What is WPC and why choose it over natural wood
WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) is a new generation composite material, increasingly in demand for interior and exterior building and design projects.
The reason is quickly explained: WPC guarantees high technical and aesthetic performance at any latitude, in any climate, and in the long run, it is significantly more eco-sustainable than natural wood.
In this article, we will delve into what WPC is, why it is winning over architects and private individuals, and how it meets the needs of those looking for a quality covering.
What is WPC?
WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) is a material obtained by mixing wood chips (recovered or recycled wood fibers) with thermoplastic polymers (such as high-density polyethylene and PVC).
Woodn Greenwood's R&D department has patented two exclusive compounds, created specifically for special WPC applications.
Woodn WPC is primarily polymer-based, making it 100% waterproof and perfect for a wide variety of cladding, sunshades, and suspended ceilings.
WPC Greenwood, on the other hand, has a predominant percentage of wood fiber, to be more faithful to the Touch & Feel of natural wood: it is mainly used for flooring profiles.
The result is a stable product, resistant to thermal shock, and perfect for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Further details are available on this page: link.
Main applications of WPC
- Flooring and decking (outdoor and indoor)
The WPC decking It is ideal for terraces, patios, and pool decks: the material does not fade in the sun, is water-resistant, cleans with a simple spray of water, and requires no maintenance.
The brushed finish also ensures a non-slip surface with a friction coefficient of R11. - Cladding and False Ceilings
The systems in WPC, furthermore, line walls internal and external and ventilated facades, or are used to create Ceilings For indoor/outdoor use.
In fact, water repellency and high heat resistance always guarantee dimensional stability and prevent woodworm and mold from taking root on the surfaces.
This way, environments remain healthy for longer, even in areas with higher humidity: bathrooms and kitchens in residential settings, even spas and swimming pools in Contract settings. - Sunshades and decorative screens
Finally, WPC profiles are suitable for creating Sun breaker, sunshades and modular screens, to block sunlight, maintain privacy, and infuse buildings with a modern aesthetic.
WPC vs. Natural Wood
The comparison between composite wood and natural wood highlights technical and maintenance advantages that make composite the preferred choice in many contexts.
| FEATURE | WPC | NATURAL WOOD |
|---|---|---|
| Weather resistance | High: waterproof and UV-resistant surface | Low: without treatment, it absorbs water and fades in the sun |
| Maintenance | Zero: water cleaning, no painting | Periodic sanding, varnishing, and oiling |
| Dimensional stability | It does not warp and does not crack | Sensitive to humidity and temperature |
| Lifespan (useful life) | A minimum of 30 years warranty | Maximum 10 years in optimal conditions |
| Material Origin | Recycled wood fibers + recyclable polymers | New forest resource logging |
| Mold and pest infestation | Structurally impenetrable surface | Vulnerable surface without specific treatments |
The advantages of WPC
• Durability and weather resistance
Thanks to its polymer matrix, WPC is resistant to rain, intense sun, and frost. It maintains its color and mechanical properties for decades, without cracking or rotting.
• Zero maintenance and easy cleaning
A jet of water or a neutral detergent is sufficient to remove dirt and stains. There's no need for sanding, treating, or oiling: the wood-plastic composite material retains its original appearance even with intense use and foot traffic.
• Dimensional stability and resistance to mold and woodworm
WPC does not absorb water, eliminating mold formation and the possibility of attacks by wood-boring insects. It results in a stable product that does not vary in length or thickness with humidity cycles.
Sustainability and certifications of WPC material
aReduced deforestation and recycling
Woodn Greenwood uses recycled wood fibers, reducing the extraction of natural resources, and promotes the creation of a true Circular economy.
When the product reaches end-of-life, it is shredded, pulverized, and re-extruded by Woodn Greenwood through the Regenerate Cycle, to give life to a new secondary raw material, ready to be transformed again into profiles and systems.
aRemade® in Italy Certification
The Rigenera line's outdoor flooring planks are certified Remade® in Italy With an A+ rating: made from 100%, a recycled material derived from internal byproducts, they guarantee verified sustainability throughout the entire supply chain.
aFSC® Certification
Woodn Greenwood products and company are certified FSC®, ensuring the company's commitment to maintaining the chain of custody for the wood used in production, which comes from responsibly managed forests.
aMapping LEED®, reliability tests and quality certifications
Woodn Greenwood systems are periodically tested and Certification paths at accredited laboratories, to ensure that those who purchase and use them have properties that comply with the strictest international regulations: fire resistance, wear, VOC emissions, sound absorption…
As a further guarantee of their reduced environmental impact, the products comply with Dull (Minimum Environmental Criteria) and contribute to LEED Mapping® for sustainable architecture.
Composite wood maintenance and cleaning
One of the main advantages of WPC is its simplicity in daily maintenance. Unlike natural wood, it does not require seasonal treatments, varnishing, or sealants.
However, to ensure its longevity and maintain the material's aesthetic over time, it's useful to follow some good ordinary maintenance practices, and understand How to clean WPC.
Recommended maintenance:
- Occasional cleaning with a water jet, a soft-bristled brush, and neutral detergent, especially during wetter seasons or after long periods of disuse.
- Removal of leaves, dirt, or debris to prevent the buildup of dirt and water stagnation between the slats.
- Annual inspection of joints, screws, and fasteners.
Minimal maintenance is more than sufficient to preserve the aesthetic effect and performance of WPC over time, even in outdoor environments subject to thermal excursions, humidity, or solar radiation.
WPC is the solution that combines the aesthetics of wood with modern practicality: long durability, zero maintenance, sustainability, and superior technical performance make Woodn Greenwood the choice of excellence for flooring, cladding, and sunshade systems.
Find the closest retailer o Ask for project consultation on the page Contacts, to discover how WPC can transform your space.