Liquid tree - advantages and application of the material. Wood-polymer composite or liquid wood

Just a few years ago, wood-polymer composite appeared on the Russian construction market and every year continues to gain popularity due to the economic feasibility of its use, both for sellers and for the buyer. This product in many respects surpasses wooden analogues in its properties.

The main properties of wood-polymer composites:

Moisture resistance, does not dampen and can be in water for a long time
All-weather material - used "in the open air" (for the construction of terraces, verandas, garden paths and etc.)
Not subject to the negative effects of biological pests: bugs, fungus, etc.
Fire safety.

The composition of the "liquid tree"

Wood-polymer composites include shredded wood, polymers, dyes, UV stabilizers. Depending on the ratio in the composition of the wood component and polymers, WPC materials can acquire certain properties: have increased scratch resistance, withstand heavy loads, long time is submerged in water. AT composition of the WPC the proportion of wood, as a rule, is from 50% to 80%; the appearance of the product also depends on this indicator. If the material has a high content of the wood component, it looks like MDF, but if it exceeds the amount of polymers in the composition, then WPC is more like a plastic product.

Production technology of wood-polymer composite

The production of products from WPC occurs by extrusion: all the components of the material are mixed, and then, under the influence of high temperature and pressure, it is shaped into a product. The binder material may be polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC or other thermoplastic polymer.

Invented WPC and patented a new one construction material in the 70s, the Italian company ICMA San Giorgio, trying to solve the problem of building waste disposal. The material gained popularity only after many years, after the improvement of the production technology by the company. Engineers have achieved the necessary properties of the product, which won the hearts of consumers.

Finishing materials are made from wood-polymer composites: boards for outdoor floors, terraces or balconies, facade panels, pipes, railings, boards for building fences, creating garden furniture. Despite the fact that consumers are still little informed about this product, the demand for WPC in Russia is much higher than the supply on the building materials market.

Consumer features of wood-polymer composites

Those composite-wood materials that consist mainly of wood (more than 70% in the composition) are very close to it in terms of characteristics. They are processed in the same way as ordinary lumber, they can be sawn, drilled, sanded.

Composite materials with a predominance polymer materials in the composition can be glued and even welded, like plastic. Wood-polymer composites under the influence of temperature can take any complex shape.

Liquid wood decking is easy to install. If necessary, a terrace made of WPC boards can be disassembled and assembled again.
The period of guaranteed operation of WPC products exceeds 25 years; products made of natural wood cannot boast such durability.

Scope of WPC:

In industry: piers, pallets, garbage containers, car interior details
In the interior: railings, decorative profiles, stairs, soundproof panels
In dacha and urban design: as a floor covering for terraces, house cladding, for playgrounds, finishing the area by the pools, making fences and elements of garden and park architecture (pergolas, benches, arbors)

Application versatility this material only increases its popularity.
You can buy from a wood-polymer composite in Moscow by calling the phone number listed on the site.

When choosing a material for construction, most often the owners of suburban real estate pay attention to wood. Wood from time immemorial is the most demanded product. She has many positive properties both operational and decorative.

However, it also has its drawbacks - in particular, a strong dependence on environmental factors, especially when used in outdoor structures. At present, for flooring is very popular terrace board wpk, which is devoid of the disadvantages inherent in natural wood.

Today the following types of terrace boards are produced:

Solid wood planks. This material is made from wood species with a high resin content, resistant to moisture and mechanical damage. After laying, such boards are treated with special protective and decorative compositions(cm. ).
Heat treated wood planks. This material is processed in special chambers at a temperature of 120-190 degrees, thereby increasing its strength, water resistance and durability.
WPC boards.

WPC decking production

The first production for the production of WPC boards was opened in Switzerland, back in the seventies of the last century - however, the product did not immediately gain popularity. A new round of development of this direction and popularization of the WPC began in the nineties in America. In Russia, the WPC market is still in its infancy, but the trend suggests that in a few years it will become one of the largest.

Currently, factories for the production of terrace boards from wood-polymer composite are operating everywhere. The quality of manufactured products directly depends on the equipment and technology used.

Terrace board made of wood-polymer composite is produced by extrusion. Waste can be used as raw material polymer production, as well as secondary raw materials and woodworking waste. This is extremely important in today's problems with the environment and deforestation.

Stages of manufacturing decking from WPC.

Wood shredding

In the crusher, the wood is crushed and turned into crumbs. The fraction of wood powder required for the production of decking: 0.4-1.5 mm. How smaller size particles, the higher the quality of the finished product.

