WPC hollow or solid planks – the right choice for different situations

Which is better – hollow or solid WPC decking?

Both solid and hollow WPC terrace planks and panels for fences or wall cladding look similar to the familiar wood alternatives. But they are more resistant and durable than their natural counterparts. They also require much less care than wood and do not have to be painted as often. However, there are advantages and disadvantages with both types, which makes them more or less suitable for different purposes. Before you decide whether to buy solid or hollow WPC products, consider the following aspects.

Hollow WPC

In general, with hollow WPC you can also assume that high-quality products will contain a high proportion of wood. But the most obvious difference between the two WPC products is that the hollow panels have square or round holes. These are the openings to tunnels that run through the entire plank.    

Because of the hollow design and the associated lower consumption of material, hollow WPC planks are less expensive than the solid alternative. Transport and installation are much easier thanks to the lower weight and because of the simple screw connection.    

However, when choosing between hollow or solid WPC products, you must consider that, with the former, you need a suitable, solid substructure to ensure the necessary stability. This construction can be quite expensive.    

You also need connection and angle profiles to prevent vermin and dirt getting into the hollow chambers of the WPC. Hollow WPC terrace planks are also not completely impervious to water unless they are installed with a slight slope. If water gets into the hollow chambers and freezes, the panels can be damaged. Therefore, when installing WPC terrace planks on small terraces or balconies make sure that there is a minimum slope of 1-2 per cent. The installation area should also not be subject to extreme fluctuations in temperature or moisture.  

Hollow WPC terrace planks – an overview of the advantages and disadvantages:  

Advantages:  

• Inexpensive material (price per terrace plank) 

• Lighter weight 

• Easier installation 
   

Disadvantages:  

• Dirt and vermin can get into the hollow chambers  

• Water in the chambers can cause damage in the long term 

• Stable substructure required 

Solid WPC

From a purely optical aspect, solid planks look much more like natural wood than the hollow variant. They also have a slightly longer service life, are more stable and have a greater load-bearing capacity in comparison to the less expensive hollow alternative. Because of this, for private households, the more stable solid planks are ideal for pool surrounds and larger terraces. Solid WPC planks should also be installed in commercial buildings and areas with a lot of public traffic, such as restaurants and clubs. It is also easier to position heavy objects on them without having to worry about them causing damage or having to install a substructure. 

Solid WPC – an overview of the advantages and disadvantages:  

Advantages:  

• Looks much more like wood 

• Is more stable and has a greater load-bearing capacity 

Disadvantages:  

• The planks are more expensive 

• Solid WPC planks are heavier 

• More difficult to transport and install