How To Fix Warped Composite Decking In 2022? Fix It Fast!

Summer and winter are like best buddies teaming up when it comes to warping your composite decking. The warped composite decking in your beautiful house today might be the outcome of the extreme weather. In summer and winter, the scorching sun and the freezing cold affect your deck and it might warp. In severe cases, this might also result in a broken deck. You’ll be saving yourself from spending extra money on a new deck in the future if you fix it today.

So, how to fix warped composite decking by yourself?

First, select the wood that you’re going to use as a clamp to level the warped deck. Shape it to the perfect size and drill half of a screw in the middle of it. Then, place the wood piece on top and drill the screw right into it. Next, drill the side decks of the warped deck and put the screw inside of it to become a support for the warped deck. Next, take away the wooden piece by unscrewing the screw. There you have your leveled deck now.

So, without further delay, let’s see the essential that you’ll need to fix the deck right away-

Grab These Essentials!

The good news for you is that even though easier and faster processes take complicated tools and materials, you won’t be needing anything.

The things that we’re going to use for the fixing are quite easy to find at your nearest hardware store.

However, there are cheaper tools that might get your job done for now. But in the longer run, they might even cost you a fortune because of their low performance.

Quality tools and materials will give you quality performance that’ll make your deck sit in place for quite a long time.

So, here are the essentials that you’ll need to grab to get the whole DIY project done perfectly-

Straight Piece Of Wood

This straight piece of wood will be used as a clamp to fix your warped deck board.

Screws

The screws will be used as a support and it’ll make the warped surface more durable in position.

Drill

You’ll be needing a drill to make holes that you’re going to make for the screws to set in place.

Table Saw

You need a table saw to shape the piece of wood to the right size.

8 Steps on How To Fix Warped Composite Decking

Wood fibers, plastics, and bonding agents together build up the beautiful composite decking that you have in your lawn or house.

All of those fibers, plastics, and agents are mixed. That forms into board shaped lengths after the process of heating and cooling.

We know that you’re going to ask that if it’s made from heat why does it warp then.

Well, the thing is that the heat of the environment is not controlled like the one that we give it while forming.

One time there’s scorching sun and some days later it’s winter. This unusual change of the temperature for a long time makes the deck warp after some time.

And the weather needs to be really tough at your area to cause the warp on your deck. Because composite decks are far less maintenance than the traditional wood decking.

To put an end to your worries of the warped deck, we’ve arranged a few steps that might be of great use to you today. So, let’s have a look at them sequentially-

Step 1: Select The Wood

This trick that we’re going to share with you today is the best way to deal with a warped deck. You’re going to need a piece of wood first.

You need to make sure that the wood you’re choosing is strong enough. It should be strong enough to handle a decent drill easily.

As it’s required to be very strong, also make sure that it’s not wet. Because that will automatically soften most of the wood pieces for you.

Step 2: Shape It Perfectly

Now, this wood will be used as a clamp soon. More like you need to transform it into one clamp.

But first, you need some adjustments with the size of this wood. You need to cut the wood totally flat.

It should be long enough to cover the width of two of your decks’ width. So, measure the width of the deck and cut it accordingly.

Also, remember that the height of the wood should not be more than the half of a screw. It means a screw should have at least half of it uncovered after going inside the piece of wood.

Step 3: Drill a Screw in The Wood Piece

If the wood is in the correct shape, you need to drill a screw in the middle of the wood piece.

But remember to use a washer that will prevent the top of the screw from going inside the wood.

Also, you need to drill the screw half first, because soon the other half of the screw will be inside your warped deck.

Step 4: Place The Wood Piece On The Deck

You need to place the wood piece on the warped deck now and this part is a bit tricky.

Start by placing one side of the wood piece on the middle point of one board. The ending point of the wood piece will be on the middle point of the deck board on another side of the warped board.

The length of the wood piece will be covering from one middle point to another middle point of another deck board. That’ll also cover all of the warped deck board.

The screw on the wood piece will be at right at the top of the warped deck board.

When you put the piece right at the place, you’ll notice how much the deck has warped. All you have to do is just look under the wood piece and you’ll see the gap.

Step 5: Drill The Screw To The Warped Deck

Grab the drill and drill the screw all the way to the warped deck board. You’ll notice that instantly the warped deck is leveled and the wood piece is working as a clamp to hold it.

Step 6: Drill The Side Decks

Immediately drill holes at 45 angle on the side decks that’ll connect the leveled boards together.

Make sure that you drill as close as possible to the warped deck. Also, remember to drill from both of the sides.

Step 7: Put The Screw Inside The Holes

Now, you need to take screws and put them inside of each hole. Make sure you drill them in perfectly in the holes so that there’s no room for those to move.

These screws will be used as a support that’ll hold the deck flat like the ones next to it.

Step 8: Take The Wood Piece Away

If you have a flat deck now, you can unscrew the screw that you entered the warped deck with the wood piece. There you go, your flat composite deck just like new again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does composite decking scratch easily?

Yes, it can be scratched quite easily. Well, even if it’s made of wood and plastic both, it’s not indestructible. The combination of those two materials reduce the chance of rot and extend the life of the deck. But yes, the surface of the boards can be scratched quite easily.

Can you pressure wash composite decking?

We wouldn’t recommend you to pressure wash for composite decking. You see, pressure washing from too close or using too much pressure might be harmful for your deck. Because the material is softer than the natural wood and it can be etched more easily.

How long do Composite decks last?

The advantage of the materials of the composite decks allows it to last for 25 to 30 years on average. But it might last longer with proper care from its owner.

Are composite decks worth it?

Your composite decking can’t be refinished which means any scratches and damages might be permanent. Composite decking might be a little more expensive than most other options for you. But if you can afford it, it’s going to be worth it for you. Besides, it’s going to save you money in the end, through maintenance costs and replacement costs.

Can you put sealer on composite decking?

Yes, you can use a water-based sealer to seal your composite decking. You need to clean the surface of the decking before applying that. We’d recommend you to use products with synthetic resins to avoid mildew growth.

Bottom Line

If you were confused about how to fix warped composite decking, now you know it’s quite fascinating and takes only a few minutes.

A word of advice, you should consider decreasing the distance between joists when you’re making the whole deck.

Your deck boards will be secured in more locations, span a shorter distance, and help prevent any unwanted cupping or warping in the future.

Also, you should avoid drilling the screws in the middle of the deck boards. Drill them a little bit at the sides. This will distribute the pressure on both sides and also save the boards from warping.

Nevertheless, we wish you the best of luck fixing the warped composite decking today.