Drying of the wood fraction

Drying wood flour is necessary if its moisture content is more than 15%. For this, they are used different methods. The most common is chamber heat treatment.

Dosing and mixing ingredients

Different manufacturers use their own, individual manufacturing recipes. So, the content of wood flour can be 55-80%, polymer (PVC, high and low pressure, polypropylene) ̶ 20-40%.

Some manufacturers add chopped straw and rice husks to the mass. Additionally, modifiers and dyes are introduced into the composition of the product. All components are mixed as directed by the instructions. Then they are granulated.

Extrusion

At this stage, melting occurs under pressure and at a high temperature of the resulting mixture. The molten mass is extruded through the dies from the extruder, stretched, cooled and the boards are trimmed (standard board length: 3.4 or 6 meters).

The extrusion process provides high density material and minimum scrap. Production waste is recyclable.

Production equipment can be a single-stage, two-stage or three-stage line:

One step production. In this case, all ingredients are immediately sent to the extruder, where granulation, drying, mixing and extrusion take place. This equipment provides the most convenient and fastest technological process, takes up little space, is the least energy- and labor-intensive, but it is very expensive.
Two-stage production. Granulation and extrusion are carried out on separate lines.
Three step line. Pelletizing, mixing and extrusion are divided into stages, and are carried out on separate equipment. This is the most a budget option production, however, the equipment takes up a lot of space.

As a result, perfectly even boards are obtained, which are packed and sent to the warehouse.

Description of the material, types, characteristics, applications

Materials made from WPC have found their application in various fields: in furniture production, in the automotive industry, in the production of garden structures and building materials. In the segment of building materials, WPC is represented by facade boards or siding, boards for the manufacture of fences and railings, window sills, steps for stairs. Half of the total volume of produced WPC is occupied by.

Where is wood-polymer composite decking used:

in the construction of berths and piers;
in the arrangement of tourist and resort recreation areas;
when arranging the territory around the pools;
as a floor covering of terraces, verandas and arbors;
when finishing balconies and loggias;
on the exploited roofs of buildings;
in premises for keeping livestock;
as the basis of sports and playgrounds;
for the device of paths and platforms for cars.

Standard decking dimensions: width 135…165 mm, thickness 18…28 mm.

WPC decking can vary in structure and be:

full-bodied;

These boards are very resistant to impact and point loads. They are used in places with high traffic, such as embankments, sports grounds, dance floors. Full body decking is stronger, heavier and more expensive. Withstands a load of 1000 kg/m2.

hollow.

Such structures are distinguished by the presence of voids inside. They can withstand loads of 100-600 kg/m2.

According to the surface treatment method, the board is:

polished
corrugated

According to the shape of the section, the decking of the composite is divided into:

Boards without ribs.
Boards with closed edges.
Boards with open edges.

The first two types are laid on the logs, the second - on a rigid base (if the ribs are wide, it can also be placed on the logs).

Advantages and disadvantages of a WPC board

Decking made of wood-polymer composite is endowed with numerous advantages:

The material has high strength.
Durability. Service life of products exceeds 30 years.
Excellent moisture resistant properties. Water absorption does not exceed 5%.
Resistance to ultraviolet radiation.
The composite is not subject to rotting and corrosion.
Resistance to temperature changes. Boards can be operated at a range of -45 ... + 90 degrees. Polyethylene at high temperature becomes soft, and polypropylene at low ̶ brittle. To improve these indicators, special modifiers are applied.
High resistance to abrasion and mechanical damage. On a high-quality coating, scratches and chips practically do not appear.
Resistance to aggressive environments. The coating is not afraid of exposure to salts, acids, alkalis, and can be treated with detergents.
Environmental friendliness. In the production of products containing PVC, it is possible for unscrupulous manufacturers to add additives containing lead, which adversely affects human health when it is released. When used in the production of polyethylene and polypropylene, such modifiers are not added.
Non-slip surface.
Ease of maintenance.
The material is easily processed (drilled, sawn).
Attractive appearance imitating the structure of wood, a large selection of shades and textures.

There are many products on the market that are made either on low-quality equipment or in violation of technology. As a result, boards may have strength issues, poor heat resistance, and poor UV resistance.

Important! The low price of a decking board may mean the use of low grade raw materials and additives in its production. Please read product specifications carefully before purchasing. Otherwise, you can purchase material that will lose its wonderful properties in a couple of years.

