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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-08-15 Origin: Site
Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) decking has changed the way people build outdoor spaces. It offers the look of wood but with better durability, less maintenance, and a smaller environmental footprint.
For anyone choosing decking today—whether you're a homeowner upgrading your patio or a contractor designing a public boardwalk—understanding the data behind performance is crucial. This isn't about marketing hype. It's about real test results that tell you how these materials perform in strength, durability, and safety.
1st-Gen WPC decking was the industry's first large-scale wood plastic blend. It's a mix of wood fibers and plastic, molded into boards. The benefits were clear: less warping than natural wood, better resistance to insects, and no need for regular painting.
However, it lacked a protective surface layer. Over time, UV light, water, and stains could leave visible marks. While it still performs well in structural tests, its resistance to long-term wear and color fading is more limited.
2nd-Gen WPC decking introduced a co-extruded protective layer—a high-density, non-porous shield that wraps around the core. This layer blocks water, oil, and stains from penetrating the board. It also boosts UV resistance, so colors last longer.
In short, 2nd-Gen builds on everything good about 1st-Gen while directly addressing its weaknesses.
Instead of vague descriptions, let's look at measurable test results.
Bending Strength
1st-Gen: ~4091–4097 N before breaking.
2nd-Gen: 27.89–28.80 MPa with a modulus of ~4,410–4,604 MPa.
This shows 2nd-Gen maintains strong bending resistance even after freeze–thaw cycles, while 1st-Gen's results drop slightly in extreme cold.
Impact Resistance
1st-Gen: Passed both room-temperature and low-temperature impact without cracking.
2nd-Gen: Survived a 950 mm drop impact test, meaning better tolerance for sudden heavy loads.
Extra Strength Metrics (Only in 2nd-Gen)
Compression strength: 31.11 MPa,
Tensile strength: 18.40 MPa,
Shear strength: 22.26 MPa.
These numbers show 2nd-Gen's better resistance to forces from multiple directions.
Water Absorption
1st-Gen: 0.9% after 24 hours.
2nd-Gen: 0.48% after 24 hours.
Lower water absorption means less swelling, better fit, and fewer installation problems over time.
Size Change After Heating
1st-Gen: Length change ≤0.3%, width ≤0.4%, thickness ≤0.5%.
2nd-Gen: Heat deflection temperature at 122°C, plus thermal expansion rate of only 30.2×10⁻⁶ K⁻¹.
This indicates 2nd-Gen holds shape better under extreme sun and heat.
Slip Resistance
1st-Gen: Anti-slip value ≥35.
2nd-Gen: Classified R10 in oil-wet conditions with a dynamic angle of 13.7°.
For areas like pool decks or restaurants, this higher slip rating means safer footing.
Abrasion Resistance
1st-Gen: Meets standard surface wear requirements.
2nd-Gen: Only 29.55 mg loss per 1,000 cycles under a 1 kg load—excellent for heavy foot traffic.
Stain & Pollution Resistance
2nd-Gen's co-extrusion layer is much more oil-resistant. BBQ grease, for example, can be cleaned off without permanent marks—something 1st-Gen struggles with.
Both generations meet strict limits for formaldehyde and heavy metals, making them safe for residential and public use.
Formaldehyde Release
1st-Gen: 0.1 mg/L (well below E₀ limit).
2nd-Gen: <0.02 mg/m³, which is nearly undetectable.
Both pass heavy metal content tests for lead and cadmium.
Plus, with Foshan MexyTech Co., Ltd. Customization Service, users can choose colors, textures, and sizes to match their project needs while meeting these safety standards.
Test Item | 1st-Gen WPC Decking | 2nd-Gen WPC Decking | What It Means |
Bending Strength | 4091–4097 N | 27.89–28.80 MPa (Modulus: 4410–4604 MPa) | Both are strong, but 2nd-Gen retains higher strength after freeze–thaw cycles. |
Impact Resistance (Room Temp) | No cracks | 950 mm drop height with no failure | 2nd-Gen withstands higher energy impacts. |
Impact Resistance (Low Temp) | No cracks at -10°C | Passed freeze–thaw impact tests | Both perform well in cold, but 2nd-Gen shows better post-freeze strength. |
Compression Strength | N/A | 31.11 MPa | 2nd-Gen supports heavier loads without deformation. |
Tensile Strength | N/A | 18.40 MPa | 2nd-Gen resists pulling forces better. |
Shear Strength | N/A | 22.26 MPa | 2nd-Gen resists sliding forces between layers better. |
Water Absorption (24h) | 0.9% | 0.48% | 2nd-Gen absorbs less water → less swelling, better fit. |
Dimensional Change After Heating | Length ≤0.3%, Width ≤0.4%, Thickness ≤0.5% | Thermal expansion: 30.2×10⁻⁶ K⁻¹, Heat deflection temp: 122°C | 2nd-Gen keeps its shape better in high heat. |
Slip Resistance | ≥35 (dry) | R10 (oil-wet, 13.7° angle) | 2nd-Gen is safer in slippery conditions. |
Abrasion Resistance | Meets standard | 29.55 mg loss / 1000 cycles (1 kg load) | 2nd-Gen lasts longer under heavy foot traffic. |
Surface Stain Resistance | Resists some stains | Highly oil- and dirt-resistant | 2nd-Gen is easier to clean after BBQ grease, etc. |
Formaldehyde Release | 0.1 mg/L | <0.02 mg/m³ | Both are safe, but 2nd-Gen is nearly zero-emission. |
Heavy Metal Content | Pass | Pass | Both meet safety standards. |
In climates with snow, heat waves, or high humidity, 2nd-Gen's lower water absorption and higher heat resistance translate to fewer repairs and replacements. While 1st-Gen holds up well in moderate conditions, 2nd-Gen remains more dimensionally stable over decades.
With 1st-Gen, occasional sanding or deep cleaning might be needed to remove stains. 2nd-Gen's protective layer resists stains and fading, so regular cleaning is often enough. Over a 10-year period, that can mean lower total maintenance costs—even if the upfront price is slightly higher.
Founded in 2009, MexyTech has driven many WPC industry “firsts”—from fire-resistant formulas to utility designs for fences. As the first to use a dust extraction system in WPC production, MexyTech has improved workplace safety and environmental standards. With 60 production lines and an in-house testing lab, they ensure every batch meets strict quality controls before shipping.
If your priority is affordable performance in moderate climates, 1st-Gen WPC decking remains a solid choice. But if you want top-level durability, stain resistance, and minimal maintenance, 2nd-Gen is worth the investment.
A: 1st-Gen is a single-layer wood–plastic blend, while 2nd-Gen adds a co-extruded protective layer that improves stain resistance, color stability, and durability.
A: For high-traffic areas, harsh weather zones, or places prone to spills and stains, 2nd-Gen's lower maintenance and longer lifespan often justify the cost.
A: Yes, both pass safety and environmental tests, but 2nd-Gen's better slip resistance and wear performance make it especially suited for public walkways.
A: All outdoor materials fade slightly, but 2nd-Gen's UV-resistant layer greatly slows down color change compared to 1st-Gen.
A: Lower water absorption means less swelling and warping. 2nd-Gen's 0.48% absorption helps keep boards stable even in wet climates.
Ready to explore high-performance outdoor materials? Contact MexyTech today and discover why they're a leader in outdoor building innovation—bringing fresh designs and patented solutions to projects worldwide every year.
