Ecodek answer your most frequently asked composite decking questions

Wood composite material is a combination of wood fibres, recycled plastics, and bonding agents. These materials are heated together, formed into boards, and then cooled. The result is a high-quality, long-lasting composite board, which has all the beauty of timber but the practicalities of plastic.

Although hollow deck boards are cheaper to buy in the short term they are simply not as durable (as they have far less material in them) meaning that you might have to replace your decking sooner than expected. All ecodek boards come with a minimum of 25 year warranty for residential installations.

Due to their increased strength, solid boards are generally a higher quality than their hollow counter parts. This combination of quality and solidity also means these boards have a longer life span. This means they do not need to be replaced as often as hollow boards and usually carry longer warranties, providing you with the peace of mind that you’ve purchased a superior product.

All of our Ecodek products come with a minimum 25 year warranty period.

As with the majority of flooring products, Ecodek decking boards will lose some slip resistance when wet, but still has one of the highest ratings for “low potential for slip” requirement as set by the HSE. (Please see the technical section for information on our test results)

Ecodek is made from hardwood fibres in order to minimise natural UV fading. There will still be some fade visible over the first few months giving a more textured appearance and this is a standard process called weathering. Any initial colour difference between boards is due to the natural colour variance in the wood fibres and once weathered, the boards will all be a similar colour tone. The most fade resistant colours are Slate Grey, Dark Brown and Black.

As with all outdoor flooring products, composite decking can get hot in direct sunlight. This is mainly apparent in the darker colours which maintain heat for longer. Only in the most extreme conditions within the UK will the deck be too hot to walk on barefoot.

Ecodek Signature and Heritage is a wood polymer composite, which means that it’s a blend of recycled wood and recycled plastic. The composition of Ecodek Signature and Heritage is approximately 55% hardwood fibres (re-claimed beech from saw mills, i.e. top quality, kiln dried material) and 45% high-density polyethylene otherwise known as recycled plastic milk bottles! Other ingredients are a high-quality colour pigmentation system, a wetting/bonding agent and a high-tech ultraviolet light inhibitor package.

Ecodek has developed a range of screws specifically designed for installing our Heritage and Signature boards. Available in three ranges, all screws are colour coded to correspond with the colour of the board for seamless aesthetics.

Ecodek Signature and Heritage is a low maintenance product and does not require painting to protect the deck from the natural elements. Although our boards will adhere to oil based or epoxy based paints and stains we would advise against altering the natural beauty of the board.

Our standard board lengths are 3.6m, but Heritage and Signature can be specified to any length and 1.5 metre to 6 metre lengths are available for no extra charge. For custom projects our manufacturing facility can cater for up to 9 metre lengths at a small surcharge and also offer other board profiles dependent on your application. Please contact our Sales Team for custom boards.

As well as manufacturing, we hold good stocks of our ranges in standard lengths, that allow us to supply product within 2-3 weeks of ordering, depending on the volume required and product choice. For accurate timescales for your particular project contact our sales team.

Despite having a high load bearing structural ability, it is not recommended to use Ecodek decking ranges in structural applications. We would recommend consulting a structural engineer to design any load bearing structures.

Yes. Heritage, Signature AT and HD boards can be used for this purpose. For Peaks and Parks you will have to utilise square edge boards and face fixings to achieve the best end result.

Yes - Adek aluminium decking boards are non-combustible and hold a fire rating of A2fl-s1. For additional information visit the Adek website.

Colours can vary from batch to batch. We therefore recommend that you add 5% wastage to each order to ensure that your area is fully covered.

Our capped decking collections have a protective outer layer, meaning they are far less likely to fade when exposed to UV.

The three-sided capping found on our Evolution and Parks ranges allows an enhanced woodgrain finish to be achieved. It also means the boards are stain and fade resistant.

Please visit the Installation guide section of our website where you will find full installation instructions and also an installation video.

No specialist woodworking equipment is needed, you can even saw it by hand. Generally a standard chop saw with a multipurpose Tungsten Carbide Tip would be preferred by installers.

The lowest cost option is to use treated softwood. The softwood substructure will attract damp and with water ingress over time, will rot undetected. Our recommendation would be to use Ecodek's manufactured composite substructure bearers as these resist water ingress and damp in areas with low air circulation.

Composite decking can be cut using normal wood working tools such as a handsaw. However, we suggest for an easier installation to use mitre and circular saws which is a lot quicker.

