June 10, 2026
Composite decking is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability, affordability, and ease of installation. However, as with any decking material, composite decking can still break down over time due to high foot traffic, furniture movement, or accidents.
Fortunately, repairing composite wood deck is relatively simple. It can often be done without the help of a professional. In this article, we’ll discuss how to repair a damaged composite deck. This includes the tools and materials you’ll need, as well as the steps to follow when repairing various types of damage.
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When repairing a deck, you may need to have a few tools on hand. These tools can be used for all of the repair methods described in this blog. Keep in mind that not all repair methods require the use of all tools.
Capped with an HDPE layer, Capped Composite Decking is made excellent at resisting stains, scratches, weathering, and fading.
View MoreLaying composite decking on your home is a great way to renovate your home. Not only is composite decking beautiful and easy to maintain, but it’s also good for the environment. Taking care of your composite deck boards will keep them looking great for as long as possible.
Composite deck boards have a lot going for them. They are low-maintenance and are less likely to fade, scratch, or stain. However, in high-traffic areas or where garden furniture is often dragged across the surface of the deck, the surface of the boards may get a few scratches. Some companies may sell you products that can fix them, but others may not.
Follow the steps below to learn how to repair scratched or broken composite deck boards without having to buy new boards.
Anyone who knows how to repair and remove scratches from composite deck boards does not need to buy new boards.
The depth of the scratches on the composite material depends on the effectiveness of the repair. Always try a filler and scratch repair before deciding to replace the entire board.
Separate the area that caused the problem and make sure all furniture and other debris is taken away. You should clean the deck to remove any dirt stuck to the scratches. This will also help the wax stick better to the composite deck material.
Sand the scratches or marks using the scratch pad or brush that came with the repair wax. If not, regular sandpaper will also work. It is important to move the sandpaper quickly over the scratched area, back and forth work best. Sand a few more times until the scratches are at the same height as the board.
Note that if the scratches or nicks are deeper than 6.4 mm, you may need to replace the composite deck boards with new ones.
Use wax to repair scratches on the deck. Wax should be applied to the scratched area to fill in any lines or scratches. Apply a thin, even layer to the injured area to harmonize it with the rest of the deck.
Use a brush to go over the waxed areas of the deck surface to remove any excess wax. Don’t rush, take your time. Then you can enjoy your restored composite deck.
Anyone who has done a home improvement or DIY project knows that caulk is the best material to use to fill holes in shelves, walls, floors, and other things.
You can do the same for outdoor decks. Let’s say that nails, screws, or normal wear and tear have created holes in the boards. Then, deck filler can repair that damage without too much hassle. It’s a better and more economical way to improve your living environment than replacing your boards. Simply fill in the marks and holes they leave behind.
Remove any spots, dirt, or marks around the deck break. Then check for loose nails in the boards and tighten them. You don’t have to do this to repair the boards, but it’s a good habit to get into.
As mentioned earlier, use fine sandpaper to remove scratches and grain. Also, make the deck around the scratch flush with the scratch, this will lighten the mark a bit. However, if the damage is too severe, you can still see the scratches after cleaning and sanding the deck.
If repairing or filling the boards will take too much time, then new composite deck boards may be needed. This is because only new boards will solve the problem completely.
Using a putty knife, mix the composite plank shavings with the silicone adhesive until the viscous adhesive is able to fill in the scratches without oozing out of the cracks or across the composite deck. Make sure the glue is the same color as the deck before applying it with the putty knife.
Then repeat these steps until all cracks and holes are filled. Finally, you need to wait for these fillers to dry thoroughly before you can walk on the composite deck.
It is generally believed that UV rays and discoloration do not affect composite deck boards. However, since it is natural and contains wood, some fading and weathering are likely to occur. In most cases, this will give the boards a nice, worn look.
However, there are steps you can take to stop or at least slow down the fading process of wood and composite deck boards.
If you want to keep your composite deck or wood deck from fading, you can apply a coat of oil-based paint to the boards. Most people prefer to purchase latex paint to repair faded decks, but an oil-based stain will work much better.
Here are the steps for using this method.
Before doing anything else, the deck boards should be cleaned. Getting rid of the dirt, grease, and other things stuck to the boards will also make the color stand out more.
First, clean the deck to get rid of any trash, furniture, and other items on it. Then, scrub the deck carefully with a composite deck cleaner or household cleaner. A soft-bristled brush is recommended because it won’t leave marks on the surface of the deck.
After cleaning the deck, use a hose to remove soap and dirt from the deck. Alternatively, you can use a pressure washer to thoroughly clean the deck.
Place the color finder of your choice in a bucket. Keep in mind that oil-based stains may only work on wood-colored composite boards and not on gray, white, or black deck boards. Check with the company that manufactured your boards before staining your deck.
