Wood-plastic flooring specifications

　　Wood-plastic flooring specifications can be customized to suit any requirement; common standard sizes include PA140×25, PA145×30, PA135×25, PA125×25, and several dozen other variants. The most frequently used matching wood-plastic joist dimensions are 2000×40×25 mm (length × width × thickness). The installation direction of the wood-plastic flooring and joists should be perpendicular to each other, with a typical spacing of 350–400 mm between adjacent joists, ensuring that each longitudinal joint is adequately supported by a joist.

　　Add a layer of large-core board during installation.

　　The quality of core boards varies significantly, and inferior core boards can compromise the installation quality of wood-plastic flooring. Therefore, if consumers insist on an exceptionally comfortable foot feel, they should opt for well-known brand core board products available on the market.

　　Emphasizing procurement over paving

　　Wood-plastic flooring can be installed using direct-bonding, joist-supported, or floating methods; whichever method is chosen, it is essential to select a reputable installation team and adhere to the “Six No-Install” principles: do not install if the walls are damp or leaking, the subfloor is not dry, or the surface is uneven; do not mix different materials during installation; do not use inferior auxiliary materials; do not proceed with installation if the project schedule is overly tight and the required procedures cannot be properly executed; do not install if product quality issues are discovered; and do not install unless there is absolute uniformity in color and no visible color variation.

　　Does not value routine maintenance.

　　Some consumers assume that wood-plastic flooring does not require meticulous maintenance—simply mopping it with a wet mop and ignoring leaks from radiators—and as a result, the flooring is prone to discoloration, warping, and cracking. To ensure the longevity and performance of wood flooring, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for regular maintenance and care.

　　Wood-plastic flooring is not environmentally friendly.

　　Some consumers believe that natural wood contains a certain amount of formaldehyde, and that the multi-layer gluing between wood veneers further increases the formaldehyde content in oak solid-wood composite flooring, making it environmentally unfriendly. In reality, as long as the formaldehyde emission from wood-plastic flooring is kept within the limits specified by national standards, it can be used with confidence.

　　Sale and installation are separate.

　　Wood-plastic flooring brands typically have professional installation teams and standardized installation procedures to ensure high-quality installation services for their products. If consumers find that the seller and the installer are different entities, they should be cautious, as any subsequent issues can become very troublesome. Therefore, consumers should strive to work with a single provider for both sales and installation.

　　Seeking plain boards but refusing to buy painted boards.

　　Some consumers mistakenly believe that raw-board flooring is genuine wood-plastic composite flooring, and that since it’s unpainted and requires only a DIY finish, they can save on labor costs by applying their own paint. However, they often fail to realize that self-painting can lead to contamination of the flooring and compromise paint quality. In contrast, painted boards are manufactured on highly mechanized and automated production lines, which significantly reduce pollution and result in a more environmentally friendly product.

　　Overly seeking texture equivalence

　　Wood-plastic flooring is a natural wood product, and the appearance of the wood grain can vary depending on factors such as light exposure and environmental conditions. Even boards cut from the same log will exhibit variations in color intensity and grain patterns due to differences in the cutting location; therefore, color variation and uneven grain distribution are inherent characteristics of wood-plastic flooring—truly a natural phenomenon.

　　Tips for Buying Wood-Plastic Flooring

　　Surface

　　High-quality wood-plastic flooring features a smooth, glossy surface and edges; the wood-powder particles are fine and uniformly sized, with no microcracks, and the cross-section exhibits a dense, solid texture.

　　Packaging

　　The packaging shall bear the registered trademark, manufacturer’s name, distributor’s name, model number, quantity, address, telephone number, instructions for use, and applicable standards; the standard referenced is National Standard of the People’s Republic of China GB 18580-2001.

　　Price

　　WPC flooring is slightly more expensive than other conventional flooring options, with prices varying by brand. WPC flooring is typically priced per plank, and on the market it generally costs around RMB 200–300 per square meter.

　　Brand

　　It’s often difficult to tell the quality of wood-plastic flooring just by looking at it, so choosing a well-known brand not only ensures product quality but also guarantees professional installation and long-lasting durability, backed by reliable after-sales service. In contrast, cheaper options may be more affordable, but they tend to have a shorter lifespan and often lack adequate after-sales support.

　　Wood-Plastic Composite Flooring Installation

　　Installation Method for Wood-Plastic Composite Flooring

　　1. Preparations before installing wood-plastic flooring: Prior to installation, ensure that the concrete subfloor is smooth and level. If any defects are present, they must be repaired first before laying the flooring.

