Building Code Glossary
Wood/plastic Composite: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define wood/plastic composite, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Wood/plastic composite is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A composite material made primarily from wood or cellulose-based materials and plastic.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IRC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 3 chapters of this corpus, most often in Building Planning (IRC 2009), Floors (IRC 2009), Definitions (IRC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Wood/plastic Composite — IRC 2009, Definitions:
A composite material made primarily from wood or cellulose-based materials and plastic.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Wood/plastic Composite is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
A composite material made primarily from wood or cellulose-based materials and plastic.
Where wood/plastic composite is used in the code
The term appears in 3 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 16 |
| Floors | IRC 2009 | 10 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about wood/plastic composite, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Wood/plastic composite stair treads shall comply with the provisions of Section R31 7.4.
Wood/plastic composite deck boards shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Wood/plastic Composite: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Building Planning (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Floors (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IRC 2009) | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Construction Documents: Building Code Definition
- Registered Design Professional: Building Code Definition
- Dwelling Unit: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of wood/plastic composite?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A composite material made primarily from wood or cellulose-based materials and plastic.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on wood/plastic composite?
In this corpus the term is used across 3 chapters, led by Building Planning in the IRC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
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