how to repair scratched composite decking

How to Fix Scratches on Composite Decking

• Check With the Manufacturer. Before you make any modifications or repairs to your composite deck material, check with...
• Sand the Scratch. You can sometimes gently sand the scratched area to help it blend in with the surrounding area. When...
• Use a Heat Gun. Another strategy some people use is a heat gun to heat the plastic...

Full Answer

How do you fix a damaged composite deck?

2. Use a composite decking repair kit It’s worth checking who was the original manufacturer of your decking board, as that information can help you find out whether there are specific composite decking repair kits on the market that can help solve the issue.

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 to fix scratches on wood decking?

Fill nicks and scratches with an epoxy-based filler and a putty knife. When going this route, make sure you use a product that the manufacturer of your decking material approves. Some kits are available that provide everything you need for this type of repair. Try the heat method.

How do I repair scratches on my uncapped composite material?

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.

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.

What takes scratches out of 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 stop my composite deck from scratching?

Make use of furniture leg pads Heavy furniture or furniture with metal legs is particularly susceptible to causing scratches, so it's best to protect your deck with furniture leg pads. There are a lot of different kinds of furniture leg pads on the market including rubber, plastic, foam etc.

How do you make composite decking 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...

Does composite decking get scratch easily?

5 days agoUnlike 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).

Does Trex deck scratch?

Newer-generation Trex decking holds strong against potential damage. All of our decking lines are scratch resistant, protecting your space against nicks, cracks and splitting.

Will dogs scratch composite decking?

Without this vital component, composite decking does not fair much better than cedar decking. A large dog's claws will easily scratch an uncapped composite decking. Without the cap, the wood fibres will readily soak up the dog's urine and emit a terrible odour in the sun.

Which composite decking is most scratch resistant?

In our experience, Trex Transcend is the most durable product on the market. It resists scratching far better than any of the other options.

Can you resurface Trex decking?

Resurfacing your deck with trex® is easy to do, and the results are easy to love. If the boards on your existing deck are looking a bit worn - and the foundation and deck framing system are sound - you can simply replace the walking surfaces and deck railings with Trex decking and railing.

How do you restore shine to composite decking?

Use Pour-N-Restore® ***(www.pour-n-restore.com) as directed for any remaining stain. (Test in a small area first as Pour-N-Restore may remove some of the colorant from the decking surface). NOTE: Trex Escapes® can be effectively cleaned by using a hose and warm, soapy water with a soft bristle brush.

Can you pressure wash a composite deck?

Thankfully, composite decking is easily cleaned with the soap-and-water method or basic power washing.

Can I use vinegar on composite deck?

When cleaning your deck, make sure you only use oxygen bleach and not chlorine bleach, which can compromise the structural integrity of your wood deck. Vinegar - Safe for both composite and wood decking, mix a half-cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to ¼ a cup of baking soda with 1 gallon of water.

How do you get scratches out of Trex railing?

trex select railing cleaning suggestions Clean® Magic Eraser® to remove these marks. For small scratches on your railing, you can use the Dupli-Color Scratch Seal™ Clear Sealer Pen. Feel free to contact us with any questions about Trex products at (620) 957-4161.

How do you get rid of scratches on a deck?

Removing Scratches from Composite DeckingUse a Heat Gun – Using a heat gun is one of the most effective ways to eliminate the scratches on your decking. ... Try a Wire Brush – Another popular method that you can try is by using a wire brush.More items...•

Which composite decking is most scratch resistant?

In our experience, Trex Transcend is the most durable product on the market. It resists scratching far better than any of the other options.

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 replace a board if it has scratches?

Replace boards if the scratches are deep gouges and cannot be brushed or faded out.

Can composite decking be repainted?

Splitting, cracking and rotting boards are never a problem for composite decks. Composite decks never need to be sealed or repainted. However, due to normal wear and tear, scratches can happen on the composite decking.

What do you use to repair composite decking?

Repair kits typically utilise a wax or epoxy-based filler, which you can apply to the damaged board basically like wood putty.

Can you use a heat gun on scratched decking?

The idea is that holding a heat gun close to the scratched surface of your decking can soften it slightly, leaving you free to use a wire brush to blend it. However, this is a prime example of one of those ideas that can make the problem much worse just as easily as it can make it better.

Can you replace a decking board entirely?

Finally, if it all goes pear shaped, or if the board is particularly badly damaged, then there is at least one option you’ve always got left in your back pocket – and that’s simply to replace the decking board entirely. Ideally it shouldn’t come down to that, but if it does, just know that we’ve got you covered right here at Savoy Timber. We have a huge range of composite decking boards in a variety of shades and styles – and all at the very best prices.

Can you use putty knife to smooth out a board?

If you’re going down that route though, you’ll first need to make sure that the damaged board is properly clean before you crack on with the kit’s first instructions. When you’re applying the filler itself, you can use a putty knife to smooth it out for a cleaner finish.

Can you leave a scratch on a deck?

Believe it or not, sometimes the best course of action is simply to do nothing, especially if the scratch off to one side, or in a corner, or some other relatively unobtrusive place. You might find that if it’s left alone for a bit, it can fade into the decking to the point where it’s barely noticeable, especially as composite decking exhibits a slight weathering effect under the elements.

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 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.

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.

How to repair scratches on composite board?

For deeper marks and scratches on uncapped composite materials, use 60-80 grit sandpaper to brush over the mark , always moving in the direction of the grain, lengthways down the board. If required, you can finish the repairing process by using a steel scourer to darken the sanded area which may initially appear lighter until weathering improves colour consistency; this may take a month or so to stabilise.

What is a capped composite deck?

Capped composite materials, such as Hyperion Frontier decking, have an exterior plastic coating which protects the board against fading and staining. As this coating is more durable, the repair process for light scratches is slightly different.

Is composite flooring good for a wood floor?

With anti-splinter technology and protection against rot and fungal decay, composite materials are a great alternative to more traditional products, such as timber. Aside from a little cleaning to help preserve their fresh appearance, the low-maintenance traits of composite materials mean that they will require far less attention across their lifespan. However, as with any flooring surface, scrapes, scratches and stains are still possible due to the tactile nature of the material.

Can composite flooring be scratched?

However, as with any flooring surface, scrapes, scratches and stains are still possible due to the tactile nature of the material. In many cases, marks and scratches on composite materials will naturally blend with the rest of the surface through weathering over time, but can otherwise be easily treated when they occur as detailed below.

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.