Aluminium decking has become a serious competitor against other materials in the deck industry for many good reasons, including low maintenance and high durability, to name a few.
So, what are the concerns with aluminium decking? Well, that’s what you can find out in our guide below.
We’ll explore whether aluminium decking scratches easily and additional concerns most have with aluminium decking boards.
Table of contents
- Aluminium decking and powder coating
- So, does aluminium decking scratch easily?
- Ways to avoid scratching your aluminium decking
Aluminium decking and powder coating
Now, no decking is scratch proof. Researchers are still in the process of finding a material with that power.
Nevertheless, manufacturers now have more ways than ever to ensure their products last longer and have minimal risk of damage. Aluminium decking is no exception, thanks to what’s known as a surface coating.
The surface coating on aluminium decking is typically anodised or powder coating. Its purpose is to enhance the overall appearance, with a touch of slip-resistant layering to help with grip and improve the safety of the boards.
What is powder coating?
Many professionals consider powder coating the primary choice for aluminium decking because it helps create a durable surface and offers high aesthetic appeal.
Typically, powder coating is applied as a dry powder to the aluminium surface. Then the coating is cured using heat to harden the layer coating the aluminium alloy. This results in improved slip resistance and a high-quality look.
An important note is powder coating is not for use as a protective layer. Without the correct treatment, the decking can be scratched or damaged.
For example, if you walk across your boards and find a stone stuck in the bottom of your shoe, you’ve likely left a mark behind.
You can also cause scratches by moving furniture or items across the surface without lifting them. So, it’s best to act with caution, if possible, to avoid long-lasting damage.
So, does aluminium decking scratch easily?
The big question.
The short answer? No.
The long answer? Still no. Aluminium decking does not easily scratch when covered with a high-grade powder coating.
There are numerous ways powder coating is measured. A common classification is the Qualicoat Standard. These standards highlight specific requirements which can be subject to change. So, it’s worth staying up to date by checking out their website.
Currently, the requirements for powder coating are as follows:
| Powder coating | Micrometre |
| Class 1 | 60 µm |
| Class 1.5 | 60 µm |
| Class 2 | 60 µm |
| Class 3 | 50 µm |
| Two-coat powder coating (Classes 1 and 2) | 110 µm |
| Two-coat PVDF powder coating | 80 µm |
Other standards followed are that of the British Standards Institution and European Standards. Alupave, for example, supplies a wide range of aluminium decking with or without powder coating with these standards in mind. Check out Alupave’s range of products here at Drainage Superstore to make an informed decision before you buy.
Ways to avoid scratching your aluminium decking
There are a few ways you can prevent the risk of scratches after installing aluminium decking.
Pads or glides
Place these under heavy objects on the deck. They will help reduce the risk of scratching the surface, particularly if the furniture or decoration is accidentally nudged or purposefully moved across the deck.
Sweeping
Regular sweeping of the deck with a soft cleaning brush helps prevent abrasive items (like small stones) from staying on the surface. Leaving them means they can be picked up if caught under someone’s shoe and dragged across the surface.
Using aluminium-friendly cleaning tools and chemicals
Some cleaning materials can be harmful to the surface of the aluminium decking. If used too often, you could risk removing the powder coating and exposing the material underneath, leading to quicker scratch marks forming. So, make sure you use non-abrasive cleaning materials.
Check out our decking buyer’s guide and other Help and Advice to ensure you make an informed decision before you purchase.
If you already have your decking in place, find out how to keep it looking great for longer by checking out how to clean decking, complete with step-by-step guidance.
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