WPC Board Vs Plywood | Which Should Be a Better Choice | What Is WPC Board | What Is Plywood
Table of Contents
Introduction of WPC Board Vs. Plywood
The Interior of the structure plays a vital role in improving the aesthetical value of your home. So it is very important that you should choose one of the best materials for the interiors.
There are various materials available in the market for the Interior design of the home or office. It is very difficult to decide which material we should choose between the WPC Board and Plywood.
WPC Board and Plywood are one of two common names which you definitely hear from the interior designer when you are doing interior designing of your home.
In this article, we will go through the complete comparison between the WPC boards Vs. Plywood so that you can choose the best one for the interior design of your home or office.
What Is WPC Board?
The Full form of the WPC boards is Wood Plastic composites. Its name itself says its meaning that it is a composite material that is made from wood, fiber, and thermoplastic.
The WPC boards are manufactured from grounded sawdust, which is mixed and heated thoroughly by adding resins and additives in it. The proportion of the recycled plastic in the WPC board is about 75%, sawdust is about 15%, and the remaining is the additives.
WPC boards have good resistance to moisture because of the presence of a high amount of plastic in them. The plastic makes it completely waterproof and does not allow water to penetrate it.
What Is Plywood?
Plywood is basically a sheet or board which is made from fine layers of wood veneers that are attached together, placing wood grains at an angle of 90 degrees.
There are various types of Plywoods available in the market, such as hardwood plywood, softwood plywood, Flexible plywood, decorative plywood, etc.
WPC Board Vs. Plywood: Comparison
1. WPC Board Vs. Plywood: Definition
WPC Board: WPC is a highly durable and secure material used for construction purposes. It is a blend of wood fiber wood flour and thermoplastics. The WPC boards are also prepared from inorganic fillers and plastic composites. Wood-plastic composite is also used as a strong and high-end flooring option.
Plywood: Plywood is manufactured from softwoods (such as Douglas fir, pine, and redwood), hardwoods (such as ash, maple, and mahogany), or a combination of both. The timber used to make plywood is prepared by steaming or dipping it in hot water. It is then peeled into thin plies of between 1-4 mm by a lathe machine.
2. WPC Board Vs. Plywood: Moisture Resistant and Termite Resistant Qualities
WPC Board: WPC is a Mixture of sawdust and plastics. They are a hundred percent water-resistant and termite-proof material.
Plywood: Plywood surface is very hard and delivers superior water-resistant qualities. They are made from tropical hardwood veneers and jointed using water-resistant adhesive. Marine ply is further treated with preservatives and protective finishes to enhance water and termite-resistant qualities.
3. WPC Board Vs. Plywood: Fire Resistant and Heat Resistance
WPC Board: WPC does not burn with flames due to the presence of plastic material and special additives. WPC is a polymer-based material and does not catch fire.
Plywood: Plywood burns with flame and is more suspectable to heat.
4. WPC Board Vs. Plywood: Screw Holding Capacity
WPC Board: Screw holding capacity of WPC depends on the density of the materials. For a competitive screw holding capacity, WPC boards should possess a density of 600kg/cm3.
Plywood: Due to the cross-layered arrangement of veneers, plywood possesses extremely good screw-holding capacities. It may not come out from the hinges easily.
5. WPC Board Vs. Plywood: Eco-friendly Qualities
Plywood: Plywood veneers are from cutting trees and are not environmentally friendly. The manufacturing of plywood will result in deforestation.
WPC Board: WPC is made from wood waste, sawdust, recycled plastics, etc., and consumes industrial wastes and converts it into usable materials. WPC manufacturing does not generate any wastage, nor are any trees cut in this process, and it is an environmentally friendly material.
6. WPC Board Vs. Plywood: Workability
Plywood: Plywood can be easily bent without affecting its strength. But planning and molding are not possible like Wood and WPC due to cross-layered arrangement.
WPC Board: WPC got the combined properties of plastic and wood and hence is more flexible than plywood and can be thermoformed to any shape. They can also be molded, planned, and grooved, exactly like wood.
7. WPC Board Vs. Plywood: Durability
Plywood: The durability of plywood depends on the grade which is being used and the area of application. Plywood is durable but has to be maintained properly. Some plywood grades may split or splinter in the course of time.
