What is WPC decking?
WPC decking is an alternative decking product made from wood plastic composites, a unique composition that replicates wood without the maintenance of traditional timber decking. Commonly used by builders, landscapers, and maintenance companies, this form of decking is ideal for commercial and residential use as well as schools and other public spaces.
WPC decking products are usually considered for upgrading and renovation projects and are the perfect solution when needing to create extra clean, dry areas.
As composite decking suppliers, STORM Building Products offers the revolutionary TRITON WPC Decking. Choose from 5 different colours and two design options – all of which are easy to install and eco-friendly.
What does WPC decking mean?
WPC stands for ”wood plastic composite”, which is a composition that is made up of 45% timber fibres and 55% HDPE and additives. Composite decking is a plastic building material that is made up from this composition to substitute traditional timber, offering many benefits that aren’t available with usual wood decking.
While timber decking often offers no slip resistance and is more likely to rot, splinter or breakdown, composite decking boards offer a more durable and stylish alternative that lasts longer and also fully replicates the usual look of wood decking.
How much is WPC decking?
While composite decking can be more expensive than traditional timber products, you always get what you pay for – and in this case, it’s quality.
It is true that you could make short term savings by using traditional timber products, but the long-term benefits offered by WPC decking makes the higher price well worth it.
Often customers will come to STORM seeking something far more durable and long-lasting after one too many timber decks have splintered or rotted. With all the benefits of timber but none of the maintenance, as well as eco-friendly features and anti-slip resistance, WPC decking products are more appealing and a much better investment.
STORM offers a large range of affordable, high-quality composite decking with a choice of either wide-spaced grooves or narrow-spaced groves available. There are also 5 composite decking colours, black, brown, light grey, mid-grey, and teak, to choose from. Combine that with our fast supply and friendly service, and you can rest assured that it’s worth every penny.
WPC decking: how much will I need?
The amount of decking differs for each project and depends on the size and requirements of the area. The TRITON WPC Decking range is available in 2 different lengths, 2.95m or 5.9m, which are ideal sizes for most standard decks.
How to fit WPC decking
WPC decking is designed to be installed with ease. The first step is to prepare and build the substructure by ensuring that there is good drainage below the area, keeping joists at a maximum of 250mm centres and allowing room for expansion by keeping the WPC subframe set from surrounding walls or obstacles.
The next step would be to fix the decking boards to the composite decking joists using a fixing clip. Once this is done, and you’ve ensured your composite decking is properly supported, you can finish the deck by tidying up the sides with an angle trim.
Like many PVC building products, expansion is a major factor to consider and prepare for. Variations in temperature will result in the boards moving so there must always be a gap between two WPC products.
Colour and surface changes should also be expected and prepared for. Colour will typically fade slightly over the first 12 months but will then settle down. For the best results, it is advisable that the boards are stored in the required site for 72 hours before installation as this gives them a chance to acclimatize.
Although composite decking can be installed at any time of year, spring is usually the best as the temperatures are generally moderate.
How to clean WPC decking
Composite decking boards may show water stains and, although they generally disappear naturally after exposure to rain, the decking boards may require cleaning in hotter weather as the stains can become more exaggerated. If the decking does require cleaning then it essential to follow these steps:
- Pour hot water directly onto the decking and let it soak for 5-10 minutes.
- When sufficient time has passed, work the warm water and a neutral soap into the decking using a soft bristle brush.
- Either pressure wash to remove the soap or rinse down with hot water, the latter being the preferred method.
- Remove the water from the deck with a rubber-edged brush.
- Mop up the remaining wet areas with a clean mop.
Remember to never wash your decking when it is still hot and always use a neutral soap.
How to fix WPC decking
Like any other deck, composite decking may need to be replaced or repaired over time. The most effective way to repair a damaged deck is to replace the composite decking boards that are worn or broken with matching composite pieces.
Simply remove the composite deck boards, replace the deck joists, reinforce the deck posts, and then replace the deck boards with a matching board.
To give customers peace of mind, STORM offers a 10-year guarantee against the following deformations:
- Splitting
- Rotting
- Cracking
- Decay
This means that, should the decking become defective when subjected to normal use, it can be replaced as part of the guarantee.
Want to supply composite decking boards?
STORM offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of composite decking in the UK. To become a distributor of TRITON WPC Decking, and a variety of our other superior plastic building materials, all you need to do is simply fill out a quick form!
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a local distributor of our composite decking then you can find a distributor by filling out the form on our site.
You can also get in touch by emailing [email protected], calling 01278 455326 or filling in our online enquiry form.
This article was written by Jade Mitchell.
Jade is the Marketing Coordinator at STORM Building Products, she has been working in the building plastics industry since 2016 and has completed ISMM level 2 and 3.