Guide to Wood-Plastic Composite Types and Generations Cladding

Composite material has evolved rapidly over the last decade, with manufacturers introducing new, highly improved 2nd Generation iterations of the product. These 2nd Gen products provide consumers with massive enhancements over their 1st Generation counterparts, with increased durability and colour-fade resistance being two notable upgrades.

But the industry isn’t stopping there. 3rd Generation wood-plastic composite is already in development, tying up the remaining minor weaknesses of its predecessor, and the introduction of Cellulose Nano Fibre (CNF) composites is an exciting future release to look forward to.

This guide aims to discuss the varying attributes provided across the generations of Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC), identifying the ranges and finishes provided by manufacturers to help inform your next project purchase.

The Generations of WPC

First Generation (Uncapped Composite)

Introduced in the 1990s, First Generation boards are the foundation of all composite designs. Composed of 55–60% wood fibres (usually in the form of recycled sawdust) and 40% plastic (such as PVC or HDPE), these materials are blended under extreme heat and pressure with bonding additives to create a solid, dense core.

The Advancements:

Wood Grain Anthracite Grey Cladding Full View

1st Generation boards offered immediate solutions to the glaring problems faced with traditional wood while successfully mimicking its finish and feel. They delivered:

Strong resistance to insects, rot, and extreme weather.
Greatly reduced maintenance needs (no sanding, painting, or sealing required).
Lightweight performance with expanded longevity.

The Limitations:

However, this product lacks the protective plastic cap seen in newer ranges, leaving its wood fibres exposed to the elements. While still highly durable, 1st Generation (uncapped) products will absorb some surface moisture and display a degree of colour-fade (roughly 30-35%) in the first six months before the colour naturally stabilises.

Smooth finishes on these boards also experience temporary tannin staining. Iron-based tannins locked within the wood fibres leach out onto the surface when exposed to heavy rain. While this is natural, non-permanent, and ceases after a few months, it can temporarily leave unsightly water spots.

Despite these early limitations, a quality 1st Generation board is expected to last 10–15+ years—highly comparable to, or better than, treated timber.

Second Generation (Capped Composite)

Building upon the benefits of 1st Generation WPC, 2nd Generation variants were designed specifically to conquer the issues of colour-fade, moisture absorption, and staining.

The Co-Extrusion Process:

Dark Grey Slatted Composite Cladding With Unique Wood Grain | Close Up View

Manufacturers developed a process called co-extrusion, where multiple layers of plastic polymers are forced simultaneously through a shaping die. These polymers are pressed seamlessly around the core of the composite board, creating a protective, impermeable shield known as a “cap”.

The Benefits:

Zero Noticeable Fading: 2nd Generation WPC sees minimal colour fade. UV inhibitors within the cap layer reflect sunlight, retaining a beautiful, multi-tonal finish reminiscent of premium wood.
Moisture & Stain Shield: The non-porous plastic cap makes it incredibly difficult for mould, algae, or deep stains to infiltrate the core. If spills happen, a single gentle wipe is usually enough to remove them.
Scratch Resistance: While scratching is still possible with extreme force (like dragging heavy metal furniture), the cap layer and vertical installlation drastically improves overall surface durability.

The major drawback to this version of WPC is the noticeably increased upfront cost and a slightly heavier board weight. However, consumers and manufacturers agree that the longevity of this product saves money in the long run, easily lasting an average of 25+ years.

Third Generation (In Development)

3rd Generation boards currently in development look to address the weight issues introduced by 2nd Gen, while continuing to push the structural integrity of WPC to new heights.

Mineral-Based Composites (MBC):

Current advancements utilise specialised, high-performance materials like Mineral-Based Composites. MBC boards use an advanced polymer or mineral shell to coat the surface, which is lighter than a standard plastic cap but maintains impeccable scratch resistance and almost zero water absorption. They hold their shape exceptionally well in extreme heat and aim to outlast the 25-year lifespan of current capped boards.

Cellulose Nano Fibres (CNF):

CNF composites are derived from natural wood pulp and consist of microscopic strands of cellulose material, about 5–20 nanometres in width. These tiny strands create a thread-like webbing throughout the material that is often cited as having a tensile strength equal to or greater than steel.

Currently used to reinforce lightweight car parts and flexible electronics, CNF technology will eventually be introduced to the decking market to improve thermal resistance, expand flexibility, and create an incredibly lightweight, ultra-durable product.

Surface Finishes of Composite

In this final section, we will cover the different physical surface finishes you can expect from composite ranges and how they perform.

Smooth / Grooved:

Typically found amongst 1st Generation (uncapped) composites, smooth cladding boards mimic a freshly sanded wood texture, providing a sleek, minimalist, and contemporary look. It is the most ubiquitous range, featuring a massive selection of colours, and is the most budget-friendly option on the market.

Pros: Easier to clean due to the lack of deep grains. Smooth variants offer excellent hassle-free durability and care.
Cons: Weakest colour-fade resistance (until it stabilises) and shows scratches and early tannin watermarks more clearly than textured boards.

Woodgrain:

Designed to strictly mimic the appearance of organic timber, woodgrain composite cladding features the touch, feel, and visual appeal of bark textured directly into the surface. Found in both capped and uncapped forms, it is ideal for rustic, traditional, or period homes.

Pros: Offers better UV protection by scattering light, hides surface scratches exceptionally well, and provides high-end authenticity.
Cons: The textured grains can accumulate slightly more dirt or algae if not routinely swept or washed.

Slatted / Castellated:

Slatted cladding variants are now highly popular in modern composite cladding and composite fencing sectors. They provide a unique 3D architectural presentation, often contrasting dark, shadowy recesses against lighter woodgrain faces.

Pros: Provides a striking, modern, contemporary look. Perfect for creating feature walls or breaking up seamless exterior transitions with unique texture and visual depth.

Conclusion

We at Ultra Decking hope this guide provides an informative, expert look into the current and future landscape of composite materials. Whether you opt for the budget-friendly pioneer of 1st Generation or the ultimate shielded longevity of 2nd Generation, composite remains the ultimate low-maintenance upgrade for your home

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Guide to Composite Types and Generations Cladding