WPC Board: WPC is an extremely durable material and is long-lasting. WPC always comes with a lifetime guarantee from major manufacturers, whereas plywood quality determines durability and life.
Because of the presence of a lot of plywood manufacturers, the qualities may be compromised. BWR grade- IS 303 GRADE plywood is sold to the customer in place of Marine ply in most cases. Ensure that the materials are purchased from the reputed manufacturer with proper test certificates.
8. WPC Board Vs. Plywood: Advantages
Advantages of WPC Boards
- The advantages of the WPC boards are as follows
- The WPC boards are completely waterproof and have good resistance to termite attack.
- The WPC boards can be molded into any shape and size as per your requirement of the design.
- It does not undergo decay and has a good resistance to rot.
- WPC is an eco-friendly material that does not cause any harm to the environment.
- WPC is more durable and mostly comes with a lifetime guarantee from various branded manufacturers.
Advantages of Plywood
- The various advantages of plywood are as follows
- Plywood offers good stability, and it has enhanced properties.
- Plywood has high impact resistance.
- Plywood has a more strength-to-weight ratio.
- Plywood does not corrode, and it has good chemical resistance.
- Plywood can be easily polished or painted, and it has a smooth surface.
- Plywood has good resistance to shrinkage and warping.
9. WPC Board Vs Plywood: Disadvantages
Disadvantages of WPC Boards
- There are also some disadvantages of the WPC boards, which are as follows
- The WPC Boards are a little bit expensive as compared to other types of boards.
- The resistance of the Wood plastic composite boards is low to extreme temperatures.
- WPC board lacks the natural texture of wood, due to which it does not give a natural wood feeling.
Disadvantages of Plywood
- The various disadvantages of plywood are as follows
- Plywood has less resistance to moisture.
- There are chances of decay and disintegration of the plywood.
- It is very necessary to paint the surface of the plywood. Otherwise, it is peeled off.
- Plywoods are not flexible to bent or mold in the desired shape.
Difference Between WPC Board and Plywood [Table Format]
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| Sr.No. | WPC Board | Plywood |
| 1 | WPC boards are made from a mixture of sawdust, recycled plastic, thermoplastics, and fibers. | Plywood is made from a thin layer of wood veneer whose layers are rotated at 90 degrees to one another. |
| 2 | WPC Boards are 100% waterproof and do not allow moisture to penetrate them. | Plywood does not have good resistance to moisture as compared to the WPC boards. |
| 3 | WPC boards are fire-resistant; they can be used in fire-prone areas. | Plywoods are not fire-resistant; they will spread fire so that they cannot be used in Fire prone areas. |
| 4 | WPC boards do not corrode, and they have high resistance to decay and rot. | Plywoods may undergo problems of decay and rot. |
| 5 | In the WPC boards, there is a lack of natural feeling and the appearance of the wood. | The plywood is made from natural wood, due to which it has a natural wood appearance. |
| 6 | The WPC boards are more expensive as compared to the plywood. | The Plywoods are less expensive as compared to WPC boards. |
| 7 | WPC boards have a higher load-bearing capacity. | Plywood has a lower load-bearing capacity as compared to WPC boards. |
| 8 | WPC Boards do not require any application of paint or laminate on the surface. | In the case of plywood, it is very necessary to apply paint or laminate to make its surface smooth. |
| 9 | Wood-plastic boards are more durable and long-lasting compared to plywood. | The durability of plywood mainly depends on its grade. |
| 10 | WPC boards are eco-friendly materials; no trees are fallen for making WPC boards. | Plywood is not eco-friendly because it is made by cutting trees. |
| 11 | The screw holding capacity of WPC boards is less compared to plywood. | Plywood has a good screw holding capacity because of the presence of cross-layered veneers. |
| 12 | The cost of WPC Boards ranges from $1.66 to $2.0 per square foot. The cost varies as per the quality of the boards. | The cost of plywood ranges from $1.11 to $1.80 per square foot as per the grade of the plywood. |
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Conclusion of WPC Board Vs. Plywood
The WPC boards are one of the popular materials which are commonly used in Interior work. WPC( Wood plastic boards) are eco-friendly, durable, and long-lasting as compared to plywood.
