Wood Composite (WPC): The Innovation Revolutionizing Outdoor Design
What is Wood Composite? A Sustainable Innovation for Outdoor Design
Wood composite (WPC) is an innovative material that combines wood flour with a polymer material. This unique alliance combines the natural appearance of wood with the exceptional durability of modern polymers.
Silvadec, a European pioneer in wood composite since 2001, has built upon a proven technology from the United States to introduce this revolutionary material to Europe. The Breton company not only innovated by creating the term "wood composite," but also established a new benchmark in outdoor design, offering a sustainable and high-performance alternative to traditional woods.
The Composition of Silvadec® Wood Composite, Unique for its Exceptional Performance
About 2/3 PEFC-certified wood fibers: From French Maritime Pine and Sitka Spruce, these fibers give the material a natural and authentic appearance while guaranteeing a responsible origin.
About 1/3 polymer: This high-performance polymer ensures excellent UV resistance, exceptional durability, and recyclability.
Specific innovative additives: Carefully selected, they enhance UV stability and provide optimal protection of the material, ensuring its longevity and the maintenance of its aesthetic properties.
Image
As a result of 20 years of development, this composition is predominantly wood. It offers a material with superior properties, meeting the strictest requirements of professionals and individuals.
Innovative manufacturing processes
Silvadec masters two manufacturing processes for its composite wood profiles.
Extrusion technology
Extrusion is the basic process used for manufacturing Silvadec composite wood:
1. Mixture preparation +
Wood fibers (from sustainably managed French forests), high-quality recycled polymers, and additives are mixed to form homogeneous granules.
2. Extrusion process +
The granules are introduced into an extruder, a long heating tube containing one or more endless screws.
Under the effect of heat and pressure, the mixture melts and becomes malleable.
The screw pushes the molten material toward a die that gives the desired shape to the final product.
3. Cooling and finishing +
As it exits the die, the extruded profile is rapidly cooled to set its shape.
It is then cut to the desired length.
Co-extrusion technology
Co-extrusion is an advanced technique used by Silvadec to further improve the performance of its products:
1. Co-extrusion principle +
Use of two or more extruders operating simultaneously.
Each extruder produces a different layer of the final product.
2. Application to composite wood +
The core of the profile is made with the standard Silvadec® composite wood mixture.
An outer layer is simultaneously extruded (co-extruded) around the core.
3. Co-extrusion advantages +
Improved resistance to UV rays, stains, and surface texture.
Possibility to create color shades and finishes that more closely resemble natural wood, as in our Atmosphere Nuances range.
Increase in the overall durability of the product.
By combining the nobility of wood with innovative polymer technology, we design a unique, ecological and recyclable material.
Elegance and Emotion Range
Technology: MONO-EXTRUSION
Characteristics
Color stability
For covered areas(1)
For uncovered areas
Ease of maintenance
Scratch resistance
Slip resistance
Barefoot comfort(2)
Pool application
Easy to work with(3)
COMPOSITE IN ITS RAW STATE
Mono-extruded boards are colored throughout. Their color undergoes an evolution (see more info +).
Limitations
Like a wooden deck, these boards are affected by the environment and may show marks or stains. Regular maintenance helps maintain the overall appearance of the boards and their durability.
Advantages
Your deck is splinter-free and will not turn gray like solid wood. It is guaranteed for 25 years and is rot-proof.
Atmosphere Range
Technology: CO-EXTRUSION
Characteristics
Color stability
For covered areas(1)
For uncovered areas
Ease of maintenance
Scratch resistance
Slip resistance
Barefoot comfort(2)
Pool application
Easy to work with(3)
COMPOSITE WITHOUT COMPROMISE
Atmosphere co-extruded boards benefit from a protective layer.
Limitations
The protective layer may limit the aesthetic quality of finishes (cutting, ripping). The use of accessories (skirting and finishing) allows for an impeccable result.
Advantages
The color of the boards is stable and cleaning of domestic stains is easier.
Did you know?
More than 1 million m² of decking installedeach year, demonstrating our customers' trust in Silvadec quality.
French manufacturer: we design and produce our own solutions, unlike simple importers.
French production: all our composite boards are manufactured in our factory in Arzal, France.
Why choose composite wood as an outdoor development solution? Discover its 10 main advantages
Silvadec® composite wood is an innovative material with numerous advantages:
1. A durable material +
Silvadec® composite wood products are guaranteed for 25 years. They come in decking, fencing, and cladding boards.
Durability multiplied by 2 compared to natural wood
2. Resistant +
High resistance to climate variations, rain, frost, and wind
Reduced risk of warping, swelling, or cracking
High resistance to abrasion (comparable to Oak according to tests by the Wood Technical Center)
3. Rot-proof +
Guaranteed for 25 years against termite attacks, insects, and fungi
Resists moisture
4. Stable colors +
No treatment needed, no saturator: colors will remain stable over time
Many colors available: brown, gray, ipé, black (for fencing)...
Resists discoloration that could be caused by UV rays from the sun and pool chlorine.
5. Easy maintenance of decks, fences, and cladding +
Cleaning with soapy water at least once a year is recommended
No need for expensive wood saturator
6. Slip-resistant and splinter-free +
Limits the risk of falls
Ideal for pool surroundings
No risk when used barefoot
Comfortable and safe for children (certified "toy safety" according to standard EN 71-3: 2019)
7. Easy installation and setup +
Easy to work with (same tools as solid wood)
8. Medium-term economy +
Its initial investment pays off over time due to its low maintenance and durability.
