how to repair damaged trex decking

Restoring Trex decking

• • Preparing for washing First remains any furniture from your deck, as you’ll need a clean surface to work on and access...
• •Spray soapy water over the surface Mix a cleaning solution with some water. Then, using the soapy solution, spray down...
• • Rinse well with clean water After you’ve cleaned the dirt and stains, re-spray with clean water to...
• • Thoroughly rinse

Full Answer

How do you fix a hole in a Trex deck?

• Materials List.
• Clean the deck: Sweep excess debris (dirt and leaves) off the deck.
• Apply the composite deck stain: Stir product thoroughly.
• Clean-up: Following label directions, dispose of waste including roller covers and brushes in a water filled container.
• Frequently Asked Questions.
• Maintenance.

How to replace deck boards with TREX?

Trex can be installed over timber, steel or aluminum substructures with joist centers at a maximum of 400mm apart. If building over a timber substructure, you should consider using Trex®Protect™ self-adhesive butyl tape to prevent moisture damage. 2. Cut your boards.

How to repair deep scratches on Trex deck?

Here are a few ways to keep scratches at bay and maintain your deck:

• Use a woven rug designed for high-traffic spaces. A woven rug will help keep foot traffic from shoes from doing damage. ...
• Place pads under pieces of furniture that live on your deck. ...
• Put furniture away when it’s not in use. ...
• Use a broom instead of a shovel to clear leaves, snow or other debris. ...

What is the recommended joist spacing for Trex decking?

• The size of your deck joists
• Your framing material
• Your maximum joist span

Can you touch up Trex decking?

If you notice a scratch or damaged area on your Trex decking, fret not! If you have a small scratch or chip, use a composite deck repair kit. If you have a larger scratch, dent, or dings, it is best to replace the entire board. With a few tools, you can easily repair your deck and enjoy your patio.

Can you repair composite decking?

Repair the decorative board damage with filler If the boards on your WPC decking have chips or small cracks. You can use a composite deck repair kit to repair them-it depending on the material and manufacturer of your boards. These repair kits usually consist of wax or epoxy-based fillers.

How do you fill holes in Trex decking?

Fill small holes, using a putty knife, with a mixture of fine composite board shavings and silicone caulk. The consistency of the mixture should be thick enough that it will not seep out of the bottom of the hole. Match the color of the caulk to the deck boards.

Can you refinish old Trex decking?

Yes. Trex decking can be painted or even stained with proper surface preparation. First, you need to clean the deck, scuff it, and prime it to accept paint. Ensure you use an acrylic latex exterior primer and a latex paint with a semi-gloss or satin finish for this purpose.

Is there a filler for composite decking?

For small scratches and surface marks, a Composite Decking Repair kit may be the best thing to help you fix your damaged Board. Repair kits often include wax or epoxy fillers to help remove/ cover up any scratched areas of your Deck.

How do you repair a split composite deck?

Sand the crack and filler using a hand-block with 100-grit sandpaper. Use strokes parallel to the board to sand the filler flush with the surface of the crack. If the filler has shrunk and created a slight depression, fill the depression with more composite filler and let it dry.

How do you repair a composite?

The steps involved in composite repair are:Detect and assess the damage.Identify component.Remove Paint.Design the repair.Obtain materials and tools.Remove the damaged area.Effect the repair.Allow proper curing time.

What to use to fill holes in deck?

0:287:05Deck Board Hole Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what that means is i have a few pretty good sized knots like this one behind me that i'm gonnaMoreSo what that means is i have a few pretty good sized knots like this one behind me that i'm gonna fill before cleaning the deck. And then sealing it this is an overall very easy process and what i'm

How do I repair a hole in my deck?

1:215:05How to Repair Damaged Deck Boards That Rot or Have Holes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut if you do it a little bit it's not gonna be that big of a deal just because you know this deckMoreBut if you do it a little bit it's not gonna be that big of a deal just because you know this deck is gonna need a place to ventually. But for now we're just sort of patching it. Up. One thing you can

How do I make my Trex deck look new again?

