Do you have composite decking? Wood-plastic composites have become widely accepted for building residential decks due to their long lifespan and low-maintenance qualities. Because they’ve become more common, we’re frequently asked whether our snow melting mats can be used on composite decking.

Today, we’re going to answer this question in-depth but, first, we’ll dig into some background on composite materials and how they work. Let’s get started!

 

What are composite decks?

Building decks from composite materials has become an increasingly popular option for homeowners because of their advantages over wooden decks. Traditional wood decks are stunning but they can become a lot of work to maintain over time. Plus, they have to be resealed and stained every 2-3 years.

On the other hand, composite decking is low-maintenance, durable, and customizable. This makes it an attractive decking option for homeowners who want to get the most out of their deck’s lifespan.

There are several types of composite decking. These materials include PVC, polymer, laminate, and others. Trex is a common brand name. Basically, if your deck is made of faux-wood, you have composite decking.

Can I use heated floor mats on my composite deck?

The short answer is yes. Although, it is recommended to use some sort of barrier between the decking and the mats if the decking is less than 3 years old. The easiest thing to do, is to go to your local hardware store and have them cut 1/4" plywood for you to our mat sizes. You can then fasten the mats to the plywood via the grommet holes provided on the mats. The will protect the decking while leaving a clear pathway free of snow and ice.