If you’ve ever pulled off a skirting board to find a trail of powder and hollow‑sounding timber, you know the quiet devastation termites can cause. Replacing infested doors is pricey, disruptive, and—let’s be honest—heart‑breaking when the design you loved becomes firewood. In the quest for a door that looks warm, stands strong, and keeps termites out for good, wood–plastic composite (WPC) doors from SamratHPL have emerged as a serious contender to traditional hardwood frames. But does a composite core truly beat nature at its own game?
1. What We Tested—and Why It Matters
We set up a six‑month comparative study using:
| Door type | Core material | Surface finish | Reason for inclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid teak | Kiln‑dried teak | Two‑pack PU sealer | Benchmark for premium hardwood |
| Solid meranti | Kiln‑dried meranti | Melamine polish | Common mid‑price option |
| SamratHPL WPC | Calcium‑Zinc‑stabilised WPC | Factory‑laminated teakgrain HPL | Moisture‑stable alternative |
Each sample measured 300 × 300 × 40 mm and sat in identical termite chambers, where colonies fed freely.
2. The Six‑Month Results at a Glance
| Metric | Teak | Meranti | SamratHPL WPC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight loss (%) | 4.2 % | 9.8 % | 0.3 % |
| Visible tunnels | Hairline on sapwood | Extensive | None |
| Core integrity (tap test) | Slightly hollow | Hollow, brittle | Solid |
Interpretation
- Teak held up better than expected but still lost structural density.
- Meranti suffered badly—classic soft‑core channels.
- WPC showed almost no measurable damage; termites abandoned the chamber by week 10.
3. Why Termites Ignore WPC
- No cellulose buffet – Termites can’t digest plastic.
- Calcium‑zinc additives – Neutral to insects and safe for indoor air; they block microbial growth on the core.
- Seamless skin – SamratHPL presses HPL directly onto the composite, leaving no exposed edge for ingress.
4. Real‑Home Case Study: Two Villas, Five Years On
Villa A – Sector 20, Chandigarh
2019 install: solid meranti + veneer skin
- Year 2: Hairline cracks near hinge screws; minor frass.
- Year 4: Full jamb replacement after visible sag.
Villa B – Whitefield, Bengaluru
2019 install: SamratHPL WPC teakgrain
- Year 2–5: No structural change. Owner reports only light cleaning with damp cloth.
- Maintenance cost saved: Approx. ₹ 35 000 (no chemical treatment, no carpenter visits).
5. Beyond Termites: The Moisture Factor
| Test | Solid wood | SamratHPL WPC |
|---|---|---|
| 24‑h water soak (edge) | 3 mm swell | < 0.2 mm swell |
| Humidity cycling 60–95 % RH | Minute warping | No measurable warp |
In monsoon regions or coastal zones, a door that resists both bugs and swelling means fewer sticky latches and smoother daily use.
6. Design Freedom and Finish Options
- Teakgrain ultra‑matt – Mimics freshly oiled timber without annual polishing.
- Solid Nordic white – Perfect for Scandinavian interiors, pre‑primed for quick repaint if décor shifts.
- Coffee‑tone ash with black grooved lines – Modern accent for luxury flats.
All finishes come pre‑laminated at the factory, ensuring consistent colour and zero solvent fumes on site.
7. Up‑Front Cost vs Lifetime Spend (India, 2025)
| Door type | Supply & install* | Expected life (yrs) | 10‑yr total (incl. repairs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid teak | ₹ 28 000 | 15–18 | ₹ 35 000 |
| Solid meranti | ₹ 17 000 | 8–10 | ₹ 30 000 |
| SamratHPL WPC | ₹ 22 500 | 20+ | ₹ 23 500 |
*Including quality hinges, locks, and two coats of polish or factory laminate.
Although WPC sits between meranti and teak on day‑one price, its negligible maintenance costs pull the 10‑year spend well below either hardwood.
8. Installation Snapshot
- Trim‑to‑fit on site – WPC machines like softwood; carbide blades recommended.
- Stainless screws only – Ensures long‑term hold in dense composite.
- Seal the frame gap – A simple silicone bead keeps out dust; no soul‑sapping varnish odour.
9. Quick‑Decision Grid
| Priority | Go with… |
|---|---|
| Ultimate premium grain and heritage feel | Solid teak |
| Lowest up‑front budget (short stay) | Solid meranti |
| Long‑term, pest‑proof, low‑maintenance | SamratHPL WPC |
Final Word
Termites are relentless, but they’re also predictable: give them cellulose, and they’ll feast. Choosing SamratHPL’s WPC core with factory‑pressed HPL skin removes that buffet, delivering doors that mimic timber warmth while telling pests to look elsewhere. Over decades, the result is fewer chemicals, fewer carpenter call‑outs, and a door that closes smoothly whether it’s the dry winter of Delhi or the humid summer in Singapore.
