WPC beds: pros and cons and how to make your own hands, ready-made solutions

Creating WPC beds is a modern solution that many gardeners choose. They help to get a comfortable and functional space. Such designs look especially successful in small areas, where it is very important to use the soil as efficiently as possible. The wood-polymer composite used for the manufacture of beds has excellent characteristics and an affordable price.

What is WPC

WPC beds are considered an excellent alternative to structures made of metal or plastic boards. They have a high degree of practicality and perfectly complement the landscape.This is due to their texture. In addition, WPC structures are much better than ordinary wood beds.

Such structures are made of wood-polymer composite, which is considered an environmentally friendly material. It is able to pass air, which is an advantageous difference from metal and plastic.

WPC is made from waste wood and plastic. These materials are mixed in different parts. Manufacturers typically use 60% wood flour and 40% PVC resin. Also, special additives are introduced into the composition. It may differ depending on the manufacturer.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of using polymer fences for the construction of beds include the following:

1. Easy to install and fix. To do this, use a special mount.
2. No risk of rot or fungal infection. The material is also resistant to pests.
3. Attractive appearance. The surface of the material resembles the shade and pattern of natural wood. It can be dyed as desired.
4. The ability to independently create a structure from boards.
5. No need for additional processing. The material does not need to be sanded, varnished or otherwise manipulated.
6. No need for specific care.
7. Resistant to adverse climatic factors. The coating does not lose its color and does not dry out.
8. Ability to withstand increased loads. The material does not deform under the influence of soil. In addition, it allows you to use various tools.
9. Sustainability. WPC is characterized by a safe composition. It does not produce hazardous substances and does not deform under the influence of elevated temperatures. In addition, the wood-polymer composite does not burn.

At the same time, the material has a number of disadvantages:

1. Risk of moisture accumulation and mold growth. WPC contains wood ingredients that absorb and store water.
2. Risk of destruction of polymers that are part of WPC, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

How to make DIY WPC beds

To create high beds, it is permissible to buy ready-made factory structures, which are very easy to assemble. Such materials are sold by many companies - for example, the Old Farm farm.

You can also purchase standard boards and make a structure with your own hands. To do this, in addition to the main material, you need to take hinges for fixing the boards and pegs for installing the structure on the ground.

To make a bed of WPC terrace boards, it is recommended to do the following:

1. Saw the boards to the right length.
2. Connect the fragments with hinges and pegs to get a box. At the same time, the corners and internal columns should be slightly higher than the sides - by 2 and 5 centimeters, respectively. This is required for the construction of high fences.
3. Make markings and dig holes for the posts on the sides.
4. Move the box to the bed, set the posts in the soil and tamp it down. To reinforce the structure, it is permissible to use false metal corners.

Examples of ready-made solutions

WPC beds vary in size and shape. Examples include the following types of designs:

1. Standard - their length usually does not exceed 9 meters, and the height is up to 25 centimeters. This option is considered the simplest. It can be used by beginners. A distinctive feature of such structures is the ease of their maintenance. They are easy to dig, weed, hill and water. Also standard beds provide ease of planting and harvesting.
2. High - in this case, the height of the structure reaches 40 centimeters. This option is suitable for experienced gardeners. He looks very unusual. In addition, the creation of such structures will require more costs.
3. Warm - such beds have a built-in greenhouse. They are recommended for planting heat-loving crops. At the same time, it is important to adhere to the rules for the construction of the structure.

Possible errors

Inexperienced gardeners make a number of mistakes when creating beds:

1. No gap to compensate for board expansion. Terrace boards under the influence of external factors are deformed - they lengthen and narrow. Therefore, during installation, it is important to leave gaps so that the boards can expand linearly. It is especially important to do this in areas of junction with limiters.
2. The use of wooden logs. Doing so is strictly prohibited. Wood and WPC differ in different coefficients of linear expansion. This provokes a rapid deformation of the structure.
3. Failure to comply with the recommended interval between lags. This leads to an increase in the load on the boards, which leads to their sagging and deformation.
4. Violation of the rules for preparing the surface for decking the terrace system. It is important to level the coating well. Otherwise, the irregularities will increase, leading to deformations.
5. Weak or hard fasteners. Often, when mounting boards, the clamps are not tightened. As a result, the flooring is loosened. Too rigid fasteners provoke the formation of cracks during installation and operation.

Creating beds from WPC has certain features. To get a strong and reliable structure, it is important to choose the right material and strictly adhere to the recommendations of experts.

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