　　2. Fixing the wood-plastic keel: Use plastic expansion sleeves to directly secure the wood-plastic keel to the floor, with a spacing of 500–600 mm between fixing points. The screw heads must be countersunk below the surface of the wood-plastic keel, and the entire assembly must be leveled during installation.

　　3. The center-to-center spacing of the furring strips shall be maintained between 310 mm and 410 mm. At the end joints of the furring strips, a gap of approximately 10 mm shall be left to facilitate drainage. In addition, the end joints between adjacent rows of furring strips must be staggered and not aligned in a straight line. The allowable tolerance for furring-strip spacing is less than 10 mm, the flatness tolerance is less than 3 mm, and the expansion joint between the furring strips and the wall surface shall be 8–10 mm.

　　4. When site conditions at the construction location are poor and it is not possible to ensure the structural stability of the subfloor, steel furring shall be used in place of wood-plastic furring. The galvanized steel used must have any weld slag removed from the welded joints, followed by rust-prevention treatment.

　　5. The width of the expansion joints between wood-plastic flooring panels shall be determined appropriately based on the ambient temperature and humidity during installation, the length of the flooring, its moisture content, and the specific dimensions of the installation area.

　　Installation Precautions for Wood-Plastic Composite Flooring

　　1. Due to the relatively high density of wood-plastic composites, pilot holes must be drilled at all locations where self-tapping screws are used before the screws are tightened.

　　2. Requirements for fixed keel installation: The installation surface must be smooth and free of depressions or unevenness, and the keel spacing L shall be between 300 mm and 350 mm.

　　3. For the installation of large-area wood-plastic flooring, it is recommended that the length of each plank does not exceed 2 meters.

　　4. For edge finishing, use wood-plastic composite strips B10-140 or B16-70, or other metal edging strips. Cut the B14-140 or B16-70 strips to the required height based on the height of the floor joists, and then secure them in place. The spacing of the self-tapping screws used to fasten the wood-plastic edging material should be 400 mm to 600 mm.

　　5. When installing wood-plastic flooring on curved sections, each plank must be cut at both ends to match the length and angle of the curve before installation.

　　6. For the installation of wood-plastic flooring on stair treads, it is recommended to use metal edge trims at the external corners of the treads to protect the wood-plastic flooring.

　　7. During use, avoid impacts or collisions with heavy objects. During storage, transportation, and installation, handle the material with care to prevent damage from drops or falls from height. [Details>>]

　　V. Maintenance of Wood-Plastic Flooring

　　1. Although wood-plastic composite panels offer excellent water and mold resistance, they still require proper daily maintenance; avoid allowing large amounts of water to come into direct contact with the flooring.

　　2. During cleaning, be sure to avoid using sandpaper, grinders, or any hard metal tools to clean the wood-plastic flooring.

　　3. When cleaning, you can first dip a cloth in rice-washing water and wipe the surface directly, or evenly spray the rice-washing water over the wooden floor and, after 5–10 minutes, wipe it clean with a dry cloth.

　　4. For certain stubborn stains, such as paint and ink, you can directly use a specialized stain-removal oil for cleaning and wiping.

　　VI. What Material Is Best for Outdoor Flooring?

　　Wood-plastic flooring

　　Advantages: durable, aging-resistant, long service life, excellent stability, crack-free, warp-free, waterproof, mildew-resistant, corrosion-resistant, insect-proof, antibacterial, and high-temperature resistant.

　　Disadvantages: relatively brittle texture, insufficient toughness, poor impact resistance, and susceptibility to expansion and contraction deformation due to large external temperature fluctuations.

　　Anti-corrosion wood flooring

　　Advantages: corrosion resistance, mold resistance, insect resistance, termite protection, water resistance, excellent penetration, and strong resistance to leaching, meeting a wide range of design requirements.

　　Disadvantages: The production of pressure-treated wood requires the addition of preservatives, resulting in a slight chemical odor, uneven coloration, significant color variation, and a lack of luster.

　　Carbonized Wood Flooring

　　Advantages: corrosion resistance, resistance to biological attack, low moisture content, poor water absorption, excellent thermal insulation, consistent color, easy application, no peculiar odor, resistance to insect infestation, resistance to deformation and cracking, and high-temperature resistance.

　　Drawbacks: The color is relatively dark and less vibrant and bright than other flooring options; it is more brittle and lacks the soft, comfortable feel of other types of flooring.