Specialty dealers are confronted with a number of obstacles as the
WPC decking takes off, from communicating the characteristics and advantages of the new category to clients to successfully merchandising this product area.
Here are a few queries about WPC decking and how to respond to them in case you're new to the category or want to learn more:
What precisely is WPC?
Although the "w" in WPC stands for wood, the bulk of the items of this sort that are now being introduced to the market do not. Thermoplastics, calcium carbonate, and wood flour are the main components of WPC, a composite material. It is advertised as being waterproof, robust, and dimensionally stable when used as a core material in extrusion, which overcomes some of the drawbacks of conventional engineered wood while maintaining a wood-like appearance. Suppliers are branding their WPC solutions with titles like enhanced vinyl plank, engineered vinyl plank (or EVP flooring), and waterproof vinyl flooring in an effort to set themselves apart from the competition.
What distinguishes it from laminate?
The main benefit of WPC over laminate is that it is waterproof and suited for locations where laminate shouldn't traditionally be used, such as bathrooms and basements where moisture penetration is a possibility. Additionally, WPC materials do not require an expansion gap every 30 feet like laminate boards do, allowing them to be put in big spaces. WPC floors are cushioned and comfortable, and the vinyl wear layer also absorbs impact noise to make them silent floors. Because WPC doesn't require expansion moldings, it is also appropriate for wide-open areas like basements and Main Street commercial spaces.
What sets it apart from LVT?
The key distinctions between the two are that WPC
flooring is waterproof and can be installed over most subfloors with little preparation. Because traditional vinyl flooring is flexible, any subfloor irregularities will be visible through the surface. Because the stiff core conceals subfloor flaws, WPC products offer a particular benefit over conventional glue-down LVT or solid-locking LVT. The stiff core also permits longer and broader forms. In order to utilize WPC over fractures and divots in concrete or hardwood subfloors, there is no need to worry about the preparation LVT would call for.
