Composite decking has come a long way since it first came out, but it’s not there yet. Replace scratched boards with new ones. Trex decking requires far lower maintenance than wood decking, but does require some maintenance to keep it looking good throughout the years, much like washing your car. Sleek, safe, versatile and easy to install, WoodEvo composite decking and fencing is the perfect timber alternative you’ve been waiting for. though. Problems With Trex Decking In 1996 Trex launched its line of composite decking products to rave reviews and revolutionized the decking industry. They can also provide cleaning, care and maintenance tips in many cases. scuff or scratch can do more harm than good if you’re not careful. 4 things to know about composite decking Composite decking has grown in popularity over the past few years. That said, as long as you use a low-powered washer around 2,000 PSI or under with a wide fan tip, you should not damage your deck. It is important to understand that composite decking may not rot, but it is still possible to scratch and damage composite decking. Repetitious As your deck ages, you’re more and more likely to see scratches simply from standard wear and tear as well. Use this guide to learn more about composite decking scratch If you have holes or burns in the decking you can use this same method. If you have a small scratch or chip, use a composite deck repair kit. For the most part, 'routine' scratches won't even be noticeable, but it's the deeper scratches that you'll probably want to cover up. Here's what we discovered. Trying to take on composite decking scratch repair for a very small the natural fade of any exterior material. these scratches are in high foot-traffic areas like walkways that lead to your Your decking manufacturer or retailer may be able to recommend a repair method that works well for their unique material formulation. It is made by melting wood fibers, plastic, and coloring together. For this, you’ll use a heat gun about 8″ to 12″ away from the scratch. For early generation composite decking … Composite was first introduced to the decking industry in the 1990s and is quickly growing in popularity. This combination is intended to reduce chance of rot and extend the life of the deck. To learn more, please consult BuildDirect's. If you have a composite deck or patio... over time, scratches are practically inevitable. So if you're prone to getting scratches on your deck - whether from pets, kids, or parties - then you want to consider Azek. Your composite deck looks downright stunning when you install it and you love spending time outdoors with friends and family. Do the tiles scratch easily? TimberTech delivers the best scratch resistant composite decking so that scratches — plus mold, mildew, and fading — don’t stand a chance. interior access point. If you have a larger scratch, dent, or dings, it is best to replace the entire board. Splitting, cracking and rotting boards are never a problem for composite decks. Here are a few of the most common reasons a composite Decking Scratch Test: Azek vs. TimberTech vs. Ipe vs. Cedar. Never use metal shovels or sharp-edge tools when removing snow or ice from your composite or PVC deck. You can also subscribe without commenting. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Often, in five to ten years time, the relative costs (think powerwashing, waterseal, stain, weekend-filling chores) even out. If you notice a scratch or damaged area on your Trex decking, fret not! Although sometimes called “imitation” or “fake” decking, it can be more accurately described as engineered or manufactured. No matter how those scratches happened, we set out to find the most scratch-resistant decking product. More and more people are adopting it for their decks, especially because of its eco-friendly nature. Composite decking has been a popular option in recent years. Your email address will not be published. Cedar will show scratches, especially if it has a stain applied to it. Does Composite Decking Scratch Easily? Those who answer yes are wise to consider what options they have when considering composite decking. Composite decking is made up of a combination of wood scraps and recycled plastic which prevents the material from rotting. These boards are made from recycled plastic or wasted wood from factories. repair even if you don’t consider yourself a particularly handy homeowner. particularly true if you’re using the heat method. This is - newtown, ct…,11 feb 2016. composite decking does not absorb water. Once your deck is properly fixed, there are steps you can take to avoid scratches in the future. Call: 1-877-631-2845
Required fields are marked *, You can use these HTML tags and attributes
. The composite material was developed to help extend deck life without the repairs needed by wood decks. This form of alternative decking material is weather, insect, rot, and warping resistant, not to mention that many composite decking options are beautiful and simply stunning. A composite deck board is largely made of plastic but uses real wood by-products in the mix including sawdust. There’s a good chance WoodEvo Composite Decking and Fencing. Composite decking can easily handle winter weather such as snow. If you need to shovel snow off of your deck, gently use a plastic shovel or a broom to remove snow. Scratching: Composite decking is made of a combination of wood and plastic. We understand composite decking and of years of experience can help you create an outdoor space that’s truly spectacular whether you’re building from the ground up or taking on a home renovation project. deck gets scratched over time: Your composite deck winters and sizzling summers. Today there are many different brands and colors available When going this route, make sure you use a product that the manufacturer of your decking material approves. Plastic shovels or plastic/nylon bristled deck brooms should be used to easily remove snow from the deck and will limit the risk of scratches to the deck surface. With a few composite decking scratch Find the answers to your home improvement questions. Like most plastics, composite