The presence of polymers in the composition of the decking suggests the possibility of linear expansion of the material with a change in ambient temperature. However, mounting the board using special fasteners provides the necessary mobility of the material, and hides a possible change in size.

Installation of a terrace board from WPC

Decking is laid by a suture or seamless method.

In the first case, the board is attached to the terminals, which provide even seam between boards. In the second - the boards are stacked closely using hidden clips.

Important! Due to the linear expansion of the material, this laying method is not recommended for areas larger than 10 m2.

To carry out the work, it is necessary to purchase materials.

So, in addition to the board itself, for the construction of the terrace you will need:

Support or bearing lags:

The choice of one or another option depends on the structure of the terrace. If your site already has a reliable, even base: dense rocky soil, or a concrete platform, adjustable supports and support logs are used to install the frame part.
On weak ground, a foundation has to be erected under the terrace. In this case, it is advisable to give preference screw piles and bearing lags.

Clamps or mounting clips:

Clamps are metal fasteners, with which the decking is fixed to the substructure. They provide a small gap between the boards - no more than 3 mm.
Plastic mounting clips are also used to fasten the board to the log, but it allows you to make a gap of up to 6 mm. On average, the consumption of fasteners per 1m / 2 flooring is 20-23 pcs.

end fittings: accessories in the form of plugs, side strips and corners, used to decorate the end part of the flooring and steps - they give the terrace a finished look. They are also made of wood composite, and are selected according to the color of the board used.

As a set for decking, manufacturers also offer piles and adjustable supports. When buying materials, you should first of all pay attention to the quality of the composite.

It should be homogeneous, without any inclusions and voids on front side and slices. The too low price of the material should certainly alert you - the price of 1m2 of a WPC board cannot cost less than 1600 rubles.

Tools that you will need when laying the board with your own hands:

Composite decking board decking is attached as follows:

Illustration	Description
	Before starting work, you should already have a finished base. There can be many options here: Gazo concrete blocks; Concrete foundation of tape type; Columnar concrete foundation; Brick supports; Wooden beam; Adjustable feet. There is not much difference, the main thing is that the foundation is strong.
	Logs are laid across the supports. They should be located in increments of no more than 40 cm. If high loads are placed on the surface, then the spacing of the elements should be 20 cm. If the decking will be laid diagonally, then the logs must also be placed every 20 cm.
	The lags are set so that there is no more than 40 cm from the center to the center of the elements. At this stage, they do not need to be additionally fixed.
	To fix the elements, you need to drill holes like this: In the upper part it is necessary to use a drill 2-3 mm larger than the diameter of the used dowel-nail; The internal partition is drilled with the same drill as the diameter of the dowels. You just need to put in more thin drill into a wide hole and drill a log and a base under it. The depth should be approximately 20 mm less than the length of the dowel.
	The dowel is placed in the hole flush with the upper partition. Just stick fasteners in all places, fixing will be done later.
	This is how the dowel is located at the intermediate stage. It is important to get into the bottom hole so that the fasteners stand straight and do not fall.
	To finally fix the lags, you need to finish the fasteners to the end with the help of any spacer. In our case, this is a broken drill from a perforator. Since the hole is 20 mm smaller, the dowel will not go in completely. It turns out a floating mount, which does not allow the elements to move, but at the same time does not interfere with them during deformations that can occur during temperature and humidity changes. Important! Never finish the dowel to the end, the minimum power reserve for the lags must be at least 5 mm.
	From the side of the beginning of laying the terrace board, you need to put starter clips. They should stand on each log, yellow self-tapping screws 3x30 mm will be used for fastening.
	The clip must be positioned correctly. To prevent the lags from being visible from under the decking, the edges of the latch should extend beyond the end by 1-2 mm. Do not forget about this nuance when you screw the elements.
	The board is cut to the right size, if necessary, after which it is placed along the edge and snaps onto the clips. In order for the element to be fixed, it should be pressed with force so that the bracket enters the groove and holds firmly in it.
	Plastic clamps are installed so that one ledge enters the decking groove, and the lower part rests against the log. Just press the element to the edge of the board and hold with one finger. A 3x30 mm self-tapping screw is inserted into the hole, which will fix it.
	The kleimer is not completely screwed on with a screwdriver. The head of the self-tapping screw should protrude 1-2 mm above the surface of the plastic retainer. This will give a little free play to the joint and allow better joining of the next elements to be laid.
	Fasteners are placed on each lag. This is very important for the strength of the structure, it is not worth saving and putting clamps through one - the surface will subsequently walk.
	The second board is placed as follows: the element is pressed tightly along the entire length, after which it is necessary to additionally knock out all the joints rubber mallet. This will ensure the best fit and the gap will be the same everywhere.
	There should be a gap of 4-5 mm between the elements. It is necessary for the unimpeded removal of moisture and good ventilation of the structure. Thanks to the kleimers, the gap will always be as needed. You just have to tightly join the boards and fasten them.
	After laying four boards, you need to hold on to the fasteners between the first and second board. A long bit is taken, placed on the slot of a self-tapping screw and wrapped all the way. This is how the final fastening of the decking is made. The next rows are pressed in the same way. But there is no need to rush, you can only tighten the joints, starting from the second from the edge of the board, you should not immediately carry out this process.
	Work continues in the same way until you cover the entire surface. The boards are laid, knocked out with a rubber mallet and fastened. After connection, they are pulled through the slots to securely fix the WPC.
	The last deck board is fastened with metal clips. Only now they are first tightly inserted into the groove, and then screwed with a self-tapping screw. It is important to fix the edge well so that the edge board does not wobble and stands securely.
	When the work is finished, you can proceed to the installation of plugs. First, carefully consider them to figure out how to properly arrange the elements. There are always holes in the lower part to remove moisture, and on the upper part a rounding of the corner is made so as not to cling to your feet.
	Plastic elements must be placed very carefully, as they are easily damaged. First, the protrusions are placed in the decking grooves, then, holding the element with one hand, it is carefully knocked out with a rubber mallet, as shown in the photo. Try to evenly drive the plug, knocking it out from different sides.
	This is what the result looks like. It turns out very neatly, while the ends are securely closed.
	An aluminum end plate is placed on the edge. First, measurements are taken, and the element is cut off with a hacksaw or jigsaw. After it must be firmly attached to the surface to make sure that the corner fits well along the entire length.
	Angle is being fixed. Everything is simple here: there are recesses for self-tapping screws on the surface, so you place the fasteners with the required pitch, no instructions are needed here.
	This is what a fixed plank looks like. After that, the terrace can be used, the work is over.

