Composite decking is a type of material made of wood fibers that are encased in plastic or can be 100% polymer material. Composite decking can handle moisture, insect damage, and wear from traffic much better than wood. Wood decks often need sanding, staining, and sealing every couple of years or sometimes every year depending on the conditions. Overall, composite decking requires far less maintenance than wood decking with just the need for spot cleaning as needed, making it a great long-term choice. On occasions, where a deeper clean is needed, you may be wondering if you can power wash composite decking?
You can pressure wash composite decking depending on the brand of decking that you have, so be sure to check below before you start. Many composite decking brands can be pressure washed with a moderate pressure unit and a soap dispenser. There are, however, some brands and types of composite decking that pressure washing is not recommended for as it can cause splintering or other damage to the boards.
How to clean composite decking
For certain brands you can use soap and gentle pressure washing to clean your composite decking. There are some brands, however, that pressure washing is not recommended for and can actually void any warranty you have on your deck, so be sure to check on your specific brand before using a power washer. Generally, soap, water, and a mop or sponge will be all you need to clean your composite decking as dirt and debris will be much easier to clean off than with wood decking.
Pressure washing composite decking
You will find that the recommendations for pressure washing vary among different brands of composite decking. It is essential to follow the recommendations of your specific brand of decking to prevent damage. Below are the recommendations from some of the top brands of composite decking:
| Brand | Pressure Wash? |
|---|---|
| Trex Transcend®, Trex Enhance® or Trex Select® | Max pressure 3000 psi, no closer than 8in from surface, fan tip |
| Trex Accents®, Trex Origins®, Trex Contours®, Trex Profiles® or Trex Brasilia® | No, use soap and water only |
| TimberTech® | For rinsing ONLY. Max pressure 1,500 psi, fan tip |
| Fiberon® | Use extreme caution, max pressure 2,500 psi, no closer than 12in from surface, fan tip, not recommended if mold or mildew is present |
| Envision® | Max pressure 1,000 psi, fan tip |
| Lumberock® | Soap and water, if mold forms are present a max pressure of 1,800 psi can be used to clean the surface, 20-degree nozzle |
| Certainteed® | Use extreme caution, max pressure 1,500 psi, no closer than 12in from surface, fan tip, not recommended if mold or mildew is present |
| Cali Bamboo® TruOrganics™ | Use extreme caution, max pressure 1,500 psi, fan tip, no closer than 12in from surface |
| Barrette Outdoor Living® | No, use warm water, non-bleach soap, and sponge |
*We are not representatives of any brand of composite decking and we advise that you check with your specific brand of decking by visiting their website to determine the best way to clean your decking before using a power washer or cleaning agents.
How to remove rust stains from composite decking
Removing rust stains from composite decking should be handled with the same caution as pressure washing and guidelines for specific brands should be followed. Usually, a cleaning with oxalic acid or phosphoric acid can be used to remove rust that does not come off with scrubbing and water.
However, you should never assume general cleaning recommendations are safe for your type of decking without first checking the care and maintenance guidelines. Different brands of composite decking can contain different materials and therefore certain products can be safe for one brand but cause damage to another brand.
How often should you clean composite decking
You should sweep your deck regularly with a broom or blower to remove loose debris, dead foliage, or food crumbs. Regular sweeping of your deck 1-2 times a week can extend the time between deeper cleans by not allowing debris to sit on the deck and create stains. Sweeping with a broom will also remove any dirt and debris stuck in the cracks between the boards.
Semi-annual cleaning is a great way to keep your deck looking its best. Using a soap recommended for your specific deck, water, and a sponge or mop is usually all you need to clean your deck if you do it a couple of times a year. If you live under a dense canopy of trees or get a lot of rain, it may be necessary to clean your deck more often. Keeping your deck free of debris as much as possible can really help reduce the amount of deep cleaning you will have to do overall.
Is composite decking slippery when wet?
Most composite decking is slippery when wet, especially when compared to wood decking. Many factors can affect the slip-resistance of your deck including the amount of water present, debris on the surface of the deck, type of footwear worn, and the texture pattern of the decking boards. When cleaning composite decking, water alone will make the deck slippery, but with the addition of soap, it is important to be much more cautious when walking on the deck.
How long does a composite deck last?
Composite decking, while more expensive than wood decking, has almost double the lifespan of a traditional wood deck at 25-30 years. Traditional wood decks have a lifespan of about 10-15 years. Composite decking is more resistant to weather, insects, and rot which accounts for the longer lifespan, making it a popular choice and giving homeowners a longer term decking solution. A larger upfront cost gives homeowners a longer lasting deck with relatively low maintenance, making it worth the extra expense.
In order to get the maximum life out of your composite decking, it is important to follow all care and maintenance instructions. Each brand will have specific guidelines that may differ from other brands and are important to follow to prevent damage.
Power washing composite decking may be fine with certain brands, while it may cause damage in others, so it is critical to check the recommendations for your decking first. In some cases, using a pressure washer can even void a warranty on your composite decking. One of the benefits of composite decking is that they are easier to clean, so regular light cleanings can save you the decision of whether to use a pressure washer on your deck in the first place.