When adding or remodeling a deck, you’re not only making a financial investment, but you’re also investing in your home’s value. I want you to get it right. This is why I believe homeowners turn to Trex® composite decking for its durability, reliability, and minimal maintenance.
Choosing the perfect decking color is a big part in making the right decision. I’ve been in this industry a long time, and I’ve seen homeowners struggle with that decision. But what’s great about Trex® is that once you land on the right color for your deck, you can also land your worries about color fading.
By learning more about composite decking material and its ability to retain color, you will experience less concern when deciding about your home’s deck and its ability to stay beautiful for the years ahead.
What Causes Trex Decking to Fade?
First, Trex® composite deck boards are known for being resistant over decades to fading, splintering, warping, and scratching. Especially, the newest generation of Trex® products. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible for your deck to show some wear.
I believe all homeowners should understand the top reasons deck boards could fade so you can take preventive steps.
Prolonged UV Exposure
If your deck has prolonged sun exposure, UV rays can break down the chemical bonds in color pigments, which may lead to color fading or discoloration. When you know that your deck will be in direct, hot sunlight for long stretches of time, it’s important to select high-performance composite deck boards to stand up against that environment. The Trex Transcend® Lineage product line has a UV-protective shell engineered to remain cooler even on hot days.
Weathering
In addition to sunlight, other weather conditions can also affect a deck’s color over time. Moisture absorption caused by rain or snow – especially if the water collects and pools – can lead to deck boards expanding and contracting. This process can weaken color-retention properties in extreme conditions. Moisture can also accumulate when leaves, sticks, or lawn clippings pile up on your deck. This can lead to mold and stains, which may penetrate the deck boards and become difficult to remove.
Chemical Exposure
You may be the type who removes dirt and debris religiously from your deck. You may have the best intentions! But if you use the wrong chemicals or cleaning agents, you can do more damage than good. Chlorine bleach or other solutions unsuitable for composite decking can react with color pigments, making them more prone to fading. In colder climates, you should either avoid using rock salt on your deck or be sure to rinse it thoroughly once it’s done its job of melting ice and snow.
Improper Decking Installation
Experienced professionals are the best at installing Trex® decking. Deck builders also know a critical step is where the deck connects to the home. Improper sealing and improper fasteners can lead to a weakened structure, waterproofing issues, and damage to your deck boards. Over time, these conditions can affect the color and beauty of your deck.
Improper Maintenance Practices
Homeowners who believe that low-maintenance decking products mean “no maintenance” are in for a surprise. While you’ll never have to maintain a composite deck like traditional wood decks, you still need to avoid mistreating your deck. Common mistakes include cleaning with stiff or harsh bristles, sanding, pressure washing (especially on its highest, most direct setting), dragging furniture, or spilling hot grease and oil from a grill. All of these practices can impact your deck boards, allowing for moisture and stains to seep in and form discolorations.
Tips to Prevent Composite Decking to Fade
The newest generation of Trex® composite deck boards offers the latest innovation and protection against weather, wear, and age. While no product can be guaranteed to maintain its original coloring, I can assure you that it’s hard for today’s Trex® decking to fade if you take care of it properly. In fact, Trex® believes in its products so much that they’re backed by up to a 50-year warranty.
Below are a few tips and tricks to help maintain the outdoor living space you desire.
Choose Fade-Resistant Colors
If your deck will be highly exposed to the sun, choose from the most fade-resistant color options. In general, darker colors have more fade protection from UV exposure. Darker pigments absorb sunlight, making them more resistant to fading. Dark brown or walnut are great color options for fade protection, and they better mimic natural wood tones. Homeowners who choose Trex Transcend® decking can feel comfortable that its vibrant color and luxurious finish will stay intact — whether soaked in sun or red wine spills! — thanks to the shell protection on its deck boards.
Apply a UV-Protective Finish
If your composite deck is made from older materials, you can improve its fade resistance by applying a UV-protective finish. This is best done by following product instructions and applying it to deck boards that are clean, safe, and in good shape. Today’s product lines, however, can come with a protective shell already coated on the deck boards. I am excited about these products as they really do remove almost all risk of fading and often come with long warranties.
Regular Cleaning
Even though composite decks are known for being maintenance-free, they still need attention. The biggest difference homeowners can make in the life and look of their decks is with regular cleaning. Sweeping, mopping, or spraying off debris and pollen as they happen will greatly reduce the chance of mold, mildew, or staining. In addition, I recommend all homeowners deep clean their decks twice yearly – spring and fall. You can purchase a composite deck cleaning solution or make your own solution.
Use Outdoor Rugs
A decorative way that I’ve seen homeowners use to add more protection to their deck surfaces is with outdoor rugs. Not only does this reduce sun exposure, but it also protects against foot traffic, spills, and pets. A rug helps anchor your space and adds a layer of personality and coziness. But don’t set it and forget it. Remove your rug regularly to clean it and the surface underneath. Depending on the intensity of sunlight, you might want to swap it out and reposition it to avoid “tan lines.”
Install Shade Structures
Another decorative way to protect your deck – as well as outdoor furnishings and your own skin! – is to install shade structures. The most common ones used on decks include a pergola, awning, shade panels, screens, shade sails and porch enclosures. Sunlight is the biggest culprit of color fading, so minimizing exposure reduces the risk of discolorations. The added benefit of shade structures is that they make decks more enjoyable for you and your friends and family.
The good news is that while composite decks can fade, the likelihood is minimal as long as your deck is well-constructed and maintained. Homeowners can create a new deck with materials that include color-resistant technology, giving you an outdoor space to enjoy worry-free for entertaining your family and friends.
