WPC vs PVC Boards: A Complete Comparison for Your Next Project

Did you know that Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) board manufacturers offer warranties greater than 20 years! That’s how durable WPC is even in the worst conditions that deteriorate and damage a typical polyvinyl chloride board. So why are PVCs still selling? To understand what makes WPC or PVC suitable for your next project, we will need to compare their performance head-to-head.

This article will help you understand both types of boards and compare them in various aspects, including composition, material, durability, longevity, aesthetics, design, and environmental impact.

PVC and WPC boards have varying applications. Their unique characteristics differentiate them in performance against moisture, UV light, and external forces. Let’s delve into the deeper aspects of these boards, but first, let’s address the fundamental differences.

1. Understanding WPC and PVC Boards

Introduction to WPC and PVC Boards

Designing or renovating for your construction project can be a challenging task. You want everything to be perfect, and what’s better than having premium wood aesthetics for your interior and exterior?  However, wood requires maintenance, and it is susceptible to water absorption, which can cause it to swell and deform.

The alternates are WPC and PVC boards. WPC and PVC are simple boards that are used for flooring, decking, cladding, wall panelling, and furniture. These panels come in various styles to ramp up your interior and exterior. They are widely used in the construction, healthcare, civil infrastructure, automotive, and signage industries.

Popularity in the Construction Industry

In 2024, 71.3% of the global revenue from WPC was generated by the construction industry. Similarly, in 2023, the construction industry accounted for 59.1% of the total PVC market. However, the rise in the use of WPC, in comparison to the slowing growth of PVC, indicates a substantial shift in consumer attention towards the use of WPC boards. However, we need to understand why there is a shift and why PVC remains relevant in specific applications.

The Need to Compare WPC vs PVC

As we can see from the earlier arguments in this article, comparing WPC and PVC is vital, as they share similar properties. As a homeowner or businessperson, you need to know what you’re getting for your investment. Both materials are compelling alternatives to traditional wood and metal. They offer exceptional protection against pests, moisture, and other environmental elements. WPC board offers superior performance against UV light, while PVC board performs best in environments with high water exposure. Comparing them makes sense.

2. Composition and Materials

What is WPC Made Of?

Wood Plastic Composite (WPC), as the name suggests, is a combination of sawdust, plastic, and chemicals. The percentage of these elements can vary depending on the manufacturer’s technique in forming the board. Here are the compositions in detail:

• Wood Dust or Fiber: According to the weight of a WPC board, wood dust or fiber accounts for 50-70% of the composition. The type of wood depends on the manufacturer’s choice, but wood flour is the most preferred raw material.
• Thermoplastic Polymers: Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) are the popular choices for polymer in WPC board. It takes up 30-50% of the material. PE is known for its cost-effectiveness, while PP is popular for its structural strength and heat resistance. The difference is minute, thus most manufacturers prefer PE.
• Chemical Additives: The remaining percentage of the weight is comprised of chemical additives. Wood naturally absorbs water, whereas polymers repel it. Bonding them together requires a bonding agent. Moreover, stabilizers, lubricants, colors, pigments, fillers, and anti-fungal agents add to the durability of WPC boards and performance in

What is PVC Made Of?

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a plastic material derived fundamentally from petrochemicals and salts. A process of polymerization forms PVC. The polymerization of Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM) causes it to link together in long chains, forming polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The material can be generalized as plastic. Here is its composition:

• PVC Resin (Polyvinyl Chloride): It is the primary component in PVC boards. It is 70% of the board material.
• Additives: Some of the elements are the same as WPC board. It uses stabilizers for better performance under UV and plasticizers that determine its degree of flexibility. Calcium carbonate is a common filler, typically accounting for 10-20% of the weight.

Differences in Raw Materials

The difference in the use of wood fibers and synthetics as raw materials for the production of PVC and WPC boards, respectively, significantly impacts their properties. The key differences include their performance under load, weight, water absorption, hardness, heat deflection, flame resistance, and structural stability.

*Note: We will discuss in a later section how these properties affect the performance of WPC and PVC in real-world scenarios.

3. Durability and Longevity

How Durable are WPC and PVC Boards?

