How to Fix a Hole in Composite Decking
- Remove any stains with a scrub brush and cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer. Each brand of composite decking requires different cleaners.
- Tighten or replace any decking screws or nails that have worked loose over time with a power screwdriver and hammer.
- Sand any small scratches or gouges in the boards with a fine-grade sandpaper. ...
- Fill small holes, using a putty knife, with a mixture of fine composite board shavings and silicone caulk.
- Remove and replace any boards that have sustained major damage or have holes larger than 1/2-inch diameter.
How do you repair a cracked composite deck?
If the boards on your composite deck have chips or small cracks, you may be able to repair them by using a composite deck repair kit -- depending on the materials and the manufacturer of your deck's boards. These repair kits, often composed of a wax or epoxy-based filler, can be applied to a damaged board like a wood putty.
How do you fill holes in composite 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.
Why does my composite deck have scratches?
As your deck ages, you’re more and more likely to see scratches simply from standard wear and tear as well. The good news is that your deck likely isn’t damaged forever. With a few composite decking scratch repair tips in your back pocket, you can take on minor nicks and even some more severe scratches.
How do you fix a hole in a laminate deck?
Mix the epoxy with thinner and use a syringe to fill the holes. Allow the epoxy to dry, then sand it so that it is flush with the deck.
How do you repair a cut in a composite deck?
Composite Decking Scratch Repair TipsFill nicks and scratches with an epoxy-based filler and a putty knife. ... Try the heat method. ... Replace scratched boards with new ones. ... Consider consulting the manufacturer or retailer about your scratched decking.
Can you patch 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.
How do I fill holes in my deck?
How to Repair a Deck With Wood FillerClean the damaged area with a stiff brush to remove any loose paint or rotted wood. ... Apply a deck cleaner to the area if the wood is unfinished. ... Scoop some wood filler out of its tub with a putty knife. ... Scrape the filler into a hole with the putty knife. ... Allow the filler to dry.More items...
Why does composite decking have holes?
Hollow composite decking boards, which have honeycomb pattern centres, tend to be more flexible and potentially better at absorbing shock. All other things equal, they also tend to be a cheaper option than solid decking boards.
How do you fill holes in Trex?
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.
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 is the best wood filler for a deck?
Best Exterior Wood Filler for DecksBest wood filler for outdoor use – Bondo All-Purpose Putty.Best Stainable Wood Filler– Elmer's E892.Best exterior epoxy wood filler – Abatron Wood Epoxy 2 kit.Best Wood Putty for Decks– Minwax 13617000.Best wood filler for pressure treated deck– Pc Products- 163337.More items...
Can you use wood filler on decks?
Can you use wood filler on a deck? Yes, you can use wood filler on a deck. Wood filler is the best solution for cracks, gouges, etc., because all you need to do is get some outdoor filler, apply it, and wait for it to cure before use.
How do you repair damaged decking?
0:185:38How to Fix and Repair Damaged Deck Boards | Mitre 10 Easy As DIYYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBoard what i'm going to do is cut five millimeters away from those nails. So i'm going to leave theMoreBoard what i'm going to do is cut five millimeters away from those nails. So i'm going to leave the existing nails in the deck. So what i've done is cut myself a piece of timber.
How long will a composite deck 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 are the disadvantages of composite decking?
Cons of Composite DeckingA pricey alternative to wood. Durability comes at a cost, as composite decking is more expensive than wood. ... Composites aren't natural. ... Composite decks aren't completely maintenance free. ... You'll need to comparison shop.
Do squirrels chew on composite decking?
While wood is a sturdy material, long-term exposure to the elements can make it swell and soften. This results in a nice, chewy material that's perfect for squirrels to nibble on. Composite, on the other hand, is resistant to moisture.
How much does it cost to resurface a Trex deck?
A typical 24' x 12' deck (288 square feet) built with Trex decking will cost between $4,244 and $10,826 for materials and installation. Trex decking materials cost $9 per sq ft on average. If you want your decking installed properly, your Trex decking cost will be between $37 to $50 per square foot.
How do you rebuild a Trex deck?
0:574:16Resurface Your Existing Wood Deck with Trex Composite DeckingYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBegin by removing the railings. And posts to allow for free access to the deck boards carefullyMoreBegin by removing the railings. And posts to allow for free access to the deck boards carefully dislodge and discard the boards being cautious of nails or screws while leaving the substructure.
How much does it cost to replace Trex deck?