You can perform a semiannual cleaning on your composite deck to preserve its longevity.Step 1: Pre-spray your deck. ... Step 2: Spray with soapy water & scrub. ... Step 3: Rinse thoroughly. ... Step 1: Pre-rinse. ... Step 2: Mix up your vinegar solution. ... Step 3: Sprinkle baking soda. ... Step 4: Rinse thoroughly.More items...

Can you paint or stain old Trex decking?

A: You are correct. Vintage Trex decking and other brands of composite decking made of a uniform mixture of wood fibers and plastic can be painted or even stained. Newer styles of composite decking capped with a shell of different material on the top and sides of boards cannot.

Is it OK to power wash Trex decking?

Trex does not recommend the use of a pressure washer. The use of a pressure washer on deck surface could damage the decking surface and will void the warranty with respect to any condition caused by the pressure washing.

How do you repair a composite?

The steps involved in composite repair are:Detect and assess the damage.Identify component.Remove Paint.Design the repair.Obtain materials and tools.Remove the damaged area.Effect the repair.Allow proper curing time.

Why is my composite deck peeling?

0:171:48Common Composite Decking Problems - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe most common problems composite deck owners face are algae mold and surface peeling many believeMoreThe most common problems composite deck owners face are algae mold and surface peeling many believe that moisture is the primary.

How often do you have to replace composite decking?

That's one of the main advantages of our preferred composite material: the average composite deck lifespan is at least 25 to 30 years, and can span even longer. At Keystone Custom Decks, we build using Trex and TimberTech composite decking, both of which are known for their gorgeous styles and long lifespans.

How long do Composite decks last?

between 25 and 30 yearsComposite decking requires minimal upkeep and can last between 25 and 30 years. On average, plastic decking has a similar lifespan to composite decking and can last nearly 30 years.

What to use to remove tannins from deck?

If you clear the debris from your deck and notice tannin bleeds have caused discoloration, you can use a deck brightener to remove the stains. These deck brighteners contain oxalic acid, which removes tannins. Just ensure your deck is dry before applying.

How much pressure should I use to pressure wash composite decking?

If you pressure wash your deck, keep it on the lowest setting possible—no more than 3100 psi with a fan tip. Composite decking is much softer than natural wood. A pressure washing at too high a setting can encourage chipping, sun damage, and mold staining. Be sure to spray no closer than 8 inches away from the wood.

Can you use soapy water on Trex decking?

When cleaning your decking, be sure to use the correct cleaner when making your soapy water. Otherwise, you could cause surface damage that affects the appearance of your Trex deck. Composite decking such as Trex decking is porous and needs an oxygenated cleaner that can clean inside the deck and the surface.

Does composite decking need to be cleaned?

While composite decking requires less maintenance than other deck materials, it still requires cleaning to keep it looking fresh, especially after heavy snowfall or storms. Leftover debris can leave behind dirt, mud, and mold if not cleaned up properly.

Is Trex decking hardy?

Trex is an industry leader in hardy composite decking, which requires less daily maintenance than organic lumber decks. However, if your Trex decking has been through a few seasons already, it may be due for some basic care and restoration to get it back to full health. In this guide, we’ll go through the best basic practices for how ...

Does Trex decking need maintenance?

A deck transforms any outdoor space into a great year-round spot for gatherings and parties with friends or family. However, once you’ve installed your perfect decking, it does require some maintenance to keep it in tip-top condition. Trex is an industry leader in hardy composite decking, which requires less daily maintenance than organic lumber ...

Can you dry water off a deck?

Generally, hard water is something to avoid. If there is no other option, you can dry the water from the decking using a dry cloth. If there are already spots on the decking caused by hard water, you can remove them using white vinegar as a cleaning solution.

How often should I redo a deck stain?

