How DPK boards changed our dacha life: a full analysis with personal life hacks

In this article, I'll tell you how I chose what to build a terrace for my house from: concrete blocks, natural stone, wood, or composite materials. I'll also explain why I decided to build a terrace extension from polymer boards. And I'll explain whether it's so difficult to build an extension yourself or order a turnkey project from a professional.

First acquaintance: from skepticism to admiration

When we bought our dacha, I dreamed of a beautiful wooden deck. But reality quickly dampened my enthusiasm—my neighbors' deck required annual painting, and after three years, half the boards had already rotted. That's when I first heard about wood-plastic composite (WPC) from a salesperson at a hardware store.

My skepticism was so strong that I put the samples to real tests:

Left it in the pouring rain for a week - the wood swelled, but the wood-polymer composite remained unchanged.
I put it in the sun and the wood cracked, but the wood-plastic composite only warmed up slightly.
I tried to scratch it with a nail - a groove remained on the wood, and a barely noticeable mark on the wood-plastic composite.

But I was finally convinced by a visit to friends whose WPC deck had been standing for seven years. It looked like new, while our old wooden veranda had undergone three major renovations during that time.

Selection and purchase: how not to make a mistake

We spent a whole month choosing, and here's what we found out:

Thickness- for a residential terrace at least 22 mm
Surface- the ribbed one is safer, especially if there are children
Color- It's better to take a tone darker, as it will fade a little over time
Manufacturer— the presence of certificates and guarantees is important

In the end, we chose 24 mm thick "golden oak" planks from a trusted manufacturer with a 15-year warranty. We bought 10% more than we estimated—and it was worth it, as we had to trim several planks.

Editing: Three Days That Changed Everything

We decided to do the installation ourselves to save money. The process took three weekends:

Day 1: Preparing the Foundation

The site was leveled with a slope of 1 cm/meter to allow water drainage.
Adjustable plastic supports were installed
Checked with a level at five points

Day 2: Laying the logs

We used aluminum profiles with a pitch of 35 cm
Each log was checked with a laser level
It took 6 hours, but the base turned out perfectly smooth.

Day 3: Installing the boards

The first three boards took an hour to lay – they were afraid of making a mistake.
Special clips have made the process much easier.
The main thing is to remember to leave gaps of 5-6 mm

The most exciting moment was the first step onto the finished deck. The feeling was incredible—a smooth, warm surface underfoot, without a single gap or sag.

Everyday life with a DPC: pros and cons

What we admire:

Practicality— for 3 years they haven’t painted it once, they’ve only washed it with a hose
Safety— the children run around barefoot, not a single splinter
Durability- looks like new despite heavy use
Sustainability- is not afraid of rain, snow or the scorching sun

Minor disadvantages:

In the July heat, the surface gets noticeably hot (we decided to use a retractable awning)
Sharp heels leave barely noticeable marks
There was a slight plastic smell for the first 2 months (it completely disappeared)

Unexpected benefits that aren't mentioned

Over time, we discovered additional benefits:

Children's creativity— chalk drawings are washed away by the first rain
Stain resistance- spilled wine leaves no traces
Winter safety- no dangerous ice crust forms
Easy cleaning- leaves and debris do not stick
Silence— the rain doesn't beat as loudly as on wood

I'm especially pleased that the terrace always looks well-maintained without much effort. When guests ask how often we resurface it, we proudly answer, "Never, it's wood-plastic composite!"

Tips for those just starting out

Don't skimp on thickness - at least 22 mm for a terrace
Choose a ribbed surface - it's safer
Take a color one tone darker than desired.
Be sure to leave gaps during installation.
Use quality fasteners
Don't forget about the slope for water drainage
Let the material settle before installation.

The main advice: don't be intimidated by the initial price. When you factor in the savings on maintenance, WPC pays for itself in just a few years.

Results: Was it worth it?

Now, three seasons later, I'm absolutely confident in my choice. Our terrace:

Retained its original appearance
Does not require special care
Remains safe for children
Withstands any weather

Every morning, as I step out onto the terrace with a cup of coffee, I'm glad I chose WPC. It's truly a material that saves time and effort, allowing me to simply enjoy my time. Now we're planning to use WPC for garden paths as well—a proven solution is better than experimentation.