Trex decking costs $1,600 to $9,600, averaging about $4,800. That's $5 to $12 per square foot for just decking boards and $5 to $15 per square foot for installation. Size is the biggest price factor, with 144 square feet ranging from $1,440 to $3,900 compared to $3,000 to $8,100 for 300 square feet.
Does Trex scratch easily?
Unlike painted wood decks, Trex or any composite decking won't scratch or scuff easily. It's also highly resistant to marring (the disfiguration or sheen that you sometimes see after dragging a heavy object across a wood deck). Beyond that, Trex decking is also resistant to fading, staining, mold and mildew.
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 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.
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 you contact the manufacturer of composite decking?
Whenever possible, contact the manufacturer of your composite decking for solutions to problems with your deck. The company can offer advice based on the type of composite decking material you own.
Who is Robert Korpella?
Robert Korpella has been writing professionally since 2000. He is a certified Master Naturalist, regularly monitors stream water quality and is the editor of freshare.net, a site exploring the Ozarks outdoors. Korpella's work has appeared in a variety of publications. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas.
What are the joists that hold deck boards in place?
The joists which are the cross beams that hold the deck boards in place should be examined for any damage or repair that may be required. The joists should be secured solidly to the deck’s frame and not squeak or move in anyway. If you have a joist that is loose or needs to be re-secured, reposition the joist in its joist hanger. Replace any damaged joists with newer composite joists that should also be able to be easily installed into the deck and the joist hangers.
What to do if joists are loose?
If you have a joist that is loose or needs to be re-secured, reposition the joist in its joist hanger. Replace any damaged joists with newer composite joists that should also be able to be easily installed into the deck and the joist hangers.
Do you need to inspect deck boards?
You will need to inspect each of the deck boards in order to see of they are damaged and in need of repair or replacement. If the composite deck boards are damaged in anyway or appear to be in need of replacement, toss them away in exchange for new composite deck boards that are similar in style.
Can you replace composite deck boards?
The damaged composite deck boards that you uncovered during your inspection should be replaced with new boards that you purchased from a home improvement center or lumber yard that sells composite materials. Set the replacement composite deck boards in place in the same manner as the old boards that were taken up during the inspection process.
Why Do Scratches Occur?
Over time though, you started to notice that your deck has small scratches in certain areas.
What can scratch a composite deck?
Shoes. Boots, high heels and even some dress shoes can scuff and scratch your composite deck. You’ll notice these scratches more in areas like walkways.
Why is it important to keep furniture in place?
That’s a good thing because it ensures that your furniture will stay in place. It also means that when your furniture moves there’s a greater potential for nicks and scratches. Weather. Winter weather is very harsh in some locations. Rain, snow, sleet and ice can take their toll on your deck and its finish.
How to get rid of scratches on decking?
Try the heat method. For this, you’ll use a heat gun about 8″ to 12″ away from the scratch. At the same time, you’ll be using a wire brush to scrape the decking in the same direction as this scratch. This works by blending the scratched and non-scratched areas together.
How to keep foot traffic from shoes?
Use a woven rug designed for high-traffic spaces. A woven rug will help keep foot traffic from shoes from doing damage. Heavy items like outdoor coffee tables can also be placed on rugs to reduce long-term scratches.
Is composite decking good for outdoor use?
They’re also relatively easy to repair when scratches do occur. That makes composite material an excellent choice for any outdoor space.
Can composite decking be scratched?
Composite decking is designed to be durable and stand up to any test mother nature can come up with. The reality is that even the best composite decking materials can end up scratched. As your deck ages, you’re more and more likely to see scratches simply from standard wear and tear as well. The good news is that your deck likely isn’t damaged ...
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning of your composite deck around once per year will help to maintain its bright and new appearance and minimise the risk of damage.
Discoloured Planks
Without adequate protection, composite decking boards that are continually exposed to the sunlight might become discoloured over time. However, when this happens, it is not always as easy to repair compared to wooden planks. Because of the plastics in composite decking, sanding is not an option.
Scratch Repair
Composite materials can be prone to scratches and scuffs from moving outdoor furniture or items falling on the decking. The solution for a scratched composite deck board will vary depending on the product type and the manufacturer.
Filling Chips and Cracks
Chips or small cracks can be caused in composite decking by moving outdoor furniture, items falling on the deck, or extreme weather. If you have noticed any small cracks or chips in your composite deck, you can often use a specially designed composite deck repair kit to fix them.
Heavier Damage
Heavy damage to your composite decking such as deep scratches, cracks and broken boards, may often require a replacement plank. To replace a composite decking plank, first find the fasteners, which may be concealed below the decking to avoid showing the screw heads.
