The Difference between Natural Wood and Wood Plastic Composite Decking

A decking area in your balcony can be a relaxing corner for you and your family to enjoy. Decking is usually a raised platform directly on your flooring making it into a whole new space. So many would ask, which decking should I go for, natural wood or wood plastic composite? Below are a few points on how you should choose a suitable decking.

Wood Composite Decking (WPC)

Unlike natural wood, WPC is mainly made up of wood compound and plastic that has gone through certain processes which have wood alike finishing. WPC is usually use for decking purposes and there are many manufacturers in the market selling WPC to their targeted clients. WPC can also be bent to an ideal unique shape to satisfy client’s desire of wood art. As WPC combines the beauty of wood and durable synthetic materials without cellulose which is found in most plants (wood) thus WPC is not appetizing to termites.

Natural Wood

Natural wood mostly underwent a pressure treatment process but as technology advance, the wood now need not go through the pressure treatment by using Acetylation which is similar to pressure treatment except the process used is entirely non chemical. The two types of process prevent the wood from any attack from termites, insects and fungal decay. There are two different kinds of natural wood, the hard wood and soft wood.  Both can be used for decking depending on what consumer wants. Natural wood also have the beauty of natural wood thus many not only uses it for decking but also for wall cladding, trellis, pergolas, pavilion etc.  

So many home owners would ask, which decking should I go for, natural wood or wood plastic composite?  Both have its own unique feature and properties. Below are 4 points on how you can decide on a suitable decking for your home.

1)  Stability

Both natural wood and WPC are dimensionally stable which are suitable for decking.

2)  Maintenance

Many have heard that outdoor decking doesn’t need any maintenance but this not the case if you want your decking to last long. For good quality WPC, you can use a water hose to wash of the dirt, leaves and soil off your decking to prevent it from growing mould which may cause your decking to slippery. Natural wood needs slightly more regular maintenance compared to WPC as it is a natural woo. Home owners have to apply a coating once every 6 months to a year to maintain. Natural wood may have some hairline crack after sometime but that is due to it natural properties. All natural materials can be cracked but that is nature. So home owners have to be prepared if they want natural wood. Nevertheless, there are home owners who prefer natural wood even though there might be hairline cracks. 

3)  High UV resistant and weather resistant

Quality WPC comes with high UV resistant and weather resistant to protect your decking from direct sunlight and climate changes. Though it is UV resistant, colour of your decking might still change a little overtime due to sunlight. On the other hand, quality natural wood with good coating probably will not change in colour as the coating is usually uniformed in colour. Quality natural wood is also resistant to weather changes.

4)   High slip resistance and it is splinters free

Quality WPC has high slip resistance and it is splinter free which is comfortable even to bare foot. As natural wood has 2 different kinds it depends a lot on the wood species and also the manufacturer who process the wood in good condition.

These are just a few points on WPC and natural wood. It is essential to ask your contractor on which decking is more suitable for your home before you decide to install it in your home as decking is able to accompany you for at least 10 years if well maintained.