Composite terrace board, also known as WPC, can be used for various purposes. This includes the arrangement of the surrounding area, the finishing of the droshky, the finishing of civil premises and passing places near swimming pools, yachts, ferries and other types of watercraft.
The widespread use of such material is due to its structure, which precisely determines the degree of strength and wear resistance of products called composite decking boards.
Main areas of application
This type of material is in demand in many areas. Its excellent characteristics are due to its production technology. Thus, wood and polymers are used as the main components. The manufacturing method is based on the extrusion method. Wood is used in the form of highly crushed raw materials, which are additionally dried. The result is products with different characteristics, which is determined by the ratio of the amount of wood flour and related components.
Let's watch the video, board properties and applications:
Terrace board combines the most important properties individual materials: wood and polymer mass. This allows you to use this finishing material in many areas: on terraces, open areas, balconies, active roofs, on many civil objects (car parks, sports grounds). In addition, composite decking boards of various types are also widely used on watercraft (yachts, ships, ferries) and on surfaces exposed to constant exposure to water (piers).
Overview of properties and technical characteristics
For long-term use, composite decking boards of various types are widely used (on average 50 years). This is facilitated by the special composition of the material (wood and polymer mass), which eliminates the formation of fungus on the surface and also prevents the onset of the rotting process.
Let's watch the video, specifications modern covering:
However, there are other equally important operational properties:
- Safety for others, as there are no harmful substances in the composition;
- Composite decking boards of various types can withstand a fairly large load if applied over the entire surface of the product, as well as in the case of point impact;
- Resistance to various types of deformation (such as chips along the edges or cracks);
- Due to the lack of tendency to rot, we can say that this material is not hygroscopic;
- Composite decking boards of various varieties have a special kind of texture on the outer surface, which makes the product non-slip;
- Resistant to frequent and sudden temperature changes.
Material specifications:
- Considering that the bending strength is 19.7 MPa, a coating of this kind can withstand a load reaching 200 kg per square centimeter of surface.
- This flooring level of durability corresponds to concrete slab, the main purpose of which is installation on a highway (this indicates the magnitude of the load on the material). Abrasion corresponds to a value of 0.15 g/sq.m. cm.
- Wood-polymer composite decking boards can withstand more than 100 defrost/freeze cycles without any consequences. Moreover, the loss of strength does not exceed 10%.
- Acceptable limits temperature regime, at which the material does not lose its properties: from -40 to +70 degrees.
As you can see, multi-type terrace boards made of polymer composites can successfully compete with the material that is familiar to everyone - wood and concrete covering.
Pros and cons of using WPC boards
Products of this kind have many advantages, the main ones are:
- Resistance to chemicals;
- High degree of strength, which is largely determined by the ratio of the amount of wood flour and polymers;
- The ability to improve the quality of fastening by welding, but this is only possible when using a board containing 70/30 (polymers/wood flour);
- A decking board made of composite materials does not delaminate, therefore it holds fasteners perfectly; it is also easy to cut and saw;
- The presence of an anti-slip coating ensures safe movement;
- Due to the fact that the material (with a ratio of polymers and wood flour of 50/50 and 70/30) practically does not absorb moisture, it is not necessary to treat it with antifungal agents.
Disadvantages are observed in materials that largely consist of wood or plastic. The option when the structure contains an equal amount of both plastic and wood flour is the most convenient and durable.
If a coating consisting mainly of a polymer mass is used, in this case the material will be more brittle, but products that contain up to 70% wood flour should be further processed special compounds to extend their service life.
User opinions about manufacturers
Terrace boards from the manufacturer DP-Composite are quite in demand among buyers. Depending on the size of the product, the cost may vary significantly. For example, a design 160×33 mm with a product length of 3 m will cost 265 rubles/linear. m, while square meter will cost about 1650 rubles. On price category The composition of the material also influences. That is why a product of smaller dimensions (150×28 mm with a length of 3 m) will cost more – at a price of 300 rubles/linear. m, respectively, a square meter of the product will cost about 2,000 rubles.
