Composite decking has become a go-to choice for homeowners looking for a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood. It’s weather-resistant, long-lasting, and doesn’t require constant staining or sealing. However, one common concern that pops up is whether composite decking scratches easily.
If you’re considering investing in composite decking, you’ll want to know how well it holds up against everyday wear and tear. Let’s explore its scratch resistance, how to prevent damage, and what to do if scratches occur.
Understanding Composite Decking and Its Durability
Composite decking is made from a mix of wood fibres and plastic, giving it the best of both worlds—the natural look of wood with the added strength of synthetic materials. Over the years, manufacturers have improved composite decking, making it more resistant to moisture, stains, and, of course, scratches. Click on the link to find out the popular colour choice for composite decking.
One important distinction to keep in mind is capped vs. uncapped composite decking. Capped boards have an extra protective layer that makes them even more scratch-resistant, whereas uncapped boards are more susceptible to surface damage.
How Scratch-Resistant Is Composite Decking?
While composite decking is generally more scratch-resistant than softwood decking, it’s not completely immune to damage. Everyday activities like dragging furniture, pet claws, or even sharp debris can leave marks over time.
Compared to traditional wood, composite decking is less prone to deep scratches. However, when stacked against PVC decking, it tends to be slightly softer, meaning minor scratches may be more noticeable, depending on the finish and colour you choose.
If you’re worried about visible scratches, opting for a textured or embossed finish can help disguise any minor imperfections. Darker shades may also show scratches more than lighter, natural-looking tones.
Ways to Prevent Scratches on Composite Decking
The best way to deal with scratches? Prevent them from happening in the first place! Here are some easy ways to protect your decking:
- Use furniture pads and rugs: Placing protective pads under tables and chairs prevents them from scratching the surface when moved. Outdoor rugs can also help in high-traffic areas.
- Lift, don’t drag: Whether it’s a heavy plant pot or a barbecue, always lift objects instead of dragging them across the boards.
- Trim pet nails: If you have dogs, keeping their nails trimmed can reduce the chances of scratches, especially if they run around on the deck often.
- Sweep regularly: Small stones or debris caught under shoes can act like sandpaper, causing micro-abrasions on the deck’s surface. A quick sweep can prevent this.
- Choose a scratch-resistant brand: Some composite decking brands offer extra-durable coatings designed to resist scratches. More on this below!
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Composite Decking and How to Avoid Them
Most people think that the choice is just between timber and composite decking. But, even when you choose to go down the composite route, you still have a lot of decisions to make. This surrounds what company you want to purchase from and the materials you invest in. It’s important to learn about the common mistakes other homeowners make so that you can learn from them. So, let’s take a look.
Turning Down Free Samples
Does a composite decking company offer free samples? This is something that you definitely want to take advantage of. Don’t make the mistake of being impatient and avoiding this opportunity. Otherwise, you could end up in a situation where you spend a lot of money and don’t like the quality. Alternatively, you may discover that the colour is different in person and doesn’t match your vision. Getting free samples avoids both of these situations.
Not Accounting for Mistakes
It doesn’t matter whether you’re going DIY with your decking or you’re hiring professionals to handle installation for you. You need to order the right amount of materials. Yes, this involves taking measurements and designing the decking space. But, what you don’t want to do is order right to the metre. Instead, you need to account for mistakes that could be made along the way and order slightly more than you need. This ensures that you have enough materials for the project. Therefore, order around 5 to 10 per cent more materials than the measurements.
Choosing By Price
While it’s always tempting to choose composite decking based on price, you need to avoid this if you can. Choosing the cheapest option can come back to bite you. You might not get the quality and durability you wish for. Therefore, you need to research the company and the features of their composite decking before you consider the price.
Final Thoughts
So, does composite decking scratch easily? Not really—especially when compared to wood. While it’s not 100% scratch-proof, taking a few precautions can keep it looking great for years to come. Using furniture pads, sweeping regularly, and choosing a high-quality brand can make a big difference in minimising damage.
If scratches do happen, don’t worry! With the right repair techniques or a simple board replacement, your deck will be back to looking as good as new in no time.
