Veranda Decking FAQ
Product Characteristics
Installation, Fasteners, and Warranty
Care and Cleaning
Product Characteristics
What are Veranda® Composite Decking and Railing made of?
Our composite decking products consist of wood and plastic. They feature a reversible finish: an embossed woodgrain finish on one side and a combed finish on the other.
Does Veranda come in different finishes or surface textures?
Currently, The Home Depot sells Veranda products with a durable, embossed, woodgrain finish on the other. Choose among four colours (Cedar, Redwood, Gray and Tuscan Walnut) to make your deck project your own. Veranda Tropics is available in two colors (Koa and Arabica) and has a woodgrain finish on one side. Veranda High-Performance decking is available in Gray, Cedar, and Tuscan Walnut. It features a durable cap-stock with woodgrain embossing on one side.
How long will the texture last?
Foot traffic, dragging heavy objects across the surface, weather exposure, cleaning products, and the frequency of cleaning (especially with commercial pressure washers, which are not recommended) can all affect Veranda decking products’ finish. To ensure durability, follow our easy maintenance instructions.
What colours are available?
Veranda decking and railing products come in six colours: Gray, Cedar, Redwood, Tuscan Walnut, Koa and Arabica.
What sizes and lengths are available?
Veranda Slotted Decking is available in 12', 16' and 20' lengths. Veranda Solid Decking is available in 12' lengths. Both styles are manufactured in a nominal 5/4x6 size. The actual dimensions are: 0.94" thick by 5.25" wide, which is approximately 15/16" x 5-1/4" in fractional measurements. Additional railing components include a 52" post sleeve, 6' handrail, 38" balusters, post caps and colour coordinating hardware kits with colour-matched screws.
Do Veranda products fade?
Yes, over time, standard Veranda will lighten slightly to an attractive weathered tone. This colour change depends on exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors. The weathering process begins upon installation and generally takes 60 to 90 days. Veranda Tropics and High-Performance deck boards are extremely fade resistant, allowing them to maintain their beauty for many seasons.
Why is my gray Veranda deck turning tan?
All wood composite decking materials fade when exposed to sunlight. Veranda’s colours may take on tan or greenish-gray hues as your deck goes through this mellowing process. Depending on the exposure of your deck, this acclimation is usually complete within 60-90 days after installation of the deck boards. At the end of the fading process, the deck appears gray, and the tan and/or greenish-gray hues are seldom noticeable.
Should I purchase all of my decking material at one time?
Yes, we recommend purchasing all required decking material at once, because manufacturing runs can produce slightly different colours. Like most composites, individual Veranda deck boards will vary in colour, due to natural variations in wood fibers and polymers. Our warranty does not cover colour variation; therefore, we suggest purchasing extra material in case you need to replace or repair boards in the future.
Will Veranda rot, splinter, or decay?
No. As proven by testing under accelerated weather conditions, Veranda is weather-resistant. Our warranty guarantees that it will not corrode, splinter, or become structurally unfit due to rot, splitting, warping, cupping, checks, or damage caused by fungal decay or termites.
Does Veranda Decking provide good traction?
Yes, Veranda decking is slip resistant.
Will chlorine or other swimming pool chemicals damage Veranda Decking and Railing?
While we have not conducted formal testing, we do not know of damaging effects from standard pool chemicals.
How do weather cycles affect Veranda Decking and Railing during installation?
Veranda performs well in changing weather conditions. During installation, it will contract only slightly in cold weather but does expand in hot weather. We recommend that you let the material acclimate on the job site for 48 hours prior to installation. Follow the spacing guidelines in the installation instructions to accommodate any expansion and contraction.
How should Veranda be stored?
Veranda composite decking products can be stored in the same way you would store any wood product.
Where can I buy Veranda Decking and Railing products? How much do they cost?
Home Depot stores offer the Veranda product line*. To find a Home Depot store near you, use the store locator at the top of the page. Our products are priced competitively with premium grades of wood decking and are less expensive than other high-end composite decking products.
What is the difference between Veranda Composite Decking and Railing and wood?
Veranda combines the natural appearance of wood with the durability of plastic. Unlike wood decks, which require continuous maintenance, weather protectants and water-seal products do not need to be applied to Veranda. Veranda's surface offers excellent traction and will not splinter or become structurally unfit due to rotting, splitting, warping, cupping, checks or damage caused by fungal decay or termites.
Why is composite decking more expensive than treated wood?
Composite decking is more expensive to manufacture, but, over time, the maintenance, repair, and/or replacement costs of wood decking exceed the initial investment in a Veranda deck.
Installation, Fasteners and Warranty
Do Veranda Decking and Railing come with a warranty?