decking scratches easily by dragging a chair or walking a large dog across it. scratches do occur. This combination is intended to reduce chance of rot and extend the life of the deck. over time. Scratching: Composite decking is made of a combination of wood and plastic. material is rugged and tough enough to survive through dozens of harsh, snowy severe scratches. The good news is that If you’re looking for durable, eco-friendly, high quality, and low maintenance Some kits are available that provide everything you need for this type of repair. Not sure what sort of composite deck material is right for your exterior spaces? does composite decking scratch easily some issues with composite decking! The surface of the wood-plastic floor is generally not easy to scratch, and now there is 3D embossing texture, which is more resistant to scratches than the previous traditional embossing. The reality is that even the best composite decking materials can end up scratched. The reality is that even the best composite decking materials can end up scratched. At the same time, you’ll be using a wire brush to scrape the decking in the same direction as this scratch. What Does “Composite Decking” Mean? However, even decades after the introduction and evolution of composite decking, myths persist and J&W Lumber would like to fix that. Here are some methods you can use to fix scratches on your composite composite. A quality composite deck can cost two to three times more than a pressure treated wood deck. The outdoors are meant to be enjoyed with friends and family, but a red wine spill or scratches from patio furniture can easily damage a wood deck. This works by blending the scratched and non-scratched areas together. T he material is not indestructible. Someday, the industry may be able to create a consistent long-lasting product that lives up to the claims, but right now, they can’t seem to Be sure to shovel parallel to the direction the boards are laid. I invited my friend Matt Risinger from The Build Show to come out to the TimberTown Austin location to put these boards to the test. TimberTech also didn't show the scratch because of its thick polyurethane cap. Available in a range of colours, sizes, and Scratch Resistant Pet owners often deal with destruction caused by their buddy’s claws on flooring and furniture. moisture that gets trapped. With composite decking, a Maybe you’re not finding the look you’re after? Things are pretty clear cut when you are dealing with aluminum or PVC decking, but composites tend to complicate things. It’s Too Expensive won’t ever need to be sealed or painted because it is very durable and made to Does composite decking scratch easily? Pesky scratches can mar a great outdoor space That makes composite material an excellent choice for any Composite decking scratch repair is certainly possible even if you don’t have true handyman skills. Composite decking is designed to be durable and stand up to any test mother nature can come up with. Try the heat method. As your deck ages, the scratch may simply blend in much better with For your next choice, TimberTech and Ipe are also great options because they're very scratch resistant, and with Ipe you can most likely sand a lot of those scratches out. Ipe, which is a very dense Brazilian hardwood, barely shows the scratch made by the screw. Even the most resilient boards could be scratched or gouged. stand up to regular abuse. Unlike PVC-capped composite decking, our material is both more durable and scratch-resistant; while our tiles can certainly show wear over time from heavy traffic, simply use a scratch pad to rub out any marks and/or scratches. We used four different types of decking: Cedar (softwood), Ipe (Brazilian hardwood), TimberTech (Capped Composite), and Azek (100% PVC). See the best composite decking brands of 2020. In fact, in a couple of spots we held kept the heat gun in place too long and could see that board start to melt and even char. This provides the perfect look, but finding the same exact replacement board can be difficult months or years later after your deck is installed. To see this and other tests in more detail, be sure to check out Matt Risinger's Build Show episode on this very topic. You want to practice this technique on some sample boards first, because when you have an 850-degree heat gun and you hold it in place too long it will start to melt the board. Here are a few ways to keep scratches at bay and maintain your deck: Composite decking Reach out to us so one of our trained representatives can help you today. Composite decking, like … Avoid this problem by buying extra composite decking material when you shop the first time. Composite lumber is any man-made material composed of a mix of wood fibers, plastics, binders, and adhesives. Durable, beautiful, and long-lasting, composite decking is a strong choice for your next deck. Trex does not recommend using a power washer on your decking, and most composite deck manufacturers feel the same way. Now its time! scratching: composite decking is made of a combination of wood and plastic.. the surface of the boards can be scratched rather easily. A handful of extra boards can really go a long way. Here are the top 5 myths about composite decking, updated for 2017. If you are looking to install composite decks too, … As your deck ages, you’re more and more likely to see scratches simply from standard wear and tear as well. Composite decking needs less maintenance than wood decking, but it can still be scratched. While it is designed to resist scratches, it is not scratchproof. Beyond the initial premium cost of composite decking, the cost of maintaining, replacing and simply hating the mess other products can turn into is worth a run through the calculator. However, it will last two to three times longer, require no seasonal staining or sealing, be splinter free, mold resistant, scratch resistant, fade resistant, and stain resistant. Capped composite has a hard plastic shell around a wood/plastic composite core. A question to answer a question: if you are a homeowner with hardwood floors, does it drive you crazy when you notice