Five types of PE Composite Wood in the Current Market
Based on PE composite wood market, they can be divided into capped and non capped composite wood.  Five different types of composite wood can be identified as follows.








 

 

 

 

No Skin?

 

Some capped composite wood products contain wood powder in their cap layer, which means that wood powder is still exposed to the elements and can still succumb to the problems of the first generation.  First generation (non capped) composite wood has no cap layer to protect the core.

 

Potential Problems


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Half Shield?

 

Some capped composite wood is only half capped, this solves some problems, but other problems occur.  Capping the top half of the board does provide higher stain, scratch, and UV resistance, however, the underside and grooves of the board are exposed to the elements and that creates dry and wet effect on the top and bottom.

 

 

 

 

Swelling & Cupping

 

The shield uses a virgin engineering grade polymer that has extremely low water absorption rate.  The shield on a half capped board is only protecting the top meaning that the bottom is still exposed in a similar fashion as the first generation composite.  Therefore, on a very humid day the bottom will continually absorb moisture and the top will be almost completely dry this creates a cupping/twisting effect on the board similar to real wood.  The force of this effect can be so strong that it actually tears/splits the core in half as shown below.

 

 

 

 

Cracking in the cap layer

As the inner core continues to gain moisture the force could get so strong that it tears the cap layer as wel.

 

 

 

 

 

Shield cut?

 

Some manufacturers extrude a fully capped board and then cut the grooves on both sides of the board to save money on having one mold do two profiles (grooved and ungrooved).  The other reason could also be that technically they are not as advanced in mold designing.  A board with an uncapped groove still allows moisture to be absorbed into the core through the entire length of the board. Therefore, there is a potential for swelling, cupping, and cracking to exist over time.

 

 

 

 

Capped 360 Degrees

 

Capping 360 degrees provides complete protection all around the board and even in the groove of the board.  This is the only way to complete protect the board from UV, water, insects, and any other mold/mildew from attacking the core**
**Note: The core is still susceptible to the outside elements so it is recommended to either use a sealant or end caps to cover up any ends that are not protected.

 

 

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