Most of us have heard the stories, some of them falling into the “horror” category. The consumer picks out a manufactured decking product that they really like, build their desired deck project and then at some point in the future they experience a product failure. This is a challenging thing to navigate in the best of circumstances. When you have someone other than a leading manufacturer involved, you run the risk of things getting exponentially more painful.

What Defines a Leading Decking Manufacturer?

While there is no set checklist to refer to, here are some things to consider:

  • Do they have a comprehensive, modern website?
  • Are they sold through any of your local “box stores”?
  • Have you seen or heard about the product through traditional or digital advertising?
  • Do they offer a comprehensive, in-house warranty?
  • Do they perform extensive in-house and 3rd party testing?
  • Do they manufacture in the U.S. using their own factories?
  • Are the reputable deck builders in your area installing this brand?

Shouldn’t My Warranty Take Care of Everything?

In the world of building materials, warranties are typically limited to material replacement or the price you paid at time of purchase (Sometimes even pro-rated). Any compensation for labor, dump fees, etc. is almost always expressly excluded. As you can imagine, this can create a significant financial burden on the consumer. There are many things requiring labor when replacing a deck surface:

  • Demolition and hauling of old materials
  • Railing removal and re-installation
  • Installation of the replacement decking    

Some people can perform the necessary labor themselves, but many are forced to hire the work done. The most heart-breaking scenarios are when a consumer with limited means builds their deck project later in life, thinking it will far outlast them. Should they incur a failure, they can end up with a significant problem they cannot afford to remedy.

Does the Product Warranty Survive When a Manufacturer Closes Their Doors?

We don’t like to think about it, but business failures happen, and decking manufacturers are not immune. The cost of extending warranty coverage for failed product can be very expensive and adds strain to any company’s balance sheet. When these businesses are under-capitalized or decking is not their primary focus, we have seen companies close their doors. Unless a bankrupt decking manufacture is acquired by a healthier competitor who agrees to cover past warranty commitments, the product warranty goes away along with the failed company. Now you have a consumer that not only has to foot the bill for all the labor, they also have to repurchase the decking products too.

Conclusion: Research the Decking Product You Are Considering

This article is not meant to scare anyone. It is an effort to create awareness that not all decking manufacturers are created equal. Although even the more reputable brands have manufacturing challenges from time-to-time, they have warranty processes in place and are much more capable of weathering any financial storm that might come from it. Building a deck or outdoor living space can be a significant financial investment these days. Do your homework so you can limit your exposure should you experience a product failure.

Interested in learning more about manufactured decking? Explore other helpful manufactured decking content—from installation basics to how to maintain your manufactured decking, or visit any of your Dunn Lumber stores in King and Snohomish county.