Watch a video about Miradex products:
Another option - wear-resistant decking board from the manufacturer Kompodek costs a little less - 1,600 rubles / sq. m. m., but the dimensions of the product will be smaller: 140×30 mm with a length of your choice from 3 to 6 m (the cost will vary). The range of products is quite wide: the boards themselves, load-bearing joists, end products, special components for decking boards (fastenings that are required when installing the covering to the joists).
As for reviews, almost all users note continuous advantages after finishing with such material. This is a pleasant texture on the surface of the board, which provides a light massage effect, an attractive appearance, and increased wear resistance. The strength of the structure is ensured by special components for decking boards.
Some installation features
The quality of laying the material is determined primarily by how even the base is. After this, it is decided what is better to use: load-bearing logs or strong beams. Only in the first case is the reliability of the structure ensured; the second of these products are quite reliable, however, they cannot be considered load-bearing elements.
If a decking board made of wood-polymer composite is laid, the dimensions are selected based on the configuration of the room. It is recommended to leave a distance of 400 mm between adjacent products. The boards are fastened with screws, and it is recommended to maintain an angle of 45 degrees. To connect to the joists, you should purchase a special T-shaped fastener.
Both harmless, chlorine-free substances and bleaching agents can be used as care products for such a coating. In both cases, it is recommended to spray the substance onto the surface of the WPC board and leave it for a while. Moreover, the duration will depend on the type of product. If bleach is used, it is not recommended to leave it on the surface for more than 5 minutes.
Thus, the described material is an excellent alternative not only wooden floor, but also concrete pavement. However, this statement mostly concerns the design of the board, which contains equal amounts of wood flour and polymer mass.
With the onset of spring and warmer weather, many owners of private houses begin to think about transforming their terrace, or simply making it. Despite the importance of the foundation, the covering of the terrace plays an important role, because it is it that takes the full blow external environment and mechanical damage. Therefore, the choice of material for creating a terrace floor must be approached very carefully. Decking ( wood covering) For open terrace should have a lot of advantages. One of great options is a composite decking board.
What kind of material is this? Why is it so good as decking? What are its features, characteristics and advantages? How to install such products? You will learn all this from this article.
Manufacturing of wood-polymer composite
First, let's look at the production of the material. Wood-polymer composite decking board is a finishing material that is made by mixing different types of wood and monomers (substances that form polymers). This mixing results in a unique material that has improved properties and is ideal for terraces. It has both the positive qualities of wood and polymers. WPC or thermo-wood is an excellent alternative to expensive decking materials.
Production of material is automated. In special factories, the process consists of the following steps:
- Delivery of wood and its crushing.
- The process of drying lumber (wood chips).
- Selection of components and correct ratio. The most successful is a 1 to 1 combination of wood and polymer.
- Performing pressing of raw materials and forming lamellas for the terrace.
After this, high-quality decking products are obtained, which have many positive qualities. All thanks to the composition and production technology. What exactly is included in the products, besides wood and polymers? Here is the list of components:
- sawdust- from 40 to 70%;
- binding components such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride - from 30 to 60%. Sometimes the binding component can be grain starch and paper waste;
- chem. additives, including UV stabilizer, pigments and some fillers - approximately 5%.
The quality of the finished product depends on percentage all components. The system is simple: if there is more organic filler (sawdust), then the decking will have a better appearance; it is quite difficult to distinguish the lamellas from natural products. But at the same time, the composite board cannot boast of durability and moisture resistance. And if there are more polymers in the composition, then the opposite is true.
Advantages and characteristics of WPC
Now let's look at why the material won so many hearts. Lately, it is gaining more and more popularity, even though it is not 100% natural wood. It's all about the advantages of composite boards. What are they? Composite boards have the following advantages:
Note! Material, like everything else wooden crafts, has a minus - high degree flammability. Therefore, in the event of a fire, the decking will flare up quite quickly.
