GEODECK FAQS

What is the GeoDeck Decking & Railing System?
What is GeoDeck made of?
What applications can GeoDeck be used for?
What tools are required to install GeoDeck?
Are GeoDeck boards easy to install?
Can GeoDeck be painted or stained?
The deck boards have some color variation. Is this normal?
Will GeoDeck fade over time?
Why don't GeoDeck boards fade like other composites?
In what lengths, styles and colors are GeoDeck boards available?
In what colors are GeoDeck railings available?
Are GeoDeck boards strong and durable?
Does GeoDeck meet National Building Code Requirements?
How do I clean GeoDeck?
How do I dispose of GeoDeck?
Can I use deicers on GeoDeck?
Does GeoDeck cost more than wood to maintain?
Why is GeoDeck a superior alternative to pressure-treated lumber?
What is the GeoDeck’s warranty?
Is GeoDeck safe for family, friends, and the environment?
What joist spans should be used when installing GeoDeck boards?
Should allowances be made for expansion and contraction of GeoDeck boards?
How can I cover the exposed ends of GeoDeck boards?
What accessories are available to finish and dress up my GeoDeck deck?

What is the GeoDeck Decking & Railing System? [Top]
The GeoDeck™ Decking & Railing System is a state-of-the-art decking system that consists of matching boards, railings, posts, balusters, end caps, fascia board, post caps, post base trim, and hand rail collars – everything needed to create a great-looking deck.

What is GeoDeck made of? [Top]
GeoDeck is manufactured from a combination of recycled and other plastic, blended with our Biodac formulation of cellulose fiber and minerals. This exclusive process enables us to create a range of durable, lightweight boards for decks and other outdoor applications. The raw materials used to make the composite material are high-density polyethylene, cellulose fiber, and a granular material containing refined cellulose fiber, calcium carbonate, and kaolin/clay.

What applications can GeoDeck be used for? [Top]
GeoDeck is versatile enough for decks, porches, patios, pool and hot tub surrounds, walkway, docks, boat slips, and just about any other application you can imagine.

What tools are required to install GeoDeck? [Top]
GeoDeck profiles cut, saw, drill, router, mill, nail, and fasten easily with standard woodworking tools.

Are GeoDeck boards easy to install? [Top]
Yes. Quick and professional installation can be accomplished with the use of a coil drum ring siding/fencing nailer. Recommended nails are 8d 2 1/2” stainless steel or acceptable coated ring shank (10d 3” for Heavy-Duty Commercial boards). Recommended screws are #8 or #9 2 1/2” stainless steel or acceptable coated trim head (#9 3” for Heavy-Duty Commercial boards). Consult the GeoDeck Installation Instructions for detailed nail and screw fastening recommendations.

Can GeoDeck be painted or stained? [Top]
GeoDeck boards come in three attractive colors: Cedar, Mahogany, and Driftwood. Painting or staining is not required, but can be done if desired. Use a high-quality acrylic latex primer and topcoat. Please note that painted GeoDeck surfaces lose some slip resistance and will require annual maintenance.

The deck boards have some color variation. Is this normal? [Top]
Yes. Like lumber or any natural product, GeoDeck may vary slightly in color, creating a distinctive and attractive look as found in nature.

Will GeoDeck fade over time? [Top]
GeoDeck boards are highly fade resistant and will exhibit minimal weathering over a period of years.

Why don't GeoDeck boards fade like other composites? [Top]
Most composite products are made with wood flour or chips and plastic. The Lignins found in wood products are a major contributor to fading. GeoDeck uses Biodac rather than wood chips as its fiber source. Biodac has low amounts of Lignins and consequently its GeoDeck products are more resistant to fading.

In what lengths, styles, and colors are GeoDeck boards available? [Top]
GeoDeck Traditional and Tongue & Groove boards are available in a
5/4" x 6" profile dimension. Our Heavy-Duty Commercial board is available in a 6/4" x 8" profile dimension. Stock lengths are 12', 16', and 20'. GeoDeck boards can be purchased in three fade-resistant colors: Cedar, Mahogany, and Driftwood.

