CDECK WUUDE – Composite Decking

Wood acts as a functional filler in the mix, being the cheapest component of the raw material. High wood percentages lower the price of composite decking but increase moisture absorption and thus dimensional variation. On the other hand, low percentages improve moisture absorption but reduce the mechanical performance of the decking.

Each manufacturer finds their balance between quality and price. In the case of CDECK decking, the percentages of wood and all other components of the raw material have been defined to achieve a composite deck where quality and durability are valued above all.

Indeed, just as much as the wood or polymer, it is the other additives that create significant performance differences among various composite decks.

By adding elements such as impact modifiers, UV filters, antioxidants, stabilisers, compatibilisers, etc., it is possible to obtain decks that, while looking similar, exhibit extraordinarily different characteristics. Thanks to rich and balanced formulations, composite decks like CDECK can offer, for example, mechanical resistance 2 to 3 times higher than that of most competing composite flooring.

There are many types of composite decking, considering their composition and how they are produced. Besides these differences, there are other characteristics that allow them to be categorised differently.

Regarding board design, there are:

• Hollow decks, which have interior holes to reduce weight;
• Solid decks, which, as the name implies, are completely solid.

Regarding material layers, there are:

• Monomass decks, where the boards are made with a uniform mixture of materials, such as CDECK Original;
• Partially encapsulated decks, which have a main body made with a uniform mixture of materials and a top layer in a different material;
• Fully encapsulated decks, which have a main body made from a uniform mixture of materials and an outer layer in one or more materials, such as CDECK WUUDE.

In the case of CDECK WUUDE, there are only hollow boards, which are fully encapsulated with two distinct materials, meaning they have a monomass core in a composite similar to that used in CDECK Original decking, and two layers, one lower and one upper, made from two special polymers.

Semi-encapsulated and encapsulated decking boards are a relatively recent solution compared to monomass boards, introduced with different objectives.

The main goal, common to all manufacturers, was to achieve different aesthetic presentations closer to the appearance of natural wood, as monomass decking boards typically have a uniform finish.

Another objective for many manufacturers was to allow the use of lower quality materials inside the boards, thus reducing costs.

As with monomass decks, there are also significant differences in presentation, performance, and durability in semi-encapsulated and encapsulated decks, depending on the materials used and manufacturing methods.

In the case of CDECK Original (monomass) and CDECK WUUDE (encapsulated) decking, the main differences lie in aesthetics, liquid absorption, and scratch resistance, with the core of CDECK WUUDE decking boards made from materials similar to those used in CDECK Original decking, to ensure similar performance and durability.

Aesthetically, CDECK WUUDE decking boards feature a unique organic design similar to natural wood, while CDECK Original decking has a more sober and uniform design.

In terms of liquid absorption, CDECK WUUDE decking boards have top and bottom faces that are easier to clean than those of CDECK Original decking, which, having exposed wood particles, behaves similarly to wood. For example, in the presence of oil or other fats, it will absorb these materials and display a stain for some time.

Regarding abrasion or scratch resistance, CDECK Original boards, if scratched aggressively, will maintain their appearance, with the scratch being practically invisible since they are made of a single mass. In the case of CDECK WUUDE decking, if the scratch is aggressive enough to penetrate the top layer, it will expose the inner material, making the scratch more visible.

Regarding the various semi-encapsulated and encapsulated decking board options on the market, it is very difficult to ensure non-slip boards when the top layer is 100% polymeric, so most of these products are not non-slip.

Contrary to most semi-encapsulated or encapsulated decks, CDECK WUUDE composite decking stands out for its exceptional non-slip capability, achieving Class 3 in the slip test, which is the required class for outdoor flooring in areas that may be wet. This performance from an encapsulated deck is very rare and is due to special processes developed by IHT, making it an ideal choice for outdoor flooring.

Abrasion or scratch resistance also varies greatly in these types of materials, with the majority of composite decks on the market being very “soft,” meaning they are very easy to degrade and scratch, which is very negative for outdoor flooring that will be subjected to all kinds of aggression.

In this aspect, CDECK WUUDE decking features an extremely resistant polymer layer, ensuring durability and longevity.

Another important aspect to highlight is that semi-encapsulated decking boards have a very high risk of warping because, with one waterproofed face and one face with exposed wood, they tend to absorb more moisture on the face with exposed wood, which will increase the likelihood of warping due to an imbalance in moisture content between areas of the board.

