wood plastic composite post/outdoor wood post

  Property

Wood decking

WPC decking

Maintenance

Requires regular coats of stain or sealant through out its life to remain protected from moisture and sunlight

Never needs to be painted, sanded, stained or sealed, will occasionally require cleaning

Weathering

Absorb moisture and it is susceptible to mold ,mildew and rot

The plastic adds resistance to moisture and rot, while mold inhabitors can prevent the growth of mold

Longevity

Because it’s an organic material,it will eventually rot.

Can last 2-3 times longer than wood

Pests

Vulnerable to insects and termite manager

Highly resistant to insects and termites

Warping

Has high dimensional stability ,and is more rigid than plastic , but is prone to wrapping and splintering.

Has more dimensional stability than pure plastic ,but may deform under extreme heat .will not wrap, splinter  or check

Environmental Impact

Uses virgin natural resources, which requires the harvesting of lumber

Both the wood and the plastic in a composite deck can come from recycled content varies between manufactures

Cost

Costs less than composite initially ,but requires regular maintenance costs for the life of the deck

Costs more than wood initially, but makes up for it in saving from maintenance costs