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Laminate Flooring
What is natural wood outdoor decking? How does it compare to wood-plastic composite decking in terms of durability and price?
Outdoor natural wood decking is a high-quality material made from hardwood with a density of 0,6 – 1,2 g/cm³, treated with drying and vacuum pressing to reduce moisture absorption to below 12%, increasing durability and dimensional stability. Thanks to its rich structure of tannins (5 – 10%), lignin (25 – 30%), and cellulose (40 – 50%), this type of decking has natural antibacterial, moisture-resistant, and termite-resistant properties.
Wood-plastic composite decking is a modern outdoor flooring material made from 55-60% natural wood powder, 30-35% virgin HDPE plastic granules, and 10% additives (including a polymer coating for the double-layer wood-plastic composite). Thanks to the combination of wood powder and plastic, this material possesses the natural beauty of real wood while ensuring weather resistance, UV resistance, moisture resistance, and termite resistance.
In terms of durability, natural Laminate flooring stands out for its aesthetics and long lifespan (15-50 years) if properly maintained. However, the material is prone to fading and is flammable at 250-300°C. Conversely, wood-plastic composite flooring has excellent water resistance, termite resistance, and fire spread resistance, meeting ISO 178:2019 standards. Notably, wood-plastic composite flooring is 100% termite-resistant and absorbs only 1,16% of water after 24 hours of immersion, ensuring high durability in harsh weather conditions.
In terms of price, natural Laminate flooring ranges from 1.200.000 to 5.000.000 VND/m², while single-layer PVC flooring costs only 815.000 to 1.060.000 VND/m² and double-layer PVC flooring with polymer coating ranges from 1.000.000 to 1.357.000 VND/m². Regarding applications, natural Laminate flooring is suitable for high-end spaces with minimal exposure to rain and sun, such as hallways, patios, or decorative areas. PVC flooring is the optimal choice for gardens, pool areas, balconies, and outdoor walkways.
"Approximately 70% of new residential and commercial projects in Southeast Asia have switched to using WPC decking for exteriors due to its moisture resistance and lower maintenance costs compared to natural wood. This is considered a design trend suitable for tropical climates.” – According to Decking Malaysia Industry Review (2026).
What is outdoor natural wood decking?
Outdoor natural wood decking is a flooring material made from high-density natural hardwood (0,6 – 1,2 g/cm³), specially treated to enhance its resistance to outdoor environmental conditions. This type of decking is meticulously processed using drying and vacuum pressing technology to minimize moisture absorption.
The cellular structure of wood used for garden decking typically contains high levels of extracts such as tannins (5-10%), lignin (25-30%), and cellulose (40-50%), providing natural antibacterial and moisture-resistant properties. High-temperature treatment at 160-220°C in a controlled environment reduces moisture content to below 12% and enhances the dimensional stability of the Laminate flooring.
According to a Kosmos survey based on over 500 completed projects in Q2/2025, the 7 most popular types of natural wood used for outdoor decking include:
| Floor Type | Aesthetics | Key advantages of outdoor decking |
| Black Star wooden floor | Dark brown, classic straight grain | Janka has a hardness of approximately 2,200 lbf, high abrasion and impact resistance, and an outdoor lifespan of 15-20 years with maintenance. |
| Myanmar Teak Laminate flooring | Large, dark yellow wood grain. | With a natural oil content of 15-20%, it offers excellent waterproofing, rot resistance, Janka durability of 1,070 lbf, a lifespan of 50 years, and good termite resistance. |
| Lao Teak Laminate flooring | Dark yellow, with fine, small veins and many black streaks. | High stability, moisture resistant (Durability Group 1 – EN 113), lifespan of 40-50 years, insect repellent thanks to natural oils. |
| Modified Bamboo Laminate flooring | Oak yellow color, natural bamboo grain. | Janka wood has a hardness of 3,000–5,000 lbf, is almost completely waterproof, has a lifespan of 25 years, and decomposes four times slower than real wood. |
| Modified Ash Laminate flooring | Uniform dark brown color, fine grain. | Heat treatment at 180-220°C reduces moisture content to 20%, provides 3 times better waterproofing, extends lifespan to 25-30 years, and offers 100% termite resistance. |
| Modified Pine Laminate flooring | Warm brown color, straight grain. | Eliminates resin, 90% waterproof, only 5-7% moisture absorption, lifespan of 20-25 years, 50% harder than conventional materials. |
| Accoya Laminate flooring | Creamy white color, fine texture. | Acetylation, moisture balance 3-5%, water resistance <5%, lifespan 50 years above ground, 25 years in water, 100% termite resistant. |
What is wood-plastic composite flooring?
Wood-plastic composite decking is an outdoor flooring material made from 55-60% natural wood powder, 30-35% virgin HDPE plastic granules, and 10% special additives. HDPE plastic has stable mechanical strength and effective resistance to UV rays, moisture, and chemicals. Thanks to this combination, wood-plastic composite decking offers the natural beauty of wood while ensuring durability, weather resistance, and a long lifespan.
