Veranda™ Decking FAQ
Product Characteristics
Installation, Fasteners, and Warranty
Care and Cleaning
Product Characteristics
What is Veranda™ Composite Decking and Railing made of?
It is made of wood and plastic that is extruded with a reversible finish: combed finish on one side and an embossed woodgrain finish on the other.
What finishes or surface textures are available for Veranda?
Presently, Veranda is sold by The Home Depot with a durable, combed finish on one side and an embossed, slip-resistant woodgrain texture on the other. Choose either look to complete your project with a rich look available in four colors (Cedar, Redwood, Gray and Tuscan Walnut) to complement your home.
What colors does Veranda come in?
Veranda decking and railing are available in gray, cedar, redwood and Tuscan walnut.
For more information, please call 877-463-8379.
What sizes and lengths does Veranda Decking and Railing come in?
Veranda Decking is available in 8', 12' and 16' lengths. The decking is 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 4" x 4" - 42" post sleeve, 6' handrail, 32" balusters, post caps and color coordinating hardware kits with color-matched screws.
How long will the texture last?
Foot traffic, traffic patterns, objects like furniture dragged on the surface, weather exposure, cleaning products used, frequency of cleaning especially with commercial pressure washers (not recommended) will all affect the factory surface finish of Veranda.
Does Veranda fade?
Yes, Veranda will lighten slightly over time to a beautiful weathered tone. This color tone shift is dependent upon exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors. The weathering process begins upon installation and is generally complete within 60 to 90 days.
Why is my gray Veranda deck turning tan?
All wood composite decking materials fade when exposed to UV light from the sun. Veranda can experience some color shifting as it goes through this mellowing process. Tan or greenish gray hues from the natural wood fiber contained in the product are often noticeable as this fading process progresses. Depending on the exposure conditions where a particular deck is built, this acclimation is usually complete within 60 - 90 days from when the Veranda deck boards were installed. At the end of the fading process the deck appears gray and the tan and/or greenish gray hues are rarely noticeable.
Should I purchase all of my decking material at one time?
Yes, purchasing all required decking material at one time is recommended as manufacturing runs can produce slightly different colors. Like most composites, individual Veranda deck boards will have slight color variations from piece to piece. This is due to the natural variations in wood fibers and polymers. Color variation is not covered by warranty. We recommend purchasing extra material in case boards need to be repaired or replaced in the future.
Will Veranda rot, splinter or decay like wood?
No. Veranda has been tested under accelerated weather conditions and is weather-resistant. It is also warranted against splintering, corrosion, or becoming structurally unfit due to rot, split, warp, cupping, checks, or damage caused by termites or fungal decay.
Does Veranda Decking provide good traction in wet or dry conditions?
Yes, Veranda decking is slip resistant.
Will chlorine or other chemicals from a swimming pool damage Veranda Decking and Railing?
While no formal testing has been done, we have not seen or heard of any ill effects from standard pool chemicals.
How does varying weather cycles affect Veranda Decking and Railing during installation?
Veranda performs well in varying weather conditions. During installation, it will contract only slightly in cold weather. In hot weather it expands. We recommend that the material is on the job site 48 hours prior to installation to acclimate. Follow the installation instruction's spacing guidelines to ensure proper room for expansion and contraction.
How should Veranda be stored and handled?
You can store it the same way you would store any wood product.
What are the main differences between Veranda and other composite decking products?
Veranda is a versatile composite decking and railing product line. Veranda Decking and Railing are available in four classic colors (Cedar, Redwood, Gray and Tuscan Walnut). Veranda deck boards are reversible with a combed finish on one side and an embossed woodgrain finish on the other. Veranda offers long-lasting beauty, low-maintenance and easy installation.
What is the benefit of using solid composite decking over hollow composite decking?
It is easier to work with a solid product because it frames like wood and feels more substantial on the deck.
Where can I buy Veranda Decking and Railing, and how much do they cost?
The complete Veranda line is available at Home Depot stores nationwide. For more information, use the store locator at the top of the page to find your nearest Home Depot store. It is competitively priced in comparison to premium grades of wood decking and less than other high-end composite decking materials.
What is the difference between Veranda Composite Decking and Railing and wood?
Veranda combines the look of wood with the durability of plastic. Unlike wood decks which require continuous maintenance, there is no need to apply weather protectants or water seal products to Veranda. Veranda's slip-resistant surface provides outstanding traction and won’t splinter or become structurally unfit due to rot, splits, warp, cupping, checks or damage caused by termites or fungal decay.
Why is composite decking more expensive than treated wood?
