Composite decking maintenance: everything you need to know to keep your deck shining!

1. Clean your terrace regularly

A composite terrace can be a pleasure to look at for many years, but remember to clean it regularly. If there are trees and shrubs near your terrace, it is inevitable that large quantities of leaves, needles or branches will collect on its surface.

It is important to sweep the terrace regularly to remove much of this debris. A brush and water are all you need to get rid of excess unwanted dirt.

As a composite terrace owner, I can confidently recommend a brush with soft bristles, as any brooms with stiff bristles may damage the surface.

If there is a lot of dust or sand, it is worth getting a garden hose or a pressure washer. Pressurised water should be able to deal with the largest amounts of mud in a given area. However, if you use a pressure washer, remember that the pressure should not exceed 1500 psi, and the nozzle should be held at least 30 cm from the surface of the boards.

Remember not to use any corrosive, bleaching or colour-enhancing products, as they may cause unintended colour changes, discolouration or, in the worst cases, burn marks on the terrace, which can only be removed by replacing the board.

All these measures will help remove surface dirt, which spoils the overall appearance of the terrace at first glance. We therefore encourage you to clean your terrace fairly regularly, so that, as the saying goes, you don't let it get into a state of neglect.

2. Protect your decking from UV rays

Overall, composite decking boards are resistant to UV radiation. This does not mean that you should neglect protecting your decking. Protecting your decking from UV radiation should really begin when you are designing your decking.

Planning the outdoor space for composite decking is key to keeping your decking in good condition for many years.

A well-designed layout in which most of the decking is protected by natural sources of shade from trees or shrubs is an ideal solution. If there is no vegetation nearby, a great alternative is to use a pergola with climbing plants to create natural protection from the sun, or to install a standard roof covering.

For a more economical option, even a simple awning or parasol can protect the decking from excessive colour fading and the composite material from becoming too hot.

Nevertheless, a roof covering is not essential, as over a period of 5-7 years any colour loss will be so subtle that someone using the decking will not be able to notice it.

We can also provide additional protection for our composite decking by using treatments for composite materials. These products certainly will not cause any harm and will simply refresh the decking, which can be treated in this way once every few years.

3. Avoid scratches

If a thick layer of dirt builds up on your decking, or a layer of frozen snow or ice forms during winter, avoid removing it with sharp tools.

Although the board is coloured throughout the material, it is not difficult to damage the composite material. Composite decking boards are 70% natural, so, like wood, they can be damaged or scratched quite easily.

To avoid scratching the decking, it is also worth paying attention to how you arrange it. Plastic or wooden garden furniture seems to be the safest option, although it is not always comfortable. If your furniture has a metal frame, it is worth fitting felt pads to it. If you have chairs, consider adding felt protectors under their legs too.

The same applies when rearranging furniture. Try not to drag furniture; lift it with another person instead to avoid the risk of scratching the surface. 

For work around the house or during renovation, it is worth using a protective sheet or a piece of ordinary cardboard to protect the composite material. Despite its high durability, the material can be damaged if it is not handled carefully.

We therefore recommend using the decking and the furniture on it with greater care and caution. Although replacing scratched or cracked boards is not complicated, as the entire composite system is designed to make this straightforward, it is better to avoid additional costs by taking greater care when using it. 

4. Keep an eye on it and look out for any flaws

Changes to a deck can be noticed almost immediately, which is why the seasonal maintenance mentioned earlier is important.

It is best to carry it out in late autumn – shortly before winter arrives – and in spring, to prepare the deck properly for the coming summer season.

If you choose composite decking, it is worth paying attention to airflow. Ensuring adequate air circulation around the boards prevents moisture from building up. Excessive moisture build-up can cause mould to develop on the surface of the deck.

Composite itself is largely resistant to the growth of mould and fungi, but in a very damp environment mould can sometimes appear, significantly spoiling the visual effect of composite boards.

Proper installation of a composite decking board deck on spacer pads, separating the composite products from concrete or another supporting element, will help minimise the risk of this type of damage. 

Care summary at a glance.

Composite decking boards are durable and weather-resistant, making them an ideal choice for outdoor use.

To maintain their appearance and functionality, regular care is important. Regular sweeping and washing with mild detergents is recommended, as well as promptly dealing with stains.

To prevent scratches, avoid sharp tools and use furniture pads. Where possible, use sunshades to minimise fading.

Regular inspections and cleaning, particularly before and after winter, will help keep the boards in good condition. Thanks to these simple care measures, composite decking boards will serve for many years, retaining their aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Although composite decking boards do not require any special care from the user compared with wooden boards, we encourage you to follow the recommendations above. A little care for your garden retreat will help it retain its appearance over the long term.