Yes. A 25-year limited warranty guarantees Veranda against splintering, corrosion, or becoming structurally unfit due to rotting, splitting, warping, cupping, checks, or damage caused by fungal decay or termites. Veranda Tropics and High-Performance decking have the added benefit of a 25-year limited stain and fade warranty.
Why do all of the deck boards need to be facing the same direction when I install them?
The appearance of Veranda deck boards changes when viewed from different ends. Installing boards in opposing directions will create contrasting light and dark shades in your deck and is not covered under warranty. For the best colour consistency, install all of the boards in the same direction using the product end tags as a point of reference, or install all of the boards with the arrows on the product stickers pointing in the same direction. Color variation of Veranda Tropics is a distinct feature of the product. The boards should be arranged according to the end user's preference prior to installation.
Do I need special tools to install Veranda Decking and Railing?
Veranda products can be cut, drilled, and fastened using conventional tools. For your safety, remember to wear safety glasses and protective clothing.
What should I use to cut Veranda?
You can cut Veranda products using the same tools you use to cut pressure-treated wood. A sharp, carbide-tipped saw blade is recommended.
Do you recommend pre-drilling and countersinking when fastening Veranda decking products?
Pre-drilling and countersinking are not required when fastening Veranda products, but we recommend doing both before driving screws. Pre-drilling and countersinking will make fastening easier and ensure the best appearance of your finished project.
Because wood decking is not as dense as Veranda, screws driven into wood decking crush the wood fibre and self-countersink. Screws driven into Veranda, however, displace the material, causing it to mushroom around the screw head. Most consumers do not like the resulting appearance. Taking the time to pre-drill and countersink Veranda products is thus worth the extra time and effort.
To make pre-drilling and countersinking easier, use screws made specifically for composite lumber, which are available from most major fastener manufacturers. For more information on installing Veranda products, please refer to the Veranda installation instructions.
What types of fasteners and nails should I use to install Veranda decking products?
For easier installation, we recommend using 2-1/2” corrosion-resistant, composite wood deck screws. These screws help minimize the "mushroom" effect that sometimes occurs when using standard fasteners (see above) and can also reduce the amount of pre-drilling and countersinking needed. If you are using ordinary, coarse-thread deck screws, we recommend pre-drilling a pilot hole and countersinking prior to driving screws. For details, please refer to the Veranda installation instructions.
Is a compatible hidden fastener system available?
Veranda Slotted Decking features a pre-machined groove along the sides of each board to accommodate the Veranda Hidden Fastener. The Veranda Hidden Fastener virtually eliminates pre-drilling and automatically spaces the deck boards with the proper gap, making installation quick and easy. There are several other brands of hidden fastener systems available that work well with Veranda. Check with the manufacturer to make sure that it’s suitable for your application. No matter which type of hidden fastener system you use, always follow Veranda’s gapping requirements during installation.
Can I use a nail gun to install Veranda Composite Decking?
We do not recommend using nails or a nail gun when installing Veranda Composite Decking. The composite material is so dense that nails often cannot penetrate adequately without bending. Moreover, when fastening Veranda deck board, all holes should be pre-drilled to prevent the material from mushrooming over the fasteners (see above) and to avoid splitting. If nails or a nail gun is used, the ends of the boards may crack or split.
Can I rout Veranda composite deck boards?
Yes—even more easily than you can rout wood. Routing Veranda deck boards will yield a sharp, clean edge. Veranda Tropics and High-Performance deck boards do not rout easily due to the cap stock finish
What type of glue can be used with Veranda?
Glue is a supplemental adhesive and should never replace fasteners, especially in structural applications. You may use heavy-duty construction adhesive, but we recommend testing it on a small portion of your deck before using the adhesive throughout your entire application.
What joist spans are needed for a Veranda deck?
For residential applications, Veranda decking should be installed on joists spaced 16" on center when the deck runs perpendicular to the support joists. Decks running on a diagonal pattern should be installed on joists spaced 12" on center. For information about commercial applications, contact Veranda Product Support at 877-463-8379. For more details on installing Veranda products, please refer to the installation instructions.
Does Veranda Decking require gapping between boards?
Yes. To accommodate expansion, contraction, and water run-off, Veranda Decking must be gapped at the ends and between boards. At the ends of the deck boards, allow a minimum of 1/16” gap for every 6° Celsius (Click for Chart) of difference between the installation temperature and the hottest temperature expected. For water run-off, allow a 1/4” gap between the deck boards and between all decking and any permanent structure or post. For more information, please refer to the installation instructions.
How much space is needed to ensure proper ventilation underneath a Veranda deck?
A clear, 2" space between the bottom edge of the joists and grade is recommended to ensure adequate ventilation.
Does Veranda Composite Decking and Railing meet building code requirements?
