Apr 30, 2025

Can you treat composite decking?

With summer just around the corner, you’re probably thinking about easy and cost-effective ways to upgrade the look and feel of your garden.

Old, weathered decking boards that have suffered UV damage or stains can quickly put a damper on your patio. In the case of traditional timber boards, treatment can go a long way in making your decking look brand new...HOWEVER...Composite decking boards don’t require staining, painting, or sealing, meaning you save time and money on maintenance.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it; it’s more a matter of whether you should.

Why does composite decking not need treating?

Composite decking isn’t your average timber decking; it’s designed with advanced technology and eco-friendly materials to make it resistant to fading, mould, stains, and scratches.

It’s not only engineered for stability and long-lasting durability (up to 25 years), but it also comes in a range of colours that are built into the boards – there’s no risk of peeling or patchy colouring.

Composite boards were designed with low-maintenance homes in mind. That means no annual staining, no sealing, and definitely no painting. It’s the ultimate choice for people who want something beautiful and simple, without the faff.

What happens when you treat composite decking?

Now, we’ve learned about why composite decking doesn’t need treating, but what will happen if you decide not to heed the warnings and go through with it anyway?

The clever combination of wood fibres, recycled plastic, and a protective top layer makes things tricky when you bring stains, oils and paints into the equation. It may look good for a short time, but you’re only bringing yourself more trouble than it’s worth.

1. Treatments won’t stick

Due to the advanced composition of composite decking, the boards are designed to repel water, oils, and dirt. As you’ve probably guessed, this isn’t a great combination for helping varnish or sealants cling to the surface.

Most composite decking is finished with additives to stop water from seeping into the boards. So, the surface may feel rough enough to paint on, but the paint will most likely chip and peel not long after you’ve done it. Don’t say we didn't warn you!

2. Maintenance gets a lot more complicated

One of the main reasons why people choose composite decking is for its sleek, modern appearance, excellent durability, and minimal upkeep.

You won’t have to paint, seal, or varnish it to keep it looking brand new. But if you decide to give it a paint job because you want to switch up the colour, you’re basically turning it into timber again, only less predictable.

If you do decide to treat or paint it anyway, be prepared for endless touch-ups and flaking, especially in high-traffic areas.

3. It can make the deck look worse

You may be thinking that refreshing the composite decking with treatments or paint will transform the beauty of your deck. However, if the paint doesn’t hold well, which it most likely won’t, you’ll wish you had never touched it.

You can expect your deck to look patchy, messy, and tired pretty quickly. This will result in a deck that now needs upkeep and still doesn’t look quite right.

4. Sanding the boards will damage them

Painting your decking involves sanding, and sanding your composite boards will completely remove the protective top layer.

This will expose the inner material, leading to moisture problems, discolouration, and a range of other issues that your composite was designed to avoid.

5. You could void your warranty

Like WPS Handrails, most composite decking comes with a warranty of up to 25 years in the event of any issues after purchase.

By purposely damaging your decking in order to change the colour, you're putting your warranty at risk. So, if something goes wrong after painting, you're the one footing the bill.

Alternatives to painting: refreshing your deck without the hassle

So, since painting is out of the window, there are plenty of other ways you can revitalise your decking boards without ruining them in the process.

Clean your decking boards daily with a sweeping brush and a garden hose to wash away grime, dirt, and debris. Read more on cleaning composite decking on our blog.
Use a specialist deck cleaner and restorer to combat fading, stains, and dirt buildup to bring back some of the original colour.
Add garden accessories like outdoor rugs, planters, furniture, and deck lighting to dress up the space and make it more cosy.
Replace any damaged or faded boards for a quick fix, without needing to redo your whole decking.
Use deck reviver– a thinner substance than paint that’s designed to restore the colour of composite decking.

Composite decking made simple

So, we’ve established that paint is a no-go for composite decking; why not invest in some new boards to achieve that fresh, modern deck you’re looking for?

At WPS Handrails, our range encompasses a wide selection of beautiful colours and finishes in our Innodek range.

ECOBOARD

If you’re an eco-conscious homeowner or tradesperson looking for affordable ways to transform a garden, then look no further.

Our ECOBOARD range is non-capped (yes, you can paint it, but not without the added maintenance). It has all the benefits of composite decking, but in a more affordable package. Plus, it’s easy to install and includes a 3D wood grain effect.

PROCAP

Are you looking for something that will last a little longer? Our PROCAP range is highly durable, perfect for both commercial and residential projects.

This composite has a protective top layer, providing a resilient finish that looks beautiful in any garden. Your decking will be protected from spills, food stains, and harsh weather.

LUXECAP

Our LUXECAP range takes composite decking to a whole new level, with innovative elastic cap technology.

Designed to resist harsh UV rays, stains, mould, excessive weather, and more, this range is ideal for high-traffic areas or those looking for something that will go the extra mile. For this reason, it’s a popular choice for pools and hot tubs.

Back to Latest News