ChoiceDek FAQ

What is ChoiceDek®?
ChoiceDek® is a decking product manufactured by A.E.R.T. that never needs painting or staining. With a blend of both new and post consumer plastics and recycled post industrial wood fibers, ChoiceDek® is comprised of approximately 50% polyethylene plastic and 50% wood fibers.

How is ChoiceDek® manufactured?
ChoiceDek® is manufactured under several unique patents in a process wherein the wood fibers are aligned and encapsulated in plastic. The plastic surrounds and bonds to the wood fibers, making them virtually moisture proof. The wood fibers reinforce the plastic, making it stiffer and greatly reducing its thermal movement. ChoiceDek® decking planks are extruded and allowed to cure slowly, which means the boards will not twist or warp.

Does ChoiceDek® contain any preservative treatments?
No. ChoiceDek® is virtually impervious to moisture and does not require pressure treatment, preservative treatments, water sealing or staining.

How long has the product been in use?
A.E.R.T. composites began commercial use in 1989 as thresholds, bottom door rails and subsills for several national door companies, including Peachtree and Therma-Tru Doors. Decking products were initially introduced in 1992. Millions of doors, windows, and decks have used A.E.R.T. composites over the last decade.

Where has ChoiceDek® been installed?
ChoiceDek® has been installed in numerous applications from coast to coast. The initial commercial boardwalk was installed in 1992 at the South Padre Convention Center at South Padre Island, TX. Other notable installations include the Cape Cod National Seashore, MA; Fire Island National Park, NY; Springdale, AR; Aquatic Center; the Morrison Knudsen Nature Center in Boise, ID; and Knots Berry Farm, CA. Browse the photo gallery on our home page to see recent installations.

How does ChoiceDek® stand up against termites?
ChoiceDek® has been extensively tested for termite resistance. In fact, ChoiceDek® was even buried in Formosan Termite Mounds in Hawaii for over nine months and successfully withstood a continuous hostile termite exposure.

What is the warranty on ChoiceDek®?
ChoiceDek® is manufactured by Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies. A.E.R.T. has a limited lifetime warranty on its engineered components against rot or fungal rot, termites or insect damage, when installed following the Installation Guide for ChoiceDek® Decking and Railing and in compliance with applicable building codes and good construction practices.

Where can I see or purchase ChoiceDek®?
Exclusively at Lowe's Home Centers. Browse for a list of Lowe's stores in your area.

Can I get a sample of ChoiceDek®?
Yes. E-mail your address and sample request. Please allow ten days for receipt.

What sizes does ChoiceDek® come in?
ChoiceDek® comes in a variety of standard deck board dimensions and lengths and can be special ordered in 20-foot lengths.

Will ChoiceDek® rot or decay like wood?
No. ChoiceDek® has been extensively tested under hostile accelerated aging conditions by outside laboratories. It is warranted to resist rot and fungal decay when properly installed and maintained. See A.E.R.T.'s limited lifetime warranty for details.

Does ChoiceDek® require painting or staining?
No. ChoiceDek® does not require painting or staining. As with any outdoor surface, periodic cleaning is required.

How does ChoiceDek® react to incidental salt water contact or spray?
ChoiceDek® will withstand the most hostile environment, including incidental saltwater contact or spray in coastal areas. Encapsulation is the key to ChoiceDek's® durability and long life in difficult environments. In all environments stainless steel screws are recommended.

What type of fasteners are recommended?
To minimize the chance of metal corrosion stains, always install ChoiceDek® with stainless steel trim head screws. Regular steel fasteners or electroplated deck screws or fasteners are not recommended, as they can leave ugly rust stains on any deck.

What type of tools are required?
ChoiceDek® can be easily installed with standard woodworking tools, including hammer, skill saw, rasp, level, and square. Standard carbide saw blades with less than 20 teeth are recommended .

Are installation guidelines or videos available?
Yes. View the ChoiceDek® brochure in English or Spanish (2.14Mb - Adobe Acrobat format.) Other installation and idea information can be found on our installation page . Additional details can also be obtained by contact Customer Service.

How do I clean ChoiceDek®?
ChoiceDek® can be cleaned with many commercially available deck washes. Many stains can be removed using household cleaners or degreasers such as tri sodium phosphate. Stubborn stains can be bleached or may require a deck cleaner containing oxalic acid.
ChoiceDek® Cleaning Instructions PDF

How is ChoiceDek® rated?
ChoiceDek® has a Class C fire rating, similar to wood. Residential decking has a uniform live load of 150 psf when spanned on 16-inch centers. A BOCA universal building code rating is pending.

Is polyethylene plastic toxic and does it give off toxic fumes when burned?
No. Polyethylene is non-toxic and is used for applications such as milk jugs, water jugs and grocery sacks. When burned completely, it will convert to carbon dioxide and water vapor.

ChoiceDek composite decking

ChoiceDek FAQ

Frequently asked questions about ChoiceDek®