ASTM D7032-10

ASTM D7032-10 - 1.1.2010

1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers the procedures to establish a performance rating for wood-plastic composite (WPC) deck boards. This specification also defines the procedures to establish a performance rating for WPC guards and handrails. The purpose of this specification is to establish the basis for code recognition of these products or systems in exterior applications where combustible construction is allowed (see X1.1).

1.2 Deck boards, guards, and handrails covered by this specification are permitted to be of any code compliant shape and thickness (solid or non-solid).

Note 1—While WPCs are produced in a broad range of ratios of fiber to resin it is recognized that the performance requirements in this specification are valid for any material or combination of materials used as deck boards, guards, or handrails. For products made primarily from resin, or for products that exhibit highly plastic properties (for example, more than 3 % strain without rupture in a standard flexural test under ambient conditions), users are directed to Specification D6662 for additional guidance.

1.3 A deck board, and a deck board used as a stair tread, are assigned a span rating indicating its ability to comply with model code specified functions identified for its specific end use. A guard or handrail is recognized for its ability to meet minimum code requirements specified in the appropriate model building code.

1.4 Details of manufacturing processes may be proprietary and are beyond the scope of this specification.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents

2009 International Residential Code	International Code Council, Inc.
D9-20	Standard Terminology Relating to Wood and Wood-Based Products
D198-22a	Standard Test Methods of Static Tests of Lumber in Structural Sizes (Includes all amendments and changes 10/14/2022).
D790-25	Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
D883-26a	Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics (Includes all amendments and changes 6/15/2026).
D1037-12(2020)	Standard Test Methods for Evaluating Properties of Wood-Base Fiber and Particle Panel Materials
D4761-25	Standard Test Methods for Mechanical Properties of Lumber and Wood-Based Structural Materials
D2017-05	Standard Test Method of Accelerated Laboratory Test of Natural Decay Resistance of Woods (Withdrawn 2014)
D2047-25	Standard Test Method for Static Coefficient of Friction of Polish-Coated Flooring Surfaces as Measured by the James Machine
D2394-17(2022)	Standard Test Methods for Simulated Service Testing of Wood and Wood-Based Finish Flooring
D2565-23	Standard Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics Intended for Outdoor Applications
D2915-25	Standard Practice for Sampling and Data-Analysis for Structural Wood and Wood-Based Products
D3345-22	Standard Test Method for Laboratory Evaluation of Wood for Resistance to Subterranean Termites
D4000-23	Standard Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materials
D4092-21	Standard Terminology for Plastics: Dynamic Mechanical Properties
D1972-97(2001)	Standard Practice for Generic Marking of Plastic Products
D1413-07	Standard Test Method for Wood Preservatives by Laboratory Soil-Block Cultures
D1554-10(2023)	Standard Terminology Relating to Wood-Base Fiber and Particle Panel Materials
D1761-20(2025)	Standard Test Methods for Mechanical Fasteners in Wood and Wood-Based Materials
D1929-23	Standard Test Method for Determining Ignition Temperature of Plastics
D5764-24	Standard Test Method for Evaluating Dowel-Bearing Strength of Wood and Wood-Based Products
D6109-24	Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastic Lumber and Related Products
D6662-22	Standard Specification for Polyolefin-Based Plastic Lumber Decking Boards
E84-26a	Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (Includes all amendments and changes 4/15/2026).
E108-25	Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings
E1354-25	Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter
F1679-04	Standard Test Method for Using a Variable Incidence Tribometer (VIT)
G154-23	Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Materials
AWPA Standard E1	Standard Method for Laboratory Evaluation for Determination of Resistance to Subterranean Termites Available from American Wood-Preservers Association (AWPA), P.O. Box 361784, Birmingham, AL 35236-1784, http://www.awpa.com.
AWPA Standard E10
2009 International Building Code	International Code Council, Inc. Available from International Code Council (ICC), 5203 Leesburg Pike, Suite 600, Falls Church, VA 22041-3401, http://www.intlcode.org.