As you can see, laying a composite coating on your own will not be difficult. Installation of composite decking is clearly demonstrated in the video in this article:

If you decide to make a floor covering that will have excellent performance characteristics and serve as an exterior decoration, you will certainly be interested in a WPC decking board. Having bought quality material, and laying it in accordance with technology, you will not regret your choice for many years.

DPK - the most modern look wood composites, combining the advantages of wood and plastic and devoid of the disadvantages of natural wood.

More familiar precursors to this material are chipboard, fiberboard, and MDF, which are made up of sawdust or shavings and a binder. They are cheaper than natural wood and, in some respects, surpass it in terms of characteristics, which determines the main direction of their use.

However, they can hardly be called perfect, which served as the basis for new developments. The result was innovative material new generation with wide application.

What are they made from and how?

Wood-polymer composite(WPC) incorporates wood flour (or agricultural processing waste to reduce the cost of production), a thermoplastic polymer and various modifiers (which give the finished product special properties). The percentage of the first two components depends on the manufacturer and class of material.

Most cheap option contains 30% polymer and 70% wood flour, which makes the material hydrophilic, less wear resistant and more brittle. With an equal ratio (50/50), it is possible to obtain a material with optimal properties.

The content of 60% polymer and 40% flour affects the aesthetic qualities of the coating (outwardly, the decking does not look like a board, but like plastic), but at the same time gives additional strength and resistance to environmental factors. The inclusion of chemical additives (modifiers) in the composition does not affect the environmental friendliness of the material, since their amount does not exceed 5%.

The manufacturing process is based on extrusion - a method of obtaining a product from a polymer by forcing it in molten form through a forming hole in a processing machine - an extruder. Injection molding and pressing in molds are less commonly used.

Technical and operational qualities

WPC materials are intended primarily for the arrangement of objects that are actively exposed to the external environment. When operating under open sunlight, with high humidity and with significant temperature fluctuations, the composite board must have special properties.

