Composite Decking Care Guide

Composite decking is designed to be easy to care for, allowing you to keep your outdoor space looking great with minimal effort. Regular cleaning and simple maintenance routines will ensure your deck remains in excellent condition over time. Regular care not only preserves the aesthetic appeal of your deck but also extends its lifespan, ensuring you get the most value from your investment.

Proper maintenance can prevent issues like staining, mould growth, and surface damage, keeping your outdoor space safe and inviting for family gatherings, barbecues, or quiet evenings under the stars.

You don't need a fancy clean composite deck cleaner; the best decking cleaner is just soap and water.

Essential Tools for Cleaning a Composite Deck

For light cleaning, a simple mixture of soap and water should suffice. However, if your deck needs a more thorough clean, you might consider using a commercial cleaner. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines before applying any commercial products to your deck.

You Will Need:

Broom
Bucket
Mild dish soap
Soft-bristled brush
Water hose
Pressure washer (optional)
Leaf blower (optional)

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Cleaning Composite Decking

To ensure effective and safe cleaning, it’s best to avoid these common mistakes:

Choosing The Incorrect Cleaner: Since composite decking can be porous, selecting the right composite decking cleaner is essential.
Using Products That Contain Bleach: Avoid bleach-based products, as they can be corrosive. Instead, always choose environmentally friendly cleaners to protect surrounding plants.
Neglecting Gaps Between Boards: Debris can accumulate in the gaps, preventing air circulation. Keeping these spaces clear helps the underside of the deck remain dry, reducing the risk of mould and mildew.
Using Improper Tools: When cleaning composite decking, avoid using anything that could scratch or damage your composite deck, opt for soft bristled brushes and use a plastic spade to remove snow during winter if necessary.

The Best Way to Clean Composite Decking

To keep your deck looking pristine, follow these tips on cleaning composite decking. Before you begin, protect any sensitive plants around your deck with tarps to shield them from damage.

Step 1- Sweep the Deck: Start by removing loose debris such as leaves, pine needles, and dirt.

Step 2 - Pre-rinse the Deck: Use a garden hose or a pressure washer on its lowest setting to rinse the deck. Keep the pressure washer nozzle at least 8 inches away from the surface to avoid damage.

Step 3 - Apply Soapy Water and Scrub: Spray the deck with soapy water, moving along the length of the boards. Gently scrub the surface with a soft-bristled brush to lift dirt.

Step 4 - Rinse Thoroughly: Once scrubbed, rinse the deck with clean water to remove any remaining soap.

How to Remove Algae and Moss from Composite Decking

Algae and moss not only mar the appearance of your deck but can also create slippery surfaces and potentially shorten the lifespan of composite boards. Cleaning composite decking that has algae and moss present is easy if you follow the below steps:

Step 1: Sweep the Deck: Clear the deck of any debris.

Step 2: Pre-rinse the Deck: Rinse the deck using a garden hose or a pressure washer on the lowest setting, keeping the nozzle at least 8 inches away.

Step 3: Apply Vinegar Solution: Mix 2 parts vinegar with 1 part water and spray or pour the solution directly onto the affected areas.

Step 4: Add Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda over the mould or mildew and allow it to sit for 20 minutes. This helps to break down the growth, making it easier to remove. Scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the deck with clean water and brush with a broom to remove organic matter.

Can You Paint or Stain Composite Decking?

While you are cleaning composite decking you may be wondering if it would be possible to paint your composite deck. One of the benefits of composite decking is that it comes in a variety of colours and does not require painting.

However, it is possible to paint or stain composite decking if you wanted to. You will have to wait until the product has completed its weathering process (8-10 weeks) and ensure you have a clean and dry surface prior to applying the paint or stain.

Always apply products in accordance with the manufacturer’s application instructions. Disclaimer: EnviroBuild does not recommend or guarantee any paints or stains applied to Hyperion® composite products. This may also void your warranty.

Removing Tough Stains

When it comes to cleaning composite decking, tough stains can be a challenge, but they are not insurmountable. For stains caused by food, beverages, or other substances, it’s essential to act quickly.

The sooner you address a stain, the easier it will be to remove.

For most stains, a combination of warm water and a household degreasing agent should do the trick. Gently scrub the area and rinse thoroughly.
For more stubborn stains, a paste made from baking soda and water can effectively lift deep-set marks without damaging the surface.
As a last resort for very set stains, you might need to use coarse sandpaper (60-80 grit). Sand lightly in the direction of the wood grain, but be aware that this might lighten the area temporarily.

Repairing Marks and Scratches

Due to weathering, marks and scratches on composite materials will naturally blend with the surrounding surface over time. However, they can be easily treated when they do occur, as outlined below.

We highly recommend testing any repair solution on a scrap piece before applying it to an installed board. Additionally, repairing damaged boards instead of replacing them offers significant environmental benefits, in line with our commitment to sustainability.

Disclaimer: Yes, we did damage our own boards, and we feel bad about it. Please do not attempt this at home.

Uncapped Decking

For uncapped composite decking materials like the

Hyperion Explorer range, repair light marks or scratches with a steel scourer.

