Do Composite Deck Boards Scratch Easily?
Creating a high-quality deck in your garden or balcony can increase the value of your property. However, choosing the right material for your deck is not a simple task. You need to consider multiple factors such as cost budget, service life, and durability. Composite decking is a popular choice. But many people will have a question: Do composite deck boards scratch easily?
In this article, we will cover the scratch-resistant properties of composite decking. Through this article, learn about the factors that cause composite decks to scratch and the preventative measures.
Ultra Strong Core More Durable Composite Decking CPD-05
Proprietary double-tone art color tech brings you stunningly natural wood looking,enjoy a better outdoor life.
Table of Contents
Is Composite Decking Scratch-Resistant?
As an artificial building material, composite decking is made from a mixture of wood fibers and recycled plastic. This material composition makes it naturally resistant to weathering and scratching. Capped composite decking, in particular, offers significantly better protection than wood decking. It also requires less routine maintenance. As a result, capped composite decks are becoming the preferred choice for users seeking long-term aesthetics.
EVODEK’s capped composite decking, for example, has a durable polymer shell wrapped around the outer layer of the boards. This greatly improves its performance against abrasion and scratching. In addition, the composite deck surface is also stain-resistant and not easy to fade, and has other advantages.
Causes of Composite Decking Scratches
Scratches, wear, and tear are normal in the use of decking. Any board will naturally wear out after installation. Because of this, choosing decking materials with high durability is key. While composite decking surfaces are more durable than wood decks, a few missteps can still produce scratches. The following is an in-depth breakdown of what causes composite decks to scratch.
Improper Maintenance or Cleaning
All decking materials require regular maintenance or cleaning. However, it still requires proper cleaning if you want to extend its lifespan. For example.
- Do not use harsh chemicals or sharp tools for cleaning. This may damage the texture or protective layer on its surface.
- A soft-bristle brush is recommended when cleaning composite decks. Excessive friction from a hard bristle brush can cause fine scratches.
Water and Weathering
Composite decking is far more weather-resistant than ordinary wood materials. Generally speaking, standing water or bad weather will not directly ruin composite decking. However, prolonged standing water can also weaken the toughness of the deck boards. This may affect its lifespan.
Therefore, it is important to check the drainage system of composite decks on a regular basis. In addition, regularly sweep leaves, sand, dust, and other debris. Prevent gaps from being blocked to form waterlogging hazards.
Daily Use
Long-term high-frequency use is bound to affect the appearance of the deck. Fortunately, the durability of composite decking far exceeds that of regular decks. However, it is important to be aware of the following points:
- High heels, spiked shoes, etc., can exacerbate localized pressure. Therefore, it is recommended that you have a shoe changing area at the entrance to your composite deck.
- High-frequency access areas, such as doorways and stairs, will wear out more quickly than other areas.
Impact of Pet Activity
Pets are a common cause of outdoor deck scratches. The claws of either cats or dogs can cause scratches to composite deck surfaces. Even if you don’t have pets in your home, a neighbor’s animal intrusion can be a problem.
Impact of Children’s Activities
Children’s activities harbor multiple risks of wear and tear. Children may drop toys, drag heavy objects, etc., while playing. All of these behaviors can cause impact scratches on deck surfaces. Data shows that decks in homes with children wear out 25% faster than the average home.
Furniture Movement Damage
Deck furniture is also the most common source of mechanical wear. Heavy furniture can easily develop scratches when dragged. In addition, heavy objects such as concrete planters can also develop scratches when they are moved.
How Can I Protect My Composite Decking from Scratches?
Taking steps to prevent scratches is the best way to maintain your composite deck. Even if you choose a scratch-resistant composite decking, you should still take care to protect it during daily use. This is because no material is absolutely scratch-resistant. Here are some composite deck boards scratch prevention guidelines.
Protection in High Traffic Areas
- Lay non-slip mats in high-traffic areas such as doorways and stairways. Take care to secure the edges of floor mats at stairways to prevent tripping.