The following material characteristics determine the long service life of the coating (from 15 to 50 years) even in extreme climates:

wear resistance: resistance to abrasion and scratches, no splinters (even in places of maximum traffic, the floor covering retains its original view);
resistance to ultraviolet rays: does not burn out and does not collapse;
moisture resistance: do not swell, when dried, the profile does not change shape;
resistance to temperature extremes in the range from minus 50 to plus 70 degrees;
high strength: does not crack from impacts, withstands high loads;
immunity to mold and pests;
absence special care and the need for additional coverage and treatments with antiseptics;
the possibility of restoring the material after severe contamination;
resistance to aggressive solutions (alkalis and acids);
high fire resistance: self-ignition from a cigarette butt or spark is excluded, does not support combustion;
convenient installation and dismantling: fastening is well thought out, the profile can be sawn, drilled, bent;
environmentally friendly (does not emit harmful substances) and is recyclable (does not contaminate environment waste);
good thermal conductivity similar to wood: if you walk barefoot on the coating, there will be no feeling of cold;
high aesthetic qualities: it has the aroma, texture and color of natural wood, there are many options for coloring and texture.

Based on the characteristics of the material presented above, the main advantages of WPC products over natural wood can be distinguished:

high moisture resistance allows the use of the material even on the seashore;
durability and practicality;
lack of annual treatments and special care.

Of the shortcomings, only the high cost and the risk of falling into an unscrupulous manufacturer should be noted.

Distinctive features of WPC products

Wood-polymer composites can differ not only in the ratio of the main components, but also in the type of raw materials used. As a filler, in addition to wood flour, sunflower seed cake, rice husks, and waste paper can be used.

The binder thermoplastic polymer may be polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene or polyethylene. Each of them gives the finished product a few specific properties.

Boards differ in density (from 700 to 1200 kg / m 3) and in structural strength (hollow and solid). They can be one-, two- and multi-layered. According to the surface treatment method, there are polished, embossed, printed, with a protective polymer layer applied, coated with paints and varnishes, lined with veneer or synthetic film and metallized. Also, often, a composite terrace board has two different working surfaces: embossed and textured wood.

Panels from most manufacturers have fixed dimensions in width and length. However, some Russian manufacturers are ready to meet consumers and offer products according to individual sizes.

WPC facade board

The width of the facade board has the following options: 8-12 cm, 14-16 cm and 18-20 cm. The thickness of the panel can be from 1.0 to 2.1 cm. The length is 3, 4 or 6 meters. The terrace board differs primarily in thickness, which varies from 2.5 to 3-4 cm.

Application options for WPC

A wood-polymer composite is used to make a terrace board, a floor board, a profile for a roof and for interior decoration walls, facade board, replacing and superior to conventional siding.

WPC boards are successfully used in the construction of street cafes, private saunas, gazebos, in the design country house and garden area. In the urban area, they are used to decorate balconies and loggias. Consider the main areas of application.

Terrace and patio area

garden paths

Sheathing of balconies and loggias

Fishing bridges and piers

Pool area

Facade of a private house and buildings

Arrangement of flower beds and beds

Fences and decorative railings

The nuances of installing a wood-polymer board

According to professionals, the installation of a composite board does not cause difficulties, however, there are some nuances that should be taken into account. It is not recommended to install when negative temperature. If the installation is carried out at low positive temperatures, then 2-3 days before the start of work, the boards should be on the street for adaptation. For any coating, it is necessary to leave ventilation gaps both between the boards and from the surface to be covered.

When laying the decking board, be sure to prepare the surface - pour monolithic slab, do metal carcass, or use point supports - paving slabs or concrete blocks laid on a leveled and compacted layer of sand.

Fastening is carried out on mounting logs, also made of WPC, the standard distance between the centers of the log is 40 cm. Direct contact with the soil is not allowed. The design of a deaf flooring should have a slight slope for the descent of atmospheric precipitation.

Seamless fastening

When assembling, you must use the attached diagram and the appropriate fasteners. The protrusion of the ends of the flooring after the extreme log should not exceed 2 cm; with a regular load, a larger protrusion will create conditions for premature destruction of the structure. From the end, the decking is closed with special plugs. It is forbidden to use a hammer to fit the boards - a mallet is suitable for this purpose.

Seam fastening with a clip

There are two installation methods for decking boards:

suture (fastening to the log with a kleimer or clip; a seam is formed from 5 to 10 mm; acceptable when laying outdoors without a canopy; it is simple);
seamless (the board is attached to the log directly with a self-tapping screw; the thermal expansion gap of about 3 mm is regulated using a special limiter; due to difficult drainage, it is used for covered terraces and indoors; highly aesthetic).

Manufacturers and estimated prices

On the forums, there are often reviews about the "burnout" of WPC boards. In fact, we are talking about the natural phenomenon of a slight change in color under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. This happens once a few days after laying and in the future the color remains unchanged. This is not an indicator of low quality and all manufacturers warn about this.