If you discover any difficult to remove stains, please contact our Technical Department for advice on how best to remove. Please do not use a jet wash or harsh chemicals as they may cause damage to the surface.

If you see dark spots on the surface of the deck, it may be the start of a mold/fungal infection. It is very important you apply an anti-fungal solution to the surface immediately to prevent any infection spreading.

Anti-fungal deck/patio washes are readily available from any DIY store, however we do recommend Simply Gone and Wet & Forget. For best results, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Whilst applying, please keep young children and pets away from the area that is being treated. Once the solution has dried the area will be safe to use as normal including after rainfall or washing of the surface.

Simply Gone or any other anti-fungal washes are harmful to aquatic life and must not be allowed to enter ponds and any other water system. Be kind to the environment and store any remaining solution until needed.

If the winter weather has left your decking slippery or ice covered, use sodium chloride (table salt) to remove the snow/ice.

Flowerpots can create potential problems with staining when sitting directly on the deck. Minerals from the soil and fertilizer can end up leaving a white discoloration on the deck. We recommend using a plant stand to enable air flow underneath.

All items regularly left on the decking can impact on the weathering that the boards receive. We recommend that all items of furniture are regularly moved to allow for more evenly distributed weathering.

Ecodek Signature and Heritage is very tough and robust, and therefore difficult to damage under normal circumstances. If the boards get marked or damaged by garden furniture etc, then the marks can be softened and blended back into the deck by rubbing a walnut over the marks. (Please see our Ecodek Care and Maintenance Schedule for more details.)

After your Ecodek Signature and Heritage wood composite deck has been constructed, there are likely to be some pencil marks. These can be removed with a normal pencil eraser. After installation, the simplest way to clean your beautiful new deck is to use a hosepipe and a deck cleaning solution periodically or for less stubborn stains, simply use a soft brush or sponge. Do not use a scourer, jet wash or stiff brush as this will leave marks on the deck. (See our full Ecodek Care and Maintenance Schedule for further details.)

We work to a 10 working day lead time which is the time it takes us to process your order ready for dispatch. There is then an extra working day for delivery therefore the maximum length of time for your order to be with you is 11 working days. In most cases it will be quicker than this and we will communicate with you via email and telephone as to the expected delivery date of your order.

At Ecodek we use third party carriers who will deliver your decking. The decking will be wrapped in protective film on a wooden pallet. We highly recommend that there are 2 people on hand to unload the delivery as you will have to do this yourself. The delivery driver will not be able to assist with unloading. Please note that you will have to dispose of the pallet and protective wrap as these items are part of your order.

Due to our deck boards being bulky and heavy delivery will be dependent on a number of factors, including size of order and delivery location. We always strive to provide the best delivery rate possible and this will be itemised as part of our quote. For more details please contact us on 01978 667840 or email enquiries@ecodek.updates.wcuat.co.uk

f you have queries or special requirements surrounding your decking delivery please contact Ecodek on 01978 667 840 before placing your order online.

If in the unlikely event your products from Ecodek arrive damaged please contact us within 48 hours of receiving your goods, explaining what the issue is and providing photographs where applicable. Please send details including your name and order number to enquiries@ecodek.updates.wcuat.co.uk

We have a decking calculator that you can find here that tells you the exact amount of decking, fascia and fixings you require.

We are sorry to hear that you have missing items on your order. Please call us with your order number on 01978 667 840 and we will rectify any errors as soon as possible. Alternatively email your details, your order number and details of the missing items to enquiries@ecodek.updates.wcuat.co.uk.

If you are a consumer customer you are able to return orders within 14 days of receipt and will be fully refunded. Orders returned between 15 and 30 days of receipt will be subject to a 20% handling charge to cover re-stocking costs.

Please contact Ecodek either by phone on 01978 667 840 or enquiries@ecodek.updates.wcuat.co.uk to discuss your query and to arrange for a collection.

There is currently no login area to review your order online. However our Ecodek team are on-hand to discuss your order and answer any queries you may have. To speak to a member of our team call 01978 667 840 or email enquiries@ecodek.updates.wcuat.co.uk with your order number, this can be found on the order confirmation email sent to you.

Thank you for placing your order online and please be assured that it is being dealt with by our customer service team. Orders are processed within Ecodek opening hours which are Mon-Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm. Please bear with us as it may take up to the next full working day for you to receive confirmation. Should you have queries please talk to us on 01978 667 840.