How to Keep Trex Decking from Scratching?
Trex is a synthetic material that’s often used for decking and fencing. It’s durable, weatherproof and easy to maintain, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t scratch. If you have Trex on your deck or patio, keep these tips in mind to prevent scratching:
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Use protective mats under furniture.
You can use mats to protect the decking from the furniture, and vice versa.
- Use a mat under any furniture that may damage the decking, whether it’s a chair or a pet.
- Keep your pets off of any area where they could scratch your Trex decking with their claws. Dogs especially love to dig in soft earthy areas like grass or dirt, so avoid placing them on top of areas where you’ve installed Trex products.
- Place rugs beneath your grill so that grease and grime don’t infiltrate the surface of your Trex product and cause damage over time.
Trex products are designed with durability in mind, but they aren’t indestructible. It’s important to use common sense when caring for your decking and railing products so that you can maximize their longevity.
Use nylon sliders on the feet of your outdoor furniture
If your outdoor furniture rests on a deck, you should consider using nylon sliders. These items are inexpensive, easy to install and can be purchased at any home improvement store. Nylon sliders will protect your Trex deck from scratches and the feet of your furniture from being damaged.
The most common types of nylon sliders are composed of a plastic base with felt or rubber padding on top. These can be secured to the feet of your furniture, typically by drilling two holes in each foot and looping a piece of string through them. Then simply insert the slider into place.
Keep planters, bird feeders and grill off the deck
While some of us consider the trex decking on our homes as an extension of our living space, it’s important to respect that trex is not immune to damage. To avoid scratches, do your best to keep planters, bird feeders and grills off the deck. Also remember that cats and dogs can cause damage by scratching at the surface of your trex. Finally, children should be supervised while they play near or on a trex deck so that they don’t accidentally scratch it with their toys or other items.
Sweep or blow leaves off your deck.
You can avoid scratching your Trex decking by sweeping or blowing leaves off the deck before they get a chance to settle in. If you don’t have time to do this, use a leaf blower instead.
If you have already put up your new Trex deck and noticed scratches on it, this is what you can do:
- Sweep off the leaves once every week or so to prevent them from settling in on your Trex decking, which can cause scratches and damage. Leaf blowers also work well if you don’t have time to sweep.
- You can also use a leaf blower if you have already put up your new Trex deck and noticed scratches on it. I hope this helps!
Place a doormat at both entries to help trap dirt and debris
If you want to keep your Trex decking looking good, it’s important to have a doormat at both entries to help trap dirt and debris. However, keeping a doormat in place can be a challenge if you don’t regularly clean it. You’ll need to dust mop or vacuum the mat regularly and then use one of the following materials:
- Garden hose
- Broom (for smaller mats)
- Leaf blower (for larger mats)
- Leaf rake
Promptly clean up after your pets
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It can be transmitted to humans and other animals through contact with cat feces containing the parasite.
If you have outdoor cats or dogs that come in contact with your deck, be sure to clean up their waste promptly. If you have indoor pets that are allowed outside on occasion, be sure they’re wearing bells on their collars so you know where they are when you hear them ringing around your Trex decking (and know who has been doing what).