Today, you can buy a "liquid tree" (the material received such a name due to its high plasticity) from Russian, Chinese and European manufacturers. They offer composites different formulations and percentages components, which inevitably affects the physical and aesthetic properties of the product.

Some of the brands that enjoy the trust of customers for 2017 are: Newwood (Russia), Holzdeck (Russia-Germany), Multideck (Russia), Ecodeck (Russia), Lignatek (Russia), Holzhof (Czech Republic), CM Decking (Sweden) , Grinder (Germany), Bruggan (Belgium), Mirradex (Malaysia), Legro (Hungary), DeckMayer (Russia), Werzalit (Germany), Sequoia Group (Austria-Russia-China).

Many factors influence the formation of the price of the finished product. Prices for a wood-polymer board start from 1500-1700 rubles. per 1 m 2, with an average in the region of 2300 rubles. (one running meter will cost about 350 rubles.).

have long become an integral part of almost any sphere of production and life due to higher strength, low cost and other consumer qualities.

They are especially widespread in the construction industry, where various mixtures, paints, insulation, etc. are made from polymers. Due to their qualities, polymers are gradually replacing natural materials, becoming more widespread.

Wood-polymer composites have become new high-tech materials, the use of which has made it possible to create boards, combining best qualities natural wood and ceramic tiles . It is about these materials that it is worth talking in more detail.

Main varieties and composition

Wood-polymer composites are a range of artificially obtained materials, consisting of a mixture of wood flour and monomers, which subsequently undergo polymerization, acquiring the necessary properties.

The material consists of four main components:

wood. The total share is between 30 and 80% depending on the material. Most often, sawdust, seeds, crushed bark and twigs, as well as other waste from the woodworking industry are used;
composite polymer. PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene can be used;
chemical modifiers. Mass fraction in matter about 0.5%. Used to impart the necessary technological properties;
dyes. Introduced into the composition of the mixture at the initial stage to obtain the necessary color shade finished products.

Particular attention is paid to thermoplastic wood-polymer composites. They have increased resistance to chemically active substances and high mechanical strength, which makes it possible to obtain from these materials not only a terrace board, but also roofing elements, and cladding panels for walls.

Terrace board made of wood-polymer composite has three varieties, depending on the percentage of chopped wood and polymer:

30% polymer and 70% wood - the cheapest option currently prevailing on the market finishing materials. Unfortunately, apart from the low price, such a board has practically no advantages. Due to the high content of crushed wood, the product has low mechanical strength, is highly susceptible to wear and swelling from moisture. Average term the service life of such a board in our climate zone is no more than 5-7 years;
60% polymer and 40% wood. The resulting material has high mechanical strength, is not affected by water and active chemical environments and has a very long service life. The only drawback is that the natural look is almost completely lost, and the board resembles a piece of plastic. The material is very often used to create berths and lining the space around the pools in hotels, as it is designed for high loads;
50% polymer and 50% wood. The most optimal ratio of the main components. The board is different natural look and has all the benefits synthetic materials- strength, durability and reliability. It has a high cost precisely due to the appearance.

Main consumer characteristics

Terrace board made of wood-polymer composite (WPC) has a number of useful consumer properties:

high mechanical strength. One of the main characteristics that allowed the wide use of the material in the lining of pools, the creation of terraces and piers;
a wide range of operating temperatures from -50 to +180 degrees allows the use of the material in almost any climatic zone;
moisture resistance and resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Due to these properties, the material is used in the construction of saunas, baths, ship decks, garden furniture, fences and gazebos, where natural wood will not stand idle for a long time or maintaining its integral structure or appearance will take a lot of time and money;
the material is not a habitat or spread of bacteria, is not subject to decay and does not change its physical properties with temperature fluctuations.

In addition to these main characteristics, high aesthetic indicators should be noted - WPC products look like they are made from natural wood, thanks to dyes they successfully imitate any species, including expensive mahogany, teak or rosewood.

The material does not support combustion, and during production or use does not emit harmful substances - formaldehydes and carcinogens.

Ways to install a decking board from WPC

There are only two main options for laying such a board - seamless installation or using seams. Each of them has its own characteristics during installation, as well as advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before purchasing a specific decking board.

In the first case, the elements have a special lock on the side faces - a tenon-groove, through which the boards are fixed to each other. The parts are fastened with self-tapping screws directly to the support beam through special holes that are closed by the adjacent board. The coating looks integral and monolithic, however, to ensure drainage, it is worth laying with a slope of 2-3 degrees.

