F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Deck Kits - Care & Warranty

Deck Supermarket Deck Kits Please take a moment to read this information

We would like to thank you for choosing Deck Supermarket for your Deck Kit.

Please find below a few tips to help maintain your Deck Supermarket Deck Kit for many years to come.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To keep the high quality looks and finish of your Deck Supermarket Deck Kit we recommend only the use of soapy water and a soft cleaning cloth or sponge.

No harsh chemicals, scouring agents or abrasive pads or cloths should be used to clean your decking and handrails as these could lead to a change in finish (shine) or discolouration of your finished product and may invalidate your warranty.

From time to time it may be necessary to remove the u channel on the outer edge of your decking to clean behind as this acts as a gutter system and may become clogged with dirt and moss.

Should you find the decking is excessively dirty a power washer can be used, however the end of the lance should not be put too close to the deck and a wide spray rather than a thin jet is recommended as this could also lead to a change in surface finish.

Deck Supermarket Limited reserves the right to change colours and part shapes and sizes and discontinue products at their discretion.

Warranty

All Deck Supermarket Deck Kits come with a 5-year structural Timber warranty and all materials and vinyl are warrantied based on supplier’s recommendations on individual colours, the majority of these carry 3 years against abnormal colour variation, under normal weathering 30 degrees maximum as per Northern Hemisphere testing although the colour on all products will change slightly over time due to UV Rays.

Warranty on gates are at Deck Supermarkets discretion.

Any colour or surface variation or dark patches/scorching caused by reflective surfaces, reflective glass, mats, plant pots, furniture or chemicals and excessive temperature over tested parameters are classed as external forces and not material faults so will not be covered under warranty.

Will my Deck be safe when wet?

Definitely, yes. Our Deck-it Boards have an excellent slip-resistant embossed surface. Testing has proven that they perform well in wet and dry conditions.

The non slip properties are classed as low (1 in 1,000,000) for a shod (wearing footwear) person in wet and dry conditions, and the tests were performed in accordance with BS 7976-2:2002+A1:2013 (Pendulum testers-method of operation) & UKSRG Guidelines-4:2011 (the assessment of floor slip resistance)

 

Can my children go barefoot?

All of our vinyl products protect bare feet and hands by staying cool to the touch and sliver-free. Please bear in mind that with bare feet the non slip properties will reduce if the boards are wet to 1 in 10,000 which is classed as moderately non slip.

 

Can PVC deck boards be a fire risk?

The grade of material supplied for use in our products is DVE 256.

“DVE 256” is completely inflammable, it will not take part in a fire and will not support combustion.

 

Is your PVC environmentally safe?

Our vinyl is non-toxic and 100% recyclable. Our products eliminate the dangerous chemicals used to preserve, treat and clean wood fence and decks. At the same time this man-made product uses these industry by-products instead of endangered forests.

K-Glass and PVC Deck Boards

It may be prudent that a film is applied to the exterior panel of glass in full height windows and doors as K-Glass is reflective and in exceptional conditions where temperatures are high the suns radiation and be reflected and amplified which may scorch deck boards.

 PVC Balustrade

How do I Install My Super Rail

    View Instructions Here

Is your Super Rail  strong enough for my active family?

Absolutely! Our railing is designed with your family's security in mind. All styles meet the highest standards.

 STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless Steel Composition

Stainless Steel Composition  

Stainless steel is an alloy that contains at least 50% iron and 10% chromium, the chromium slows down the corrosion process and plays a key part in defining stainless steel, generally the higher the chromium percentage (up to 30%), the more corrosion resistance. Other elements are also added to enhance the properties of a particular grade and type of stainless steel.

 

Chromium is added to enhance the properties of a particular type of stainless steel

Type 304 stainless steel is perfect for internal applications whilst type 316 is used in external applications

Stainless Steel Grades

Stainless steel alloys are grouped according to the structure of their crystals.  Adding nickel creates the structure called austenitic. Austenitic stainless steels are identified by their "300" series designation.

Grade 304 is made up of 18% chromium and 8% nickel offering good corrosion resistance.  Type 304 is the most common stainless steel produced, and satisfies a broad demand for adequate performance at affordable prices.  Type 304 is inadequate for most external applications.

Corrosion Definition  

When stainless steel is produced, the chromium forms an oxide layer.  As long as this layer remains intact, the stainless steel remains passive.  Once the oxide layer begins to break down, the stainless steel becomes active and its corrosion resistance is reduced.  Rust is the obvious visible evidence of corrosive activity.  When used properly, stainless steel enjoys a strong and enduring reputation for visual appeal and structural integrity in a wide range of applications and environments.

 Pitting & rusting in 304 stainless steel due to the oxide layer breaking down

"Tea Staining" mainly occurs as a result of environmental factors

Stainless Steel "Tea Staining"

Incorrect specification, fabrication or subsequent handling may cause stainless steel to stain or discolour, impairing the overall look.  This brown discolouration is referred to as "tea staining" and has been identified predominantly on external applications in the UK and overseas.

Tea staining mainly occurs as a result of environmental factors such as wind exposure, industrial pollution and elevated temperatures, and is worse closer to the sea, a main cause of salt water pollution.  Tea staining can be controlled and does not affect the structural integrity or the longevity of the material.

Design, Fabrication and Handling  

Poor design and fabrication can lead to tea staining or more serious corrosion of stainless steels.  In the design stage, it is advisable to avoid crevices such as intermittent welds and areas where water can collect, it is also imperative to avoid carbon steel contamination.

Rough surfaces promote tea staining.  The main cause of this problem is the salt deposited on the stainless steel surface, the smoother the finish the better the corrosion resistance.  To reduce the risks of tea staining, choosing or creating a smooth surface are ideal combatants.  Smooth surface finishes stay cleaner between washes and don't have deep surface grooves where chlorides and other contaminants can collect and concentrate.

A process called pickling may be used to remove surface contaminants, but may dull the surface.  Alternatively, electro-polishing may be used which has the added benefit of brightening the surface.

Example of crevice corrosion in stainless steel

Specify Grade 316 Stainless Steel  

As outlined in previous section, Grade 316 is ideal for external or highly corrosive environments.  Regular maintenance and use of lanolin based protective products will ensure the best resistance against tea staining or corrosive effects.

Maintenance and Protection

Even smooth stainless steel finishes in external applications may show tea staining if not washed regularly.  Rain washing the stainless steel surface can help reduce tea staining, and should therefore be an important project design consideration.  If this is not possible then best results are achieved by washing with soap or mild detergent and warm water followed by rinsing with clean cold water.  Surface appearance may be further enhanced by wiping dry the washed surface and treating the stainless steel with an approved polish and protective coating spray

 

Problem

Cleaning Method

Comments

Standard cleaning

Soap and water

Sponge, rinse with clean water and wipe dry

Fingerprints

Soap and warm water or stainless steel cleaner  

Rinse with clean water and wipe dry

Oil/grease marks, other stains and light discolouration

Pro-Railing Enviro-Shield

Follow instructions on the box

Heavy discolouration

Stainless cleaning gel

 

Rinse well with clean water then use Pro-Railing Enviro-Shield

Scratches on satin finish (Mirror finish will need repolishing properly)

Slight scratches
Use fine polishing cloth coated with stainless steel cleaner
Deeper scratches
Use coarse cloth first then fine cloth with cleaner (as above)

Do not use steel based cleaning products (wire wool) as this will embed in the surface and will cause further surface damage and discolouration

Paint/Graffiti

Use a generic paint stripper dependant on type of paint

Use soft bristle brush and treat afterwards with Pro-Railing Enviro-Shield