Installing and Maintaining WPC Planks – Tips, Tricks, and Comparison to Traditional Wood

Once you've chosen WPC Plank Abu Dhabi for your project, the next steps are installation and ongoing care. Fortunately, WPC is designed for ease – often DIY-friendly – and requires far less effort than natural wood. In this post, we'll dive into step-by-step installation guidance, maintenance best practices, and a head-to-head comparison with traditional wood decking/planks.



Step-by-Step Installation Guide for WPC Planks

Installation varies slightly between indoor vinyl WPC flooring (floating click-lock) and outdoor decking (screwed to joists), but both are straightforward.

For Indoor WPC Vinyl Planks (Floating Method):

  1. Prepare the subfloor: Ensure it's clean, level, and dry. Acclimate planks to room temperature.

  2. Plan layout: Start parallel to the longest wall or main light source. Use spacers for expansion gaps (about 1/4 inch around edges).

  3. Click-lock system: Angle the tongue into the groove, then lock in place. Stagger end joints for a natural look.

  4. Cut as needed: Use a utility knife or saw for precise fits around obstacles.

  5. Finish: Install transitions and baseboards, but never pin the floor down – it must float freely.

For Outdoor WPC Decking:

  1. Build a sturdy frame: Use joists spaced 12-16 inches apart on a level base.

  2. Leave gaps: Allow for expansion (1/8-1/4 inch between planks) and drainage.

  3. Secure with clips or screws: Hidden fasteners for a clean look.

  4. Edge finishing: Use fascia boards or end caps.

Real-world installation examples highlight the process and beautiful results:

hosungdeck.com

oakio.com

oakio.com

oakio.com

Maintenance Made Easy

WPC's biggest selling point is minimal upkeep:

  • Sweep or vacuum regularly.

  • Mop with pH-neutral cleaner and water – no harsh chemicals.

  • For outdoors: Hose off dirt; avoid pressure washing over 80 bar to prevent surface damage.

  • No sealing or staining required, unlike wood.

Expect 20-30 years of life with basic care.

WPC Planks vs. Traditional Wood: The Clear Winner?

Aspect

WPC Planks

Traditional Wood

Durability

High (rot, pest, UV resistant)

Moderate (prone to warping, insects)

Maintenance

Low (clean with soap/water)

High (annual staining/sealing)

Water Resistance

Excellent (100% waterproof options)

Poor (swells, rots)

Cost Over Time

Lower (no ongoing treatments)

Higher (maintenance adds up)

Eco-Friendliness

Often recycled materials

Sustainable if sourced responsibly, but higher resource use

Aesthetics

Realistic wood look

Authentic natural grain

Installation

Easier (click-lock or clips)

More labor-intensive

While wood offers unmatched natural warmth, WPC wins for practicality, especially in moist or high-traffic environments.

Whether for a cozy indoor floor or a stunning outdoor deck, WPC Plank Abu Dhabi deliver performance without the pitfalls of wood. Ready to upgrade? Start planning your WPC project today!


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