Composite decking is a great material that moulds together plastic resin with real wood and real wood fibres. This combination allows for a superb looking product with a much increased life span than traditional wooden decking. As it is made from recycled materials, it is also good for the environment.

With composite decking, you never need to worry about sanding, staining or painting. Just an occasional soap-and-water cleaning is all that’s needed to maintain stability and beauty for decades. 

Composite decking provides the look and feel of wood without the environmental impact. 

Although the initial cost of composite decking can be higher, when you factor in the cost of ongoing maintenance required with a wood deck, a composite deck can end up paying for itself in well under 10 years.

Wooden decking is commonly seen as the cheaper, more conventional route to obtaining your garden deck. The initial cost of a quality Composite Wood Shop deck may thus seem expensive compared to a wooden one, but the investment is one that is guaranteed to pay off.

Wood-plastic composite decking is famous for its longevity, a quality that traditional wooden decking often lacks. Customers often find that they have to replace their wooden deck in as little as five to ten years if strict maintenance routines aren’t kept up. 

Our quality decking ranges are low maintenance and won’t splinter warp and rot, which is often the case with wooden boards.

You should expect your composite wood decking to last 20-30 years when looked after as recommended.

Composite decking typically comes with a wide range of warranties, offering between 5 and 25 years of coverage depending on the specific product and manufacturer. These warranties often protect against issues such as structural defects and premature wear, giving homeowners added confidence in the durability and long-term performance of their investment.

Higher-end composite boards usually feature longer warranties due to their enhanced materials and manufacturing processes, while more budget-friendly options may offer shorter coverage. Overall, the variety of warranty lengths allows customers to choose a product that best fits their needs, expectations, and budget.

This is not a recommended practice. In many decking replacement jobs, joists end up being replaced, repaired or capped. This is due to the common discovery of decay beneath the decking, usually where the fastener penetrated the joist. When updating a deck with new decking, it’s crucial that the old decking be removed so the joists and beams can be assessed and repaired if necessary.

Installing decking over old decking will drastically reduce the lifespan of the material. The joints between two materials will readily trap water in wet environments. This contact area should be limited only to the top of the joists, leaving most of the decking exposed on both sides. If placed on top of other decking, there will be little drying potential beneath the new decking and more rapid decay of both the new and old can be expected. For manufactured products, installations over old decking or solid surfaces are prohibited and will likely void the warranty.

Yes, composite wood decking can be slippery when wet, but the degree depends on the board’s texture, finish, and manufacturer. Many modern composite boards are designed with grooved or textured surfaces to improve traction, reducing the risk of slipping even in rain or around pools. Smooth or highly polished boards, however, can become slick when wet.

Tips to reduce slipperiness

• Choose textured or embossed boards instead of smooth ones.
  
• Keep the deck clean from algae, moss, or debris, which can increase slipperiness.

Composite decking cuts the same as timber. 

The best way to clean your decking is to use soapy water and gently scrub with a soft bristle brush.

Use a hose to wash away all soap residue. Leftover soap can create a film that attracts more dirt.

Avoid pressure washing unless the manufacturer says it’s safe (many require using a fan tip at low pressure).

Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals unless specifically approved.

Composite boards are made from a mix of wood fibers and plastics, making them much more stable and resistant to moisture. They don’t shrink, swell, or twist like natural lumber.

Composite decking rarely warps when installed properly. Following manufacturer guidelines for spacing, fastening, and joist layout is the best way to prevent any issues.

Why composite decking can warp

• Improper installation: If boards are not spaced correctly for expansion and contraction, they can bow or warp over time.
  
• Insufficient joist support: Unsupported spans that are too wide can allow boards to bend.
  
• Extreme heat: While composite holds up well, very high temperatures, especially on darker boards, can cause slight expansion.
  
• Poor ventilation: Composite needs airflow underneath; trapped heat and moisture can increase movement.

Composite decking can be cut and fastened much like traditional wood, but there are a few tricks to know that will make your project easier and help achieve a more professional finish. It is important to recognize that composite decking expands and contracts with heat and cold, which will significantly influence how you work with the material, helping to reduce waste and simplify installation. After purchasing your decking, store it flat and bundled, if possible, in the area where it will be cut and installed, allowing it to reach the same temperature as the installation site.

For the best results and to ensure the longevity and safety of your composite decking, we strongly recommend that customers carefully read the manufacturer’s installation guide before starting their project. Composite decking boards often require specific installation techniques that differ from traditional timber, including precise joist spacing, fastening methods, and expansion allowances. Following the manufacturer’s instructions helps prevent issues such as warping, uneven surfaces, or premature wear, and ensures that your deck is installed correctly and in line with warranty requirements. Taking the time to review the guide will save time, reduce mistakes, and give you a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

Yes, you can pressure wash composite wood decking, but it needs to be done carefully to avoid damage. Composite decking is more durable than wood, but high-pressure water can cause surface gouging, splintering of wood fibers, or loosening of boards if done incorrectly.

Tips for pressure washing composite decking

1. Use a fan tip – A 25° or wider nozzle spreads the water evenly.
   
2. Keep pressure moderate – Around 1500–1600 psi is safe for most composites. Avoid using extremely high pressures.
   
3. Hold the wand at an angle – Keep it about 8–12 inches away from the surface and spray along the grain, not against it.
   
4. Move continuously – Don’t linger in one spot; this prevents surface damage.
   
5. Clean gently first – Sweep away debris and rinse with a hose before pressure washing.
   
6. Check the manufacturer’s instructions – Some composites may have specific limits or recommendations.

Done properly, pressure washing can effectively remove dirt, mold, and mildew without harming your deck.

Once installed, the decking will go through a natural weathering process  for the first 3-6 months. However, as with all wood types, when exposed to nature’s elements, the colour will change over time.

The first natural process that any uncapped decking board will go through is called extractive bleeding. This happens because of the presence of natural wood oils in decking boards. Generally, this stage lasts within the first 8-10 weeks. Once installed, the wood oils are washed out by rain and moisture in the air.  Please note that lighter coloured composite decking boards go through the most changes as more natural wood oils are used to achieve colour.

The next stage of the natural weathering process is caused by the Sun’s UV rays.

The rate of fade in the first 3-6 months is, on average, a reduction of 30-40% in colour.

After the first 3-6 months natural weathering process, the colour fade of the composite decking boards will stabilise. The fade will continue but at a much slower rate.  We often advise our customers that the most noticeable colour change will be in the first 6-12 weeks after this period; the composite decking boards will stabilise their natural lighter colour but again will continue at a much slower rate.

In theory you can paint or stain your composite wood decking if treated and primed correctly however, generally it is not a material which needs painting.