But the WPC board does not give the natural wood experience. If you are a nature lover and want materials that will improve the natural experience of the interior, then Plywood will be the best option for you.
[su_box title=”FAQ” style=”default” box_color=”#333333″ title_color=”#FFFFFF” radius=”3″ class=”” id=””]
Is WPC Safe?
WPC is a highly durable and secure material used for construction purposes. Wood plastic composite is also used as a strong and high-end flooring option.
Is WPC Eco Friendly?
WPC Decking is produced without pollutants during processing and does not pollute the environment. In use, WPC Decking has secondary processing properties similar to wood, which can be cut, glued, and fixed with nails or bolts. Using WPC decking can reduce the use of a lot of wood and protect the forest resources.
Is WPC Board Strong?
WPC is a highly durable and secure material used for construction purposes. Wood plastic composite is also used as a strong and high-end flooring option.
Which Is Cheaper, WPC or Plywood?
Good companies are offering 19-mm marine plywood at ₹110-125 per square foot. 18-mm WPC boards are available at ₹130-145 per square foot.
Can Wpc Board Be Painted?
You can paint or polish the WPC board with any color of your choice. Before painting or polishing, sand it with sand Paper and then clean it with a cloth. Apply PUTTY on the edges of the WPC board and let it dry to make it smooth.
Which Is Better, MDF or WPC?
HDF/MDF is made with the use of harmful chemicals. Hence it is hazardous to our health. WPC/MPC, on the other hand, has no usage of any harmful chemicals during its making. And to add to that, WPC/MPC is an IGBC and GRIHA-certified product.
Is WPC Board Good for Kitchen?
Marine plywood and WPC boards have similar characteristics – they are moisture-resistant, termite-resistant, suitable for outdoor applications, and for carpentry work in moisture-laden areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Which Is Cheaper, WPC or Plywood?
Good quality WPC boards are costlier than marine plywood. But the additional costs incurred for veneer, laminates, etc can be eliminated.
Is Wpc Board Better Than Plywood?
Conclusion. WPC is a long-lasting, eco-friendly, durable, and extremely high water and moisture resistant product than plywood. Plywood, on the other hand, is durable and can match wood finishes and colors through veneers and laminates, which is not possible in WPC.
Which Is Better, WPC or Marine Plywood?
A big difference from marine plywood is that WPC can be molded into any shape, even bent into curves. However, keep in mind that the inclusion of plastics means that WPCs have higher fire hazard properties than wood.
Is Marine Plywood Termite Resistant
Termite and water resistant
Contrary to public opinion, marine-grade plywood is relatively insulated from the many plagues that assail regular wood. Yes, including water, moisture, and termite damage.
What Is Mdo Plywood Used For?
Medium-density overlay plywood (MDO plywood) is durable plywood that is used primarily for outdoor applications due to its weather-resistant nature. In addition to its exceptional durability, MDO plywood is very easy to finish and paint.
What Is Luan Plywood Used For?
Lauan plywood (also known as Luan Plywood) is a commercial term used throughout the United States that typically refers to a 1/8″ – 1/4″ tropical hardwood plywood panel used for underlayment in flooring, lamination, paper overlay, furniture, and millwork applications.
What Type of Plywood for Flooring?
Standard plywood can be used for subfloors, but a better material is 3/4-inch tongue-and-groove plywood subflooring. The tongue-and-groove edges interlock to resist movement along the panel edges and create an overall stiffer floor.
What Can Plywood Be Used For?
The following things can be made of plywood: doors, floors or ceilings, external walls as well as roof and concrete formwork, cabinets, chairs, tables and many other things. In addition, boat and aircraft construction as well as hobby and model construction often use plywood.
What Is Birch Plywood Used For?
What are the typical uses for Birch Plywood? Uses include a variety of applications such as millwork, furniture production, structural/industrial applications, pattern making, plywood underlayment, formwork, home improvement, and minor construction projects.
What Size Plywood Is Used for Flooring?
Some experts suggest that 15/32-inch plywood should be standard if the underlying floor joists are spaced 16 inches apart or less, but you should use slightly thicker 3/4-inch plywood for joists spaced further apart. However, check with your local code authorities for the official recommendations.
What Do You Use Plywood For?
