Frequently Asked Questions

You can find everything you ever wanted to know about our Dream^®Deck Vinyl and Composite Decking Systems right here, from learning what our decks are made of, to determining the best way to maintain them.

Why is Dream^®Deck Vinyl Decking called “the Natural Replacement for Wood?”
Because compared with wood, Dream^®Deck vinyl decking requires little maintenance and care. While all wood deck and dock surfaces require frequent and costly maintenance (stripping, sanding, re-nailing, refinishing, re-sealing), the only care required for Dream^®Deck is regular washing. In addition, with Dream^®Deck vinyl decking there are no splinters, no nails and no exposed fasteners. No rotting. No termites or other insect infestation. No hazardous chemical going into the soil. And Dream^®Deck contains no lead. What could be more "natural"!

What is Dream^®Deck made of?
The Dream^® Deck walking surface (planks) is made of 100% PVC (polyvinylchloride), using a state of the art three-layer extrusion process. The three layers are totally weatherable. The top layer provides color uniformity and a slip-resistant surface. The second layer is recycled material for strength and environmental responsiveness. The third layer is a flexible "dual-durometer" added to the bottom of the planking to prevent the squeaking sound associated with competitive products.

Is Dream^®Deck environmentally safe?
Yes. All Dream^®Deck vinyl decking materials meet applicable government standards and are 100% recyclable, keeping the product out of landfills.

Is Dream^®Deck slippery when wet?
The embossed pattern creates a slip-resistant surface. In fact, the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta used Dream^®Deck planking as a launching ramp for its "Anything-That-Floats Race," during which the surface is partly submerged. In addition, rock salt or other chemicals for snow removal do not affect the surface.

How will extremes of weather affect Dream^®Deck?
It is normal for any material to expand and contract during temperature changes. Vinyl also becomes slightly less flexible in very cold weather. However, Dream^®Deck design and approved installation techniques allow for these effects of temperature change.

Will Dream^®Deck burn?
PVC is classified as a “self-extinguishing” material, which means it will burn only while a direct flame is applied to it.

Will the Dream^®Deck surface 'chalk'?
Normal weathering, which is defined as exposed to sunlight (ultraviolet) and extremes of weather and atmospheric conditions, will cause any colored or painted surface to fade, darken, chalk or accumulate surface dirt or stains. The severity of these conditions depends on shading, air quality, pollutants, and the geographic location of the installation.

How do I keep Dream^®Deck Vinyl Decking clean?
As with any product exposed to outdoor conditions, you will need to clean it to remove dirt, airborne pollution, or accidental spills. An occasional use of a household cleaner and/or hosing should suffice. For particularly stubborn stains, a solution of tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) is recommended. TSP is available at most home centers and hardware stores.

What does the Dream^®Deck Warranty cover?
The warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship in manufacture, including flaking, rotting, corroding, peeling, blistering, or splitting. Full details are spelled out in the warranty document.

Is Dream^®Deck more expensive than wood?
It depends on whether you measure COST or PRICE. Here's what we mean. Although the initial investment for Dream^® Deck vinyl decking may be higher than for wood, the expenses of annual maintenance and replacement will soon make the total dollar value outlay for wood higher. Your Dream^®Deck representative can give you an estimated "Payback Period," based on the size and configuration of your deck. Following this period, the expense of maintaining and eventually replacing a wood deck will be higher than the entire investment in Dream^®Deck.

What is Dream^® Composite Decking made of?
Dream^®Composite Decking is manufactured from a combination of recycled and other plastic, blended with our Purified Fiber Process (PFP)^® formulation of cellulose fiber and minerals. This exclusive process enables us to create a range of durable, lightweight boards for decks and other outdoor applications.

What applications can Dream^® Composite Deck be used for?
Dream^®Composite Deck is versatile enough for decks, porches, patios, pool and hot tub surrounds, walkway, docks, boat slips, and just about any other application you can imagine.

What tools are required to install Dream^® Composite Deck?
Dream^®Composite Deck profiles cut, saw, drill, router, mill, nail, and fasten easily with standard woodworking tools.

Are Dream^® Composite Decking boards easy to install?
Yes. Quick and professional installation can be accomplished with the use of a coil drum ring siding/fencing nailer. Recommended nails are 8d 2 1/2” stainless steel or acceptable coated ring shank (10d 3” for Heavy-Duty Commercial boards). Recommended screws are #8 or #9 2 1/2” stainless steel or acceptable coated trim head (#9 3” for Heavy-Duty Commercial boards). Consult the Dream^®Composite Deck Installation Instructions for detailed nail and screw fastening recommendations.

