CARE

& CLEANING

TimberTech products are made exclusively from technologically-advanced composite materials designed to provide years of low-maintenance use and enjoyment. Our products are guaranteed against termites, checking, splitting, decay, rot and splintering. Please register your limited warranty within 30 days of receipt of product.

Your new TimberTech products will be dependable and attractive for years to come. Moreover, if you decide to sell your home, the TimberTech limited warranty may be fully transferable to a new owner.

With proper installation and care, TimberTech products will provide years of outdoor living pleasure.

Storage

Store TimberTech products under cover to maintain a clean surface. If stored outdoors, they must be covered with a non-translucent material.

• All products should be stored flat and on a dry surface.
• Stack units with banding and bottom supports aligned.

Handling

Although all TimberTech planks are made with low-maintenance materials, each plank’s unique features require special care and handling, ensuring lasting beauty.

To maintain the beauty of TimberTech products please follow these important guidelines when moving and working with TimberTech:

• Never dump TimberTech materials when unloading.
• When carrying TimberTech planks, carry on edge for better support.
• Do not slide planks against each other when moving them. When removing them from the unit, lift the planks and set them down.
• Do not slide tools or drag equipment across the top of the planks during construction.
• Keep the surface of the planks free of construction waste to prevent damage to the planks.

Special Handling Required

TimberTech Earthwood and Floorizon planks in Walnut, Teak and Rosewood are designed to mimic the look and feel of real tropical hardwoods. To best accomplish this effect, dark color accents and some variation in grain pattern are manufactured into each board. Special attention should be given to ALL the guidelines above when handling these planks to minimize scratches, nicks and grooves, and preserve the beauty of the colors.

Discarding Scrap Product Scrap can be discarded with normal construction debris. Basic Cleaning Recommendations

Although TimberTech products are low-maintenance, TimberTech recommends periodic cleaning to help maintain the beauty of the product. For best results a cleaner like eco-friendly Corte Clean is recommended. Follow the manufacturers’ application instructions.

A power washer can be used when cleaning TimberTech products. The recommended maximum pressure is 1500 psi from TimberTech decks. A fan tip nozzle should be used along with the proper cleaning product. Spray in the direction of the brush/grain pattern to avoid damaging the product. Use caution not to damage the material and always take the proper safety precautions when operating a power washer.

To remove product identification printing from the side or bottom of a TimberTech deck plank use Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol).

TimberTech does not recommend the use of rubber or vinyl products (welcome mats, planters, etc.) on XLM deck planks. A reaction can occur that causes discoloration of the decking under the rubber/vinyl product. This is a common caution for vinyl decking products.  

Ice and Snow For ice removal, either rock salt or calcium chloride may be used without damage to the surface. However, either of these products may leave a white residue, which may be removed by either rinsing with water or a mild soap/water solution should achieve this. Use care and caution to not damage the surface of your deck when shoveling snow or ice off of it.  Painting/Staining/Sealing

Although not recommended, TimberTech products may be painted or stained. Once the product is painted, stained or sealed, subsequent applications will be necessary to maintain appearance. TimberTech does not guarantee the performance of anything applied to the product.

Wait approximately 8-10 weeks or until the product has completed its weathering process before painting or staining. Clean your TimberTech surface prior to applying paint or stain. Never paint or stain over surfaces that may contain dirt, or mildew. Be sure paint or stain does not clog drain holes in Floorizon planks. Always apply paints and sealers in accordance with the manufacturer’s application instructions.

Stains and sealers that have been used with TimberTech are:

• Cabot Clear Solution-Oil Based
• Weatherall UV Guard Deck and Fence Coating
• Cabot Australian Timber Oil

Dirt, Grime, Tannin and Mildew Stains

TimberTech products are formulated to inhibit mildew growth and minimize staining. Rinse off your TimberTech products periodically with a hose. Even if it appears clean, it is important to prevent build-up of pollen/debris. Mildew stains may occur where moisture, pollens, and/or dirt are present. Mildew needs a food source to grow, which can be grass, pollens, dirt, debris, wood and wood resins.

Maintaining a clean, dry surface is the best method for combating mildew. Ensure that water drains effectively from your deck. Keep weep holes clear and unclogged on TimberTech Floorizon planks. For TimberTech XLM, Earthwood Evolutions, TwinFinish, DockSider and ReliaBoard, be sure that gaps exist between planks to allow for drainage.