The durability of WPC and PVC boards is the key characteristic that sets them apart. The WPC board, which utilizes a combination of natural and synthetic materials, emerges as the clear winner when compared to PVC in terms of durability. The following are the key aspects that make it superior:

• UV Light Resistance: WPC board offers excellent UV light resistance, making it an ideal material for outdoor applications. WPC is used as a substitute for PVC in applications such as decks, garden fencing, outdoor wall cladding, pergolas, and balcony railings. PVC can become brittle when exposed to UV light, and its surface may lose integrity as a result.
• Crack Resistance: WPC offers excellent crack resistance due to the plastic bonding with the wood material. In outdoor applications where mechanical stresses are either cyclic or constant, WPC board outperforms PVC. PVC, in comparison, is initially strong but loses its integrity due to exposure to light. For indoor applications, PVC performs better.
• Weather Resistance: PVC stands out with its exceptional performance in rainy conditions, as it is entirely waterproof. WPC board may require vocational sealing to prevent water penetration, which could compromise the board’s structural integrity. PVC also exhibits less expansion and contraction in comparison to WPC.

Lifespan of PVC vs WPC Board

When comparing the lifespans of WPC and PVC, numerous factors must be considered. The environment has a significant impact on the life of each material. WPC board exhibits exceptional performance in outdoor environments due to its stability in UV light. In comparison, PVC initially performs well under sunlight but loses its structure, leading to cracking and brittleness. The pigments and colors in PVC also begin to fade. In contrast, WPC board performs significantly better due to its wood grain and the presence of natural fibers. Here are the average lifespans of WPC and PVC:

• PVC Board Lifespan:
  • Outdoors: Degradation within 15-25 years in exposed conditions
  • Indoors: Easily exceed 50 years
• WPC Board Lifespan:
  • Outdoors: 15 – 30+ years (depending on quality, climate, and maintenance)
  • Indoors: 50 years for WPC doors in stable indoor environments

Maintenance Requirements

When comparing the two materials, PVC leads due to its ease of cleaning and the absence of sealing requirements. PVC can be cleaned with mild soap, eliminating the need for harsh materials. It can be pressure-washed without much care. In comparison, WPC requires regular cleaning. It involves blowing off leaves and avoiding moisture to prevent the material from sticking. PVC is resistant to staining, whereas WPC can become stained due to the presence of wood elements in the material.

4. Aesthetic and Design Flexibility

Appearance and Texture Differences

When it comes to appearance, WPC takes the front seat. It replicates natural wood in a manner that is identical to the original, offering numerous options and finishes. PVC, on the other hand, has a uniform appearance that can be spotted from a distance.

WPC is a primary choice for individuals seeking a traditional, rustic, and warm aesthetic for their house structure. The light does not shine back, mimicking the natural wood’s response to light. PVC, on the other hand, has an artificial look. It’s sleek and minimalist in appearance, with a high level of reflection from its surface. It’s suitable for contemporary interiors.

Color and Finish Options

Advanced manufacturing techniques used for the formation of WPC board include 3D embossing and co-extrusion. It creates deep wood grain textures, brushed finishes, and multitone effects. In comparison, PVC also features embossing with a wood-mimicking lamination; however, the overall appearance remains synthetic. Here are the key color and style differences of WPC and PVC boards:

5. Environmental Impact

Sustainability of WPC Boards and Green Buildings

The key to a sustainable lifestyle is using products that are recyclable or made from recycled materials. The WPC boards are made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic, forming a composite material. Some WPCs are entirely recyclable. Here are some certifications to look for that state WPC sustainability:

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): The use of WPC in green building projects can contribute to LEED certification.
• FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certification: If the source of wood used for WPC manufacturing is sourced from the responsible use of forests or recycled sources, the manufacturer will state an FSC certification.
• Internal Certifications: Some brands offer sustainable solutions by using plastic bottles, milk cartons, sawdust, and wood pulp to produce WPC boards. These are eco-friendly solutions for home and office renovations.

Environmental Impact of PVC

The environmental impact of PVC boards is high. The extraction of petroleum products and salt makes them non-biodegradable. Here are some key highlights of its implications:

• Production: The energy-intensive production process requires the use of hazardous chemicals. The process can release toxic byproducts into the air and water.
• Major Dioxin Source: PVC is considered the world’s most significant source of dioxins, a highly persistent and toxic environmental pollutant.
• Landfill: As PVC is not degradable, it can release toxins in landfills, which can lead to the pollution of underground water and soil.