Dip a roller brush into a bucket and apply a full coat of stain. Then, apply the stain to the deck planks in a straight line. Repeat this step until the entire deck is stained.
As you proceed with applying the stain, use a smaller brush to apply the deck stain to the ends of the deck and other hard-to-reach areas, such as deck posts and fascia boards. Make sure the deck is completely dry before walking on it again.
COOWIN composite deck boards are high-quality and long-lasting. They also won’t fade, which means the deck’s color will last longer.
The above methods may not always be able to repair badly damaged boards. Some scratches, chips, holes, and other damage cannot be repaired with wax, composite deck repair filler such as caulk or epoxy. In such cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire deck board.
Keep in mind that if you purchase a different lot of boards, the color may vary slightly. Because composite deck boards are made of composite material, each batch will be a little different. If you purchase and install the boards at different times, the deck may be a different shade of color.
Purchase replacement deck boards. If you don’t have extra boards when you install your deck, you may need to go back to the manufacturer to purchase more boards. Whenever possible, make sure the new boards are the same size, color, and material as the old boards.
Remove the broken planks from the deck so that they can be replaced. To do this, cut the plank to be replaced in half lengthwise. Remove the center portion of the board you just cut.
Pry off the last few boards using a regular pry bar or the prying edge of a hammer. Then remove the old nails, screws, T-clips, or buckles.
Place the new planks in the now open position. Use T-clips to attach it in place to the planks on either side or to the joists underneath. Be sure to follow the installation instructions that came with the planks. After that, you can admire your newly finished and repaired deck.
Adding composite decking to your home is a great way to change the look, feel, and use of your yard.
COOWIN composite deck boards are made from 100% eco-friendly materials, including wood fiber and recycled plastic. Because these boards are made from both natural and man-made materials, they offer many useful benefits. These advantages include the following:
But, just like anything else, composite decking can become damaged over time. Scratches and marks can appear on the surface of the deck, especially in areas where there are a lot of people walking by or where outdoor furniture is moved around a lot.
There are a few main reasons why a deck can get scratched or marked.
Certain shoes, such as boots with spikes or high heels, can damage wood planks. Wearing soft or flat shoes on the deck will help reduce the number of scratches, especially on walkways.
Composite decking boards are safe for children and pets. Children and pets may be unsuitable for playing on decks. Children’s and pets’ toys, claws, running, and scrambling can leave small scratches and marks on the deck. To protect the deck surface, try adding an outdoor blanket.
Outdoor furniture is usually heavy and difficult to move, so it often gets dragged across the deck surface. This can leave large scratches and grain marks that you may not be able to get rid of with filler. You may therefore have to replace the boards with new ones.
If you make sure that your furniture is not dragged, or that you put safe silicone or rubber mats on the bottom of your tables and chairs, scratches may not appear as often.
Unfortunately, the weather can sometimes damage your beautiful composite decking. rain, snow, sleet, and ice can cause scratches and cracks to appear on the planks. Strong winds can also blow things and furniture onto your deck, which means you need to make repairs. During the winter months, you should put away any furniture to keep it safe and protect your deck.
All in all, composite decking is a high-quality, low-maintenance option for decorating your outdoor living space. COOWIN composite decking is a great choice for your patio because of its many benefits.
Things that have been outdoors for a long time may show weathering and marks. However, the above steps can make your deck look new and clean.
You can learn more about composite deck boards on our website. Contact our service team for a free composite deck sample kit.
Cleaning your composite deck twice a year is advised, or more often if needed. This helps prevent damage from dirt and debris. Use a mild soap and water solution for the cleaning process.
Using a pressure washer on composite decking is generally not recommended. However, some manufacturers might allow it with specific precautions. Always check your deck’s manufacturer guidelines before using a pressure washer. Use a wide fan tip and low pressure setting to avoid damage.
For minor scratches, warm the area with a heat gun and then rub gently with a soft cloth. For deeper scratches, you may need to apply a composite deck filler. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for this.
If the damage is severe, such as a deep gouge or crack, it’s best to replace the board. This ensures the structural integrity of your deck. If you’re unsure, consult with a professional.
Most composite decking materials are not designed for staining or painting. This can void the manufacturer’s warranty. Always check with your deck’s manufacturer to see if they recommend any specific coatings or finishes.
Use felt pads on the legs of outdoor furniture to prevent scratching. Consider using furniture glides or sliders to reduce friction and prevent damage to the deck surface.
Clear your deck of debris and snow regularly. Avoid using metal shovels or ice melt products that can damage the deck surface. Use a plastic shovel or broom to gently remove snow and ice.
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