7 Common Practical Uses for Plywood
- Exterior Wall Sheathing. Common wall construction on new homes, especially in North America consists of a 2-foot x 4-foot or 2-foot by 6-foot frame skinned in exterior-grade plywood sheathing.
- Interior Walls.
- Roofing and Flooring.
- Other Construction.
- Furniture.
- Cabinets.
- General Projects.
What Is Ply Board Used For?
Usually, exterior plywood is used for walls, roof lining, and walls. Interior plywood is used for more design purposes. You’ll find that interior plywood is used in many furniture pieces, ceilings, and cladding.
What Is Poplar Plywood Used For?
Lightweight: as an extremely lightweight option, poplar plywood is commonly used for projects that require challenging installations, such as ceilings or wall-to-wall cabinets or shelves. Versatile: despite its lightweight, poplar plywood is suitable for many kinds of projects and is very strong and durable.
What Do You Use Osb Board For?
6 Common Uses of OSB
- Wall Sheathing. One of the most common uses of oriented strand board is for wall sheathing, and in fact, a good part of the wall
sheathing used today, particularly in North America, is OSB. - Subflooring and Flooring.
- Roofing.
- Walling.
- Furniture Making.
- Cabinetry.
Plywood What Is It Used For
Plywood is used in many areas as a building material, for example, both indoors and outdoors. Plywood is also used for furniture sets, cabinets and tables. In general, it can be said that due to its high strength values, plywood is used wherever high stability is required.
What Is MDF Plywood Used For
Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is a composite product used in many homes and professional projects, such as furniture, cabinetry, flooring and even speaker boxes due to its smooth finish, machinability, strength, and consistency.
What Plywood to Use for Furniture
A-grade plywood is ideal for furniture or cabinet doors. B-grade plywood also features a smooth, sanded surface, but may have more repaired defects up to 1-inch across.
What Plywood to Use for Walls?
Using ½” thick plywood for walls is standard, although the International Residential Code specifies only 3/8” wall sheathing when studs are spaced 16” apart and the siding is attached to the studs and not just the plywood. For buildings with siding attached only to the sheathing, the IRC requires ½” plywood.
What Type of Wood Is Used for Plywood?
Hardwood plywood is made from hardwoods like birch, maple, and oak. The plies are glued at right angles to one another, making the plywood very strong and stable.
What Type of Plywood for Trailer Floor?
If you are going to use plywood for that, I’d recommend a ‘marine’ grade ply. Personally, I’d use planking, 2x material like oak or redwood. 1x Ipe ( ironwood ) might work, depending on spans. With planking, you will not need to paint.
What Is Baltic Birch Plywood Used For?
In addition to cabinets and furniture, Baltic birch has many specialty uses. It’s popular plywood for making the core of skateboards (particularly because of its strength, durability, and affordability), speaker boxes, and even as the shell for custom trailers.
What Type of Plywood for Walls?
Plywood and OSB are largely considered the best wall sheathing choices because of their overall abilities to hold fasteners well, create a strong bond between studs, and provide some thermal advantages.
What Type of Plywood to Use for Shed Floor?
pressure-treated plywood
Ordinary exterior-grade plywood is made with weather-resistant glue, but the wood itself is not particularly rot-resistant. This is why pressure-treated plywood is best for a shed floor. Even a floor that’s raised off the ground a bit will last longer if it’s made with pressure-treated plywood.
What Type of Plywood Do You Use for Cabinets?
For cabinet doors, you should consider using 3/8 inch plywood, especially if you want a design on the front. However, if you want a simple frame and door, you can use 1/4 inch plywood.
What Is Structural Plywood Used For?
As the name suggests, structural plywood is best used for building and construction purposes like beams and hoardings. But this type of plywood can also be used in crates, internal structures, bins, boxes, and outdoor furniture. Some structural plywoods are also used for wall and roof bracing.
What to Use for Shed Roof Sheathing?
Exterior grade plywood and OSB are the two main choices for roofing. While strand board is stronger in shear force, plywood of the same thickness is lighter – easier to lift on your own.
What Type of Plywood to Use for Interior Walls?
3-ply is one of the most common types of plywood. It is about 2- to 3 millimeters thick and is generally used indoors since it looks more decorative than thicker plywood boards. 5-ply is a versatile type of plywood that is about 4 millimeters thick.
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