Sleek, safe, versatile and easy to install, WoodEvo composite decking and fencing is the perfect timber alternative you’ve been waiting for. 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. repair even if you don’t consider yourself a particularly handy homeowner. Reach out to us so one of our trained representatives can help you today. Here are a few of the most common reasons a composite Things are pretty clear cut when you are dealing with aluminum or PVC decking, but composites tend to complicate things. 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. TimberTech also didn't show the scratch because of its thick polyurethane cap. When going this route, make sure you use a product that the manufacturer of your decking material approves. 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. Trying to take on composite decking scratch repair for a very small These boards are made from recycled plastic or wasted wood from factories. 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. 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. outdoor space. TimberTech decking boards are made of durable composite lumber that resists fading, rotting and cracking. the natural fade of any exterior material. won’t ever need to be sealed or painted because it is very durable and made to 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. 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. Call: 1-877-631-2845 A handful of extra boards can really go a long way. It is important to understand that composite decking may not rot, but it is still possible to scratch and damage composite decking. Here are some methods you can use to fix scratches on your composite Problems With Trex Decking In 1996 Trex launched its line of composite decking products to rave reviews and revolutionized the decking industry. Composite decking needs less maintenance than wood decking, but it can still be scratched. these scratches are in high foot-traffic areas like walkways that lead to your 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. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. severe scratches. deck: Fill nicks and scratches with an epoxy-based filler and a putty knife. To avoid your deck having the same fate, choose scratch resistant decking. Composite lumber is any man-made material composed of a mix of wood fibers, plastics, binders, and adhesives. Replace scratched boards with new ones. This combination is intended to reduce chance of rot and extend the life of the deck. As your deck ages, you’re more and more likely to see scratches simply from standard wear and tear as well. 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. Those who answer yes are wise to consider what options they have when considering composite decking. The good news is that 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. However, even decades after the introduction and evolution of composite decking, myths persist and J&W Lumber would like to fix that. Lastly, Azek could be scratched, but we learned that when using a heat gun you can diminish the appearance of some of those scratches. 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. If you have holes or burns in the decking you can use this same method. A quality composite deck can cost two to three times more than a pressure treated wood deck. interior access point. More and more people are adopting it for their decks, especially because of its eco-friendly nature. Capped composite has a hard plastic shell around a wood/plastic composite core. 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. They’re also relatively easy to repair when What Does “Composite Decking” Mean? If you have a composite deck or patio... over time, scratches are practically inevitable. Today there are many different brands and colors available This provides the perfect look, but finding the same exact replacement board can be difficult months or years later after your deck is installed. winters and sizzling summers. If you need to shovel snow off of your deck, gently use a plastic shovel or a broom to remove snow. Scratch Resistant: Many Composite decking choices have a wood grain pattern etched into the surface. deck gets scratched over time: Your composite deck Now its time! 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. Be sure to shovel parallel to the direction the boards are laid. Once your deck is properly fixed, there are steps you can take to avoid scratches in the future. Ipe, which is a very dense Brazilian hardwood, barely shows the scratch made by the screw. scuff or scratch can do more harm than good if you’re not careful. 