First is service life: in theory, composite wood flooring can last 30 to 50 years; overseas reports currently indicate a service life of 10 to 15 years. By contrast, domestically used, specially treated, standard preservative-treated wood flooring typically lasts no more than 10 years under annual maintenance.

　　Second, there is a significant difference in material utilization: hollow-structured plastic wood flooring yields approximately 1.5–2.5 m³ per ton (equivalent to 40–60 m² of usable area), with a utilization rate approaching 100%, minimal waste generation, and full recyclability; by contrast, the usable volume of round logs made from conventional pressure-treated lumber is less than 50%, and for squared timber it tops out at around 60%, resulting in substantial waste during processing and extremely low recycling rates.

　　Third, a price comparison: the average market price for plastic wood flooring is around RMB 7,000–10,000 per ton, which translates to approximately RMB 3,500–5,000 per cubic meter when adjusted for specific gravity and volume; in contrast, the current market price for medium-grade treated wood flooring is about RMB 6,000–8,000 per cubic meter. When calculated on a per-square-meter basis, the highest domestic quoted price for wood-plastic composite flooring is RMB 350 per square meter, while timber-based profiles generally retail at around RMB 300 per square meter as well.

　　WPC is expensive—around RMB 10,000 per cubic meter—while pressure-treated wood costs roughly RMB 3,500 to 6,000 per cubic meter. Pressure-treated wood is engineered to resist rot and insect infestation, retaining the natural properties of wood. WPC, on the other hand, is a wood-plastic composite material; although it commands a higher price, its plastic creep behavior during service can adversely affect performance.

　　Artificially preserved wood typically costs around RMB 300 per square meter. At present, there is no standardized specification system for such products; some manufacturers base their production on the specifications of imported preservative-treated lumber, with lengths generally set at 4 meters. Domestic manufacturers of preservative-treated wood can also custom-cut and process materials to customer-specified dimensions, with common standard sizes ranging from 21 to 45 mm in thickness and 95 to 145 mm in width.

　　Fourth, environmental assessment: The biggest concern with treated wood today is its potential harm to the environment and human health. Currently, only a handful of Chinese companies employ ICQ technology (low-toxicity preservative treatment), with most of their products being exported overseas. Meanwhile, products treated with CCA (highly toxic preservative) are facing increasing restrictions; for example, the United States has banned the use of CCA-treated treated wood. In contrast, using composite decking for interior decoration can achieve “zero waiting period” before occupancy, fully realizing green and environmentally friendly goals, with virtually no adverse impact on the environment.

　　Both plastic wood and pressure-treated wood have their advantages and are widely used. Plastic wood looks neater and more uniform than pressure-treated wood, but pressure-treated wood is, after all, solid hardwood, and that natural wood feel simply cannot be replicated by plastic wood. If you prefer a very modern aesthetic, go for plastic wood; otherwise, pressure-treated wood is the better choice. Wood-plastic composite is a new, environmentally friendly wood–plastic hybrid material. It’s produced by incorporating lignin—a byproduct of high-density fiberboard manufacturing—into recycled plastic, then processing the mixture through pelletizing equipment to create wood-plastic composites, which are subsequently extruded into wood-plastic flooring. Pressure-treated wood, on the other hand, refers to ordinary lumber that has been chemically treated to enhance its durability. After such treatment, the performance of standard wood flooring is significantly improved, providing resistance to decay, mold, insect infestation, and termites. Today, pressure-treated wood flooring is one of the most commonly used wood products for outdoor applications. It’s specifically designed for outdoor environments and can even be directly exposed to water and soil, making it the preferred material for outdoor wood decking, landscape flooring, outdoor wooden platforms, patio decks, outdoor boardwalks, and other outdoor structures such as pressure-treated wood pergolas. In terms of appearance, the grain pattern of plastic wood lacks the authentic texture of pressure-treated wood, feels unnatural to the touch, and doesn’t convey the same sense of quality or refinement.