Advantages of CDECK WUUDE compared to other composite decks:

• The boards have a design that features random colour variations, giving them an organic and natural finish similar to wood;
• Thanks to it’s shape and micro-textured finish, the boards adapt to the anatomy of feet, providing a unique and extremely pleasant sensation;
• It features a waterproof coating that prevents the absorption of liquids and other substances, making cleaning and maintenance easy and simple;
• Despite the exposed face of the boards being 100% polymeric, the flooring is extremely non-slip, offering maximum safety even when wet (Class C3);
• It offers better mechanical performance, being 2 to 3 times more resistant than most competitors due to the formulation and production method;
• The boards can be custom-made (with lengths between 1.8 and 3m) to better suit each project;
• It provides greater dimensional stability and better abrasion resistance;
• Variety of board colours (5);
• It offers a wide range of profiles and accessories that ensure solutions for almost all situations;
• It has a patented fixing system that saves installation time, using only one screw per board and allowing individual board opening thanks to the pro intermediate clip;
• Uses PVC or Aluminium joists that ensure high stability and durability.

Disadvantages of CDECK WUUDE compared to other composite decks:

• It typically requires a higher initial investment.

CDECK WUUDE decking features a highly UV-resistant coating, making it highly stable in terms of colour, ensuring that colour variation over time is very minimal.

Yes. CDECK WUUDE decking, besides being free of knots and splinters, is an extremely non-slip flooring even when wet (Class C3).

Yes, it is also resistant to treatments used in pools.

Like any other material, CDECK WUUDE decking heats up when exposed to solar radiation, with darker colours heating more than lighter ones. Compared to wooden decking, and if we compare similar colours, CDECK WUUDE decking will heat up a bit more, but the difference is not very significant.

The CDECK WUUDE decking system has an expected lifespan of over 30 years.

CDECK, when installed and maintained according to the guidelines presented in the technical data sheet, has a warranty period of twenty-five (25) years for residential private space installations, or ten (10) years for commercial or public access space installations.

The CDECK fixing system is a unique and patented system. It is very easy to install and uninstall because it is a click system and requires only one screw per board. It consists of various types of clips for different situations, including a clip that allows individual board opening, whether to access a drain, a manhole cover, or simply to perform a deeper cleaning. In addition to these advantages, the fixing system allows the deck to float, ensuring greater adaptability of the flooring to dimensional variations, and thus greater dimensional stability over time.

PVC or Aluminium joists ensure greater durability because, in most cases, the joists are in direct contact with the ground, making them more susceptible to the effects of moisture, biological agents, etc. Additionally, they are in an almost inaccessible area for treatment or maintenance over time, hence the need to use materials that guarantee stability and durability without the need for maintenance, to ensure the longevity of the entire system.

If the board you want to remove is located at the edge of the deck, you should remove the end clips and proceed with removing the board normally. If the board is in the centre of the deck and does not contain intermediate pro clips, you should cut the intermediate clips using a grinder, and then reinstall the board with intermediate pro clips.

No. Since CDECK WUUDE boards are made of WPC (Wood Plastic Composite), they contain wood, and if permanently submerged, they may undergo irreversible changes in their configuration due to excessive water absorption.

No, decking boards should never be installed directly on the ground. It is necessary to ensure an air gap between the boards and the ground, which is provided by the joists.

No, CDECK decking joists must be fixed to the ground or to other profiles that ensure a stable structure, as described in the technical data sheet.

Yes, provided it is installed with a stable structure, as described in the technical data sheet, ensuring soil compaction in the support areas and that the lower air gap is not obstructed, specifically by using a geotextile fabric.

No, it is absolutely essential to ensure the proper spacing between boards because temperature and humidity variations will cause dimensional changes in the boards. If the gaps indicated in the technical data sheet are not maintained, the deck may warp, lift, or break. However, due to the extraordinary mechanical performance of CDECK decking, it is more likely that the deck will force the materials around its perimeter to give way, potentially even breaking surrounding walls.

No. CDECK WUUDE decking has been developed and tested as a system, where each component plays a specific role. Therefore, it should always be installed with the corresponding accessories and in accordance with the guidelines provided in the Technical Data Sheet, to ensure long-term durability and stability.

Yes, anyone can install CDECK WUUDE decking, provided they have the right tools and some DIY aptitude, as the installation is easy. IHT provides a very comprehensive technical data sheet and online videos that explain step-by-step how to do it.

• CTOOL
• Rubber mallet
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• Circular saw (with wood blade)
• Measuring tape
• Materials described in the Technical Data Sheet

Maintaining CDECK decking simply involves periodic washing to maintain its good appearance and to ensure that residues do not become permanently deposited.

CDECK WUUDE decking should be washed using a high-pressure washer, ensuring a minimum distance of 30 cm between the nozzle and the boards, with a maximum pressure of 150 bar, always washing along the length of the boards. You can also use a mild detergent or a chlorinated solution (water with a bit of bleach) and a soft brush.