What is Wood Plastic Composite?

As its name might suggest, wood plastic composite (WPC) is a material created from a unique blend of natural wood and plastic fibers. Sawdust, pulp, bamboo, peanut hulls and unused woodworking materials, like bark, from a variety of projects, are combined with plastic powder to form WPC.

What’s most remarkable about wood plastic composite is that it can be created entirely from recycled materials collected from C&D operations, wood product manufacturing facilities, and more. To top it off, used WPC can even be recycled to create brand new WPC, making WPC the ultimate recyclable commodity.

Why is WPC So Exciting?

Because wood plastic composite is created from a substance that starts as a paste, it can be molded to almost any shape and size, including arched or bent shapes. That innate flexibility extends to color as well- WPC can be dyed or colored to suit almost any design scheme.

From a functional standpoint, wood plastic composite is moisture-resistant and rot-resistant, meaning that it will last aesthetically and integrally longer than normal wood. And WPC is more heat-resistant than typical lumber, creating a product that can be used in locations where normal lumber may bend or warp.

The Real Lumber Alternative

Depending on what material the sawdust is blended with — polyethylene or polypropylene — WPC can be used for a variety of construction projects in much the same way as natural lumber. Drilling, planing, sanding; it’s all done just as easily with WPC as it is with wood.

Construction professionals may even find that wood fasteners, like nails and screws, actually achieve a better hold in WPC as compared to regular wood. Additionally, WPC is less likely to split or break when screws are used near the end of the planks, which can be a common problem when using real wood.

WPC Can Defy the Elements

Thanks to WPC’s specialized and customizable makeup, the material is uniquely equipped to handle changes in weather with less damage than the average material. If you’re looking for a material that will stand the test of time for your next project WPC might just be the one for you.