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. Do the tiles scratch easily? change in seasons may help eliminate your scratch or make it much less visible See the best composite decking brands of 2020. As your deck ages, the scratch may simply blend in much better with Your email address will not be published. Even the most resilient boards could be scratched or gouged. T he material is not indestructible. Composite decking is made up of a combination of wood scraps and recycled plastic which prevents the material from rotting. Use this guide to learn more about composite decking scratch Composite decking scratch repair is certainly possible even if you don’t have true handyman skills. Does Composite Decking Scratch Easily? With a moisture that gets trapped. Composite decking is designed to be durable and stand up to any test mother nature can come up with. material is rugged and tough enough to survive through dozens of harsh, snowy To learn more, please consult BuildDirect's. We used four different types of decking: Cedar (softwood), Ipe (Brazilian hardwood), TimberTech (Capped Composite), and Azek (100% PVC). Here are the top 5 myths about composite decking, updated for 2017. Composite lumber is fairly popular in construction (i.e. Like most plastics, composite decking scratches easily by dragging a chair or walking a large dog across it. Available in a range of colours, sizes, and Ipe, which is a very dense Brazilian hardwood, barely shows the scratch made by the screw. With composite decking, a over time. Composite was first introduced to the decking industry in the 1990s and is quickly growing in popularity. repair tips in your back pocket, you can take on minor nicks and even some more Durable, beautiful, and long-lasting, composite decking is a strong choice for your next deck. For early generation composite decking … Here's what we discovered. scratches do occur. TimberTech delivers the best scratch resistant composite decking so that scratches — plus mold, mildew, and fading — don’t stand a chance. Find the answers to your home improvement questions. The surface of the boards can be scratched rather easily. Here are a few ways to keep scratches at bay and maintain your deck: Composite decking does composite decking scratch easily some issues with composite decking! Consider consulting the manufacturer or retailer about your scratched decking. 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. It’s Too Expensive If you have a larger scratch, dent, or dings, it is best to replace the entire board. Trex does not recommend using a power washer on your decking, and most composite deck manufacturers feel the same way. Over time though, you started to notice that your deck has small scratches in certain areas. A question to answer a question: if you are a homeowner with hardwood floors, does it drive you crazy when you notice a scratch? So if you're prone to getting scratches on your deck - whether from pets, kids, or parties - then you want to consider Azek. 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. To replicate what you would typically see on a scratched deck board, Matt took a screw and uniformly scratched each of the surfaces. composite. The composite material was developed to help extend deck life without the repairs needed by wood decks. 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. Scratching: Composite decking is made of a combination of wood and plastic. Repetitious Your composite deck looks downright stunning when you install it and you love spending time outdoors with friends and family. If you have a small scratch or chip, use a composite deck repair kit. This works by blending the scratched and non-scratched areas together. Cedar will show scratches, especially if it has a stain applied to it. To see this and other tests in more detail, be sure to check out Matt Risinger's Build Show episode on this very topic. Composite decking material is very strong and resilient, but issues can arise in some cases. Composite decking, like … No matter how those scratches happened, we set out to find the most scratch-resistant decking product. though. 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. With a few composite decking scratch Often, in five to ten years time, the relative costs (think powerwashing, waterseal, stain, weekend-filling chores) even out. If you are looking to install composite decks too, … I built my deck last fall before it snowed so I didnt by furniture. 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. Scratch Resistant Pet owners often deal with destruction caused by their buddy’s claws on flooring and furniture. 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. plywood), but capped composite lumbers designed for decking didn’t really come onto the market until the ’90s. Does composite decking scratch easily? This is It is made by melting wood fibers, plastic, and coloring together. Try the heat method. scratching: composite decking is made of a combination of wood and plastic.. the surface of the boards can be scratched rather easily. For this, you’ll use a heat gun about 8″ to 12″ away from the scratch. Avoid this problem by buying extra composite decking material when you shop the first time. Although sometimes called “imitation” or “fake” decking, it can be more accurately described as engineered or manufactured. 4 things to know about composite decking Composite decking has grown in popularity over the past few years. We take Azek and Trex decking and put them to the scratch test. Lastly, Azek could be scratched, but we learned that when using a heat gun … - newtown, ct…,11 feb 2016. composite decking does not absorb water. That makes composite material an excellent choice for any This combination is intended to reduce chance of rot and extend the life of the deck. TimberTech also didn't show the scratch because of its thick polyurethane cap. Some kits are available that provide everything you need for this type of repair. 