First, I would like to explain in more detail what WPC material is, and then I will dive deeper into each of the pros and cons.
The main advantages of WPC flooring are low price, resistance to stains and scratches, and 100% waterproof. Cleaning and installation are effortless. You can order it in various designs and wood imitations. The disadvantage of WPC flooring is that it has a synthetic appearance, does not add any home value, and is not environmentally friendly.
Advantages of WPC flooring
I list the main advantages of WPC floors and describe them:
Economical and 100% waterproof
When we talk about WPC flooring being economical, we are looking at its price mostly compared to hardwood flooring. Depending on the chosen design and brand, WPC flooring can even be cheaper than some types of laminates. This is a huge advantage as an indoor material, especially if you live in a climate with a lot of rain. Water and mud can get pulled in, especially if you have small children. Many other types of hard floors offer water resistance, but water resistance is not the same as waterproof.
Thanks to its water resistance, you can install WPC flooring in rooms where other hard floors are not recommended, such as the bathroom, kitchen, basement, laundry, or mud room. As an outdoor material, WPC is an excellent choice for your deck and around the pool if you plan to have one. As shown in the picture below, we don’t need any rain protection. It has a high degree of UV stability and withstands temperatures from -40 to 60 degrees.
Stain , Easy cleaning and scratch resistant
WPC flooring has a clear hardened protective layer that helps resist stains and scratches. Some types have even been designed with paint running the entire length of the board so that if a scratch occurs, the color will remain the same as the surface color of the board. If you have a busy and active household or pets, then stain and scratch resistance is an important feature to look for in your floors.
WPC air is very easy to maintain and overall clean. Frequent indoor dusting and weekly wet mopping with a suitable floor cleaning solution will keep your new floors looking great without much effort. If you are interested in more about dusting and wet mopping, check out my post “10 Best Dust Mops for Hardwood Floors + Related Questions and Answers”.
For outdoor use, you need to maintain them even less. Wash them with water every month to remove accumulated dirt and stones. Outdoor WPC typically comes with a 20-year warranty against water and sun damage. It is also a perfect choice for holiday homes where you cannot regularly clean the floors.
Disadvantages of WPC flooring
However, when choosing a type of flooring, it is important to have a good understanding of the disadvantages so that you can determine how much they weigh on your decision-making. Just because you have fewer cons than pros doesn’t mean it’s the right floor for you. So let’s dive deeper into the cons.
Little or no home value-added
Some people put a lot of emphasis on the idea that they are investing in their home and adding monetary value to it when installing new flooring. Hardwood floors have historically been a type that people appreciate for their looks, but they seem to appreciate them just as much (if not more) for the fact that they add value to their homes.
WPC flooring can be selected in design and color to have the same look as hardwood flooring, but a home appraisal will not show the added value of your home with WPC flooring as it would with hardwood flooring.
It is not environmentally friendly
WPC is an engineered hard floor that has wood components but also plastics and adhesives. Some types of WPC flooring are more environmentally friendly than others, so if this aspect is a priority for you, you will need to do your research.
