Does aluminium decking scratch easily?

Help & Advice > Product Guides > Outdoor Flooring

While decking has traditionally been made from timber, that’s no longer the sole option.

So, if you’re looking for a bit of variety, an aluminium decking frame might be the right choice for you, as it’s easy to maintain and extremely durable.

The question is:

Are aluminium deck boards easy to scratch and damage?

That’s what we’re here to find out!

Without further ado, let’s dive right in.

Table of contents:

• Is aluminium good for a deck?
• Aluminium decking and powder coating
• Does aluminium decking scratch easily?
• How much is aluminium decking?
• How to avoid scratching aluminium decking
• How long does aluminium decking last?
• Final thoughts

Is aluminium good for a deck?

Perhaps you’re not fully convinced aluminium is a good choice for decking. In that case, let’s take a closer look at some of its benefits.

Durable

An aluminium deck boasts inherent strength and resistance to corrosion. This durability is especially beneficial for decking in areas with high moisture or salt exposure, as it reduces the likelihood of deterioration and extends its lifespan.

Versatile

Aluminium decking is a versatile choice suitable for both domestic and commercial projects. Its adaptability allows for easy integration into simple or complex designs, ensuring that you can achieve beautiful decking regardless of its intended purpose.

Lightweight

Not only is aluminium decking durable, but it’s also exceptionally lightweight. This is particularly advantageous if you prioritise ease of transport, as it can lead to cost savings during material relocation.

Resistant to fire

Compliance with fire regulations is crucial, particularly on balconies and terraces. Fortunately, aluminium decking is an ideal solution, meeting fire safety requirements without compromising the aesthetics of your deck.

Stylish & elegant

Many contemporary decking styles now offer concealed fixings, resulting in a sleek, seamless surface with no protruding elements. This design choice enhances the overall aesthetics and usability of your decking.

Aluminium decking and powder coating

While there isn’t currently a decking material that’s entirely immune to scratches, ongoing research aims to discover such a resilient option.

Having said that:

We should point out that manufacturers have made significant strides in prolonging the lifespan of their products and reducing the vulnerability to damage. Aluminium decking, for instance, benefits from an innovative technique known as surface coating.

The surface coating for aluminium decking is typically achieved through anodisation or powder coating. Its primary objectives are to enhance the visual appeal of the decking and introduce a layer of slip resistance to enhance grip and bolster board safety.

Sound exciting?

Let’s find out more about it!

What is powder coating?

Powder coating is widely regarded as the top choice for enhancing the durability and visual appeal of aluminium decking. This method typically involves applying a dry powder to the aluminium surface, followed by heat curing to solidify the protective coating on the aluminium alloy.

Ultimately, this process results in heightened slip resistance and a premium aesthetic finish.

Now:

It’s important to note that powder coating is not intended as a protective shield for the decking. So, without proper care, the surface can still be susceptible to scratches or damage. For instance, walking across the boards with a pebble stuck to your shoe can leave marks, and moving furniture or heavy items across the surface without lifting them can also cause unwanted scratches.

Key takeaway:

Exercising caution whenever possible is advisable to prevent long-lasting damage.

Which brings us right back to the big question, namely…

Does aluminium decking scratch easily?

You’ll be pleased to learn that when it’s protected by a top-quality powder coating, aluminium decking demonstrates exceptional resistance to scratching.

Keep in mind that various methods are employed to evaluate the effectiveness of powder coating. One widely recognised benchmark is the Qualicoat Standard, which outlines precise criteria. It’s essential to note that these standards can undergo periodic revisions, making it advisable to stay informed by visiting their official website.

With that in mind, here are the current powder coating requirements:

Additionally, you might come across the British Standards Institution and European Standards, which are quite common. Different manufactures will tend to stick with different standards for the sake of consistency, so always make sure you check which one you’re dealing with.

How much is aluminium decking?

As with other types of outdoor flooring, the cost of aluminium decking in the UK can vary significantly, ranging from as low as £30 per square metre to as high as £150 per square metre.

Some of the determining price factors are the source of materials, their quality and the specific installation location.

Here are a couple of quick examples:

If you’re installing decking in a standard garden setting, for instance, you may only require decking boards, placing you towards the lower end of the price range.

On the other hand, if you’re installing aluminium decking on a waterproofed surface or a metal-framed balcony, a substructure will likely be needed to support the decking. This additional requirement will place you at the higher end of the pricing spectrum.

Regardless of your specific needs, we recommend that you consult a professional tradesperson. While certain factors may be fixed, you can often make choices regarding the deck design, finish and supplier to align with your preferences and budget.

How to avoid scratching aluminium decking

To prevent the risk of scratches on your newly installed aluminium decking, consider the following measures:

Sweeping

Regularly sweep your deck with a soft cleaning brush to deter abrasive items, such as small stones, from remaining on the surface. Leaving these objects in place can result in them being picked up by shoes and dragged across the decking, potentially causing scratches.

Utilising pads or glides

Place these under heavy objects on your deck to minimise the likelihood of scratching the surface, especially if furniture or decorations are accidentally bumped or intentionally moved across the deck.

Cleaning with chemicals

Be extremely cautious with cleaning materials and chemicals, as some can harm the surface of your aluminium decking. To begin with, always check if they’re aluminium-friendly before using them.

Also, keep in mind that excessive use may strip away the protective powder coating, exposing the underlying material and making it more susceptible to scratch marks. So, opt for non-abrasive cleaning materials to maintain the decking’s integrity.

How long does aluminium decking last?

The typical lifespan of aluminium decking is around 30 years, but certain instances may see it lasting up to 40 or even 60 years.

That being said:

Most warranties provided by manufacturers tend to extend only up to 30 years. It’s advisable to communicate with your manufacturer to ascertain the specific coverage offered for your purchase.

If you’re interested in understanding how aluminium decking stacks up against timber and composite decking, head over to our decking buyer’s guide for a detailed comparison.

Final thoughts

Aluminium decking is a great alternative to more traditional timber and composite options.

And while many potential buyers fear aluminium decks scratch quite easily, they couldn’t be more wrong!

The thing is:

With proper cleaning and maintenance, a quality aluminium decking frame can easily last for over 30 years in mint condition.

This is huge!

Bottom line:

Aluminium decking is well-known for its exceptional durability, longevity and low maintenance requirements, making it a cost-effective and long-lasting choice for outdoor spaces.