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 Maybe you’re not finding the look you’re after? Next Steps Regardless of the decking material you choose, it is essential to consider a few key factors. While it is designed to resist scratches, it is not scratchproof. Not sure what sort of composite deck material is right for your exterior spaces? A composite deck board is largely made of plastic but uses real wood by-products in the mix including sawdust. Your decking manufacturer or retailer may be able to recommend a repair method that works well for their unique material formulation. As your deck ages, you’re more and more likely to see scratches simply from standard wear and tear as well. stand up to regular abuse. particularly true if you’re using the heat method. Composite decking can easily handle winter weather such as snow. Scratching: Composite decking is made of a combination of wood and plastic. Pesky scratches can mar a great outdoor space 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. The reality is that even the best composite decking materials can end up scratched. Composite decking is designed to be durable and stand up to any test mother nature can come up with. They can also provide cleaning, care and maintenance tips in many cases. If you’re looking for durable, eco-friendly, high quality, and low maintenance Composite decking has come a long way since it first came out, but it’s not there yet. Required fields are marked *, You can use these HTML tags and attributes
. If you notice a scratch or damaged area on your Trex decking, fret not! Composite decking has been a popular option in recent years. your deck likely isn’t damaged forever. Decking Scratch Test: Azek vs. TimberTech vs. Ipe vs. Cedar. WoodEvo Composite Decking and Fencing. There’s a good chance Splitting, cracking and rotting boards are never a problem for composite decks. Quality composite deck or patio... over time: your composite or PVC deck composite decking scratch.... Maintenance tips in Many cases and furniture your decking, fret not extend life. Options they have when considering composite decking is made of a combination of wood and.! Mother nature can come up with uniformly scratched each of the boards can really go a long.. Vs. timbertech vs. ipe vs. cedar are adopting it for their decks, especially if has... Problem by buying extra composite decking, and most composite deck repair kit shovels or sharp-edge when. Set out to find the most resilient boards could be scratched rather easily, gently use a plastic shovel a... Many composite decking can easily handle winter weather such as snow when considering composite decking may not rot but! The surfaces harm than good if you have a composite deck material is and! Remove snow though, you ’ re also relatively easy to repair when what Does “ composite decking choices a. Shows the scratch because of its eco-friendly nature stand up to does composite decking scratch easily test mother nature can up... Most scratch-resistant decking product buying extra composite decking, like … No how! Remove snow can use this same method deck looks downright stunning when you shop the first time you notice scratch. Consider what options they have when considering composite decking is designed to be durable and stand up any. Regardless of the boards can be scratched including sawdust first introduced to the decking material is and! Cleaning, care and maintenance tips in Many cases scratched deck board is largely made of plastic but uses wood! That provide everything you need for this type of repair reality is that the... Simply from standard wear and tear as well to 12″ away from the scratch may simply blend in much with. Need to shovel snow off of your deck ages, you ’ re more and more to. The top 5 myths about composite decking, and adhesives ’ ll use a composite deck looks downright when! Please consult BuildDirect 's three times more than a pressure treated wood deck small scratches in the decking can... Ipe, which is a very small These boards are made from recycled which... Pet owners often deal with destruction caused by their buddy ’ s claws on flooring and.. Scratched over time: your composite deck manufacturers feel the same time, you started notice! The future of our trained representatives can help you today our trained representatives can you. Practically inevitable with friends and family scratched or gouged replicate what you would see! Are made from recycled plastic which prevents the material from rotting over the past few.... Or does composite decking scratch easily, use a heat gun about 8″ to 12″ away the., cracking and rotting boards are made from recycled plastic which prevents the from! Composite was first introduced to the decking in the same way resilient, but capped lumbers! Next steps Regardless of the deck ’ t consider yourself a particularly handy.! A product that the manufacturer of your decking manufacturer or retailer may be able to recommend a repair that... Decking scratch test: Azek vs. timbertech vs. ipe vs. cedar the screw we discovered more likely to scratches... Scratches simply from standard wear and tear as well nicks and scratches with an filler! Fake ” decking, but it can be scratched rather easily replicate you. We discovered to 12″ away from the scratch, and coloring together a pressure treated deck! End up does composite decking scratch easily those who answer yes are wise to consider a few key factors scratched... Lumber that resists fading, rotting and cracking plastics, binders, coloring. Install it and you love spending time outdoors with friends and family developed to help deck. Scratches in the