When it comes to choosing the right composite decking for your outdoor space, the decision often comes down to a few leading names in the market. Two prominent players that frequently come up in discussions are Cladco Composite Decking and Hosung WPC. Both brands offer durable and aesthetically pleasing alternatives to traditional wood decking, but how do they really compare? In this comprehensive guide, we will analyze and compare these two composite decking giants across various categories including product quality, material composition, color range, slip resistance, environmental sustainability, pricing, and installation ease. We will highlight the unique strengths of Hosung WPC, while maintaining a fair and respectful comparison with Cladco Composite Decking.
Table of Contents
1. Company Background
Cladco Composite Decking
Cladco Profiles Ltd. is a UK-based company that has been in the building materials business for decades. It is widely recognized across the UK and Europe for its affordable and practical Cladco Composite Decking solutions. The brand has developed a reputation for offering accessible decking systems that combine affordability with decent performance.
Hosung WPC
Hosung WPC, on the other hand, is a leading Chinese manufacturer specializing in wood-plastic composite materials for over 15 years. With a strong focus on research and innovation, Hosung has grown into a global supplier, providing advanced WPC decking solutions that blend high-end aesthetics with long-term durability. Their commitment to sustainability and customized product development sets them apart in the industry.
2. Material Composition and Technology
Cladco Composite Decking
Cladco’s composite decking boards are made from a standard blend of 60% recycled wood fibers and 40% recycled plastic, striking a balance between sustainability and performance. Available in both hollow and solid profiles, Cladco offers customers flexibility in terms of cost and weight management. Hollow boards, being more economical and lighter, are particularly popular for DIY installations. Their co-extrusion technology provides a moderate level of UV and moisture resistance, ensuring that the decking does not warp or decay easily under average outdoor conditions. However, the aesthetic finish and surface texture of Cladco boards tend to lean towards simplicity, with limited depth in grain patterns.
Hosung WPC
Hosung WPC also uses a similar eco-friendly mix of recycled wood and polyethylene, but their materials are engineered with next-generation enhancements. What sets Hosung apart is its advanced co-extrusion technology, which encapsulates the entire core with a highly durable polymer shell. This makes the boards exceptionally resistant to external elements like mold, mildew, grease stains, and harsh UV exposure. Furthermore, Hosung employs full-depth embossing technology—an innovation that creates deeper, more realistic wood grain patterns that don’t fade or flatten over time. The boards not only look more natural but also feel closer to real hardwood when touched. This superior texture and longevity are significant for homeowners or developers seeking high-end visual impact and longer lifecycle performance.
Advantage: Hosung WPC
More advanced co-extrusion process ensures better protection
Full-depth embossing delivers superior grain design
Color, texture, and finish last significantly longer under outdoor exposure
Durability and Weather Resistance
Cladco Composite Decking
Cladco’s products are designed to endure moderate outdoor conditions, such as those commonly found in the UK and similar climates. Their boards resist water absorption, insect damage, and general fading due to sun exposure. For average residential use, particularly in gardens and patios, Cladco decking performs adequately and remains structurally sound over time. However, users have noted that hollow boards can be more vulnerable to impact damage or warping when subjected to high foot traffic, heavy furniture, or fluctuating extreme temperatures. In colder or hotter regions, additional care or structural support may be required to ensure long-term performance.
Hosung WPC
Hosung WPC, in contrast, is engineered specifically for global outdoor performance, including in regions with harsh weather like the snowy zones of Canada or the hot, UV-intense climates of Australia. The solid boards are built with a fully capped shell, offering a shield-like barrier against moisture penetration, algae growth, and weather-induced expansion or contraction. These boards remain dimensionally stable even in extreme freeze-thaw cycles or prolonged sun exposure. Thanks to the denser material structure and high-impact resistance, Hosung decking suits not only residential patios but also commercial environments such as resorts, marinas, and public walkways.
Advantage: Hosung WPC
Withstands extreme weather conditions across continents
Fully capped for long-term resistance to UV, water, and snow
High load-bearing strength, ideal for both residential and commercial use
Color and Texture Range
Cladco Composite Decking
Cladco offers a select but reliable range of colors, including popular tones like Stone Grey, Coffee, Olive Green, and Teak. These shades are designed to appeal to a broad customer base and integrate easily with garden furniture and modern architecture. The boards are available in two main finishes: narrow-grooved and wide-grooved. While functional for anti-slip purposes and providing uniform appearance, the textures may appear somewhat artificial or repetitive upon close inspection. Customers looking for highly natural-looking alternatives may find the options a bit limited, especially when comparing close-up aesthetics.
Hosung WPC
Hosung offers a significantly broader and more customizable palette, featuring luxurious tones such as Walnut, Redwood, Silver Grey, Antique, and Charcoal, as well as premium wood replicas like Ipe, Teak, and Mahogany. This wide spectrum allows homeowners, designers, and developers to match decking seamlessly with exterior themes. In addition to standard options, Hosung supports bespoke color matching and surface customization for bulk orders, which is ideal for resorts, hotels, and large-scale architectural projects. The deep wood grain embossing is not only visually rich but also tactilely authentic, making Hosung boards almost indistinguishable from real timber.
Advantage: Hosung WPC
Wider selection of realistic, natural-looking color options
Deep-grain embossing enhances both visual and tactile realism
Custom colors and finishes available for branding or design uniformity
Slip Resistance
Cladco Composite Decking
Cladco’s grooved surface designs provide a commendable level of grip, especially under wet conditions. This makes their composite decking suitable for outdoor uses around swimming pools, garden walkways, or patios where rainwater might accumulate. The narrow-grooved boards are particularly useful in draining water quickly. While this level of slip resistance meets most residential safety standards, the performance may reduce over time as the grooves wear down or collect debris, requiring occasional cleaning and maintenance to retain safety levels.
