Composite decking is an innovative material that is stronger and more durable than wood, yet fully retains its warmth and aesthetic appeal.

However, despite all the advantages of this material, the question always remains: can scratches or dents appear on decking boards, is it susceptible to mechanical damage, and what can be done about it?

In this article, we will explain what is considered normal when using a composite deck, what can be remedied, and why expectations sometimes do not match reality.

Damage to composite decking boards

The most common causes:

• Dropping sharp and heavy objects;
• Moving heavy furniture;
• Dirt on the deck;
• Sharp claws of pets;
• Children’s games.

Reality. Scratches are possible

Composite is a very strong material, but it still requires sensible use. Scratches are not a sign of poor-quality material, as any coating, even the most durable, can be damaged.

What to do if you have damaged your decking board?

Assessing the extent of the damage

Minor scratches are usually visible only at a certain angle and often disappear after wet cleaning.

Deep scratches and dents are rare and usually associated with very serious damage.

Restoration possibilities

For minor scratches, you can try wiping the area with a dry or damp cloth or carry out wet cleaning.

Depending on the type of board, sanding is also possible. For example, solid composite boards such as Bruggan Multicolor are fully restorable. Any scratch can be removed with sandpaper, carefully sanding the surface.

If you have a co-extruded decking board, such as Legro, scratches and dents on them can be smoothed out using heat restoration — with a heat gun or a portable gas torch. This method requires precision.

If the damage is severe, it is possible to replace an individual board on the deck. Modern installation systems make it possible to do this quickly without dismantling the entire structure.

Simple rules for preventing damage

Prevention is always cheaper than repair. To minimise risks, follow these simple rules:

• Use special soft pads on furniture when moving it;
• Place felt or rubber pads under heavy chair or table legs;
• Regularly clean and wash the deck surface from dirt and dust.

When to claim under warranty?

Every decking manufacturer must provide a warranty card along with the batch of boards.

It always contains detailed descriptions of all warranty cases. If you are certain that your case is a warranty one and the damage is related to the quality of the board, we recommend contacting the details provided in the warranty card.

The manufacturer and dealer usually examine each case in detail individually.