MATERIALS

WPC Board

Wood Plastic Composite — termite-proof, water-resistant board for cabinets and outdoor cladding.

Also calledwpcwood plastic composite
Definition

WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) board is a manufactured composite of wood fibres + thermoplastic polymer (typically polyethylene or polypropylene) + additives. Per IS 17033:2018 (specifications for WPC), WPC boards offer advantages over plywood and solid wood: (1) Termite-proof; (2) Water-resistant (no swelling or warping); (3) Dimensionally stable; (4) Termite-resistant; (5) Recyclable. Used for: doors, cabinets, exterior cladding, outdoor furniture, fencing.

Properties: (1) Density 700-1100 kg/m³ (between solid wood and plastic). (2) Bending strength 25-60 MPa. (3) Water absorption 1-3% (much lower than plywood). (4) Termite resistance — thermal stable without organic decay. (5) Service life 15-25 years. Major Indian WPC manufacturers: Action Tesa, Greenply, Rajshri, Kitply WPC. Cost: ₹70-150/sqft for residential WPC; ₹100-200/sqft for premium grades.

Applications: (1) Door panels — termite-proof and water-resistant alternative to traditional wood doors. (2) Kitchen cabinets — water-resistant for under-sink and countertop applications. (3) Bathroom vanities — water-exposed environments. (4) Exterior cladding — for terraces and outdoor structures. (5) Outdoor furniture — gardens, balconies. (6) Fencing — termite-proof boundary fencing. The most-overlooked aspect of Indian WPC: heat resistance. WPC softens at temperatures above 70-80°C, making it unsuitable for high-temperature applications (kitchens with frequent steam, near hot equipment). Verify thermal stability for heated applications.

Where used
  • Door panels and frames — termite-proof
  • Kitchen cabinets (water-exposed under-sink, countertop)
  • Bathroom vanities and storage
  • Exterior cladding for terraces and outdoor
  • Outdoor furniture and garden structures
Acceptance / threshold
Per IS 17033:2018: density 700-1100 kg/m³; bending strength 25+ MPa; water absorption <3%; termite resistance verified; thermal stability (avoid high-temperature applications).
Frequently asked
What is WPC board?
WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) board is a manufactured composite of wood fibres + thermoplastic polymer + additives. Per IS 17033:2018. Termite-proof, water-resistant, dimensionally stable, recyclable. Used for doors, cabinets, exterior cladding, outdoor furniture, fencing. Cost ₹70-200/sqft.
What is the difference between WPC and plywood?
WPC: wood fibres + thermoplastic polymer; termite-proof, water-resistant, dimensionally stable. Plywood: cross-laminated wood veneers; structural, can be water-resistant (BWP grade) but not termite-proof. Application: WPC for water-exposed and termite-prone applications (doors, kitchen cabinets, bathroom). Plywood for structural and cabinet work where termite/water are not concerns. Cost: WPC slightly more expensive.
Is WPC heat-resistant?
WPC has limited heat resistance — softens at temperatures above 70-80°C. Not suitable for: kitchens with frequent steam (dishwasher exhaust); locations near hot equipment (ovens, stoves); industrial high-temperature environments. Verify thermal stability for heated applications. Suitable for general residential and commercial use; ambient indoor temperature.
Related materials terms
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
33/43/53 grade Portland cement. 53 most common for structural use.
Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)
Cement blended with fly ash. More durable than OPC.
Portland Slag Cement (PSC)
Cement blended with blast furnace slag
Aggregates (Fine & Coarse)
Coarse (10-40mm) and fine (sand) aggregates per IS 383
Sand (River / M-Sand)
Fine aggregate. River sand or manufactured sand.
Brick / Block Masonry
Bricks per IS 1077, blocks per IS 2185
Tile (Floor / Wall / Roof)
Floor/wall/roof tiles per various IS codes
Paint & Coatings
Wall paint, primer, putty, coatings