How to Restore Trex Decking
Trex decking has grown in popularity as a wood replacement over the last few decades. Many modern decks are composed of Trex decking rather than wood because manufacturers have convinced homeowners that their goods are superior to any actual wood. Though Trex decking is resistant to fading, it doesn’t guarantee that it will not occur.
Many deck owners have been dissatisfied with their decks’ appearance as it fades with time like any other material, making homeowners learn the hard way that Trex decking isn’t flawless and can be stressful. Some household decking fades to an unappealing gray tint over time, but the good news is you can restore the appearance of your deck.
However, if your Trex decking has seen a few seasons, it may be time for some essential maintenance and restoration to bring it back to life. In this how to restore Trex decking article, we’ll go through some simple fundamental procedures for restoring your deck and making it seem brand new again.
All at a Glance
Few tips on how to restore Trex decking
- Don’t make the mistake of using the wrong cleaner.
Choosing the suitable cleaning for your deck can either make it or ruin it. Although the surface appears to be solid, Trex decking is highly porous, necessitating the use of an oxygenated cleaner capable of reaching deep into the material and cleaning both the interior and outside of the deck.
It is essential always to read the label when purchasing a cleaning product and never use anything branded as a “chlorine bleach-based deck cleanser.” Chlorine bleach is highly corrosive and will pierce through any item it comes into contact with and will eventually discolor your deck and cause massive damage to the surface. Therefore, choose a non-toxic, sodium per bicarbonate-based cleanser to avoid any mistake.
- Pressure wash your Trex decking with extreme caution
Pressure washing Trex decking is usually not advised as it can be a significant mistake and can cause damage if done incorrectly. Pressure washing too close to the deck or too much pressure might damage it because Trex decking is softer than actual wood and is more easily etched.
Many concerns can develop once the material has been opened up, including chipping, UV damage, and mold staining the plastics inside the opening. Mold can be complicated to remove once it has taken hold. A garden hose will usually suffice for routine cleaning. However, if you need to pressure wash your composite deck, remember to keep the pressure modest and closer than 8 inches from the deck surface.
- Do not forget the gaps
Mold growth under a deck is something that all homeowners want to avoid. A simple step that many people ignore during their routine cleaning is the gaps, which is one of the main contributors to this problem. Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, and the moisture that collects creates the ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive.
At least once a year, it is advisable to clear and clean the gaps between your deck planks. This allows air to circulate between the boards, keeping the underside dry by using the appropriate tools.
The same advice applies here as it does for remembering your gaps and using good cleaners. When it comes to cleaning Trex decking, a little extra care is required. You can use a household broom or a garden hose to clear dirt and debris regularly.
Always use a soft bristle scrub brush for a thorough clean, never a wire brush. Only a modest quantity of scrubbing will be necessary if you use the correct cleanser. Always use a plastic shovel instead of a metal shovel when removing snow or ice.
Restoring Trex decking
The following are steps to restoring Trex decking:
- Purchase a finish made for Trex materials
Before you do anything else, you must first choose the correct finish, which means you must go with the one designed exclusively for Trex materials. Most of the time, an oil polish will suffice because it can permeate the fabric and restore its color.
If you remember the name of the structure’s manufacturer, you may either call them and inquire about the product you should use, or you can go to their official website and see if they have a listing for the Trex decking you have.
- Cleaning
The second step in restoring any deck is to clean thoroughly. While Trex decking takes less maintenance than other deck materials, it still has to be cleaned to keep it looking good, particularly after heavy snowfall or storms. If not cleaned up properly, leftover material can leave behind dirt, mud, and mold.
Cleaning doesn’t require any special equipment or tools; all you’ll need is a hose and some soapy water. Below are some basic cleaning procedures.
• Preparing for washing
First remains any furniture from your deck, as you’ll need a clean surface to work on and access to all of the nooks and crannies. Spray the deck with a hose and water to clean it and remove any debris. You may need to clear massive debris by hand or with a broom if it is tremendous (such as tree branches after a storm).
•Spray soapy water over the surface
Mix a cleaning solution with some water. Then, using the soapy solution, spray down your deck, being sure to cover the entire surface. Cleaning Trex decking doesn’t take much effort, though it can survive a power washer if you’re so motivated. Scrub dirt away with a soft bristle brush or a pressure washer set to no more than 3100 psi.
• Rinse well with clean water
After you’ve cleaned the dirt and stains, re-spray with clean water to eliminate any remaining dirt or suds. Because dirt and suds, if allowed to dry on your decking, can build a film coating on the surface.
• Allow the deck to air dry
Unless you have hard water, let the deck dry completely before walking on it again. To avoid watermarks on your deck, dry it with a clean cloth.
- Protect the area around you and get rid of everything that’s close by
When the structure is entirely dry, remove any nearby items and cover them with a plastic sheet if you can’t remove them. You should not omit this step because the staining product may damage the furniture or other items’ surfaces.
So once you’ve finished safeguarding everything, follow the instructions in the user handbook to apply the finish. You can use a brush or a roller, depending on your preferences. Keep in mind that even if you use a roller, you’ll need a brush to cover all corners fully. If you see your nails have popped up, go over them with a brush.
Finally, ensure there’s no excess finish looking on the surface after you’re finished. If you don’t remove it, you’ll end up with glossy patches all over the place, as well as a longer drying time. If you find any excess finish, roll it out with your roller.
- Allow it to dry completely
It would help if you let the first layer cure completely before adding a second. It would be best if you did not attempt to apply the second coat before the first has completely dried. If you make this error, it will almost certainly have an impact on the outcome. If you took your time and followed these steps, you’ll have a great-looking deck.
Removing mold from Trex decking
Cleaning Trex decking with vinegar can help to remove mold.
• Pre-rinse
Remove as much surface dust and mold as possible with your hose.
• Mix the vinegar and water in a mixing bowl
In a bowl, combine two parts vinegar and one part water and pour the solution straight on the mold.
• You should add a pinch of baking soda to the mix
Sprinkle baking soda on the area once the solution has been poured. Allow this compound to soak for 20 minutes before scrubbing the area with your delicate bristle brush to eradicate any remaining mold and mildew.
• Thoroughly rinse
Finally, carefully cleanse the area to remove any remaining coating.
Conclusion – How to Restore Trex Decking
Nothing lasts forever, as we all know, and your deck will be no except. However, if you discover problems early enough, restoring and maintaining the aesthetic of your deck is relatively simple. Wash the deck surface with a cleaner and a scrub brush at the first indication of mildew, hose it off and let it dry. After that, apply a single coat of clear sealer as a maintenance coat. It’s that simple.
You may not have anticipated mildew when you picked Trex decking, but with a bit of care and attention, you’ll still have a great-looking deck to entertain on and enjoy.
While restoring a Trex decking may appear to be a time-consuming and challenging effort, if you follow all of the advice in this article, you’ll most certainly be able to make the process easier, less time-consuming, and most importantly, ensure that you do not further damage the material.
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