WPC Outdoor Flooring for Heat, Rain and Coastal Air

Outdoor floors will generally deteriorate faster than indoor floors. A patio floor will be subject to a wide variety of external influences and in no instance will the surface of the floor ever be in a stable condition. A patio floor may be subject to the harsh noon sun, sudden rainfall, wet footwear, dirt from the garden, pool water, and salt from coastal winds. The ultimate question is whether or not WPC outdoor flooring can stand up to any given climate and require very little repair.

Is it suitable to install a WPC floor? Yes. A suitable WPC floor is installed with a suitable installation method. Wood plastic composite flooring has the natural look and feel of timber with the added benefit of being stable, no need for painting, sealing and risk of splinters as you would find with natural timber when used outdoors.

What Makes WPC Outdoor Flooring Suitable for Outdoor Use?

WPC is a material that has appearance and durable properties. Therefore it can be used as garden WPC flooring, balcony WPC flooring, patio WPC flooring, terrace WPC flooring and pool deck WPC flooring.

A good outdoor WPC flooring system has four practical strengths.

• Waterproof and moisture-proof performance for daily outdoor exposure
• Wear-resistant surface for foot traffic, furniture movement and garden use
• Wood grain texture for a warmer look than plain concrete or metal
• Easy installation with click-lock or matching accessories

Even WPC deck flooring needs some specific features, like drainage gaps, sufficient airflow under the floorboards as well as scope for thermal expansion. The best WPC outdoor flooring is a system that is ready for the climate.

WPC Outdoor Flooring in Hot and Sunny Climates

In hot climates there are two major issues; surface temperature and thermal movement. The long dry season and the intense afternoon sun are major factors for most outdoor flooring applications. A dark exterior floor can become hot for bare feet in many of these climates, whilst low cost flooring products can develop uneven coloration and fade.

Choose Color and Surface With Heat in Mind

Light to medium wood tones are generally more practical for use on villas, cafes, roof terraces and pool areas in hot weather. Light brown, grey-beige and natural wood finishes are more comfortable for use than very dark shades.

When selecting a heat resistant WPC decking board it is also important to check for UV resistance, color stability and surface density. A product that performs well in an indoor environment will not necessarily perform in the same way once it has been exposed to months of direct sunlight and wet weather.

Leave Space for Thermal Expansion

WPC flooring undergoes thermal expansion. When flooring boards are fitted too tightly together or are pushed against the wall with their ends, minor errors in a fully exposed to the sun installation can result in boards with raised edges, flooring that squeaks or uneven joint connections.

Follow supplier’s gap guide particularly at ends of boards, at walls, around columns etc. Store materials flat before installation. Avoid leaving materials bent in the sun.

WPC Outdoor Flooring in Rainy and Humid Climates

Outdoor flooring that’s very weak for a rainy climate can get torn up. The surface may be wet for hours and leave streaks on people’s feet, leaves could get stuck between the boards, and lots of mud get brought in from the yard. And in very tropical climates, there is a lot of humidity in the air even when it is not raining. For such a climate, we recommend waterproof WPC flooring.

Waterproof Does Not Mean No Drainage

A moisture-proof WPC floor can be more water resistant than natural wood, but even the best floor should not be exposed to daily standing water. Proper decking slope, sealed deck gaps, and good under floor ventilation all help to enable the floor to dry quickly after rain.

For garden decks in rainy areas, balcony edges and patio walks, make sure the soil beneath the floor doesn’t trap water. Block the gaps with soil and you’ll have a filthy, slippery, difficult-to-clean outdoor decking floor even when it’s water resistant.

Anti-Slip Texture Matters Around Wet Areas

Smooth boards and wet feet don’t mix. Wet areas such as pools, outdoor showers, resort floors, garden restaurants and balcony exits require anti-slip WPC decking. Providing traction when wet, floor features such as deep wood grain, grooves and brushed finishes will prevent slipping and falling.

Add criteria for mold-resistant outdoor flooring and mildew-resistant decking performance for very humid outdoor spaces. WPC outdoor flooring is low maintenance NOT maintenance free! Periodic cleaning of pollen, yard debris, soil and other organic matter after long rains will extend product life.

WPC Outdoor Flooring in Coastal Climates

Coastal outdoor flooring has to withstand salt air, humidity, wind-blown sand, rain and lots of sunshine – all in one week. Natural wood floorings look beautiful in coastal outdoor areas but they need to be oiled and sealed again and again. For decking in coastal areas, WPC flooring has the big advantage of low maintenance.

Salt Air Is Not Only a Board Issue

Damage from salt air is not limited to the walking surface of the deck. Also clips, screws, joists and other metal parts hidden from view are affected by the salt air. A very stable WPC floor can fail early because of a poor fixing system that starts to rust.

The Corrosion Resistant Fasteners for decking are a key detail for installing decking on the frames of your Seaside Home, the hotel pool decks and the resort walkways. Choose the decking accessories with care, as you would with the decking boards. Allow for the frame to breathe and wash the surface frequently to remove the salt and sand.

Comfort Counts in Beach and Resort Projects

Our outdoor coastal flooring samples include bare feet, luggage, outdoor patio furniture, and cleaning products. A quality composite deck flooring will feel solid under foot, withstand scratches from chairs and furniture, and clean up with just soap and water. Our wood grain WPC outdoor flooring is ideal for beach houses and resort patios, offering a natural look without the splinters of old wood decking.