- Regularly adjust the layout of tables and chairs to avoid long-term concentration of foot traffic in the same path. Also, outdoor carpeting can be laid on the bottom of heavy furniture. This will reduce friction damage when moving.
Avoid Shoe Damage to Composite Decking
- Try to avoid wearing hard-soled shoes such as high heels and soccer shoes on composite decks. You can place flip-flops or a reminder sign at the entrance.
- Choose everyday shoes with soft soles to reduce the risk of abrasion from gravel.
Use Proper Cleaning Methods
- You can use a soft broom to remove debris such as gravel and twigs on a regular basis. Prevent dirt from clogging up deck seams and pooling water.
- Use a plastic snow shovel when clearing snow. Metal shovels tend to scratch the surface of composite decks.
- Promptly sweep up brick dust, gravel, and other construction waste after construction. Prevent loose debris from damaging the deck surface.
- Store metal tools used daily, such as forks and shovels, away from the deck.
Pet Behavior Intervention Strategies
Although pet activity is difficult to control. However, intervention can still be effective in reducing the risk of composite deck damage.
- Trim your pet’s nails monthly. Ensure they get plenty of exercise while reducing scratching of the deck due to agitation.
- You may choose to install cat scratching posts at the edge of your deck. Prevent neighborhood cats from climbing and scratching, and damaging the deck.
Protective Measures for Children’s Activities
- Lay down play mats as children’s activity areas. Prioritizing softer toys will reduce the risk of damage to the deck surface.
- Teach children to avoid dragging heavy objects or running into collisions on the deck. Reduce impact damage to the deck.
Furniture Selection and Use Specifications
You can give preference to lightweight furniture. It puts less pressure on the deck and minimizes the risk of damage when it is moved. If you choose metal furniture, check the legs for exposed sharp parts.
When moving furniture, take care to lift rather than drag. Also, you can add trays to the bottom of heavy planters.
Use Pressure Washing with Care
When using a pressure washer, it is best to keep the water pressure under control. Use fan nozzles and keep a distance of 30cm or more from the deck surface. These measures will prevent the high-pressure water jet from damaging the texture of the deck surface.
Handling Scratches on Composite Decking Surfaces
No matter how careful you are, minor scratches and abrasions will still appear on your deck over time. So, how do you deal with these scratches when composite decking suffers damage? Some conventional treatments are detailed below.
Sandpaper
For the edges of the scratches, sandpaper can be used to make them smooth. When sanding, you need to apply pressure along the direction of laying the decking boards. This will treat the scratches better.
Hot Air Gun Repair
This method is suitable for deeper scratches. When using the heat gun, take care to keep it at least 3 inches away from the decking surface. Move the gun slowly back and forth to avoid concentrating the heat in one spot.
Colored Pencil Masking
You can also use colored pens or crayons to cover scratches. It takes the eye away from the rough scratches.
Conclusion
Typically, composite decking is highly resistant to scratches. It is not prone to scratching or abrasion. However, no material is completely immune to abrasion or scratching. Proper use and cleaning practices are key to keeping composite decking in good condition. If you still have questions about composite decking, please consult EVODEK. We provide professional products and services.
FAQ
Is Composite Decking More Scratch Resistant than Wood Decking?
Yes. Composite decking is significantly more scratch-resistant than wood decking. However, it should be noted that there are differences in the scratch resistance of different types of composite materials. Therefore, you should carefully understand the specific specifications of each type of board before making a purchase.
Is Composite Decking More Expensive than Wood?
In the short term, the initial price of high-quality composite decking boards is usually higher than that of wood decking boards. However, in terms of the long-term cost of use, composite decking is instead the more cost-effective option. It can save more time and money with its maintenance-free, long-lasting benefits.
Is Composite Decking Complicated to Install?
Composite decking is not complicated to install. You can choose to have it installed by a professional construction team or try DIY installation. However, be careful to follow the installation guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Wrong installation can lead to ruining composite decking more easily.
Related Post
