WPC Wall Panels: Laminated vs. Extruded Wall Panels

Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) wall panels are a sustainable and versatile choice in modern construction. Two primary forms dominate the market: Laminated wall panels and Extruded wall panels, each with its distinct attributes. This blog delves into these varieties, highlighting their pros and cons, and incorporating crucial additional insights.

Laminated wall panels:

Laminated WPC wall panels are characterized by their decorative film or laminate overlay, providing a variety of aesthetic finishes.

Pros:

Cost-Effective: One of the significant advantages of laminated wall panels is their affordability, making them a budget-friendly option.

Aesthetic Variety: These wall panels offer a range of textures and patterns, giving designers creative freedom.

Cons:

Unnatural Textures: Because the wood grain texture and color on the laminated film is printed, it will have similar pattern in each piece of product. Thus when installing in larger area walls, it might look quite stiff.

Adhesive Issues: The decorative films are adhered using glue, which can raise concerns about formaldehyde emissions. Additionally, the adhesive might degrade, leading to delamination within 5-6 years.

Maintenance and Durability: The susceptibility to peeling or wearing of the outer layer calls for specific maintenance efforts and affects the board's longevity.

Laminated wall panel

Laminated Wall Panels

Extruded wall panels

Extruded wall panels are manufactured through a process that melds wood fibers and plastic into a single, homogenous material. These boards do not have an additional surface layer, providing a consistent look and feel throughout.

Pros:

Rich and Natural Wood Grain: As the color and wood grain texture is formed during the extrusion process, so it is all randomly present. Every piece of the product will look different, creating a more natural looking.

Robust Durability: This uniformity lends itself to better structural integrity and impact resistance, making them more durable in demanding environments.

Longevity: With no external layer to degrade, these wall panel generally have a longer lifespan. Their resistance to environmental factors like moisture, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations is inherently better.

Ease of Maintenance: Being more resilient to everyday wear and tear, these boards are less prone to damage like peeling or chipping. They require less upkeep and are more straightforward to maintain.

Extruded Wall Panels

Cons:

Limited Finish Options: The absence of a laminated film restricts these wall panels to the inherent appearance of the composite material.

Cost: WPC wall panels' initial cost may be higher than laminated wall panels but with fewer long-term expenses.

Making the Right Choice

The decision between laminated and extruded wall panels should be based on the specific requirements of your project. Laminated wall panels are suitable for scenarios where cost and varied aesthetics are critical, albeit with some compromises in natural appearance and potential formaldehyde concerns. On the other hand, extruded wall panels offer a more authentic wood grain look with higher durability and lower maintenance, ideal for longevity and natural appeal.