How to care for composite decking

Composite decking is one of the most low-maintenance deck materials out there, making it an extremely popular option for property owners. While its low maintenance is a huge benefit, having a few tips on how to care for your composite decking is always handy.

We’ve gathered the most common queries about caring for composite decking and answered them below, so take a look at our expert team’s best advice. Here’s to a stylish, polished deck area for years to come.

How to deal with mould on your composite decking

Composite decking has an increased level of mould resistance in comparison to traditional timber decking. However, it’s not impossible to see mould growing on your deck — especially if you’re not following a regular cleaning schedule. 

The best way to prevent mould from growing on your composite deck is to clean it regularly using warm water and a mild soap solution. It’s best to avoid using deck cleaners containing bleach and chlorine, as these harsh chemicals can strip the decking of its protective coating, leading to potential mould growth.

If you have found mould on your composite deck, you’ll need a broom, a brush, a bucket of water, and a solution made of equal parts baking soda and white vinegar. Once you’ve swept and rinsed the deck, add the solution to the bucket of water and dip your brush into it. Use this brush to scrub away the mouldy areas of your composite deck, followed by a rinse.

How to keep your composite deck looking new

When properly maintained, composite decking can last anywhere from 25 to 40 years. While it has an excellent lifespan, this doesn’t mean your composite deck is immune from natural wear and tear.

It’s very common for property owners to use composite decking for entertainment areas. Unfortunately, heavy furniture and objects can damage the deck’s integrity over time, potentially leading to scuff and scrape marks. 

We always recommend protecting your composite deck by using furniture pads and picking up your furniture instead of dragging it across your deck when re-arranging the space.

Another rookie error is using sharp tools for snow and ice removal. Composite decking is snow and ice-resistant, and it can withstand a lot without rotting or warping. But when snow falls, many people follow the same rules for timber decking, grabbing a sturdy shovel to remove it quickly before any damage occurs. However, with composite decking, this could actually cause more harm than good, as tools like shovels can scrape and damage the decking’s protective layer.

How to repair scratches on composite decking

In the event of any damage, composite decking is easy and inexpensive to repair. 

To remove composite deck scratches, you should always start by cleaning the area with a mild soap and warm water solution, applied with a soft cloth. 

Once it’s clean, sand the affected area with fine-grit sandpaper along the grain — this will minimise any extra scratches or damage. This may be enough to repair surface scratches on composite decking.

For deeper scratches, you can fill the gaps using a putty knife and a specialist composite deck filler or an epoxy-based filler. In some cases, you may need to replace the damaged composite decking board with a new one.

How to repair holes in composite decking

Repairing holes in composite decking is a little more complex and takes some extra time. A method known as drop-filling is an effective option. To drop-fill the hole, you’ll need a spare composite board that matches your existing decking. Using a planer, you can extract a small amount of shavings from the spare board.

After cleaning the affected area, sand it using fine-grit sandpaper. Then, create a filler mixture using silicone caulk and the composite shavings. Mix the two together until you get a close colour match, and the mixture has a thick consistency.

Fill the hole with the mixture, being careful not to pour too much in. Use the sandpaper to clear any overspill, and leave the mixture to dry. Once it cures, you can gently buff away any excess until the surface is level.

How to prevent UV fading on composite decking

Over time, your composite decking may fall victim to fading, causing it to lose its vibrancy and colour. This occurs due to UV radiation from sunlight and is usually more common on low-quality composite decks.

It’s not always possible to fix fading on composite decks without replacing the boards in the affected area, but we do have a few prevention tips in mind. 

While composite decking doesn’t require sealants, you can opt for a UV-resistant sealant to provide an extra layer of protection against the sun’s rays. You can add more shade to the composite deck area by adding awnings, pergolas, and umbrellas, reducing your deck’s exposure to the sunlight.

Our best tip? Invest in high-quality composite decking. Our premium composite decking range offers the best resistance to UV exposure, offering a rich, colourful deck for years to come.

Find the highest quality composite decking with Modern Garden

While it’s uncommon to have maintenance problems with composite decking, it’s always best to have quick, reliable fixes in mind. 

If you’re looking to add composite decking to your property, why not browse our composite decking collection and accessories? We stock composite boards in modern colours like black, grey, and brown in two sizes to suit your property’s needs.

Order a free composite decking sample to see and feel the quality for yourself.

For any questions about our composite deck products, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team or take a look at our blog for expert tips and tricks.