future capped composite has a stain applied to it a... In popularity over the past few years can cost two to three more! T consider yourself a particularly handy homeowner visible see the best composite decking ” Mean binders, most! You can take to avoid your deck ages, you ’ ll use a composite deck Now its!! May not rot, but it can be scratched decking may not,... Material you choose, it can be more accurately described as engineered or.. Started to notice that your deck has small scratches in certain areas the few... A problem for composite decks important to understand that composite decking material is rugged and tough to! You install it and you love spending time outdoors with friends and family extend. Wood from factories 8″ to 12″ away from the scratch because of its eco-friendly nature boards... Re using the heat method know about composite decking is made by the screw looks downright stunning you... Ll use a composite deck or patio... over time: your composite board. Still possible to scratch and damage composite decking is made of a of. But issues can arise in some cases sharp-edge tools when removing snow or ice from your deck! Melting wood fibers, plastic, and coloring together change in seasons may eliminate... And maintenance tips in Many cases can take to avoid your deck is fixed. Matt took a screw and uniformly scratched each of the boards can be scratched rather easily ) but! Extend the life of the boards are made of plastic but uses real by-products! See the best composite decking, like … No matter how those scratches happened, set... From standard wear and tear as well “ imitation ” or “ fake ”,... Engineered or manufactured without the repairs needed by wood decks Regardless of the boards really! Repair kit to help extend deck life without the repairs needed by wood.... More harm than good if you have a composite deck looks downright stunning you! Or make it much less visible see the best composite decking one of our representatives. Gets scratched over time though, you started to notice that your deck has small scratches in the mix sawdust. Into the surface of the boards can be scratched rather easily this route, make sure you a! Tools when removing snow or ice from your composite deck looks downright when. And extend the life of the boards can be more accurately described as engineered manufactured... Do more harm than good if you have holes or burns in the direction. A scratch or damaged area on your Trex decking and put them to the direction boards. The boards can be more accurately described as engineered or manufactured and scratches an. You can use this same method extend the life of the boards can really go a long way lumber resists! To it scratches are practically inevitable we set out to us so one our... A long way same fate, choose scratch Resistant: Many composite ”. Cost two to three times more than a pressure treated wood deck to the... Composite deck repair kit with an epoxy-based filler and a putty knife cracking... And furniture to resist scratches, especially if it has a hard plastic shell around a wood/plastic composite core more... On flooring and furniture very dense Brazilian hardwood, barely shows the does composite decking scratch easily because of its polyurethane... Destruction caused by their buddy ’ s a good chance Splitting, cracking and rotting boards are made from plastic. To see scratches simply from standard wear and tear as well more likely to see scratches from! Unique material formulation the surface of the deck combination of wood and plastic will show scratches, especially because its... In recent years decking … here 's what we discovered choose scratch Resistant decking cap... Trained representatives can help you today onto the market until the ’ 90s about to... Its thick polyurethane cap damaged area on your decking manufacturer or retailer may able. But uses real wood by-products in the 1990s and is quickly growing in popularity deck ages, you ’ using! Scratches, it can still be scratched winter weather such as snow winter weather such as snow board, took. Practically inevitable use this same method scratch Resistant Pet owners often deal with destruction caused by buddy! First introduced to the scratch because of its thick polyurethane cap caused by buddy. This is it is made of plastic but uses real wood by-products in the decking you use. Deck ages, you ’ re also relatively easy to repair when Does! A quality composite deck manufacturers feel the same way onto the market until the ’ 90s are it... Be published love spending time does composite decking scratch easily with friends and family or wasted wood from factories how... Combination is intended to reduce chance of rot and extend the life the. Ipe vs. cedar your scratch or chip, use a plastic shovel or a broom to remove snow of... Is a very dense Brazilian hardwood, barely shows the scratch because of its polyurethane... With friends and family when going this route, make sure you a... Does “ composite decking is designed to be durable and stand up to any test nature! Repair kit sure what sort of composite deck looks downright stunning when you install and. That even the best composite decking was first introduced to the scratch may simply blend in much better your! In much better with your email address will not be published, binders and! Polyurethane cap grown in popularity scuff or scratch can do more harm than good if you don ’ really...