What are composite decking panels?
Composite panels, also known as WPC (Wood Plastic Composite), are a modern building material that combines natural wood fibres with polymer. The exact ratio varies by manufacturer, but a typical composition is 60% wood flour and 40% polymer, enhanced with UV stabilisers and colour pigments.
The result? A material that looks and feels like wood but has the durability of plastic. It does not rot, flake, or require impregnation - yet it is warm underfoot and anti-slip.
How are WPC panels made?
The manufacturing process for composite panels involves advanced technology:
- Mixing - wood flour is blended with polymer granulate and additives
- Extrusion - the mixture is heated and forced through a mould to form a board shape
- Through-body colouring - the colour permeates the entire cross-section of the panel, not just the surface
- Texture embossing - the surface receives a pattern that mimics natural wood grain
- Cutting and quality control - finished boards are trimmed and inspected
Through-body colouring is a crucial difference compared to varnished wood - even if the panel gets scratched, it retains its colour.
Properties of composite panels
Weather resistance
This is the biggest advantage of composite over wood. WPC panels are resistant to:
- Frost - they withstand multiple freeze-thaw cycles without cracking
- Moisture - water absorption below 1% (wood: 15 - 25%)
- UV radiation - stabilisers protect against fading for years
- Mould and mildew - the polymer does not provide a growth medium for microorganisms
- Insects - no woodworm, deathwatch beetles, or termites
Safety
The surface of composite panels is anti-slip - both when dry and after rain. This is important on a balcony, where wet wood or tile surfaces can be dangerous, especially for children and the elderly.
Sustainability
WPC panels are largely made from recycled materials. The wood flour comes from sawmill waste, and the polymer from recycled plastics. At the end of their life, panels can be recycled again - a true circular economy solution.
Composite vs wood - detailed comparison
| Feature | Composite panels | Exotic hardwood |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | None - just wash with a pressure washer | Oiling 1 - 2x/year |
| Colour stability | Stable thanks to through-body colouring | Turns grey without maintenance |
| Deformation | Minimal | Cracks, bends, and twists |
| Splinters | None - safe to walk on barefoot | Possible over time |
| Moisture resistance | Water absorption < 1% | Water absorption 15 - 25% |
| Lifespan | 25+ years | 10 - 15 years with maintenance |
| 10-year cost | Purchase + installation only | Purchase + installation + 10x oiling |
Types of composite panels
Solid vs hollow-core
Solid panels are heavier but more robust. Hollow-core panels (with internal chambers) are lighter and more affordable but less resistant to point loads.
For balconies, we use hollow-core panels - with the right joist spacing, they provide sufficient strength while being lighter, which matters given the limited load capacity of a balcony slab.
Patterns and colours
Modern composite panels come in a wide range of patterns - from light oaks to warm walnuts and dark exotics. Dual-sided panels feature a different pattern on each side, giving you flexibility when choosing.
How does installation work?
Composite panels are installed on a joist and clip system. It is a dry installation - no adhesive, concrete, or grout. The joists form a frame onto which panels are clipped. The whole structure is stable yet reversible - it can be disassembled without damaging the balcony.
At BalkonSetup we take it a step further - every balcony is measured with a LiDAR scanner, and panels are CNC-cut with millimetre precision. This eliminates waste and ensures a perfect fit.
Who are composite panels for?
WPC panels are the ideal choice if you:
- Want a warm, wood-like floor without any maintenance
- Your balcony is exposed to rain, frost, and sun
- You value safety (anti-slip surface, no splinters)
- You rent your apartment and need a reversible solution
- You think long-term - you would rather pay once than maintain every year
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