6. Cost Comparison

Initial Cost of WPC vs PVC

Comapring the initial costs of WPC against PVC for decking, cladding and fencing application leads to PVC as a winner. As the lower cost upfront cost makes it great for budget friendly solutions.

Here are the typical prices in USD per square foot which can vary depending on the brand and their performance:

• Decking: WPC ($1.50 – $4.00+), PVC ($0.50 – $1.70)
• Cladding: WPC ($0.46 – $0.77+), PVC ($0.46 – $1.70+)
• Fencing: WPC ($1.50 – $2.00+), PVC ($0.50 – $1.70+)

Long-Term Value

Depending on the application the long-term value of WPC and PVC can change. For outdoor applications WPC board provides exceptional value owing to its high UV resistance. Especially in applications like decking, cladding and fencing, where prolonged sun exposure is normal. In comparison, PVC boards can provide long-term value in indoor applications such as, wall paneling, ceiling tiles, and interior trim.

Factors Influencing Cost

There are tons of factors that can affect the cost besides, initial cost and long term value. There are supply chain, material quality, and installation methodologies. WPC has a complex manufacturing process that requires appropriate mixing of wood grain with polymer and binding them together using chemicals. The mixture is then extruded which may require precision machinery.

On the other hand PVC manufacturing process is comparatively convenient and does not require sophisticated machinery. The price can fluctuate with petroleum and energy prices as the raw material is mainly plastic PVC beads.

7. Applications of WPC and PVC Boards

WPC Applications

Outdoor Spaces:

Indoor Spaces:

Other Applications:

PVC Applications

Building and Construction:

Industrial and Commercial Settings:

Other Applications:

Conclusion: Which is the Better Choice for You?

To sum up the complete article, we need to compare WPC and PVC boards in a manner that it makes decision making easier for our readers. Lets see the top reasons why you should pick either WPC or PVC boards:

Reasons to Pick WPC Board

• Envirnmental friendly great choice for green buildings
• Excellent wood like aesthetics and feels
• Ideal for warm interiors with traditional and rustic aeshteics
• Variety in color and texture finishing
• Exceptional performance in UV light making it suitable for outdoors
• Feasible as a long-term investment
• 20+ years performance in outdoor environment
• Low density with good strength

Reasons to Pick PVC Board

• Highly water resistant for wet and humid environment
• Lower initial costs
• Great for minimalist and contemporary aesthetics
• Suitable for indoors with large lifespan of 50+ years
• High load bearing capability
• Exceptional dimensional stability

If you are looking for a high-end WPC board that values sustainability and performance then consider KR ECO Composites. They utilize eco friendly raw material combining recycled plastics and natural wood fibers. Their use of recycled material reduces the need for virgin timber. They have presence in over 50 countries owing to their advanced extrusion machinery. Moreover, users can save costs by getting direct factory pricing without the middle man. Give KR ECO website a visit to check out their palette of WPC boards.

FAQ

1. Which material is more durable for outdoor use, WPC or PVC?
   • WPC boards provide exceptional performance in outdoor use. Their ability to withstand UV without deteriorating makes them superior to PVC which can crack on the surface under UV light.
2. Are WPC boards more eco-friendly than PVC boards?
   • PVC boards are the world’s most significant source of dioxins. It produces toxins from cradle to landfill. In comparison, WPC uses biodegradable and recycled raw material that ensure sustainability.
3. What are the cost differences between WPC and PVC boards?
   • WPC boards have a higher initial cost but they are ideal for long-term outdoor use. WPC is 150%, 42.6%, 59.1% of the cost of PVC in decking, cladding and fencing respectively. The cost varies based on application.
4. Which material offers better aesthetic flexibility, WPC or PVC?
   • WPC offers a wider range of color and patterns. The finish has a close resemblance to natural wood. However, users can decide to give a shinny look like PVC if they require. WPC can have deep wood grain embossing, brushed, grooved, and 3D textures.
5. How long do WPC and PVC boards typically last, and what is their rate of aging over time?
   • WPC typically lasts 15-30+ years outdoors, aging with slight initial UV fading then stabilizing. Indoors, it can exceed 30 years. PVC lifespan outdoors varies (5-15+ years) depending on UV stabilizers; without them, it degrades (brittle, fades). Indoors, PVC can last 20-50+ years, aging minimally due to stable conditions.