Comparing PVC Foam Board and Composite Decking: Understanding the Differences

The PVC boards exhibit synthetic uniformity and are less attractive, having inferior aesthetic and feel. As the WPC composite boards have wooden powder, they have the real wooden grain sculpt and stamp, and display more natural and authentic colors that are more pleasing to the eyes.

 

PVC foam boards and composite boards share a few similarities but have many differences. Both are made from synthetic plastic materials. As the name implies, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is the primary material used in manufacturing PVC foam boards. In contrast, composite boards are composed of various plastics (such as polyethylene or polypropylene) along with wood powder or bamboo flour. Composite boards containing wood powder are commonly referred to as WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) boards. Below are some key differences between PVC foam boards and WPC composite boards.

 

 

Linear Extension/Expansion  

 

PVC foam boards do not contain any additives to prevent the linear expansion of the board and its underlying molecules when exposed to heat. As a result, the long-chain molecules expand when impacted by heat, and this expansion can be quite noticeable, potentially making the boards unsafe for certain applications. In contrast, composite boards, made from wood fibers combined with plastics, contain specific additives that inhibit expansion. Consequently, they maintain their length and structural integrity even under prolonged exposure to heat and warmth.

 

Ease of Installation and Usage  

 

Wood plastic composite (WPC) material offers greater flexibility, allowing it to be easily bent, routed, and ripped to fit the contours of any specific space. In contrast, PVC boards cannot be routed at the edges and require more tools for any kind of modification. Therefore, if you need a board that can be tailored precisely to fit the available space, WPC boards are the preferred choice.

 

Appearance and Aesthetics

 

The PVC boards exhibit synthetic uniformity and are less attractive, having inferior aesthetic and feel. As the WPC composite boards have wooden powder, they have the real wooden grain sculpt and stamp, and display more natural and authentic colors that are more pleasing to the eyes. The Composite decking and boards hence improve the aesthetics of any given space.

 

Resistance to Water and Moisture  

 

Both WPC boards and PVC boards provide excellent resistance to moisture and water. However, WPC boards have an advantage in resisting temperature changes, as they do not expand or shrink with fluctuations in temperature. This makes them an even better option than PVC boards for use in humid and damp conditions.

 

Slip Resistance  

 

Wood plastic composite (WPC) boards provide better slip resistance due to the presence of wood grains in their structure. If your deck is in a rainy area or frequently exposed to water, WPC boards are the preferred choice, as they help reduce the risk of slipping, accidents, and falls.  

 

WPC boards offer several advantages over PVC boards, largely due to their different molecular composition. WPC boards undergo more refining and include necessary additives, making them more suitable and effective even in adverse conditions.

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