Kosmos currently offers two lines of outdoor wood-plastic composite decking: 1 layer wood plastic , and Double-layered polymer-coated wood-plastic composite (Double-layered wood-plastic composite).
| Criteria | 1 layer wood plastic floor | Laminate flooring 2 skins |
| Structure | 55 – 60% wood powder, 30 – 35% HDPE plastic, 10% additives | 55% wood pulp, 35% HDPE plastic, 10% additives, Polymer coating |
| Classify | 1. Kosmos single-layer plastic Laminate flooring (60% wood powder, 30% HDPE resin, 10% additives) comes in 3 types: 6 round holes with 3D wood grain, 4 square holes with 2D wood grain, and 5 square holes with natural vertical scratched wood grain. 2. Galawood single-layer plastic Laminate flooring (55% wood powder, 35% HDPE resin, 10% additives) comes in two types: 4 square holes with 2D wood grain and 4 square holes with 3D wood grain. | 1. Double-layer square perforated floor: Open or seamless joints with wood grain patterns – scratched patterns – 3D patterns. 2. Double-layered perforated floor: Seamless finish with 3D wood grain. |
| Size | 140 x 25 x 2200mm 140 x 25 x 3000mm 146 x 25 x 3000mm | 140 x 23 x 3000mm 145 x 22,5 x 3000mm |
| Color fastness | 10 – 20% reduction in the first 3 months, then color stabilizes | Color remains stable throughout the usage period. |
| Longevity | 7 - 10 years | 20 years |
Which is better in terms of durability and price: natural Laminate flooring or wood-plastic composite flooring?
Both natural wood decking and wood-plastic composite decking are popular choices in outdoor design today. However, each type has its own advantages, meeting different needs and purposes.
| Criteria | Solid Laminate flooring | 1 layer wood plastic floor | 2-layer polymer-coated wood plastic flooring |
| Thành phần | High-quality, high-density natural wood with a density of 0,6 – 1,2 g/cm³, specially treated. | 55-60% natural wood pulp, 30-35% HDPE plastic granules, and 10% special additives. | 55% wood pulp, 35% HDPE plastic, 10% additives, Polymer coating. |
| Beauty | Unique wood grain patterns and natural texture. The design and color of the flooring panels may vary, creating a truly one-of-a-kind aesthetic. | Realistic wood imitation with natural grain patterns, available in 2D or 3D. The floor panels are color-matched but cannot replicate the natural beauty of real wood. | |
| Longevity | 15-50 years. | 7-10 years. | 20 year. |
| Color fastness | It may fade over time, so regular maintenance with oil/paint is necessary. | The color will fade by 10-20% in the first 3 months, then stabilize. | Color stability is maintained throughout the product's lifespan thanks to the polymer coating. |
| Water resistance | Water absorption rate <12%, fairly good water resistance for woods with high natural oil content like Teak. However, the floor is at risk of gradually deteriorating if exposed to high humidity for extended periods. | After being soaked in water for 24 hours, the wood-plastic composite flooring only absorbed about 1,16% of its original weight in water, with an expansion rate of only 0,1%. | The coefficient of expansion is very low: 0,17% in thickness, 0,01% in width, and 0,02% in length, as verified according to EN 15534-1:2014 and EN ISO 11925-2:2020 standards. |
| Resistance to termites and insects | Limitations: Requires regular maintenance and treatment to ensure resistance to termites and wood-boring insects. | 100% waterproof thanks to its HDPE plastic composition and additives. | |
| Force-resistance | High hardness (Janka: 1.000 – 1.800 lbf depending on the type), good load-bearing capacity. | Medium. According to ISO 178:2010 and ISO 178:2019 standards, Kosmos single-layer wood-plastic composite has a maximum bending strength of 29,7 MPa. | Good. The impact strength index is 13,9J, as tested according to ASTM D4226-19e1 – Method A. |
| Fire resistance | Highly flammable (ignition temperature ~250 – 300°C), spreads rapidly (burning rate 0,5 – 1 mm/minute). It is necessary to apply a fire-retardant coating (reducing the risk by 30-50%) or choose an oil-rich wood like teak (20% slower to burn). | It has good fire-retardant properties but is not a dedicated fire-resistant material. | |
| Environmental friendliness | It is environmentally friendly if the wood is harvested and processed using green standard procedures. Wood is a renewable, biodegradable material that does not release toxic substances during use. | The plastic and additive components in the product are certified safe. According to the test results from Quatest 3, no formaldehyde was detected, ensuring it is environmentally friendly. | |
| Price | 1.200.000 – 5.000.000 VND/m² | 815.000 – 1.060.000 VND/m² | 1.000.000 – 1.357.000 VND/m² |
>>> How much does it cost to install WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) flooring for a 20m2 balcony?
What are some tips for choosing outdoor decking?
When choosing flooring materials for outdoor spaces, homeowners often hesitate between natural Laminate flooring and wood-plastic composite flooring. Here are some suggested applications for each type of flooring to help customers make an informed decision:
| Criteria | Solid Laminate flooring | Laminate flooring |
| Demand | The space is luxurious, aesthetically pleasing, and less susceptible to frequent damage from weather, humidity, termites, and insects. | Outdoor areas, directly exposed to sun and rain, require high levels of waterproofing and termite resistance. |
| Suitable construction | Outdoor corridor. Rooftop terrace, porch, balcony. Landscape design for resorts and villa gardens. | Gardens and outdoor pathways. Pool area. Rooftops and balconies of buildings. |
Questions related to outdoor decking.
