Is Composite Decking Slippery When Wet?

Winner: Trex

There are pros and cons to both materials and plenty of options to choose from at the home improvement store. Whether you plan to DIY the deck yourself or hire a professional, it’s important to do your research before investing in any type of composite or wood products for your project. In this article we’ll take look at composite decking vs. wood to help you save time and money and make the best decision. In 2014, we noticed a change to the Trex decking installation instructions. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t find a paint that will adhere to the plastic-capped composite decking, but you will almost certainly void your warranty by doing so. Nonetheless, if you’re slipping on your synthetic wood deck, voiding the warranty is the least of your worries.

Composite decking on the other hand has a very low water absorption rate which will prevent fungal growth. But then, when dead leaves, pollen, dirt, and dust, accumulates on the composite decking’s surface, it could encourage molds and mildew to grow on the surface.

Does Trex Or Timbertech Actually Honor Their Warranty?

Wood is more likely to have smooth spots created by wear; such spots may be slippery when wet. Most brands of composite decking have textured finishes to make them slip-resistant. Water and ice accumulation from rain and snow may create slippery conditions on any deck surface. While composite decks can help resist rotting and are considered more durable than wood, it doesn’t mean they’re completely safe from damage. Patio furniture or debris from a passing storm may scratch the surface. Unlike wood, which you can sand and refinish, composite decking can’t be refinished, but in general – you shouldn’t need to. Depending on your budget and the needs of your project there are lots of options available.

When you start shopping around to look at the various deck brands, you’ll discover that there is a wide range of warranty options. The best choice you can make with your composite decking is to choose an item that comes with a fade and stain warranty. If you don’t have this option, then you have every right to question the longevity of the boards that you purchase. When you’re in that situation, the use of hidden fasteners can become a disadvantage rather quickly. You’ll need to disconnect the entire board from underneath, which can mean removing multiple boards to get to the one in question.

Inside is wood fillers and recycled milk jugs, garbage bags etc. outside is a cheap “vinyl” capstock. These are the only products most contractors can get so of course they’re going to say they’re good.

Your final cost will depend on different factors and features that you want to have on your boards, such as scratch resistance or UV protection. That means you can select a product that works well for your geographic location without compromising how you use it each day. Every homeowner can customize their deck based on the grade and included features that they want to have in their base product. This man-made product includes about a 50/50 mix of recycled wood fibers and recycled plastic. These materials make the product almost impervious to rot, which means there are fewer needs to sand, stain, and seal the boards to preserve their lifespan.

Avoid Deck Rot With Flashing Tape

When you choose composite decking for your home, then you’re using a product that is primarily made of recycled products. That means you don’t need to cut down more trees just so that you can build a deck. The recycled plastic in the product takes waste away from the ocean or having it enter our food supply. You can also choose capped composite decking to have a product that resists fading and discoloration over time. As long as you spray down the material with some water and a mold cleaner twice per year, you’ll be able to maintain the quality of your deck – even if it develops mold or mildew over time. Manmade deck material products include composites, PVC and vinyl from .

• The first products were made from old shipping pallets and recycled milk cartons, advertised as being something that was 100% resistant to rot.
• "If you have any concern with slipperiness, go with a rough-textured composite," says Dr. Prabhat Krishnaswami, vice chair of an ASTM committee on plastic lumber standards.
• "Most plastic boards are smoother on top than composites, which have a rough texture to improve slip resistance," he says.
• One concern about nonwood decking is how slippery it can be when wet.
• “If you have any concern with slipperiness, go with a rough-textured composite,” says Dr. Prabhat Krishnaswami, vice chair of an ASTM committee on plastic lumber standards.

Start your research by becoming familiar with types of authentic and synthetic decking. NeoTimber® specialises in the highest quality composite decking for your garden, balcony and commercial applications. Simple to install, and backed by our 25-year residential warranty, we offer a superb range of products and a first-class service. The slip resistance of your deck area is determined primarily by the texture of the deck board’s finish. In providing ultimate versatility, NeoTimber composite deck boards come in two reversible finishes, allowing customers to opt for a woodgrain or grooved-channel texture. Naturally, these two differing material finishes offer slightly different resistance to slipping. Today Trex offers the industry’s widest array of high-performance composite products, available in more than 29 countries around the world.

Slip & Fall Problems Areas On Synthetic Wood

While composite decking will save you time, energy and money in the long-run, there is no such thing as a truly no-maintenance decking material. Any outdoor living space will require occasional cleaning of dirt and debris. Learn more about deck maintenance here, and discover some additional benefits of composite decking versus wood to keep in consideration when planning your next deck build. The most common question we encounter on Decks.com is, "What is the best composite decking material?" Unfortunately, there isn't a simple answer. There are multiple brands to choose from, with various categories of products in a wide range of prices. To help you narrow down your choices, there are several considerations to take into account.

How To Stop Decking Being Slippery In Winter

Timbertech Composite Decking Color Chart

The 2012 Trex Installation Guide addresses the issue of a slippery composite decking surface in the following manner. Like any major home purchase, decking materials vary in looks, durability, and cost.