Composite decking is widely used today because of its durability and minimal maintenance. And maintenance, is your time, which you save a lot by choosing a decking board.
However, just like exotic wood planks, water stains can appear on them. Let’s find out what are the reasons for their appearance and how to deal with them.
Causes of stains
Composite decking is made up of 60 per cent wood flour and 40 per cent polymers protecting it. Despite the polymer shell, the wood flour remains partially exposed and leads to the release of tannins – natural substances found in wood. On contact with water, the tannins leach into the surface and stains appear.
Exotic wood species
Exotic woods such as ipe, teak or mahogany are also susceptible to tannin stains.
However, due to their high density and high natural oil content, stains are more pronounced on these woods than on a composite board.
Why is the appearance of stains not a problem?
Tannin stains are a natural process that confirms the naturalness of the material. It does not affect the strength or durability of the patio.
Over time, these stains become less visible and do not indicate damage to the material.
But if you pay attention to the care of the board in the process of use, composite definitely requires minimal time and effort, unlike exotic wood, which requires regular care. It needs to be treated with special impregnation agents and oils to protect it from moisture, UV light, mould, fungi and insects.
The polymers already included in the composition of the decking board do this permanently, preserving its appearance for years.
Composite Board Care
To maintain the aesthetic appearance of your decking, we recommend simply cleaning your decking regularly, using a high pressure washer or warm water with a floor detergent.
We do not recommend using scrapers and brushes with steel pile, which will damage the top layer of the decking.
It is also highly discouraged to use protective coatings, which are usually used to cover wood, as they are highly susceptible to scratching.
Composite decking will be the perfect choice for your patio due to its many benefits: strength, durability and minimal cleaning time. If properly maintained, you will keep its appearance for many years, providing comfort and cosiness on your terrace.