As you can see, such composite boards have a lot of advantages. Therefore, if you buy such material for decking, then be sure of its quality and reliability. What can we say about the characteristics of wood and polymer products? They are as follows:
- Let's start with the dimensions of the products: they are produced in thicknesses of 2.2-2.8 cm, widths of 13.5-14.5 cm and lengths from 1.5 to 6 m;
- the density of the composite board is from 1 to 1.3 g/cm 3 ;
- flammability degree - G4 (burns strongly);
- water absorption - no more than 5%;
- weight of 1 m of composite board - from 1.6 to 3 kg;
- heat resistance - from +80 to -50 °C;
- tensile strength - 20 MPa;
- withstands a maximum load of 800 kg/m2;
- when pressed, it deforms by 0.3-1 mm.
But the question arises: what to look for when buying a composite board?
How to choose a composite decking board
For those who come to the store to buy a composite board, it is important to understand that the choice depends on several factors. This includes the composition of the material, its structure, size, appearance and the company that produces it. Let's start with the composition.
If the ratio of materials in it is 70 to 30 (sawdust and polymers), then it will be difficult to distinguish a composite board from a natural one. However, durability, practicality and resistance to moisture are degraded. The service life of the material is no more than 7 years. A board with a 50/50 score is optimal solution, in which natural beauty, strength, moisture resistance and durability are at their best. And at 40 to 60 the board is colder and resembles plastic.
Now about the structure. The boards can be solid or with voids. High-quality and durable - solid composite boards. They are used in places with possible heavy loads, such as a garage, parking lot or technical area. But hollow WPC is also suitable for a terrace. It's cheaper and will last just as long.
But the appearance of the board is a purely personal decision. The color and structure should be chosen in accordance with the style of the entire building. It is important that the terrace fits into the overall landscape and does not disturb it. Inspect the board, make sure that its coloring is uniform and without defects. The material should not contain any inclusions or color pigments.
And finally, we would like to draw your attention to the manufacturers. It is important to choose a company that has proven itself over many years and has many positive feedback. Here is a list of verified ones brands: Volga-Decking, Mirradex, Thermory, Westwood-Polymer, Legro, Woozen and Bruggan. How is a composite board installed? Let's find out.
Installation of composite boards
It is noteworthy that despite the fact that the composition and characteristics of the products differ from ordinary decking boards, its installation is no different. The fastening method can be open or closed. You can see this in the photo.
Manufacturer of decking boards: Werzalit (Germany)
Applicable: for flooring of a wide variety of outdoor objects
Raw materials: 60% selected wood chips, 40% polypropylene (wood-polymer composite)
Guarantee: from the manufacturer 5 years for everything, no matter what happens; service life is unlimited.
(decking) from the Werzalit company - ideal for patios, terraced areas, garden paths, SPA areas, balconies, used roofs, summer cafes, exhibition stands. Can also be used for yachts, ships, piers, piers, decks, areas around swimming pools, sports fields and car parking areas. The material can withstand loads of up to 600 kg/m2.
Velvety on the surface, looks and feels like wood and is durable...
Terrace board Werzalit TerraZa series - installation
Installation of decking boards made of composite material Verzalit
We carry out professional installation of Verzalit decking boards and have already accumulated considerable experience in this direction. Installation of terrace flooring is quite simple, and you can lay it yourself, we suggest you study it first. To choose: whether to contact us, the professionals, or lay on our own We suggest taking into account the fact that you will have to spend a lot of time to learn, as you know, “the first pancake is always lumpy.” We invite you to familiarize yourself with
Wood-polymer composite decking board is intended for outdoor use in any climatic conditions, with the most intense loads. Composite decking is intended for installing floor coverings in gazebos, terraces, piers and piers, in galleries and in summer cafes. WPC terrace boards are used for cladding ceilings and walls, areas near the pool, as well as for arranging entrance areas. Thanks to its balanced composition and high-quality components, polymer deck boards last up to 50 years!
Production
Terrace decking made from a wood-polymer composite is produced by extrusion, pressing or casting: during the process, the thermoplastic polymer is mixed with wood flour, dye and stabilizing eco-additives. Products based on polymer thermoplastics are an improved group of WPC: thermoplastic wood-polymer composite (WPCT).
The image shows perfect composition WPC decking boards.
Polymer
In addition to PVC, cheaper polypropylene or polyethylene is also used as a thermoplastic polymer, however, polyvinyl chloride is the best component:
- Ecologically safe material: PVC is used in medicine, including for transporting blood and organs.