Scrub the marked area, brushing in the direction of the wood grain along the board.
Alternatively, use green scouring pads, but be prepared to put in more effort to remove the mark.
Steel scourers and scouring pads are widely available in most UK supermarkets and homeware stores.

Capped Decking

Capped composite materials, like

Hyperion Frontier decking, feature a protective plastic outer layer that guards against fading and staining. This durable coating alters the repair process for minor scratches, making it slightly different from other materials.

Use 60-80 grit sandpaper.
Lightly brush over the damaged area.
Sand in the direction of the grain, lengthways down the composite board.
Avoid sanding too heavily to prevent lightening of the damaged area.
Be aware that colour inconsistencies may occur if the area is over-sanded.
Remember that the repaired area will not weather over time to blend in.

Removing Deeper Marks From Composite Decking

Uncapped Decking

The process for repairing marks and scratches differs depending on the extent of the damage.

For deeper marks and scratches on uncapped composite materials, use 60-80 grit sandpaper.
Brush over the mark while always moving in the direction of the grain, lengthways down the board.
If needed, finish the repair process with a steel scourer to darken the sanded area, which may initially look lighter.
Weathering will improve colour consistency, which may take about a month to stabilise.

Capped Decking

If the damage on capped composite material is deeper than a mild scratch but doesn't fully penetrate the outer board capping, use a heat gun set at 450°C.
Lightly pass the heat gun over the area, keeping the nozzle 10-15cm away from the board surface to avoid overheating.
If needed, follow up with light sanding of the damaged area using 60-80 grit sandpaper, always sanding in the direction of the grain.
Be gentle during repairs to prevent further damage to the board.
Test the process on an offcut before repairing the damaged board.

Heavier Damages

Uncapped Composite Materials

Where there is a deep mark or scratch in the surface and sanding would not be sufficient to repair the damage on your uncapped composite material, a heat gun on a 450°C setting can be used. You should lightly pass over the area, where the distance of the heat gun nozzle should be around 10-15cm from the board surface but no closer when repairing the mark, so as not to overheat the material.

If required, follow the heat gun process with a light sanding of the damaged area using 60-80 grit sandpaper, always in the direction of the grain. It is important to be gentle when carrying out these repairs to ensure the board is not damaged further. We recommend testing the process on an offcut first before completing the repair on the damaged board.

Different seasons bring various challenges for your deck, so maintaining and cleaning composite decking year-round is essential. Here’s how to care for it throughout the year:

Spring: With the arrival of milder weather, give your composite decking a thorough clean to remove any moss, algae, or grime that may have accumulated over the damp winter months. Inspect for any damage caused by moisture or freezing, and address any issues promptly.
Summer: During dry spells, regular sweeping and occasional washing will keep your composite decking looking its best. Consider using protective pads under furniture to prevent scratching, and be mindful of potential UV damage to exposed areas. During wetter periods, ensure water drains away properly to avoid any pooling.
Autumn: As leaves begin to fall, regular removal is crucial to prevent staining and the growth of mould on your composite decking. This is also a good time to give your deck another deep clean, especially before the colder months. Consider using a mildew-resistant cleaner for added protection.

Winter: Winters can be wet and icy rather than snowy, so keep your composite decking clear of ice and debris. If snow does fall, remove it promptly with a plastic shovel to avoid scratching the surface. Avoid using rock salt or harsh deicing chemicals, which can damage the decking material. Instead, opt for a salt-free alternative designed for composite materials, or consider using sand to add traction.

While you can usually manage cleaning composite decking on your own, there are times when calling in a professional is the best course of action:

Structural Issues: If you notice loose boards, unstable railings, or any signs of structural damage, it's important to get a professional assessment and repair to ensure safety and prevent further issues.
Persistent Algae or Moss: If algae or moss continues to reappear despite thorough cleaning, a professional may be needed to treat the decking with specialised products that can effectively remove these growths and prevent them from returning.
Deep Stains: If your decking has developed deep stains that regular cleaning can't remove, a professional might have access to advanced cleaning solutions and techniques that can restore the appearance of your deck without damaging the material.
Major Changes or Additions: If you're planning significant alterations, such as adding new sections, upgrading features, or altering the layout of your deck, a professional can ensure the work is done correctly and enhances the overall structure and appearance.

Additionally, professionals can provide tailored advice on the best maintenance practices for your specific decking material and environment. They can recommend treatments that help protect your deck from the damp conditions that promote algae and moss growth, ensuring your deck stays in top condition for years to come.

Further Reading:

7 Signs if You Need Need to Replace Your Wooden Deck

With proper care, your composite deck can provide a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor living space for years to come. Regular maintenance and cleaning composite deck boards, prompt attention to stains or damage, and seasonal maintenance will keep your deck looking its best.

Besides decking,

EnviroBuild also offers

Fencing,

Garden furniture and

Commercial Solutions.

If you have any further questions about caring for your composite decking, don't hesitate to

contact. EnviroBuild's expert team. They're always happy to provide advice and support to help you make the most of your outdoor living space.