What are the capped and uncapped composite decking?
WPC Decking – Wood Plastic Composite Decking is mainly made of PE and wood flour. After high-speed mixing and granulation,the wood fiber and plastic materials are extruded and formed in the models, which effectively combines the dual characteristics of PE and wood flour to made the WPC composite decking panels.
It creates the two most popular types of composite decking are capped and uncapped decking. The capped decking is made through co extrusion processing while traditional uncapped decking by compression molding, also called co extrusion decking.
The biggest difference between capped and uncapped decking is that capped decking have a additional PE production layer. So the capped composite decking also known as the upgrade for the traditional uncapped decking(1st generation composite decking) as the 2nd generation composite decking.
PRICE RANGE - Uncapped decking vs Capped decking
As for capped and uncapped composite decking, all have been designed by square hollow composite decking, circle hollow composite decking, and solid decking models. But all the same series decking, capped composite will be more expensive than uncapped composite decking.
Because the production technology and raw materials are different, also including the additional PE production layer. Typically, the capped composite decking sales price range will be 20-50% higher than uncapped decking.
It means that if the same square meters decking projects, use the capped composite decking will cost more on the purchase of the raw materials.
However, capped composite decking owns the PE production covering additionally, which makes that the decking can last for more than 30 years while the uncapped composite decking can last around 20 years. Considering the longer durability time and post maintenance, capped composite decking will be more suitable for long term projects.
Hereby, from the costs part, for short term projects, uncapped composite decking is an economic and popular choice. For the long term decking projects, capped composite decking is more suitable.
Is capped decking better?
Appearance Performance - Uncapped decking vs Capped decking
Uncapped composite decking appears to be restricted to a couple of set styles at present. They are overall quite the vast majority are content with them however moving to covered decking offers a lot bigger assortment.
From matured wood impacts to profound grays and sensible tans, covered composite decking offers a substantially more customized selection of varieties and styles.
In general, you can simply differentiate when you take a gander at one and the other. For a great many people uncapped will be okay however for those searching for a more refined look covered decking may offer more.
And for color lasting time, capped composite decking has the special advantages. The additional pe production layer protects the decking from UV and rain, the color can last more years and maintain vivid visuals. At the same time, the embossing effect or wood grain performance are in the same situation, can be more vivid and durable than uncapped composite decking surface.
Practicality - Uncapped decking vs Capped decking
Compared to wood decking, not matter of capped or uncapped composite decking offer uniformity in texture and consistency in quality, and be more durable, mold and slip-resistant, cooler to the touch, more sustainable, and has lower maintenance costs.
However capped composite decking, it has valuable physical advantages over uncapped composite decking.
①more fire-resistant. With a sturdy polymer blend, capped composite decking is engineered to be more fire-resistant.
②more slip resistant
No decking is entirely free of slipping risk, but as long as the boards are kept clean and well maintained, capped composite decking offers far more slip resistance as it is resistant to mold and algal growth and does not absorb water by the protection layer.
Therefore, in most of swimming pool project, the capped composite decking is more suitable than uncapped decking.
So if we can say uncapped composite decking ＜ capped composite decking?
Absolutely not! Uncapped composite decking may not have a polymer sleeve, but it is designed to be highly resistant to fading, staining and abrasion, enough to deal with the most of daily outdoor requirements. And with it’s economic merit, the uncapped composite decking is also win the huge market.
Unifloor is the leading composite decking manufacturer and supplier in China. Whether you are looking for capped or un-capped composite decking, you will find your decoration solutions here.