Composite decking is more expensive to manufacture. However, over time, the maintenance, repair and or replacement costs associated with wood outweigh the initial investment in a Veranda deck.
Can I get a sample of Veranda Decking?
Yes. Simply fill out the sample kit request form and we will mail one to the address provided. Please note that we do not ship to post office boxes or outside the US. For customers in Canada, please visit your local Home Depot store for a sample kit.
What is included in the sample kit?
Our kit includes sample pieces of Veranda Decking, in the four available colors.
Installation, Fasteners and Warranty
Do Veranda Decking and Railing come with a warranty?
Yes. We have a 15-year limited warranty against splintering, corrosion, or becoming structurally unfit due to rot, split, warp, cupping, checks, or damage caused by termites or fungal decay.
Why do the deck boards need to be installed facing the same direction?
The appearance of this product changes when viewed from different ends. To achieve the most consistent color, 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. Installing boards in opposing directions will create contrasting light and dark shades of the deck board color and is not covered under warranty.
Do I need special tools to install Veranda Decking and Railing?
Conventional tools can be used with Veranda for cutting, drilling, and fastening. For your safety, remember to wear protective clothing and safety glasses.
What do I use to cut Veranda?
The same tools used to cut pressure-treated wood can be used to cut Veranda. We recommend using a sharp, carbide-tipped saw blade.
Do you recommend pre-drilling and countersinking when fastening?
Yes, we recommend pre-drilling and countersinking. It is not required; however, the best results for ease of fastening and appearance of the finished project are achieved by pre-drilling and countersinking prior to driving screws. Wood decking is not as dense as Veranda. Screws driven into wood decking crush the wood fiber and self countersink. Screws driven into Veranda displace the material causing it to mushroom around the screw head. Most consumers do not like the resulting appearance using this installation method. Installers feel that extra time and labor is a cost to them. Many of the pros who have worked with Veranda felt the same; but, they have found how pleased the homeowner was with the job by following the recommended fastener application.
Major fastener manufacturers produce screws made specifically for composite lumber. Use of these screws will reduce the amount of pre-drilling and countersinking required. For more information, refer to the installation instructions.
What type of fasteners and nails are recommended?
For ease of installation, we recommend using 2-1/2” corrosion-resistant, composite wood deck screws. These screws help prevent the common "mushroom" effect that sometimes occurs when using standard fasteners. It can also reduce the amount of pre-drilling and countersinking. If using ordinary coarse thread deck screws, the best results are achieved by pre-drilling a pilot hole and countersinking prior to driving screws. For details, refer to the installation instructions.
Is there a compatible hidden fastener system?
There are several hidden fastener systems available that work well with Veranda. Veranda Slotted Decking comes with a pre-machined groove along the sides of the board to accommodate “clip” or “biscuit” style hidden fastener systems. Veranda Slotted Decking is easy to install from the top of the deck and eliminates the need to cut grooves in the edge of the decking with a router or biscuit joiner saw. Check with the fastener manufacturer to ensure suitability for your application. Always follow Veranda’s gapping requirements during installation, regardless of the type of hidden fastener system used.
Can I use a nail gun to install Veranda Composite Decking?
We do not recommend using nails or a nailer when installing Veranda Composite Decking. The material is very dense and getting nails to penetrate to a proper depth without bending can be a challenge. A bigger issue concerns the fastening on the end of the boards. We recommend that all holes be pre-drilled to help reduce mushrooming. Also, it is necessary to pre-drill the end of the boards to avoid splitting. When using nails or a nailer the concern is that the ends would not be pre-drilled and possibly lead to cracking and splitting.
Can I rout Veranda composite deck boards?
Yes. Veranda deck boards are easier to rout than wood and provide a sharp, clean edge.
What glue works well with Veranda?
Glue is a supplemental adhesive and should never replace a fastener, especially in structural applications. Heavy-duty construction adhesive can be used, but we recommend testing on a small portion of your deck before using the adhesive throughout your whole application.
What joist spans should I use for my deck when using Veranda?
In residential applications, Veranda Decking should be installed on joists spaced 16" on center when the deck is running perpendicular to the support joists. Decks running on a diagonal pattern should be installed on joists spaced 12" on center. Contact Veranda Product Support at 877-463-8379 for commercial applications. For more details, refer to the installation instructions.
Does Veranda Decking require gapping between boards?
Yes. Veranda Decking must be gapped at the ends to allow for expansion and contraction, and gapped between boards for water runoff. At the ends of the deck boards, allow a minimum of 1/16” gap for every 20 degrees F° of difference between the installation temperature and the hottest temperature expected. Allow a 1/4” gap between the deck boards and between all decking and any permanent structure or post for water runoff. For more information, refer to the installation instructions.
