Can you change the color of composite decking?

What is composite decking?

Composite decking is a building material made from a mixture of wood fibers, plastic, and other materials. Unlike traditional wood decks, composite decking does not require annual sealing, staining or painting to maintain its appearance and resist deterioration. This makes composite decking a low maintenance alternative for residential and commercial decking applications.

Some key advantages of composite decking include:

• Low maintenance – Requires no staining, sealing or painting
• Durable – Resists damage from moisture, fading, mold and mildew
• Stain resistant – Spills and stains clean up easily
• Splinter free – Safer for bare feet than wood
• Customizable – Available in a variety of colors and grain patterns

The most popular brands of composite decking include Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon and Azek. These all offer various color and style options to suit different tastes and aesthetics.

Can you change the color of composite decking after it’s installed?

The short answer is yes, you can change the color of composite decking if desired. However, it does require some special preparation and products to achieve a uniform, quality result.

There are a few ways to alter the color of existing composite deck boards:

Composite deck stain

Specialized composite deck stains are formulated to penetrate and adhere to the surface of composite materials. These stains come in a variety of semi-transparent colors that allow the grain pattern to still show through while changing the overall tone. Brands like Defy and Behr offer composite deck stain options.

The steps for staining a composite deck include:

1. Clean the deck thoroughly with composite cleaner and a pressure washer.
2. Allow the deck to dry completely.
3. Use 120 grit sandpaper to lightly scuff the surface and improve stain adhesion.
4. Apply 1-2 coats of composite deck stain using a paint pad, roller or brush.
5. Let the stain cure for 2-3 days before walking on the surface.

Staining can refresh a faded composite deck or change the color entirely. It usually lasts 1-3 years before needing reapplication.

Exterior paint and primer

For a more dramatic or opaque color change, an exterior paint and primer made for composite materials can be used. The steps are similar to staining:

1. Clean and dry the deck.
2. Lightly sand to improve adhesion.
3. Apply exterior composite primer to the entire deck.
4. Allow primer to dry per manufacturer instructions.
5. Roll on 2 coats of exterior composite paint in the desired color.
6. Let the paint cure fully before use, usually 5-7 days.

Paint provides a solid, uniform finish but requires more prep work and reapplication every 1-2 years.

Colorwash

For a simple and temporary color change, some choose to use a colorwash treatment on composite decks. This involves applying a thin, semi-transparent paint like a heavy stain over the decking. Colorwashing lasts just 1 season before needing reapplication. It will wear quickest in high traffic areas.

Tips for changing composite deck color

Here are some important tips to get the best results from altering the color of composite decking:

• Test colors on a scrap piece first to ensure you achieve the desired look.
• Only use specialty products formulated for composite materials.
• Prepare the surface thoroughly – proper adhesion is key.
• Apply an even, thin coat and avoid leaving puddles or thick layers.
• Maintain ventilation and airflow while applying and drying.
• Work in manageable sections.
• Allow proper drying time before walking on the surface.
• Reapply protectants annually or as needed based on wear.

Taking the time to properly prepare the deck and apply the new color will provide the best results.

Should you hire a professional?

While DIY color changes are certainly possible, hiring a professional can be beneficial if you want a perfect result. Professionals have the right tools and experience to:

• Evaluate the deck condition and make any necessary repairs first.
• Thoroughly clean the deck surface.
• Properly prep and sand the decking.
• Apply special composite products smoothly and evenly.
• Achieve full, uniform coverage and color consistency across the entire deck.
• Finish the job quickly with minimal disruption to your household.
• Provide any cleanup of overspray or spills.

Hiring a pro costs more upfront, but can save you time, hassle and rework down the road. Get estimates from 2-3 decking or painting contractors to compare pricing.

Cost to change the color of a composite deck

Here are some typical price ranges for changing the color of a 200 sq.ft. composite deck:

Option	DIY Cost	Professional Cost
Staining	$100 – $300	$500 – $1,000
Painting	$200 – $400	$800 – $1,500
Colorwashing	$50 – $150	$300 – $600

Costs vary based on product selection and how many coats are needed for full coverage. Professionals charge more for their labor, but yield higher quality results.

Conclusion

The color of composite decking can be changed, but does require using specialized exterior stains, paints or colorwashes formulated for composite materials. Proper cleaning, light sanding and application technique are key to getting an even, consistent finish. While a DIY color change is definitely doable, hiring a professional can save time and effort while providing beautiful results. Consider both time and budget when deciding whether to tackle a color change yourself or leave it to the experts. With the right products and preparation, you can refresh the look of a composite deck for years to come.