In the second case, boards are installed on the main logs with a small gap of about 1 centimeter using a kleimer ( special kind fasteners made of plastic or metal). The advantages of this mounting method are high speed installation and excellent drainage through the seams.

As a disadvantage - garbage can get into the seam, when installing terraces in suburban areas weeds can grow through the seams. There is also a possibility of deformation of the flooring elements due to indirect attachment to the guide.

Results

Wood-polymer composites are new, high-tech materials that have excellent consumer characteristics and a lower price than natural wood. This allows the material to be used in various facing works indoors or outdoors, and creating finishes for specific designs– yachts, moorings, swimming pools, saunas and baths.

Due to the fact that WPC appeared no more than 10 years ago, the demand for them is constantly growing at a fairly high cost, which is beyond the reach of most consumers. Over time, there is a trend towards a slight decrease in cost due to the discovery and implementation of more economical technologies.

Wood-polymer composite is one of the popular types of wood composites, which combines the advantages of wood and plastic. At the same time, the material is devoid of the shortcomings of natural wood. Everyone knows the predecessors of this material, among them should be highlighted:

Why choose DPK?

These materials consist of shavings or sawdust, as well as a binder. Compared to natural wood, they are cheaper, and by some indicators they surpass their natural counterpart in terms of characteristics, which determines the direction of their use.

Production features

Wood-polymer composite was the result of new developments. This material is innovative, it belongs to a new generation and is characterized by a wide range of applications. In its composition, it has wood flour, modifiers and a thermoplastic polymer. Flour can be replaced with agricultural processing waste, which makes it possible to reduce the cost of production. As for modifiers, they are necessary in order to give the product special properties. Flour and polymer are used in a ratio that depends on the class and manufacturer of the material.

The cheapest option contains 70% flour and 30% polymer, which makes the material hydrophilic, more brittle and less wear resistant. If an equal ratio is applied, then it will be possible to obtain a material with optimal properties. Wood-polymer composites can contain 40% flour and 60% polymer, which affects the aesthetic properties of the material. WPC looks like plastic, but it turns out to be more durable and resistant to external factors. The composition contains chemical additives in the form of modifiers, their presence does not affect the environmental friendliness, because the amount does not exceed 5%.

In the manufacture, extrusion is used, which involves obtaining a product from a polymer by forcing it in molten form through the forming hole of a machine, the latter is called an extruder. More rarely, wood-polymer composites are made by injection molding and injection molding.

Main characteristics and scope

Wood-polymer composite materials are designed for arranging objects that are exposed to the external environment. If the operation will be carried out under the open rays of the sun and at high humidity, then the composite board must have special properties. This also applies to those conditions if it is used with temperature fluctuations.

A wood-polymer composite board has a long service life even in extreme climate conditions. She is ready to serve from 15 to 50 years. The material has the following qualities:

wear resistance;
UV resistance;
moisture resistance;
high strength;
resistance to temperature extremes;
immunity to pests and mold;
no need for special care;
resistance to aggressive solutions;
the possibility of recovery after severe pollution;
high fire resistance;
convenient installation and dismantling;
environmental Safety;
good thermal conductivity;
high aesthetic qualities.

With regard to wear resistance, the material is resistant to scratches and abrasion. There are no splinters on it, it can be used even in places with maximum traffic. Under such conditions, the coating retains its original appearance. The material does not collapse and does not burn out, does not swell, does not change shape when dried. It is resistant to temperature extremes, and it can be operated from - 50 ˚С to + 70 ˚С. The material is high-strength, it can withstand high loads and does not crack from impacts. It is susceptible to pests and mold.

Products made of wood-polymer composite do not require special care and additional coating, as well as the application of antiseptics. It can be affected by acids, alkalis and aggressive solutions.

The material is flame retardant, does not support combustion and cannot be ignited by sparks or cigarette butts. Mounting and dismantling it is quite simple. The fastening is well thought out, the profile can be bent, drilled and sawn.

Another advantage of wood-polymer composite panels is environmental safety. The material does not emit harmful substances into the environment, it can be used for recycling, it does not pollute the external environment with waste. Boards are thermally conductive by analogy with wood. You will not feel cold if you walk on the surface with bare feet.

The aesthetic qualities of the material are high. It has the color, texture and aroma of natural wood. On sale there is a huge variety of solutions with different textures and color options. The wood-polymer composite for the facade has all of the above characteristics, which means that its main advantages are:

high moisture resistance;
lack of treatments and special care;
practicality;
durability.