In what colors are GeoDeck railings available? [Top]
GeoDeck railings are available In the same beautiful, fade-resistant colors as our decking—Cedar, Mahogany, and Driftwood.

Are GeoDeck boards strong and durable? [Top]
Yes. Our special blend of ingredients and engineered profiles make our product 30-50% stronger than other composite decking materials. GeoDeck boards are stronger than most of the leading composite boards on the market. Their engineered profile provides superior strength and durability.

Does GeoDeck meet National Building Code Requirements? [Top]
Yes. GeoDeck is BOCA/ICBO/ICC listed. (ICC-ES Report No. ESR-1369). Click here to download a PDF of the report.

How do I clean GeoDeck? [Top]
GeoDeck can be cleaned with any general-purpose household cleaner and/or degreaser. The use of an industrial cleaner or rubbing alcohol along with a wire brush is recommended for stubborn stains. For more detailed instructions, click here.

How Do I Dispose of GeoDeck? [Top]
Since GeoDeck contains no toxic materials, hazardous chemicals or preservatives, it can be disposed of with normal construction debris. We do not recommend burning GeoDeck.

Can I Use Deicers on GeoDeck? [Top]
Yes, you can. GeoDeck is very resistant to chemicals (with the exception of colorants or very strong acids). We suggest using calcium chloride rather than sodium chloride (e.g. table salt), because calcium chloride is more efficient and does not leave white spots.

Does GeoDeck cost more than wood to maintain? [Top]
The initial cost of your GeoDeck might be a bit more than other surface materials but compared with wood products, it will save you tremendously in time, effort, and money during the life of your deck.

Consider the following before purchasing a wood deck:

• The decking material represents less than 15% of the total cost of most decks.
  
• GeoDeck requires no annual maintenance and very little care.
  
• All GeoDeck profiles are manufactured in uniform lengths and widths. This helps to decrease installation time significantly over wood materials.
  
• GeoDeck is backed by a 20-year limited warranty.
  
• GeoDeck does not split, decay, rot or warp and is highly resistant to termites.

Why is GeoDeck a superior alternative to pressure-treated lumber? [Top]
Unlike pressure-treated pine, GeoDeck profiles will not split, crack, warp, rot or decay. The boards contain no knots and are highly resistant to termites. They’re easy to maintain and require no painting or annual sealing so you have more time to enjoy your deck. And GeoDeck does not contain toxic materials.

What is the GeoDeck’s warranty? [Top]
GeoDeck comes with a 20-year limited warranty that provides comprehensive coverage against splintering, splitting, rot or decay, and termite damage.

Click here to read the complete GeoDeck warranty.

Is GeoDeck safe for family, friends, and the environment? [Top]
Yes. GeoDeck will not splinter so it’s kind to bare feet. It’s slip resistant, especially when wet, and meets ADA standards. GeoDeck does not contain toxic materials, hazardous chemicals or preservatives.

What joist spans should be used when installing GeoDeck boards? [Top]
Depending on the GeoDeck board profile and application, joist spans range from 16” – 24” O.C. with our Traditional and Tongue & Groove boards. Our Heavy-Duty Commercial boards can span up to 30” O.C. See the GeoDeck Installation Instructions for more detailed installation information.

Should allowances be made for expansion and contraction of GeoDeck boards? [Top]
Yes, it is important to note that all composite and plastic-based products will experience some degree of expansion and contraction with changes in temperature. Longer boards expand more than shorter boards. See the GeoDeck Installation Instructions for more detailed installation information.

How can I cover the exposed ends of GeoDeck boards? [Top]
There are several ways in which board ends can be covered. Using the “picture frame” technique, you can run a Traditional board perpendicular to the deck boards. This covers the board ends and adds beauty and balance to the deck. You can also use GeoDeck End Caps, custom trim piece, or GeoDeck Fascia Board.

What accessories are available to finish and dress up my GeoDeck deck? [Top]
GeoDeck provides a number of accessories that can give your deck a more finished look, such as 12’ fascia board to cover rim joist and stair stringers, finish trim to cover the tongue of our Tongue & Groove boards, and decorative post caps and base trim for railing.

These FAQs are also available as a PDF. Click here to download it.