WPC vs PVC: Which Is Better?

The need for versatile and durable architectural materials is crucial in ensuring structures, facilities and even furniture can stand the test of time. Today, WPC and PVC are two of the most popular choices for construction because of their strength and unique aesthetic looks. If you’re currently scouting for materials, you’ve probably encountered these two and you’re wondering which one is the better choice. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you, and we’ve found the key factors that can help you decide. In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between PVC and WPC, their uses, and whether one is better than the other.

What Are PVC and WPC?

Before we go into the specifics, let’s first try to answer what PVC is and its differences when compared to WPC. PVC, or the polymerization of vinyl chloride, is a construction material that is widely used in the healthcare, automotive, and construction industries. Because of its wide use, chances are you already own materials that make use of PVC, including clothing and footwear. In construction, PVC is widely used for lightweight flooring and walling solutions, as well as for electrical and plumbing purposes.

WPC, on the other hand, is also known as wood plastic composite. Compared to PVC, WPC is a more environmentally friendly material, especially since it’s mostly produced with recycled plastics and other organic components. Today, it’s one of the top choices for outdoor constructions, including outdoor deck flooring and wall cladding. It’s a popular option thanks to its resistance to moisture and rot, as well as its low-maintenance characteristics.

PVC vs. WPC: 5 Similarities and Differences

When it comes to durability and versatility, PVC and WPC are similar, making them interchangeable in use. However, builders and construction experts sometimes favor one over the other depending on their application and budget. To help you decide between WPC boards vs PVC boards for your project, here’s a list of their similarities and their differences regarding their built, price points, and customizability:

1. Resistance to Fire

During construction, homeowners make a lot of effort to ensure that their homes and constructions are resistant to fire and decay. Fortunately, PVC and WPC can lend your home resistance to both, thanks to their unique material build. However, because PVC has a higher mechanical strength than WPC, its resistance to fire exceeds WPC’s, with some manufacturers claiming that PVC is close to being fireproof. This is one of the reasons why homebuilders choose PVC ceiling sheets and flooring.

While they both offer impressive protection, PVC may be the better choice than WPC, especially for homeowners who want to improve their home’s fireproofing.

2. Resistance to Rot and Moisture

WPC and PVC are both resistant to rot and can provide your home with durable construction materials that will last for a long time, even without regular maintenance. WPC and PVC are also moisture resistant, so you wouldn’t have to worry about molds and mildew during the wet season. This makes PVC and WPC panels for walls highly recommended due to their ability to wick off one of the top causes of damage in homes – water.

3. Durability and Customizability

WPC and PVC boards both have excellent durability and can offer long-lasting protection due to their strength and toughness. They hold well against pressure and can withstand high amounts of impacts without splitting or cracking. However, due to both their strengths, you might be wondering whether they have the same customizability.

In this area, WPC boards easily overtake PVC boards since they’re more flexible and can easily be personalized using textures and colors. They can also be handled using common carpentry tools, including drills, nails, and cutters – requiring no special tools during installation.

4. UV Resistance and Weatherability

Outdoor materials are often exposed to weather elements for long periods of time, effectively expediting corrosion and damage. However, PVC and WPC provide excellent weatherproofing. Whether we’re talking about strong winds or continuous rainfall, both these materials can withstand these conditions without any difficulty. WPC, on the one hand, may be the better choice when it comes to applications that require direct exposure to sunlight. With its UV resistance, you won’t have to worry about high temperature-induced brittleness and material shrinkage and expansion – making it a great choice for withstanding different temperatures and seasons.

5. Price

One of the major differences between PVC and WPC is their price points. WPC is much more affordable than PVC, providing homeowners with materials with almost the same durability but at a lower cost. While PVC may be more expensive, however, some builders still choose to use it because it has been tried and tested for years – not only for its safety but also for its longevity.

PVC vs. WPC: Which Is Better?

PVC and WPC are excellent building materials that can offer your home an extra level of strength and durability – not to mention additional aesthetic value. But because WPC and PVC both have their own strengths and weaknesses, deciding on which one is better largely depends on the application. For outdoor constructions that require heavy exposure to high temperatures, WPC may be the better choice. But for constructions that need extensive fireproofing, using PVC would be non-negotiable.

If in any case you’re still torn with the WPC vs. PVC debate, you can contact us at Decocity and we’ll be more than happy to answer your queries and give you professional advice regarding the materials you’re planning to use.

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