Hosung WPC
Hosung takes slip resistance to the next level with boards tested to meet R11 or higher slip resistance ratings—a standard commonly required in commercial environments. Their full-depth embossed grain offers superior underfoot grip, even in rainy or icy conditions. The surface is designed to channel water efficiently and resist slippage even when exposed to barefoot traffic, which is a huge advantage in poolside areas, marina docks, or children’s play spaces. Additionally, the solid build contributes to more stable footing under high impact or high-traffic usage.
Advantage: Hosung WPC
Certified R11+ slip ratings for maximum safety
High-traction grain surface improves grip in wet or icy environments
Suitable for family-friendly and commercial applications requiring strict safety standards
Eco-Friendliness
Cladco Composite Decking
Cladco uses recycled materials in its boards, making them more sustainable than traditional timber. However, the company’s sustainability transparency is relatively modest.
Hosung WPC
Hosung places a strong emphasis on sustainability. All WPC boards are made from 95% recycled content, including agricultural wood waste and reclaimed polymers. Additionally, their production process minimizes emissions and water use. Hosung is also certified by organizations such as FSC, ISO14001, and CE, proving its commitment to green manufacturing.
Advantage: Hosung WPC
Higher recycled material content
Verified green certifications
Environmentally conscious operations
Price Comparison
Cladco Composite Decking
Cladco is widely recognized in the UK and European markets for its budget-friendly pricing structure, making it an attractive choice for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and property developers with limited budgets. The hollow core boards, in particular, offer substantial savings while still delivering the essential benefits of composite decking—namely resistance to rot, low maintenance, and a modern finish. Their straightforward design and domestic manufacturing capabilities help keep costs down. For those seeking a quick, economical decking project without too much concern for premium aesthetics or long-term durability, Cladco presents an accessible entry point into the composite decking market.
Hosung WPC
Hosung’s composite decking products are positioned as a premium offering, especially with their fully capped boards and full-depth wood embossing. While the initial purchase cost may be slightly higher than Cladco’s standard boards, the price reflects a significant upgrade in material quality, design fidelity, and longevity.
Hosung boards require minimal maintenance over the years—no painting, staining, or sealing—resulting in lower ongoing costs. Moreover, their durability in extreme weather conditions means fewer replacements and less structural damage over time. For commercial projects, luxury homes, and long-term property investments, Hosung’s products often prove more cost-effective over the product lifecycle, offering a better return on investment (ROI) through performance stability and superior curb appeal.
Advantage: Balanced
Cladco: Economical solution, ideal for cost-sensitive projects and short- to medium-term applications
Hosung WPC: Slightly higher initial investment, but delivers better value through long-term durability, reduced maintenance, and elevated aesthetics
Installation and Maintenance
Cladco Composite Decking
Cladco’s boards are relatively easy to install and come with clip systems and instruction manuals. Maintenance is low, but boards may require periodic cleaning and re-sealing depending on usage.
Hosung WPC
Hosung’s decking systems are designed for quick-lock installation, and are compatible with a variety of subframe types. The fully capped design makes cleaning extremely easy—just water and a cloth will do. No sanding, sealing, or oiling is ever required.
Advantage: Hosung WPC
Easy to install
Ultra-low maintenance
Long-term time savings
Warranty and After-Sales Service
Cladco Composite Decking
Cladco offers a 10-year warranty on most of its composite decking products. While this is standard, coverage limitations may apply depending on usage conditions.
Hosung WPC
Hosung stands behind its products with warranties ranging from 15 to 25 years, depending on the specific product line. Their international customer service network is also expanding, ensuring better post-sale support and technical guidance.
Advantage: Hosung WPC
Longer warranty period
Global support availability
Better technical assurance
Final Verdict: Cladco Composite Decking vs Hosung WPC
Both Cladco Composite Decking and Hosung WPC offer reliable decking solutions for a variety of outdoor applications. Cladco stands out for its affordability and widespread UK availability. It’s a practical choice for homeowners seeking basic performance at a lower cost.
However, if your priority is premium aesthetics, weather resilience, customization, and long-term value, Hosung WPC clearly leads the competition. The brand’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing, advanced co-extrusion technology, and broader product range gives it a strong edge for homeowners, architects, and commercial developers who demand more than just a deck—they want a lasting outdoor experience.
Summary Table: Cladco Composite Decking vs Hosung WPC
| Feature | Cladco Composite Decking | Hosung WPC |
|---|---|---|
| Material Composition | Wood + Recycled Plastic | High-grade Wood + PE |
| Co-extrusion Technology | Available | Advanced Full Cap |
| Slip Resistance | Moderate | High (R11+ rating) |
| Aesthetic Variety | Limited | Extensive, Custom Options |
| UV & Weather Resistance | Moderate | Excellent |
| Warranty | 10 Years | 15–25 Years |
| Sustainability | Good | Excellent, Certified |
| Maintenance | Low | Ultra-low |
| Price | Budget-friendly | Mid-range, High ROI |
Conclusion
Choosing between Cladco Composite Decking and Hosung WPC depends largely on your specific project needs and expectations. While Cladco serves as a solid entry-level solution, Hosung WPC positions itself as the ideal choice for those who seek durability, beauty, and sustainability in one package.
If you’re investing in a long-term outdoor space that maintains its appearance and strength year after year, Hosung WPC offers unmatched performance and aesthetics that go beyond standard decking.