The Dream^® Composite Decking boards have some color variation. Is this normal?
Yes. Like lumber or any natural product, Dream^®Composite Deck may vary slightly in color, creating a distinctive and attractive look as found in nature.

Will Dream^® Composite Decking fade over time?
Dream^®Composite Deck boards are highly fade resistant and will exhibit minimal weathering over a period of years.

Why don't Dream^® Composite Decking boards fade like other composites?
Most composite products are made with wood flour or chips and plastic. The Lignins found in wood products are a major contributor to fading. Dream^®Composite Deck uses a Purified Fiber Process rather than wood chips as its fiber source. This process has low amounts of Lignins and consequently its Dream^®Composite Deck products are more resistant to fading.

In what lengths, styles, and colors are Dream^® Composite Decking boards available?
Dream^®Composite Deck Traditional and Tongue & Groove boards are available in a 5/4" x 6" profile dimension. Stock lengths are 16' and 20'. Dream^®Composite Deck boards can be purchased in two fade-resistant colors: Cedar and Driftwood.

Are Dream^® Composite Decking boards strong and durable?
Yes. Our special blend of ingredients and engineered profiles make our product 30-50% stronger than other composite decking materials. Dream^®Composite Deck boards are stronger than most of the leading composite boards on the market. Their engineered profile provides superior strength and durability.

How do I clean Dream^® Composite Decking?
Dream^®Composite Deck can be cleaned with any general-purpose household cleaner and/or degreaser. The use of an industrial cleaner or rubbing alcohol along with a wire brush is recommended for stubborn stains.

Does Dream^® Composite Decking cost more than wood to maintain?
The initial cost of your Dream^®Composite Deck might be a bit more than other surface materials but compared with wood products, it will save you tremendously in time, effort, and money during the life of your deck. Consider the following before purchasing a wood deck:

• Dream^®Composite Deck requires no annual maintenance and very little care.
• All Dream^®Composite Deck profiles are manufactured in uniform lengths and widths. This helps to decrease installation time significantly over wood materials.
• Dream^®Composite Deck is backed by a 20-year limited warranty.
• Dream^®Composite Deck does not split, decay, rot or warp and is highly resistant to termites.

Why is Dream^® Composite Deck a superior alternative to pressure-treated lumber?
Unlike pressure-treated pine, Dream^®Composite Deck profiles will not split, crack, warp, rot or decay. The boards contain no knots and are highly resistant to termites. They’re easy to maintain and require no painting or annual sealing so you have more time to enjoy your deck. And Dream^®Composite Deck does not contain toxic materials.

What is the Dream^® Composite Deck's warranty?
Dream^®Composite Deck comes with a 20-year limited warranty that provides comprehensive coverage against splintering, splitting, rot or decay, and termite damage.

Is Dream^® Composite Decking safe for family, friends, and the environment?
Yes. Dream^®Composite Deck will not splinter so it’s kind to bare feet. It’s slip resistant, especially when wet, and meets ADA standards. Dream^®Composite Deck does not contain toxic materials, hazardous chemicals or preservatives.

What joist spans should be used when installing Dream^® Composite Decking boards?
Depending on the Dream^®Composite Deck board profile and application, joist spans are 16” with our Traditional and Tongue & Groove boards.

Should allowances be made for expansion and contraction of Dream^® Composite Decking boards?
Yes, it is important to note that all composite and plastic-based products will experience some degree of expansion and contraction with changes in temperature. Longer boards expand more than shorter boards. See the Dream^®Composite Deck  Installation Instructions for more detailed installation information.

How can I cover the exposed ends of Dream^® Composite Decking boards?
There are several ways in which board ends can be covered. Using the “picture frame” technique, you can run a Traditional board perpendicular to the deck boards. This covers the board ends and adds beauty and balance to the deck. You can also use Dream^®Composite Deck End Caps, custom trim piece, or Dream^®Composite Deck Fascia Board.

What accessories are available to finish and dress up my Dream^® Composite Deck?
Dream^®Composite Deck provides a number of accessories that can give your deck a more finished look, such as 12’ fascia board to cover rim joist and stair stringers, finish trim to cover the tongue of our Tongue & Groove boards.

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