- Density exceeds PP and PE: the flooring is stiffer, stronger and has increased wear resistance.
- Fire safety: polyvinyl chloride does not support combustion and does not emit toxic toxins when heated.
- Color fastness: PVC practically does not fade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, unlike PP and PE.
Wood flour
Shredded wood of various species is used, mainly coniferous. To reduce the cost of the final product, waste is also used: seed cake or rice husk. If the wood flour content exceeds 60%, then the board becomes brittle due to a deficiency of polymer compounds. In addition, such decking is not moisture resistant: wood particles absorb moisture, the coating swells and deforms.
Other additives
For improvement performance characteristics A small amount of modifiers is introduced into the composition.
The color and texture of decking is determined by the addition of a certain dye to the composition.
Dyes and modifiers in total should not exceed 15%.
Differences between WPC and natural wood
We offer a table - Comparative characteristics terrace decking made of WPC and wooden deck boards:
|
Characteristic |
Composite material |
Natural wood (without heat treatment) |
|
Texture |
Solid color or wood imitation |
Natural wood |
|
Protection from insects and pests |
||
|
Burnout under ultraviolet light |
Slightly |
Color changes over time |
|
Moisture resistance |
Deformed |
|
|
Fire hazard |
Combustible material |
|
|
Update |
Does not need |
Regular treatment required |
|
Exposure to salt water, alkalis, acids |
||
|
Environmental Safety |
Contains no volatile toxins |
100% natural material |
|
Slipping, splinters |
||
|
Frost resistance |
Yes, up to -70 °C |
|
|
Residual humidity, no more |
Wood-polymer boards for terraces are superior in all respects to other types of decking for outdoor use, while the cost is identical and even cheaper. However, it is important to consider that All characteristics described in the article are valid only for the original WPC decking. Due to the popularity of polymer decking boards, many offers appear on the market and most of them are low quality materials at low price. Request quality certificates and buy floor coverings in trusted stores!
Application of polymer decking
We invite you to the Polov salons: see samples, ask related questions about operation and installation to managers, order accurate delivery and installation at a time convenient for you!
Wanting to arrange country house and the adjacent plot, the owner of a country property often thinks about the advantages of one or another building material. When choosing a floor covering, be it a polymer decking board or ordinary wood, you should take into account its performance properties. It is the technical characteristics of the flooring that determine the service life and appearance of the flooring.
Terrace flooring made of wood and polymers is successfully used for arranging dacha areas. The coating is resistant to moisture, temperature changes, and exposure to the sun. Wide range of textures, color solutions makes it easier to select the right composite board for your deck
Appearance terraces made of polymer decking boards
Composite material combines the advantages of natural flooring without the disadvantages of wood. Polymer decking board made of WPC, in contrast to traditional wooden flooring:
- Has greater durability and strength;
- Does not require preliminary impregnation with varnish or paint;
- Does not require periodic renewal of the coating, which saves time and money;
- Fire resistant;
- Withstands temperatures in the range from -50 to +80 degrees;
- Does not deform from moisture and ultraviolet radiation;
- Has a wide color palette;
- Has a rough non-slip surface;
- Not subject to rotting or mold formation.
Manufacturing and materials
What is a composite decking board made of? Natural wood flour is used to make the material, polymer additives, color pigment, water. The components are connected to each other in a certain proportion. This produces a base with good characteristics.
Components of polymer composite coating
Wood-polymer composite decking boards have two main layers – a backing and a front side. Depending on how rigid the material should be, the different basis. Wooden strips as a substrate provide rigidity. To obtain a softer floorboard, plastic gratings are used.
How to choose a WPC board
When buying a wood-polymer decking board, you should pay attention to the cost. A low price may indicate a defect. The manufacturer could save on equipment, quality of components, and thickness of floorboards or walls. It happens that part of the costs is included in the cost of additional fasteners required for installation of the coating.
The use of low-quality pigment or ultraviolet stabilizer leads to rapid discoloration of the polymer flooring. Wanting to reduce the cost of the material, the manufacturer can use repeatedly recycled polymers. This solution leads to the formation of weak bonds inside the panel. Low-quality composite deck boards may swell or crack after a couple of seasons of use.