The material can be used even on the beach. But, like every solution for construction and renovation, such composites have disadvantages, one of them is high cost. The downside is also the risk of being deceived by an unscrupulous manufacturer.

Distinctive features

In the production of a wood-polymer composite, different raw materials can be used, which affects the final characteristics. In the manufacture, a different ratio of the main components can be used. In addition to wood flour, sunflower seed cake can act as a filler. Sometimes waste paper is used or rice husk. Polyvinyl chloride is a binder thermoplastic polymer. The same role is played by polyethylene or polypropylene.

In the production of wood-polymer composite boards can be obtained, the density of which varies from 700 to 1200 kg/m 3 . Strength can also be different, which is affected by full or hollowness. Products may have one, two or more layers. The surface is sometimes embossed, sanded or printed on the board.

The outer layer can be a protective polymer coating. Sometimes used paints and varnishes, synthetic film or coated veneer. As a rule, a terraced composite board has one of two types of surfaces, it is a wood texture or a relief.

Dimensions

The width and length of the panels can have certain dimensions. If you want to finish the facade, you should choose a board of the appropriate purpose with a width of 8 to 12 cm and from 18 to 20 cm. An intermediate value is the limit from 14 to 16 cm. The thickness of the panel can vary from 1 to 2.1 cm. Length equal to the limit from 3 to 6 m. The terrace board differs in thickness, which can be equal to 4 cm. Minimum value is 2.5 cm.

Use cases

Made from wood-polymer composite:

batten;
terrace board;
roof profile;
facade board;
profile for interior wall decoration;
siding.

Boards are used in the construction of private saunas, outdoor cafes, in the arrangement garden plots and installation of gazebos. In the urban area, products are used for finishing loggias and balconies.

WPC for gardeners

Quite often today, a wood-polymer composite is used for beds. This method of arrangement personal plot there are many pluses. Firstly, the assembly of structures is quite simple and takes little time. Secondly, the sides are fixed separately. Thirdly, the material eliminates the formation of fungus and mold on the surface. Such boards are not exposed to harmful insects.

The fence has a rather attractive appearance, and even patterns and drawings can be seen on the surface. material can be processed paints and varnishes. The structures are environmentally friendly and do not emit harmful substances into the environment. Composite has smooth surface and edges that will not injure a person during work. Boards are resistant to adverse effects, they are able to withstand high mechanical influences loads and allow you to design beds of any height. Finished goods easy to disassemble and move to another place.

WPC doors

Doors made of wood-polymer composite are very resistant to external influences, so they can be used in rooms with intensive use. They are quite often installed for use in conditions with unstable temperature and humidity. The described material is also called liquid wood, which in the product has an aesthetic appearance and demonstrates durability.

The composite is quite soft, so scratches can remain on its surface. To avoid damage, the door must be handled with care. But if there are animals and children in the house, it is better to choose products whose surface is made using brushing technology. The base in this case has a roughness, which makes small scratches invisible.

The main advantages and uses of WPC siding

Wood-polymer composite siding is very popular today. It does not emit or absorb moisture, so it does not shrink or shrink. The surface is not covered with cracks and does not deform when changing weather cycles. The finish is distinguished by high heat and sound insulation. It is resistant to bacteria, fungi and insects.

The material does not form rust and has high frost resistance. AT winter period the house is well kept warm. This type of siding is easy to maintain, it will be enough to periodically wash the facade with water, while you can use detergents. Strong cleaning solutions, however, should not be used, as should brushes and scouring sponges that have abrasive or metallic elements.

Due to the available qualities, WPC siding is widely used for interior finishing works and in facade cladding. It has excellent quality and durability, which means it is ready to give a cottage or home natural beauty.

The main disadvantages of siding

No matter how perfect WPC siding is, it has some disadvantages. For example, cost. High-quality panels are quite expensive, and cheap ones will not be able to please with a long service life.

Products are presented on the market with a fairly small selection of shapes. But some call this minus conditional. Despite the fact that WPC siding is made in the same format, due to its ability to be processed, this minus can be partially compensated.

Conclusion

Wood has always been and remains the most demanded building material. It is universal in processing and has high thermal insulation aesthetic qualities. When creating unusual architectural buildings and decorating the interior, wood is unrivaled. Its only drawback is its susceptibility external factors. Manufacturers sought to negate all the shortcomings and invented an innovative building material called wood-polymer composite.

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