9. Certified environmental approach +
Avoids cutting and transporting tropical woods
100% recyclable at our production site
Recovery of boards at end of life thanks to the recompose-it program
Meets numerous environmental standards
10. Versatile and adaptable +
Adapts to all types of projects: residential and professional
Compatible with different architectural styles
Suitable for decks, fences, and cladding alike
Please note!
Exclusive solid boards: All our decking boards are solid boards, ensuring exceptional resistance to heavy loads of up to 500kg/m², unlike competitors' hollow boards.
Preserved exotic wood aesthetics: Our unique technology in Europe faithfully reproduces the authentic look of exotic wood, without the characteristic graying of traditional wood.
Simplified installation: Whether for decking, fencing, or façade, enjoy a complete system of dedicated accessories, clips, and profiles specially designed to facilitate installation.
Safety and environment: our commitment to sustainable and healthy composite
Healthy and safe composition +
Guaranteed free of harmful substances: Complete absence of heavy metals in our formulation.
Non-toxic material: Safety guaranteed for daily use both outdoors and indoors.
Controlled environmental impact +
Responsible production: Optimized manufacturing process with low energy consumption.
Short supply chain: 100% French production limiting the carbon footprint related to transportation.
Circular economy: Use of recycled materials and development of the recompose-it program for end-of-life recycling.
Certifications and compliance +
Proven safety: "Toy safety" certification attesting to the complete safety of the material.
Environmental excellence: Compliance with the most demanding environmental standards in the industry.
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Applications and Uses
Boards that enhance all types of projects
Composite wood boards and fencing offer remarkable versatility in outdoor design, adapting well to residential spaces and pool areas as well as public facilities, balconies in multi-unit housing, business spaces, and even nautical applications.
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
FAQ: Understanding Composite Wood and Silvadec Expertise
What is composite wood made of? +
Composite wood is a modern material combining wood fibers and polymer. Silvadec, a European pioneer since 2001, distinguishes itself with an optimal composition of 2/3 PEFC wood fibers (French Maritime Pine and Sitka Spruce) and 1/3 polymer.
Unlike competing compositions using hollow materials, this unique formulation guarantees exceptional resistance to loads (up to 500kg/m²) thanks to solid boards, while ensuring total recyclability of the product.
What is the lifespan of composite wood? +
The lifespan of composite wood varies depending on manufacturers and their production processes. Silvadec stands out with a 25-year warranty on its products, which is double the durability compared to natural wood and superior to market standards.
This performance is based on technology proven in the United States and perfected for the European market, particularly through co-extrusion, an advanced technique rare in the industry.
How is composite wood manufactured? +
Composite wood manufacturing uses various technologies. Silvadec masters two innovative manufacturing processes in its French and German factories:
Traditional extrusion, optimized for responsible production with low energy consumption
Co-extrusion, a cutting-edge technology providing a double protective layer, where many manufacturers are limited to simple extrusion
This industrial expertise, rare among European manufacturers who are often simply importers, allows Silvadec to control the entire production process.
How does composite wood age? +
The aging of composite wood heavily depends on its composition and manufacturing process. Silvadec's technology, unique in Europe, guarantees:
Color stability without the characteristic graying of traditional wood
Superior resistance to UV rays thanks to specific innovative additives
No deformation, unlike competing hollow boards
Minimal maintenance compared to other outdoor design solutions
Is composite wood rot-proof? +
The rot-resistance of composite wood varies according to its composition. Silvadec's formulation, free of heavy metals, offers a 25-year guarantee against biological attacks, whereas many competing products present risks of long-term degradation.
This performance is validated by strict certifications, notably the "toy safety" certification attesting to the total safety of the material.
Why do my Elegance and Emotion boards yellow after installation? +
The yellowing observed on Elegance and Emotion decking boards is a temporary weathering phenomenon, perfectly natural for composite wood.
This natural phenomenon occurs during the first weeks following installation and gradually disappears after exposure to sun and weather. Eventually, the boards will return to their original shade and their color will stabilize.
In semi-sheltered or sheltered areas, this process may take longer due to reduced exposure to UV and natural elements.
If moisture rings persist, it is possible to accelerate their disappearance by using a water jet and a scrub brush, brushing in the longitudinal direction of the boards.
What are the main applications of composite wood? +
Composite wood has many applications in outdoor design. Silvadec distinguishes itself with a complete range of solutions developed and produced in France:
High-resistance decking with exclusive solid boards
Fencing and cladding systems with dedicated accessories
Special arrangements for demanding environments (swimming pools, public spaces)
Certified architectural solutions for the professional sector
The 100% European production and the recompose-it program for end-of-life recycling demonstrate Silvadec's superior environmental commitment compared to imported solutions.
Key takeaways!
A pioneer in sustainable innovation: The development of exclusive technology combining PEFC wood and recycled polymer, with innovative manufacturing processes (extrusion and co-extrusion) that position Silvadec as a European leader since 2001 in ecological outdoor design.
A comprehensive environmental approach: From design to end-of-life, Silvadec is committed to 100% French production, responsible materials, and the recompose-it recycling program, offering a genuine sustainable alternative to traditional wood.
Guaranteed technical excellence: Supporting loads of up to 500kg/m², resistant to UV and weather for 25 years, and certified to the strictest standards, Silvadec composite wood demonstrates its reliability with more than 1 million m² of installed decking, confirming its position as a reference in the sector.
