The reason most homeowners choose composite over wood is the maintenance — or rather, the lack of it. But “low maintenance” is not “no maintenance.” Here is exactly what a composite deck needs from you, year after year, from a Deckorators Certified Pro.
The Big Picture
A modern composite deck — Deckorators Voyage, Trex Transcend, TimberTech AZEK, etc. — needs roughly 30 minutes of care twice a year. That is it. No staining, no sealing, no sanding. Compare to a wood deck that needs stripping and re-staining every 2–3 years.
Spring: The Annual Wash
Once a year, after the pollen drops, give the deck a wash. Two ways:
- Hose + soft brush: Warm water, a few drops of Dawn, a long-handled deck brush. Scrub with the grain, rinse well. Done in 20 minutes.
- Pressure washer (carefully): Keep the tip at least 12 inches from the boards, use a wide fan tip (40 degree), and never concentrate spray on one spot. Pressure that is too aggressive can mark even premium composite.
Summer: Spot-Clean as Needed
Grease from the grill, red wine, sunscreen, berries — most stains come right off composite if you hit them quickly. A wet rag and a little dish soap. Tougher stains: a degreaser like Krud Kutter or a composite-specific cleaner. Avoid bleach and avoid acetone.
Fall: Clear the Leaves
Wet leaves sitting on a composite deck for weeks can leave tannin stains. Blow or sweep leaves at least every couple of weeks in October and November. If you do see brown stains in the spring, they almost always come out with a normal wash.
Winter: Snow & Ice
Yes, you can shovel a composite deck. Use a plastic shovel, not metal. Push parallel to the boards. For ice, calcium chloride or rock salt is fine on Deckorators and Evalast — but skip the colored “blue” ice melts which can stain. Sand also works as a non-staining traction option.
What You Should NEVER Do
- Stain or seal it. Composite is not designed to absorb finishes — anything you put on top will peel.
- Sand it. The color and texture is in the cap layer; sanding ruins it.
- Use a metal shovel or scraper.
- Use a pressure washer above 1,500 PSI on the surface.
Annual Inspection (5 Minutes)
Once a year, walk the deck and look for:
- Loose railing posts (give each one a firm push)
- Pop-up fasteners on the surface
- Any movement at the ledger where the deck meets the house
- Cracks or shifting around the stair stringers
If you see anything off and we built your deck within the last 5 years, your RC Deck Co labor warranty covers it. Call (610) 246-0546.
The Ten-Year View
A properly built and properly maintained Deckorators or Evalast deck should look essentially the same at year 10 as at year 1. That is the whole point of choosing premium composite. The two annual washes, the seasonal leaf clearing, and a five-minute inspection are the entire maintenance budget.
Thinking about a new deck? Call (610) 246-0546 or request a free estimate. We are Deckorators Certified Pros, Evalast Pro Builders, and we have 50+ five-star reviews from clients across the Main Line.