So, you have heard about Composite Decking. But what is it really? Composite Decking refers to artificially produced decking that is usually made from recycled materials such as plastics, natural materials. And some additives (The additives are usually things like binders, colors, and UV Protecting agents)
Composite Decking
Composite Decking is usually produced with pressure extrusion. The materials are pressed through a mold causing a solid plank to be formed.
Composite compositions
Some of the most common composite compositions:
BPC Decking
(Bamboo Plastic Composite) BPC Means Bamboo Polymer Composite. It’s usually made up out of Bamboo flour, Plastics and additives. This was made because Bamboo is a product that there is of in abundance. It’s quick to grow and have a lot of different applications, not to mention being a food source for the lovely pandas.
WPC Decking
(Wood Plastic Composite) WPC Stands for Wood Polymer Composite. It’s usually made out of Sawdust that’s a byproduct of lumber mills and other wood processing factories. It’s then mixed with recycled HDPE (High-density polyethylene) and additives. The advantage of WPC is that it’s made out of materials that would otherwise go to waste causing an environmentally friendly aspect.
Buy now: Smart Composite
MPC Decking
(Mineral Plastic Composite) MPC Stands for Mineral Plastic Composite and is made out of HDPE Plastic and non-organic mineral fillings. The minerals increase the strength and decrease the amount that the boards expand and contradict during temperature changes. This can also be advantageous because this causes the boards to contain no organic material that could help against insects and mold.
Capped Decking
Wood Composite Decking Some Composite plants are simply wooden core with a plastic outer shell. This gives the board a structure and rigidity of wood but with the benefits of Plastic.
PVC Decking
PVC Stands for Polyvinyl chloride and is the third most common plastic in the world.
This is also commonly used as a decking material since it’s a very rigid and sturdy material that resists virtually anything on the count of being plastic. But it also comes with all the downsides of plastic such as absorbing a lot of heat in the sun and high expansion and contraction during temperature changes.
Read more: What you need to build a deck with composite decking