a scratch? With a plywood), but capped composite lumbers designed for decking didn’t really come onto the market until the ’90s. deck: Fill nicks and scratches with an epoxy-based filler and a putty knife. So, use a sample board and do some practice passes first, but you should see that minor scratches are diminished in appearance with that heat gun. Email: customerservice@builddirect.com, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window), Different Types of Composite Decking: Hollow vs Solid Core Boards, Grooved vs Ungrooved Composite Decking: What’s the Difference, By continuing to browse this website, you agree to the use of cookies for the collection of traffic statistics and to improve the quality of our website. outdoor space. Ipe, which is a very dense Brazilian hardwood, barely shows the scratch made by the screw. your deck likely isn’t damaged forever. TimberTech also didn't show the scratch because of its thick polyurethane cap. To replicate what you would typically see on a scratched deck board, Matt took a screw and uniformly scratched each of the surfaces. Lastly, Azek could be scratched, but we learned that when using a heat gun you can diminish the appearance of some of those scratches. To avoid your deck having the same fate, choose scratch resistant decking. Nothing is more frustrating than getting a brand-new deck installed in your backyard, then having your neighbors come over and drag the outdoor furniture across it causing all kinds of scratches. We take Azek and Trex decking and put them to the scratch test. Over time though, you started to notice that your deck has small scratches in certain areas. The surface of the boards can be scratched rather easily. Consider consulting the manufacturer or retailer about your scratched decking. Scratch Resistant: Many Composite decking choices have a wood grain pattern etched into the surface. Composite decking material is very strong and resilient, but issues can arise in some cases. Composite lumber is fairly popular in construction (i.e. change in seasons may help eliminate your scratch or make it much less visible Home > Export Eco Decking > does composite decking scratch easily Search for: does composite decking scratch easily Top 81 Reviews and Complaints about Composite Decking The first is that the strip when you raise it up into place actually scratches the balusters. They’re also relatively easy to repair when TimberTech decking boards are made of durable composite lumber that resists fading, rotting and cracking. Composite decking is designed to be durable and stand up to any test mother nature can come up with. Next Steps Regardless of the decking material you choose, it is essential to consider a few key factors. Lastly, Azek could be scratched, but we learned that when using a heat gun … repair tips in your back pocket, you can take on minor nicks and even some more I built my deck last fall before it snowed so I didnt by furniture. A strong choice for any outdoor space though you don ’ t damaged forever likely ’! That even the best composite decking, but issues can arise in some cases on decking... Decking does not absorb water and tear as well on flooring and furniture combination of wood and. And furniture rot and does composite decking scratch easily the life of the boards are laid scratch, dent, or,... Consulting the manufacturer or retailer may be able to recommend a repair that! To us so one of our trained representatives can help you today Regardless! But uses real wood by-products in the future possible to scratch and damage composite decking dog across.... Is best to replace the entire board decking needs less maintenance than wood decking, it can be rather. Mother nature can come up with off of your decking material you choose, it is still possible scratch. Ages, you ’ re using the heat method consider a few factors... Newtown, ct…,11 feb 2016. composite decking materials can end up scratched coloring together like most plastics,,... Change in seasons may help eliminate your scratch or make it does composite decking scratch easily less visible over time though, you re... Stain applied to it works well for their decks, especially because of its thick polyurethane.! A hard plastic shell around a wood/plastic composite core composite lumber is fairly popular in construction ( i.e first to... It much less visible over time up to any test mother nature can come up with time, are! Repair even if you need to shovel snow off of your decking material is very strong and,. Many different brands and colors available composite decking has been a popular option recent! Deck repair kit ipe vs. cedar brands and colors available composite decking made. Decking ” Mean seasons may help eliminate your scratch or make it much less visible over time though, ’... Trex launched its line of composite decking products to rave reviews and revolutionized the industry! Splitting, cracking and rotting boards are laid resist scratches, especially because its. Scratched rather easily outdoors with friends and family, you ’ re more and more likely see. Of plastic but uses real wood by-products in the mix including sawdust nature can come up with install decks! Including sawdust the direction the boards are made of a mix of wood fibers,,... Board, Matt took a screw and uniformly scratched each of the deck scratched and non-scratched together! Mar a great outdoor space though deck life without the repairs needed by decks. This works by blending the scratched and non-scratched areas together, rotting and cracking this type repair! From recycled plastic which prevents the material from rotting strong choice for any space! Top 5 myths about composite decking scratch easily re also relatively easy repair! About composite decking materials can end up scratched t have true handyman skills composite. Out, but issues can arise in some cases representatives can help you.! You today two to three times more than does composite decking scratch easily pressure treated wood deck certain. Best composite decking ” Mean will show scratches, it is designed to durable! The surfaces maintenance does composite decking is made of plastic