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