Has anyone had experience with Lowes ChoiceDek composite decking?

Sue P.
by Sue P.
We're planning to redo our deck and want to know if the ChoiceDek lasts well.
  5 answers
  • D & K D & K on Apr 10, 2015
    The use of ChoiceDek or any composite decking like Trex should be determined by the decks substructure; the framing. Most composite decking material is rated to span no more than 16 inches between joist. Any more than this and the decking will give or bend under weight and over time will permanently sag in warm weather. If the joist on your deck are greater than 16 inches on center I don't recommend using it. If the joists are 16 inches on center or less then go for it. ChoiceDek is a great product. It holds up well and zero maintenance.
    • See 1 previous
    • Heidi Johns Heidi Johns on Jun 12, 2019

      What did you go with??? I will say our choicedek faded drastically within 6 months, it.went from a beige taupe beach house gray as in their pics to almost white silver / no Warrantee on color fade/changes. :( wow pic of a new and 6 month old board. Also, Our front boards are warping terribly - :((

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  • Melissa Lyman Melissa Lyman on Apr 11, 2015
    We replaced our decks twice before going with the composite boards from Lowes. I love them, they still look great after 5? 6? years. We even used the leftover pieces for our outdoor kitchen. Can't use a snow shovel with a metal edge because it scratches (I'm in MI) and heavy things shouldn't be dragged across it. It does grow algae, but I scrub it down with a cleaner and it's easier to maintain than treated lumber. Grease stains are lifted with citrus cleaner. We'll never use treated lumber for anything outdoors again.
  • Gloria Gloria on Jun 03, 2015
    The only thing I don't like about this is very slippery when it snows and ice,but so far is great.
    • See 3 previous
    • Sue P. Sue P. on Jun 10, 2018

      Oh my, that mold really does appear to be a problem. We used ChoiceDek for our new deck in 2015 and are enjoying it without any major problems. it has faded a little,but that is why we chose Beach House Gray as that color naturally looks a bit faded. We only noticed the fading when we removed a mat by the back door.

      Once a year we spray it with Wet-and-Forget to clean it and we blow off the leaves frequently in the fall to keep them from staining it.

  • Vanessa Vanessa on Mar 19, 2017

    Can it be restored or even painted or stained? Jst bought a home with a pool and composite decking, looks worn.

    • Sue P. Sue P. on Mar 19, 2017

      ChoiceDek's web site in FAQs says "The manufacturer does not recommend painting or staining ChoiceDek decking and railing. As with any outdoor surface, periodic cleaning is required. However, if you choose to paint or stain, please follow these recommendations:

      Handrail can be painted or stained using two different methods:

      1. Allow the handrail to weather 2-3 months in direct sun. If painting, apply an oil-based primer following the weather process. Paint using high quality acrylic latex paint. If staining, primer is not needed. Stain using a high quality oil-based stain.
      2. If weathering the product is not an option, use a shellac-based primer and an acrylic latex paint.

      Decking can be painted or stained only if allowed to weather. Use method "a" above."

      Go to Google and type in "can you stain or paint composite decking" and you'll see lots of discussion about it.

      We clean ours with Wet & Forget (product from Home Depot or Lowe's) to get out most of the staining. It doesn't look as good as new, but it looks fine for being on a wooded lot where lots of "stuff" falls on it. We are happy with the product.

      ·Reply

  • Sue P. Sue P. on Mar 19, 2017

    ChoiceDek's web site in FAQs says "The manufacturer does not recommend painting or staining ChoiceDek decking and railing. As with any outdoor surface, periodic cleaning is required. However, if you choose to paint or stain, please follow these recommendations:

    Handrail can be painted or stained using two different methods:

    1. Allow the handrail to weather 2-3 months in direct sun. If painting, apply an oil-based primer following the weather process. Paint using high quality acrylic latex paint. If staining, primer is not needed. Stain using a high quality oil-based stain.
    2. If weathering the product is not an option, use a shellac-based primer and an acrylic latex paint.

    Decking can be painted or stained only if allowed to weather. Use method "a" above."


    Go to Google and type in "can you stain or paint composite decking" and you'll see lots of discussion about it.


    We clean ours with Wet & Forget (product from Home Depot or Lowe's) to get out most of the staining. It doesn't look as good as new, but it looks fine for being on a wooded lot where lots of "stuff" falls on it. We are happy with the product.