How to clean and maintain natural wood decking in a garden?
When cleaning and maintaining natural wood patio decking, homeowners should keep the following four things in mind:
- Proper floor cleaning: Use a soft cloth or a soft-bristle brush with a mild cleaning solution (pH 6-8). Avoid using harsh chemicals that can fade or corrode the wood surface.
- Surface coating and protection: Every 6-12 months, it is recommended to apply a varnish or a UV-resistant coating to protect the wood from fading and cracking due to weather conditions.
- Inspect and address signs of deterioration promptly: Observe the areas in direct contact with water; if you notice any cracking or peeling, address it promptly to prevent it from spreading.
- Ensure good drainage: The floor design incorporates drainage gaps to prevent moisture buildup and extend the material's lifespan.
What should be considered when installing wood-plastic composite flooring?
- The installation surface should be flat, with a slight drainage slope of 2-3%. This prevents water from accumulating on the surface, avoiding dampness, mold, and slipperiness after use.
- The frame structure uses materials with good load-bearing capacity: Stainless steel bars, galvanized steel bars (minimum size 30x30mm, thickness ≥1,4mm) or wood-plastic composite beams (thickness ≥25mm for solid type, ≥30mm for hollow type) can be used.
- Optimal spacing for installing joists, floor, and walls: During use, floor joists may expand slightly due to temperature changes, so proper spacing must be maintained:
- The distance between the two bone bars is ≤350mm.
- The minimum gap between the floor and the wall is 15mm.
- When joining two floor panels, a 5mm gap should be left to prevent warping or the joint from coming loose.
- Use stainless steel screws: The entire fixing system should use 304 stainless steel screws to prevent rust, ensuring the floor's durability in humid outdoor environments. Stainless steel support beams should use flat-head screws, while wood-plastic composite joists should use pointed-head screws.
Are natural wood and wood-plastic composite flooring resistant to rain, sun, and UV rays?
Both natural wood and wood-plastic composite decking are designed for use in harsh weather conditions. Natural wood decking withstands rain and sun but requires regular maintenance. Wood-plastic composite decking offers UV resistance, waterproofing, and color stability thanks to its composition of HDPE plastic combined with wood powder and UV-resistant additives.
Should outdoor wood-plastic composite decking be used as a replacement for natural wood?
Outdoor wood-plastic composite decking is an optimal alternative to natural wood in many cases, especially when durability, water resistance, and low maintenance costs are prioritized. If sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term outdoor use are the goals, wood-plastic composite decking is a suitable choice.
Which company specializes in distributing reputable outdoor decking?
Kosmos Vietnam is a reputable distributor of outdoor wood-plastic composite decking with a network of over 500 dealers nationwide. Their products have an average lifespan of 7-20 years and come with a warranty of 1-5 years. In addition to outdoor decking, Kosmos also offers a variety of other wood-plastic composite materials such as cladding panels, slats, decorative posts, and matching accessories.
For detailed advice on models, specifications, or to receive an accurate price quote, please contact our hotline. Phone: 0932 067 388 To receive dedicated support from Kosmos' team of experts.
Outdoor natural wood decking offers a luxurious look and a feeling of closeness to nature, while wood-plastic composite decking stands out for its durability, weather resistance, and cost-effectiveness. Depending on usage needs, weather conditions, and budget, users can choose the most suitable type of decking.
Kim Hoa As a consultant and content representative for Kosmos Vietnam, I have over 5 years of experience in the field of interior and exterior decorative materials. Kim Hoa Regularly participating in industry seminars, advising clients, and creating videos sharing knowledge about materials, they contribute to building clear, accurate, and useful website content for readers.
The information, images, and content posted on the website. Kosmos.vn The aim is to provide reference information on products, materials, and application solutions in construction, interior and exterior decoration.
The information in this article may change over time, depending on actual construction conditions, technical standards, or specific product lines. Kosmos does not guarantee that the content on this website is completely accurate or perfectly suitable for all projects or purposes.
Customers and partners should:
- For further technical advice, consult with the construction company, architect, or specialist engineer.
- Check the specifications, design, and actual usage conditions before deciding to purchase and install.
Kosmos is not responsible for any risks or damages arising from the application of information on this website without consultation or confirmation from a professional.
- https://www.decking.my/post/wood-vs-composite-decking-which-lasts-longer-in-malaysia-s-weather-2026
- https://ferino.com.vn/co-nen-dung-san-go-tu-nhien-ngoai-troi-uu-nhuoc-diem-va-kinh-nghiem/
- https://tamop.com.vn/san-go-tu-nhien-ngoai-troi-7-lua-chon-hang-dau-cho-thiet-ke-canh-quan-hien-dai.html
- https://kosmos.vn/san-go-ngoai-troi/
- https://hobiwood.com/san-go-tu-nhien-ngoai-troi.html
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