Veranda composite decking has been evaluated by the Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC). Details are listed under the CCMC 13378-R Report. Veranda composite decking is intended for use as exterior decking over a traditional wood frame.
Can Veranda Decking and Railing be used for structural applications?
No. Although Veranda products provide superior surface integrity and strength, they are not suited for structural applications.
Can I install Veranda Decking over a concrete patio?
Yes. For best results, use 2x6’s standing vertical on edge as support joists over the concrete, and then fasten the decking to the support joists. Be sure to allow a 1/4" gap between the long edges of the deck boards. We recommend shims to level the deck and ensure adequate drainage and ventilation. The shims should allow a clear, 2" space between the bottom edge of the joists and the concrete.
Can I fasten Veranda Decking over an existing deck, balcony or porch?
Composite decking is intended to be installed directly to the structural joists. DO NOT fasten to the top of old existing deck planks or balcony and porch floors.
Can Veranda be used to build a dock?
Yes, Veranda decking can be used as dock planking, but it cannot be used for any structural support members, and it should not be continuously submerged in water. Remember to install Veranda deck boards on joists spaced 16" on-center. (Some docks are built with supports 24" on-center or greater; this dimension needs to be adjusted when using Veranda.)
Can Veranda decking products be used as planters or edging?
We do not recommend using Veranda Decking and Railing for ground contact applications. Veranda is designed to be used as a deck surface only.
Care and Cleaning
How do I clean and maintain Veranda Decking and Railing?
To remove surface dirt and chalk, Veranda decking should be washed periodically with soap and water. Washing will also prevent the build-up of pollen and debris, which can cause mould and mildew to grow. Pressure washers should be used only to wet and rinse a Veranda deck, not to “blast-off” soiling agents. Attempting to do so can drive the dirt deeper into the material. Before washing your entire deck, test a pressure washer on an inconspicuous area.
Basic Deck Cleaning Agents:
Deck cleaning products usually contain sodium percarbonate and a detergent, which are effective on normal dirt and grime and bleach out mould and mildew stains. Oxalic acid cleaners are effective on rust stains caused by metal furniture. Commercial degreasers contain propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and various detergents for removing grease and oil stains. Spot removers and thinners may be used sparingly on particularly stubborn grease or oil stains, but they should be washed off quickly with water to prevent damage to the grain pattern. These products typically include petroleum distillates, xylene, methanol, acetone, or other organic solvents.
How do I prevent mold and mildew from growing on my composite decking and railing.
Mold formation is most prevalent in consistently wet, shaded areas. Spores from the natural environment are carried by the wind and commonly land on decks surfaces. It is important to note that the appearance of mold/mildew is a function of nature, not necessarily a deficiency with any of the material on which it grows.
Learn how to prevent mold and mildew growth on your deck.
How can I remove stains from my Veranda deck?
Because it is a plastic and wood composite, Veranda resists accidental staining better than regular wood decking. Many stains can be removed with household cleaners and degreasers. Act quickly after staining occurs for best results; do not allow stains to penetrate the deck’s surface or to set under direct sunlight. To avoid grease stains and burns, keep a splatter guard underneath any barbecue grills on your deck. To prevent water from accumulating and staining your deck’s surface, make sure the deck boards have adequate gaps between them to allow for water drainage (see above).
How do I repair Veranda if it gets scratched?
We recommend allowing normal wear marks to fade, as they will blend in with the weathered colour. If the brushed side of the deck board gets scratched, you can brush it with a wire brush in the same direction as the original grain. Doing so will expose the non-weathered decking, which will differ in colour from the weathered material. Any severely damaged pieces should be replaced.
Can Veranda be painted or stained?
While not recommended, Veranda can be stained after three months of exposure to various weather conditions. Be sure to use a stain intended for use on composite wood products. Staining Veranda means that your deck will require more upkeep. Always test a small, hidden portion of the deck before staining the entire deck. Painting Veranda is not recommended, as most paints do not adhere to the surface well and will soon peel. Because composite wood products do not accept paint or stain as well as wood, they will not look the same as painted or stained wood.
If I apply stain to Veranda Decking and Railing, how long will the stain last?
The durability of stain products varies by manufacturer. Exposure to surface traffic and sunlight will also affect the stain’s performance. Most stain manufacturers recommend re-staining about every two years.
Does Veranda require water sealing?
No, deck sealants are not recommended or required. Veranda only needs periodic cleaning with soap and water.
May I use ice-melt products on Veranda decking?
We are not aware of any adverse effects from the temporary use of ice-melting products on Veranda decking, but we recommend using a mild ice-melt product that will not harshly affect Veranda’s surface. These types of ice-melt products usually indicate that they "will not harm concrete" or "will not kill grass." After the ice and snow melt, be sure to brush off any remaining ice-melt product.
Product mix varies based on region. Check store for availability.