Veranda Railing FAQ
Product Characteristics
Installation, Fasteners and Warranty
Care and Cleaning
Product Characteristics
What are Veranda® Composite Decking and Railing products made of?
Our composite decking products consist of wood and plastic.
What colors are available?
Veranda Railing products are available in four colors: Gray, Cedar, Redwood and Tuscan Walnut. Veranda Luster railing is available in bronze.
What sizes and lengths are available?
Railing components include a 52" post sleeve, 6' rail kit, 38" balusters, post caps and colour coordinating hardware kits with colour-matched screws.
Do Veranda products fade?
Yes, over time, 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 Luster experiences minimal fading over the life of the product.
Why is my gray Veranda turning tan?
All wood composite 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 colors. Like most composites, individual Veranda components will vary slightly 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.
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 products can be stored in the same way you would store any wood product.
Will my copper post caps remain a shiny copper colour?
Our copper post caps have a thin, clear marine lacquer that protects them before and during installation. Once exposed to sunlight, moisture, and pollution, this coating begins to break down, revealing the metal underneath. The post cap then takes on a natural patina. Copper usually progresses from a natural salmon colour to a series of russet browns and grays, and finally to a blue-green or gray-green patina.
What are the main differences between Veranda and other composite products?
Veranda is a versatile composite decking and railing product line. Veranda products are durable, low-maintenance, and easy to install.
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 are composite decking and railing more expensive than treated wood?
Composite decking and railing are 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.
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.
Are crush blocks needed to build a Veranda Railing?
Yes, all rail sections wider than 24” between connection points (e.g., post to post, post to wall, or wall to wall) require crush blocks, which add strength to the railing system and prevent the railing from sagging. Rail sections that are 48” to 72” long require two crush blocks; sections that span 24” to 48” need only one crush block. For maximum support, align crush blocks beneath a baluster when installing Veranda railing.
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.
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.
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 (See section on mold prevention). 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 mold 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 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. Any severely damaged pieces should be replaced.
Does Veranda require water sealing?
No, deck sealants are not recommended or required. Veranda only needs periodic cleaning with soap and water.
How do I keep my copper post cap from turning green or acquiring a patina?
To maintain your post cap’s shiny appearance, apply a car wax immediately after purchasing the cap. Reapply the wax every 3 to 6 months.
Can I speed up the patina process on my copper post caps?
To encourage your post caps to take on a natural patina, remove the lacquer by rubbing the caps with mineral spirits and grade-0000 steel wool.
Will my stainless steel post caps rust?
Stainless steel, an alloy of iron, contains more than 10% chromium. Stainless steel has a hard oxide coating that resists stains. Corrosion and wear may strip away this coating, causing the steel to rust. To maintain the shine of your stainless steel post cap, clean it periodically with a mixture of vinegar and club soda.
Product mix varies based on region. Check store for availability.