, helps reduce the dull uniformity often associated with artificial materials, giving the finished product a more natural appearance.
Profiles
Now, with the composition covered, we can move on to the design, or the profile, of the planks. Our composite decking is available in three different profiles, each designed with a unique purpose in the deck:
Regular – This is the main decking profile and is used across most of the deck surface. It is slotted on both sides, allowing the planks to be secured using the hidden fastener system.
Edge – This profile is used wherever a finished outer edge is required. It is slotted on one side to connect with the adjoining decking and has a special slot underneath that allows it to be secured without visible fasteners along the outer edge.
Facia – This profile is much slimmer and does not have hidden fastener slots. It is used vertically around the sides of the deck to cover the supporting structure and give the finished deck a cleaner appearance.
How the System Works
The three plank profiles are designed to work together as part of the same decking system. Regular boards form the main surface of the deck, while edge boards provide a finished perimeter and fascia boards cover the exposed sides of the structure.
The slotted profiles allow the decking to be installed using hidden fasteners. This system not only secures the planks while providing a clean finish, but also allows for the natural expansion and contraction of the planks.
Together, the capped WPC construction, the purpose-designed profiles, and the hidden fastener system create a deck with the appeal of natural wood, but without many of its drawbacks, such as splitting, rot, fading and generally high maintenance.
Contact us today for further information or for a quotation!
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