Like any wood-based product, TimberTech's wood-plastic composite products (Floorizon, Earthwood, TwinFinish, DockSider, ReliaBoard and FenceScape) may experience a naturally occurring process called Extractive Bleeding. This process may cause a temporary discoloration that will weather away. In most cases the weathering process takes 8-10 weeks but could vary depending on location and specific product application such as a covered porch.

If the stains have set on Floorizon (Cedar, Grey or Redwood only), TwinFinish, ReliaBoard, or DockSider planks, you may want to use fine sandpaper and sand lightly followed by a wire brush to re-grain the decking. Always follow the wood grain finish of the plank. The sanded area will weather back in approximately 8-10 weeks but can very depending on location and specific application.

Do not apply this method to TimberTech Floorizon planks in tropical colors, Earthwood, Earthwood Evolutions planks, XLM planks, or BuilderBoard.

Cleaners that are recommended for periodic cleaning or use with TimberTech are:

• Super Deck Composite Deck Cleaner 
• Corte Clean
• E Z Off Composite Wood Cleaner
• Thompson's Water Seal-Oxy Action

Spot Stains

Many stains can be cleaned with soap and water. If the stains have set, the following cleaners have been found to remove or reduce the stains. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to achieve maximum results. Areas cleaned may lighten; this will require 8-10 weeks exposure to the sun to match the remaining product.

Floorizon, TwinFinish, ReliaBoard, DockSider, and BuilderRail

Tree Sap

• Krud Kutter
• Simple Green

Spray Paint

• Lift Off #4

Oil, Grease

• Krud Cutter
• Oil Eater

BBQ, Ketchup, Mustard, Jelly and Jam

• Krud Cutter

Wine

• Wine Away

Kool-Aid

• Oxi Clean

To clean Earthwood Evolutions and XLM, we recommend the following methods:

*Keeping an unsoiled deck surface will make cleanup after a spill much easier. 

1. Immediately wipe the soiled area and remove as much of the spill as possible.
2. If the spill consists of an abrasive substance, blot the spill. Do not rub.
3. Soak the stained area with warm water and blot up with a soft towel.
4. If the stain is still evident, mix a solution of mild dishwashing detergent and warm water in a small bucket.
5. Using a clean towel or soft sponge, apply the soapy solution to the stain and allow to stand for 3 minutes.
6. After the stain has soaked attempt to wipe with a clean towel or sponge.

For periodic maintenance cleaning, rinse deck thoroughly. A soap and water solution can be used as needed.  
Scratches, Nicks, Cuts and Grooves

TwinFinish, ReliaBoard, DockSider and Floorizon planks and TwinFascia (in Cedar, Grey and Redwood)

Scratches, nicks, cuts and grooves can be eliminated by using a wire brush. Brush in the direction of the grain of the product. The brushed area will weather back in approximately 8-10 weeks.

Earthwood and Floorizon planks and TwinFascia in Rosewood, Teak and Walnut. Does not apply to Earthwood Evolutions.

Surface scratches and abrasions on these products will fade after weathering.

For scuffs and scratches we recommend using MinWax Stain (found at local home centers). Care should be taken during application to buff off excess stain. The excess stain can cause a dark and glossy appearance to the surrounding area.

• For Teak use MinWax Early American # 230
• For Walnut use MinWax Dark Walnut #2716
• For Rosewood use MinWax Red Mahogany #225

For deeper scratches a soldering iron can be used. By applying heat to the scratch with a soldering iron, the damaged area will be less visible.

• Use a soldering iron such as the cordless butane powered LSP-25 manufactured by Wall Lenk Corporation and available at most building supply and hardware stores. Standard soldering irons work as well.
• Experiment on a piece of scrap material to determine the optimal heat range, as soldering irons will vary.
• A rounded tip design works best to blend scratches.

Heat up the soldering iron and slide the rounded point of the tip into the scratch; speed and pressure will vary depending on the depth of the scratch. The scratched surface will melt and return to the original color. On weathered Earthwood planks, the repaired area will appear slightly darker, but will weather to a close match in approximately 8-10 weeks.

Scratches running across the VertiGrain pattern will blend in but may be visible when viewed from some angles.

RadianceRail Touch-Up

Duplicolor 2-in-1 Automobile Touch-up Paint is recommended for scratches, nicks and scuffs on TimberTech RadianceRail:

• For Coastal White use "Gloss White"
• For Classic Black use "Universal Flat Black"