How To Prevent Static Electricity On A Composite Deck

When you stack up all the advantages of composite over timber, the evidence for choosing composite is quite clear. However, there is one disadvantage which you need to consider before purchasing composite decking. Static electricity on composite decking is a real thing and can be an issue in dry climates. This is especially prevalent on capped composite decking (the NeoTimber® Advanced and Deluxe ranges) due to the plastic polymer shell.

Composite deck boards act as an insulating material due to their plastic content, this in turn means that they hold a small static charge. If you live in a particularly dry climate, then static build-up is more likely as it tends to build up in drier conditions. As boards weather, the amount of charge they hold will naturally reduce as they age. In this article we will look at what causes static, how to prevent it and some ways to tackle it…

If you have never been exposed to the phenomenon, you may be surprised to know that you can buy an anti-static spray to deal with static charge in your composite decking. You can reduce static by spraying this solution directly onto your boards. Use an outdoor solution as British weather can be particularly tough on decking. You can buy a specific anti-static solution such as Anti-Static ESD which are more suited to large scale applications and should be applied following the recommended guidelines. For any application, whether residential or commercial decking such as in a holiday park, public pavilion or restaurant, it’s a good practice to adopt with each deep clean.

With that said, buying a dedicated solution can be expensive, especially if the issue is minor, say just one section is affected. Another option is to make your own solution. Mix fabric softener (which contains an anti-static agent) with water until it is thin enough and transfer to a spray bottle to apply to your composite boards. One litre of homemade solution should be sufficient for 25m2. You can incorporate this into your general cleaning routine as removing combustible dust, and leaf litter will also ensure safe decking.

In areas particularly prone to static, such as countries with a warm climate, a common strategy to mitigate the consequences of static is to use rubber matting. Commonly used in restaurants and pub verandas, they are best used in areas of high footfall such as walkways, and paths.

In addition to composite itself, rattan furniture is also a natural insulator and so the two can combine to create a sharp jolt if left unchecked. To avoid this, ensure you place furniture on rubber mats or have rubber foot pads fitted.

Another way to combat static electricity on composite decking is to introduce plants on decking. Plants, especially large ones expel a large amount of oxygen which creates a naturally humid atmosphere, this reduces the dryness in the air and prevents static from building up in your decking.