How to Choose WPC Outdoor Flooring by Project Type

Climate is the first filter for hotel design. The second filter is Usage. Thus, a quiet balcony on a lower floor and a restaurant deck on the top floor of a hotel may each receive exactly the same amount of sunshine. But they are sure to receive a very different amount of business.

Residential Patios and Balconies

We’d recommend choosing your perfect WPC floor for use on a home patio, as they offer great looks and comfort with minimum maintenance, similar to real wood in popular natural colors to match up with outdoor garden furniture, plant & flower tubs and other external decor items such as wall covering. When selecting a flooring option for use on a balcony, it’s essential to check the thickness of the board as well as the finished edges, plus the drainage provided on the floor below to allow for the fact that water will have less space to flow on a raised decking area as opposed to a patio on the ground.

Commercial Terraces and Public Walkways

If you run a commercial operation then you’re going to require a much harder wearing outdoor floor covering. This will particularly be the case for outdoor covered seating in Restaurants, Cafes, and Outdoor Retail Operations such as Shopport and Cine World where chairs will be constantly being moved and left, and are subject to splashes and spills of food and drink, as well as being used as a storage place for items such as cleaning carts and trollies, and left outside of peak hours. A floor covering with greater texture to its surface will easily cover minor scratches and scuffs to the floor, and importantly an Anti-Slip floor covering will enable people to still safely walk around and move around during wet hours of the day.

Before ordering, buyers should check:

• Local climate: heat, rain, humidity, salt air and freeze-thaw exposure
• Surface texture: anti-slip, barefoot comfort and cleaning needs
• Board color: heat comfort, design match and fading risk
• Installation base: drainage, ventilation and expansion space
• Accessories: clips, screws, joists and edge trims

Installation and Maintenance Details That Affect Performance

Many complaints about outdoor flooring can be traced back to poor installation and not material failure. For example, WPC decking installed too tight, too flat or without air space between boards can develop creaking sounds or start to move over time.

A good base for your deck needs to be stable and clean, the spacing of joists determined by the type of decking as well as the amount of load that is to bear upon it. It is also wise to leave space for the decking to expand at walls and steps, as well as around drains. On very wet sites, as well as coastal sites, make sure the fasteners are resistant to corrosion.

To keep your low maintenance outdoor flooring at its best it is wise to carry out the simple maintenance on a regular basis. Make sure you clear all dirt and leaves from your floor before they can cause any stains. Clean up any muddy areas with water and a mild detergent. Make sure the drainage holes are clear. If you have a coastal area floor rinse the floor during dry weather with a breeze, as in these conditions the salt and sand can quickly build up on the surface.

Foshan Sincere Building Materials Co., Ltd. as a WPC Floor Supplier

Foshan Sincere Building Materials Co., Ltd is a China supplier that specialize in indoor and outdoor wall and floor decor materials like wall and floor tiles, soft stone, wall coverings, SPC flooring, exterior wall and floor coverings. Our market covers South America, Europe, Southeast Asia, The Middle East and Africa etc.

Sincere is a WPC Floor supplier, that supplies wood plastic composite flooring for garden, balcony, etc. outdoor use. The WPC flooring from Sincere is waterproof & moisture-proof, wear resistant, easy click-lock installation, looks like real wood and with low maintenance for daily use. The flooring is Formaldehyde-free, anti-slip and also fire-retardant. Therefore, it is very suitable for projects where safety and service life are very important.

When placing large orders, a supplier must provide enough information including samples, specifications and application advice before placing the order. In addition, good communication is crucial. A supplier that offers a wide range of building materials can recommend matching WPC outdoor flooring with other finish materials such as wall panels and tiles within a project.

Conclusion

Our WPC outdoor flooring can be used in hot, rainy and coastal climates as long as the board, surface, accessories and installation details are suitable for these environments. In hot climates, the color and whether or not the boards can expand are important. In rainy or humid climates, the flooring must be waterproof in combination with good drainage and anti-slip surface texture. In coastal climates, the waterproof flooring itself is not the only thing that must be corrosion resistant, also the accessories must be. And in these environments it is very important to remove salt from the floor regularly.

FAQs

Can WPC outdoor flooring be used in hot climates?

Yes. WPC flooring for hot climates should be made with UV resistant materials, come in lighter colors and have proper expansion gaps. Very dark colored flooring can feel hotter in full sun and that is why color is an issue for barefoot comfort.

Is WPC outdoor flooring waterproof?

The waterproof WPC flooring is designed to withstand outdoors with moisture from rain and from cleaning. The flooring should be installed with good drainage to prevent dirt accumulation, slipping and poor drying.

Is WPC decking good for coastal areas?

WPC decking is ideal for coastal properties as it is moisture resistant and low maintenance compared to natural wood floors. In addition, WPC decking used in coastal locations should use corrosion resistant decking clips and deck screw.

What is the best outdoor flooring for rainy or humid areas?

The best outdoor flooring for wet climates has to offer water resistance, slip resistant surface, mold resistance and is easy to clean. For many rainy gardens, balconies, pool areas and outdoor corridors WPC deck flooring is the best solution.

Does WPC flooring expand in the sun?

Yes. Expansion of WPC decking in outdoor use is perfectly normal. Correct spacings, end gaps and edge gaps prevent lifting, noise and uneven joints.