A standard deck stain might need to be redone each year, he said. Whichever paint or stain you pick, clean the deck thoroughly first.

How to avoid lap marks on wood?

To avoid creating lap marks, plan your work so you can complete entire boards while the coating is still wet. In many cases, this means painting only three or four boards at a time. Work your way toward the steps or door so you have a way to exit without stepping on wet finish.

Can you use a deck cleaner on non-capped decking?

Whichever paint or stain you pick, clean the deck thoroughly first. Use a deck cleaner that doesn’t have a warning on the label against use on non-capped composite decking, because some cleaners for capped decks are too harsh for original-style composite decking.

Can you use a pressure washer on composite decking?

Do not use a pressure washer on non-capped composite decks. Rinse thoroughly with a hose, and let the decking dry. Apply the paint or stain when the boards are not in direct sunlight, which would cause the coating to dry too fast.

Do you need to primer a deck before painting?

Before you paint or stain, check to make sure the decking isn’t one of the capped styles.

Can you paint composite decking?

Painting or staining vintage composite decking isn’t necessary to make the material last longer, but it can give the deck a new look — changing the color, eliminating stains from mildew or leaves, and evening out the color on decks where rugs or planters kept sunlight from reaching some areas.

What is the best way to clean a Trex deck?

A simple garden hose with a lower pressure fitting, coupled with detergent and a mop for tough spots, is your best bet for cleaning Trex deck. Avoid some types of harsh cleaners. Check with Trex before using any cleaner on your decking. The wrong type can eat into your deck causing spots that won’t come out.

How long does Trex decking last?

When homeowners ask us how long will Trex decking last, we start with the minimum 25 to 30 year span covered by the warranty. But we also let them know that composite decks can last far longer.

How to get rid of tannin stain on Trex deck?

A thorough cleaning with a mop and gentle detergent, such as dish soap, may help remove residual grime and lighten the stain. Removing leaves and debris with a broom or leaf blower frequently is the best preventive measure. Grease badly stains Trex decking.

What is Trex deck brightener?

Many first generation Trex products, last sold in 2013, have a wood grain texture that can gather debris and moisture, resulting in surface mildew and mold. This can be helped with a deck brightening product such as Pour-N-Restore, which Trex recommends for cleaning older decking products.

When did Trex decking go public?

Since that time Trex has diligently worked to revise, expand, and perfect their line of composite decking products. Going public in 1999, Trex has become the world’s largest manufacturer of wood alternative decking products offering the industry’s widest array of composite deck products, which are available in more than 40 countries around the world. Now it seems more people are becoming dissatisfied with the longevity and quality of Trex products. So, what are the biggest problems with Trex decking, and what can you do about them?

Does Trex decking fade?

Yes. One of the biggest problems with older Trex decking is color fading. Everybody knows color fades in the sun, but composite decking companies seem to be oblivious to how badly their products actually look when left out in the sun.

Does Trex stain?

It doesn’t always happen on ever deck but when it does it really looks bad.

What is composite decking made of?

Composite decking is typically made of wood fibers combined with plastic. The term is fluid, however, in that some manufacturers sell composites that are entirely made of plastic or are plastic wrapped around a wood core. Because of this, composite deck scratch repair can take a little bit of preliminary research before you tackle ...

Can you sand composite decks?

Composite planks exposed to sunlight eventually lose their luster and become discolored. Sanding is not an option for composites. The plastic burns and melts with heavy friction, and the discoloration problem could worsen instead of improve. Paints are also not recommended because they tend not to adhere well to composite material. Stains, however, will recolor a composite deck, although the color may vary from what’s shown on the can. Always try a sample of stain in an inconspicuous portion of the deck before investing time and money in staining the entire deck.

Can composite decking be scratched?

Similar to wood decks, composite materials are prone to scratches and dings from moving outdoor furniture. Solutions vary by manufacturer and by product type. Some recommend not working scratches and abrasions as they will blend with the rest of the decking in time.