Household Tips and Improvements
Composite Decking: Care and Maintenance Tips
Composite decking is low maintenance, but it still needs some care to keep looking great. Here are some tips on giving your deck the TLC it deserves.
Staff Writer
Nov 19, 2023
With its close-to-timber looks, durability, and extremely low maintenance requirements, it’s no wonder composite decking has become such a popular decking choice.
But even with its low-maintenance properties, it still needs some care to keep it looking great. Here are some tips on giving your composite decking the modest TLC it deserves.
Take your broom out
Get into the habit of sweeping your composite decking on a regular basis, say, every week or so. This gets rid of any dirt, grit, or leafy debris that accumulates so quickly on the surface.
Occasional cleaning
All decks benefit from a cleaning schedule, and composite decking is no exception. In fact, cleaning is your main maintenance job—a lot easier than the sanding back and refinishing or resealing that other decking materials demand.
Every three or four months, perhaps at the start of each new season, give it a thorough clean. You can purchase decking cleaners that are suitable for composite decks. Follow the product instructions and ask for advice if you are unsure to avoid causing any damage.
Pressure clean with caution
It can happen: for some reason, the grime can’t be cleaned off, and you have to resort to pressure cleaning. This should be done with great care, as too much pressure can damage the surface of the composite decking boards. If you don’t have your own pressure washer or aren’t too sure about using it, consider hiring a professional.
Don’t forget the gaps
You want some things to fall through the gaps between your composite decking boards, like water and grit. It doesn't take much for stuff to get caught in these gaps over the year, so once a year, aim to run a blunt blade along between the boards to scrape them clean. An old putty knife or similar is perfect because a sharper blade can scratch or scar the boards.
A little tender loving care with regular cleaning can keep your composite deck sparkling like new. If you prefer to hire a professional cleaner, you can get free quotes right here, right now.