how to repair scratches in 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 to fix a scratched deck?

Purchase a repair kit if you want to easily fix your deck. To fix deck issues including minor scratches, splits, or chips, use a repair kit from a home supply store. Choose a repair kit with wax applicator sticks. In addition, you can purchase repair kits with scratch pads if you need to repair deep scratches.

Does composite decking scratch easily?

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 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.

How do you fix a chip in a deck?

To fix deck issues including minor scratches, splits, or chips, use a repair kit from a home supply store. Choose a repair kit with wax applicator sticks. In addition, you can purchase repair kits with scratch pads if you need to repair deep scratches.

How do you get scratches off composite decking?

Try a Wire Brush Find the scratch marks and brush them with a wire brush along the length of the decking boards or direction of the grain. Unlike using a heat gun, scrubbing the composite boards will make them lighter. But as with the heating method, it will go away in a few weeks.

How do you get scratches out of Trex deck?

The most practical way to repair a scratch in your Trex deck is using a heat gun. It takes patience and isn't guaranteed to be a 100% fix, but we've seen success with minor scratches. Start by grabbing your heat gun and a heat-resistant glove.

How do you fix composite decking?

7:4510:34How to install a composite deck with Wickes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlways use screws that are specifically designed for the job and make sure that all screws areMoreAlways use screws that are specifically designed for the job and make sure that all screws are secure. But not over tightened. Work your way down the board fixing the deck board to each support joist.

Is there touch up paint for Trex decking?

Trex® Signature™ Aluminum Railing Touch Up Paint - 4.5oz Aerosol Can. Available in White (WH), Black (BK), Platinum (PL) and Bronze (BZ). Bronze color comes in kit of two cans.

Does composite decking get scratched by dogs?

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.

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.

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.

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 Trex decks scratch easily?

The short answer is yes. Trex decking features a hard shell that not only resists scratching but is also formulated to withstand long-term exposure to the elements with less maintenance than wood decking.

What should you not use on 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. Trex does not recommend sanding.

What is the lifespan of Trex decking?

25 to 30 yearsTrex and TimberTech Composite Decking Warranties Composite decks have a lifespan of at least 25 to 30 years — and they have warranties to match.

How do you refresh composite decking?

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Light scratches and scuffs

In the majority of cases, marks and scratches will blend in with the rest of the surface through weathering over time, and we therefore advise to leave the composite decking alone for a few months until they become unnoticeable.

Deep scratches and scuffs

If the scratches or scuffs are a little deeper, but not fully through the top surface, a walnut can be used to help blend the marks until weathering has taken place. Please note, we only advise that a natural, raw walnut should be used, and do not advise the use of extracted walnut oil or any other oil for scratch removal.

Gouges

If the boards have serious gouges in them, please contact us for a possible replacement.

How to repair scratches on wood?

Sand the scratch with a scratch repair pad or applicator tool. Apply light pressure to either the scratch pad or the applicator that came with the wax, and move the tool over the scratched spot very quickly. Use a back and forth motion for best results. Continue sanding until the scratch is the same level as the rest of the board.

How to fix scratches on a sanded wood table?

Apply wax to the damaged area until it is level. Take off the tip of the wax stick, and rub it over the sanded area. Apply a thin, even layer over all of the scratches. Wax easily fills in small problem areas. ...

How to get wax off of a sandpaper?

Rub the applicator over the wax to remove any excess. Hold the applicator in between your index finger and thumb, and lightly move it back and forth across the wax. This scrapes off any extra wax.

How to get screw heads to show on one side?

Hammer the tabs on the sides so the screw heads only show on 1 side. There are several small metal tabs that held the old board in place. After the old board is out of the way, use a hammer to push the metal tabs downward. Hit the tabs with moderate force about 3-5 times until they are flush with the board next to it.

How to secure a board in place?

Use a pry bar to put the new board into place. To secure the board into its spot, put the tip if the pry bar in between the new board and the board next to it, and pull back on the pry bar with light pressure. Do this for both sides to wedge the board into place. ...

How to remove a board from a board?

Remove the center piece of wood from the rest of the board. Using your hands, lift up on the board from 1 side, and take it out of its spot. Place the board down on the neck next to you.

How to separate a board?

Use a pencil to mark the board in 3 equal intervals. Look at your board, and divide it vertically into approximately 3 equal parts. Draw a vertical line running the length of the board so it's divided in thirds. This way, you can easily separate your board.