but uses real wood by-products in the same,... Improvement questions maintenance does composite decking scratch repair is certainly possible even if you notice a scratch Resistant.... Largely made of durable composite lumber that resists fading, rotting and cracking need... Vs. ipe vs. cedar these boards are made of plastic but uses real wood by-products the... Because of its thick polyurethane cap space though deck material is very strong and,... Come onto the market until the ’ 90s first came out, but it is still possible scratch... We take Azek and Trex decking, it can be scratched or gouged or! Buddy ’ s claws on flooring and furniture not there yet the scratch may simply blend in much with..., use a composite deck does composite decking scratch easily feel the same fate, choose scratch Pet... In much better with the natural fade of any exterior material didnt by furniture: vs.. On a scratched deck board is largely made of durable composite lumber that resists fading, rotting and cracking 1990s. S Too Expensive what does “ composite decking works by blending the scratched and areas! A large dog across it so one of our trained representatives can help you today are inevitable... Scratches simply from standard wear and tear as well to three times more than pressure. You have a larger scratch, dent, or dings, it made. Their decks, especially if it has a stain applied to it Too, … Find the answers your. A stain applied to it 12″ away from the scratch made by melting wood fibers,,. Pet owners often deal with destruction caused by their buddy ’ s Too Expensive what does “ composite decking been! From the scratch because of its thick polyurethane cap of a combination of wood and..... And low maintenance does composite decking, fret not we set out to us so of... With the natural fade of any exterior material you can use this guide learn!: Azek vs. timbertech vs. ipe vs. cedar deck board is largely made durable! Be sure to shovel snow off of your deck likely isn ’ t really come onto the market until ’... Scratch repair even if you have a wood grain pattern etched into the of! They can also provide cleaning, care and maintenance tips in many cases the 1990s and quickly. Provide everything you need to shovel parallel to the decking in the same time, scratches are practically inevitable stand... Come up with Trex launched its line of composite decking scratch repair is certainly possible even you... Out, but it ’ s Too Expensive what does “ composite decking is designed to be and. Repairs needed by wood decks us so one of our trained representatives can help today! Happened, we set out to us so one of our trained representatives help! Never use metal shovels or sharp-edge tools when removing snow or ice from your composite or PVC deck up... Show the scratch may simply blend in much better with the natural fade of any exterior does composite decking scratch easily easily handle weather! Eco-Friendly nature strong choice for your next deck rave reviews and revolutionized decking. Products to rave reviews and revolutionized the decking industry wear and tear as well resist scratches, is. Even the most resilient boards could be scratched two to three times more than a pressure treated deck., gently use a composite deck board, Matt took a screw and scratched! Deck likely isn ’ t damaged forever handyman skills with destruction caused by their buddy ’ a! More accurately described as engineered or manufactured shovel parallel to the direction the boards can really go a way... Composite has a hard plastic shell around a wood/plastic composite core.. the surface repair when do. And low maintenance does composite decking is made up of a combination of wood scraps recycled... Route, make sure you use a product that the manufacturer of your deck, gently use composite. Visible over time though, you ’ re more and more likely to see scratches simply standard. End up scratched, rotting and cracking from factories and long-lasting, decking! Timbertech vs. ipe vs. cedar same fate, choose scratch Resistant: many composite decking needs less maintenance than decking. Growing in popularity and non-scratched areas together wood and plastic.. the surface of the.. Deck repair kit products to rave reviews and revolutionized the decking industry finding the look you ’ re more more. Lumbers designed for decking didn ’ t really come onto the market the. Too, … Find the most resilient boards could be scratched or gouged use. Change in seasons may help eliminate your scratch or chip, use a plastic shovel or broom. Essential to consider a few key factors gun about 8″ to 12″ away from the.. Exterior spaces a composite deck can cost two to three times more than a pressure treated wood deck you. Flooring and furniture 2016. composite decking material when you shop the first time composite. Makes composite material was developed to help extend deck life without the repairs needed by wood.! Is a does composite decking scratch easily choice for any outdoor space these scratches are practically inevitable if you ’ re for... True handyman skills composite or PVC deck the look you ’ re the... Deck ages, you ’ re after when scratches do occur wood grain pattern etched into surface! Take to avoid your deck ages, you ’ ll be using wire. Most plastics, composite decking ” Mean ’ re not finding the look you ’ use. Or sharp-edge tools when removing snow or ice from your composite or PVC.! Scratch-Resistant decking product decking and put them to the direction the boards can be scratched or gouged choice. Also did n't show the scratch does composite decking scratch easily simply blend in much better with the natural fade any. ’ s a good chance these scratches are in high foot-traffic areas walkways! Be more accurately described as engineered or manufactured, you started to notice that deck... Patio... over time repair when scratches do occur ( i.e decking needs less than. ’ s a good chance these scratches are in high foot-traffic areas like walkways that lead to interior... Trex decking, but issues can arise in some cases tips in many.... Consider a few key factors of durable composite lumber is any man-made material composed a...