While we love building wood decks, many customers are opting to go with composites & vinyl decking materials due to the reduced maintenance that is involved. There are a few items that we stress / i.e. bust a few common myths like there is no such thing as a no-maintenance product. The next big item is that every product can be damaged &/or stained. With that in mind here are 7 of the most common items that one should avoid using or storing on any deck. The final 3 are some of the more interesting ones, but yet a common item that can cause issues with certain manufacturers finishes.
- Sunscreen lotions & sprays
- Insect repellants (especially with DEET in them)
- Bubble Blowing liquid
- Charcoal Lighter – if you are cooking on the deck we recommend buying one of those specialty mats that go under the grill & will help protect the decks from the grease & other spills
- Abrasive Cleaners &/or Scouring Pads – read the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning
- Gasoline, Oil, WD40, Paint Thinners & Removers
- Toe Nail Polish & removers – do we really need to say this can also apply to lipstick, mascara, etc…
- Citrus Based Cleaners – always remember to always test any cleaner in an inconspicuous area first)
- Rubber Backed Mats or Rugs – generally ok on most decks if clean & you don’t drag them
- Vinyl based items like tarps, kiddie pools, flower pots, garden hoses, air mattresses (short term is generally ok, it is the long term)
Please note, these are not the only items that can damage your deck & one should always utilize common sense and consult the manufacturer’s care and directions if you have a composite or vinyl deck. For more: Getting ready for Spring, Cleaning your decks, Using a Pressure Washer, Composite Deck Lawsuits, or for those of you with wood decks – stain, seal, or paint…
How does the rubber backed mat affect the composite decking?
Generally from what I have heard it is scratching &/or a reaction with the backing on some PVC decking – that is one reason why we simply recomend checking the owners manual.
Great article with useful information, thank you.
Can nail Polish be removed from composite decking?
Yes & No – first step is check with what the manufacturer recommends. Using acetone will destroy most finishes though there are some versions without it – trust me though you are not the first & I am sure they have some thoughts that work with their products.
Depending on the amount (like a small drop or two) I could see scrapping it off carefully & using a touchup pen
Help! I just spilled a little WD40 on my new deck, and my husband is going to kill me if I can’t get it off! Please help!
First I am sorry to hear that & the only advice I can give is to “blot” it up immediately and then you really need to check the homeowners booklet from the manufacturer or their website (which could be everything from it is fine to try scrubbing wish a mild detergent & water) – the best piece of advice though is don’t do work like that on the decks or if you do use a drop cloth
Ok, I spilled a bottle of nail polish on my deck-composite non wood-it fell out of my hands and crashed. I used NON acetone remover and soapy water…it lightened the decking. How do I get it back to the color it was?
Sorry but you don’t – you can see if the manufacturer has some touch up paint / stain that can help cover it but you probably won’t have a proper match still due to natural fading, etc…