How much space is recommended for proper ventilation underneath a deck?
A clear 2" space between the bottom edge of the joists and grade is recommended to allow proper ventilation.
Does Veranda Composite Decking and Railing meet building code requirements?
Veranda composite decking, manufactured by UFP Ventures II, Inc., has been evaluated by ICC-ES to be code compliant with details listed under the ESR-1573 Report. Veranda Natural composite railing is a decorative railing and can only be used in those applications where a structural railing is not required by building codes.
Can Veranda Decking and Railing be used for structural applications?
No. While Veranda provides superior surface integrity and strength, they are not suitable for structural applications.
Can I put Veranda Decking over a concrete patio?
Yes, you can install Veranda Decking over a concrete patio. We recommend that you use 2x6’s standing vertical on edge as support joists over the concrete. Next, fasten the decking to the support joists. Be sure to allow a 1/4" gap between the long edges of the deck boards. Drainage and ventilation are necessary for best product performance; therefore, we recommend shims to level the deck that allow a clear 2" space between the bottom edge of the joists and the concrete.
Can Veranda be used for building a dock?
Veranda decking can be used as dock planking, but it cannot be used for any structural support members. Veranda deck boards should be installed on joists spaced 16" on center.
Some docks are built with supports 24" on center or greater. This would need to be adjusted when using Veranda. Veranda decking can be used provided that it is not continually submerged in water.
Can Veranda Decking be used as planters or edging?
Veranda decking is not recommended for ground contact applications. It is designed to be used as a deck surface only.
Care and Cleaning
How do I clean and maintain Veranda Decking and Railing?
Periodic washing with soap and water is necessary to remove surface dirt and chalk, which accumulate on the surface. This will also prevent the build-up of pollen and debris that can cause mold and mildew growth. Pressure washers should be used for wetting and rinsing only. Pressure washers should not be used to “blast-off” soiling agents; attempting to do so can drive the dirt deeper into the material. Test on an inconspicuous area before washing the entire deck.
Basic Deck Cleaning Agents:
- Deck wash/cleaners usually contain sodium percarbonate and a detergent. Effective on
normal dirt and grime, and bleaches out mold and mildew stains. - Oxalic acid cleaners are effective on rust stains from metal furniture.
- Commercial degreasers contain propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and various detergents for removing grease and oil stains.
- Spot removers/thinners can be used sparingly on particularly stubborn grease or oil stains but should be washed off quickly with water, as it will attack the grain pattern. They normally include petroleum distillates, xylene, methanol, acetone, or other organic solvents.
What do I do if I get stains on Veranda?
Veranda resists accidental staining better than regular wood decking because it is a plastic and wood composite. Many stains can be removed with household cleaners and degreasers. Best results are achieved if you act quickly after staining occurs. Don’t allow stains to penetrate the deck’s surface or bake on under direct sunlight. If you use a barbecue grill on your deck, keep a splatter guard underneath it, as grills are a major source of grease stains and burns. To prevent water from pooling in the surface of the deck and staining it, make sure the deck boards have gaps between them to allow the standing water to drain.
How do I repair Veranda if it gets scratched?
Just as wood-decking materials can get marred or gouged, the surface of Veranda can also be scratched. We recommend allowing normal wear marks to fade as they will blend in with the weathered color. If the brushed side of the deck board gets scratched, you can use a wire brush and brush in the same direction as the original grain. In doing so you will expose the non-weathered decking and so will experience a color difference. Replace severely damaged pieces.
Can Veranda be painted or stained?
While not recommended, Veranda can be stained after three months of exposure to various weather conditions. When staining Veranda, ensure that the stain is intended for use on composite wood products. By choosing to stain Veranda, a relatively low-maintenance product changes to one that 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 will not adhere to the surface well and will rapidly begin to peel. Composite wood products do not accept paint or stain as well as wood, therefore, it will not have the same appearance as painted or stained wood.
If I apply stain to Veranda Decking and Railing, how long will the stain last?
Durability of stain products varies by manufacturer. Exposure to ultra-violet light and surface traffic will also affect the stains’ performance. Most manufacturers’ literature indicates re-staining about every two years.
Does Veranda require water sealing?
No. Veranda requires only periodic cleaning with soap and water. Deck sealants are not recommended or required.
Can 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, however we recommend using an ice melt product that does not have as harsh of an effect to the surface. These types of ice melt products may indicate "will not harm concrete" or "will not kill grass". Ensure after the ice and snow melts that you brush off residue ice melt product.