Dimensions and weight
Wood-polymer composite decking is lighter in weight compared to natural wood. The material is usually produced:
- Length from 2 to 6 meters;
- Width from 15 to 16.5 cm;
- Thickness: from 2.2 to 2.8 cm.
The choice of floorboard size depends on the size of the room. Long boards are most often used for laying floors in spacious rooms, large terraces, and dance floors. In addition, the need for delivery should be taken into account. To transport material 6 meters long, special transport is needed. The width of the floorboard determines the number of boards required to lay the floor. The thickness of the flooring determines the installation step of the logs. The thinner the decking, the narrower the sheathing should be.
Polymer decking board Appearance and colors
Wood-polymer decking boards are produced in various colors and invoices. Wide choose exterior finishing allows you to find a material that can fit well into the exterior design of the entire house. If the desired shade is still missing, you can correct the decking with a special tint.
Solid and hollow
Composite decking boards are available solid or with voids. In the first case, the material has a lot of weight. Solid decking is more durable, stronger, and more expensive. When using this type, the step between the lags increases. Solid boards are used in floor installation in spaces under open air exposed to weather conditions.
Flooring with voids inside is less durable and suitable for finishing closed veranda. The material is lightweight and cheaper. Wherein terrace covering with voids it has less strength. For this reason, during installation the distance between the lags is reduced. Hollow polymer decking is easy to install and allows you to create various shapes. You can hide cables in the voids and install floor lamps.
Tools for installing decking boards To install a polymer composite coating, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Lags;
- Terrace covering;
- Staples (initial, intermediate);
- Fasteners (screws, self-tapping screws);
- Corner plugs;
- End finishing;
- Electric drill;
- Drill kit;
- Screwdriver;
- Roulette, level;
- Pencil;
- Saw.
The material is laid on a flat, clean, dry surface. The best option– a concrete platform with a thickness of 10 cm with a slope of 1-2 degrees. A slight difference along the length of the boards is needed for water drainage. Before starting to assemble the structure, the material should be allowed to acclimatize. To do this, you need to leave the decking at the installation site for two days so that it gets used to the temperature and humidity level.
Installation of the terrace board is carried out on pre-installed logs. Cross beams are laid on concrete surface, are fixed with anchors. Maximum length step - 40 cm. In places of increased load, the transverse beams are located at a distance of up to 25 cm. A compensation gap of 1-2 cm is needed between the wall and the joists.
Next, special clips intended for installation are attached to the joists with self-tapping screws. In their grooved bases it is installed polymer coating. If a single floorboard is fixed to a surface greater than 80 cm, it requires at least 3 cross beams. The end should not protrude beyond the transverse base by more than 5 cm. 1-2 cm should be left between the wall and the end of the board.
In open-air areas, a separate gap is provided for water drainage. In other cases it is not required. Below the floor surface should be left ventilation gap up to 3 cm. The resulting air exchange in the space reduces the risk of developing fungus and mold. In case of possible temperature changes, a small gap is also needed in case of expansion of the floorboard.
Example of installing a terrace board When covering the terrace with long boards, both ends must rest on joists and be securely fastened with clips. Gusset provides three finishing methods:
- An end cap that adds harmony to the appearance of the material;
- An end strip to match the coating, secured with self-tapping screws;
- A polymer corner resembling a plinth.
Upon completion of the installation of polymer decking boards, you need to remove dust and shavings from the decking surface. The new floor should be wiped with a slightly damp cloth. It should be remembered that the color of the coating may undergo minor changes within 3-4 months, despite the boards being painted with high-quality pigment. At the same time, the floor surface will remain the same original and attractive. Then the shade is fixed, not subject to change over the years.
Care
Where is it used?
Excellent performance properties make the material suitable for use in the most different conditions. Most often, polymer coating is used for arranging open areas, any premises with increased level humidity. The composite withstands long, cold winters, while maintaining its properties and visual appeal. In addition, there are unusual ways application of the material. For example, for the construction garden path or a fence made of polymer decking boards.