Frequently Asked Questions

Decking
Who is UltraDeck®?

UltraDeck® is the manufacturer of UltraDeck® decking, railing, and fencing. UltraDeck® is a division of Midwest Manufacturing, which has been in business since 1969. Midwest Manufacturing's continual growth has helped it become one of the largest manufacturers of building products in the Midwest. UltraDeck®'s headquarters and manufacturing facility are located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. As an UltraDeck® customer, you can count on us to provide you with reliable products and service at a great price.

What makes UltraDeck® products a great alternative choice to wood products?

UltraDeck® Products are long-lasting & made with quality materials that prevent scratching, staining, splintering, cracking & rotting. This makes them very low-maintenance. UltraDeck boards require little to no upkeep, apart from the occasional cleaning.

If UltraDeck® is made from recycled materials, why is it more expensive than wood?

While the majority of raw materials that are compounded in the extruding of UltraDeck® products are recycled, the technology and process requirements that ensure outstanding performance and beauty are much more advanced than traditional milling equipment.

Will I need extra tools in order to work with UltraDeck®?

UltraDeck® doesn't require specialized tools for installation. It can be cut and worked with much the same as wood. Use Masterforce® Composite Decking Blade (SKU 252-6662 7-1/4" or SKU 252-6663 10") for any cutting. Easy to use Product Installation Guides are provided with tips and instructions for construction.

Will UltraDeck® products weather (change color/fade)?

The UltraDeck® Products that will weather are our Rustic, QuickCap & Natural Lines. You should see a color change within 30-60 days. Aside from color change, the boards themselves will stay sturdy & weather resistant.

Can UltraDeck® be placed over a solid surface?

UltraDeck® decking boards can only be installed over a solid surface when using a sleeper system to buffer between the solid surface and the decking. Water must be able to flow through and away from the deck while maintaining an adequate airflow to the underside of the boards. If updating the look of an existing deck is the goal, Quick CapTM by UltraDeck® is a great and affordable product designed to be installed directly on top of an existing deck in good condition.

Can I put a hot tub on UltraDeck®?

The substructure of a deck determines if it can support a hot tub. Since UltraDeck® is not a loadbearing product, the joists of the structure should be used as a support. Any load bearing pillars or legs should be placed directly above a deck joist or sister joist in this application. Please check local building codes for specific requirements.

Can I paint or stain my UltraDeck®?

Painting or staining is not recommended, for they do not adhere well to the surface of most UltraDeck® products. However, the woodgrain side of the UltraDeck® NaturalTM boards may be stained with a good quality, composite deck stain after one year of adequate weathering. If a composite deck stain is used, always follow the stain manufacturers recommendations. Keep in mind that staining decking is not a one time application; this will add maintenance to your low-maintenance composite decking materials.

Can color differences occur in UltraDeck® products?

UltraDeck® does contain real wood fibers, and like real wood, color differences may occur. When this does occur, deck boards should be distributed in a way that creates an appealing, natural look.

Can UltraDeck® be used in docks and waterfront decks?

UltraDeck® products have been used in many of these applications. As long as installation instructions are followed, UltraDeck® works well and is aesthetically pleasing in all types of waterfront applications. Please check local building codes for specific requirements.

What lengths of UltraDeck® are available?

UltraDeck® planks are available in 8', 12', 16', and 20' lengths, providing enough sizes to construct projects while minimizing unused excess mate

How do you clean your UltraDeck® decking?

UltraDeck® should be periodically cleaned with soap and water or any product made for washing composite decking. Check out the how-to-video for cleaning any UltraDeck® decking and railing products on ultradeck.com. Refer to the installation guide for more information on how to clean UltraDeck®.

How can I remove snow and Ice from my UltraDeck®?

Any product that is designed to melt ice on walkways should be able to be used on UltraDeck®. Because ingredients might vary with different manufacturers of ice melt products you should try it in a small, inconspicuous location and check that it doesn't have any adverse effect before using on the rest of the deck. Ice melt products are usually in crystal form, so you should use sparingly. Be sure to sweep it away as soon as it has done its job so it doesn't get ground into the deck surface. Later, warm weather permitting it would also be good to rinse the area to remove any of the ice melt residue. For shoveling, you should use a plastic shovel and make sure you do not chip at the ice.

Can ice melting products be used on UltraDeck® products?

Yes, non-corrosive and non-dyed varieties should be selected for use on UltraDeck® products. Once the ice melting product has melted unwanted ice, the remaining solids should be swept away. As with any surface, prolonged exposure to ice melting products can lead to a residue appearing on the decking. Once warm weather permits, wash the deck of residue left by melted ice and snow. Never use a metal snow shovel, or shovel with a metal edge on an UltraDeck® deck. The shovel may scratch the deck, which is not covered under warranty.

What is the lifetime value of UltraDeck®?

Because UltraDeck® never rots or warps and painting and staining are not required with pressure-treated wood decks, these costs add up over time. After four years, the total cost of owning an UltraDeck® equals the cost of a pressure-treated wood deck with maintenance. Over the life of the purchase, UltraDeck® offers a far greater value than wood. Clean it periodically during the year and you may spend more time enjoying your outdoor living space rather than working on it.

Does UltraDeck® decking get hotter than pressure-treated wood?

In an independent study, UltraDeck® was comparable in surface temps to pressure-treated boards.

How do you clean UltraDeck® decking?

UltraDeck® can be dry-swept and cleaned with soap and water or any product made for washing composite decking.

Can UltraDeck® be power-washed?

Using a power-washer with greater than 1500 psi and/or applied closer than 12" from the deck surface could damage the decking surface. You should set the nozzle to a fan spray and not aim straight down or directly at the decking. Any issues related to power-washing will not be covered under the UltraDeck® warranty.

Can I sand or rout UltraDeck® FusionTM?

No. Co-extruded products with a polyethylene coating like UltraDeck® FusionTM should not be sanded or routed.

Can the edges to UltraDeck® be routed?

UltraDeck® solid profile routs nicely to give a crisp edge. Because of its hollow profile, we do not recommend routing UltraDeck® Reversible or UltraDeck® NaturalTM.

Can you rip an UltraDeck® board?

UltraDeck® products should not be ripped to reduce the thickness, but it can be ripped to reduce width and length. As long as the board can still be installed per the installation instructions, the warranty will be valid. Please use care when fastening ripped boards, as pre-drilling may be necessary.

Can UltraDeck® be sanded?

We do not recommend sanding. Sanding will change the appearance of the UltraDeck® material surface. Any issues related to sanding will not be covered under the UltraDeck® warranty.

Can UltraDeck® be placed over a solid surface?

UltraDeck® can only be installed over a solid surface when using a sleeper system. A sleeper system is a buffer between the solid surface and the decking. Water must be able to flow through and away from the deck and allow adequate airflow.

Can you send me product samples?

You can order samples on Menards.com or at your nearest Menards store.

Who can I contact if I have more questions about product or installation?

The UltraDeck® Help Line is available to help with any questions you may have. Email them at UltraDeckHelp@MidwestManufacturing.com

Fencing
What is composite fencing?

Our composite fencing is a product from UltraDeck®, a manufacturer of composite decking and railing systems. It is low-maintenance, high-quality composite fencing that does not require painting, staining, or sealing. It is made from a special blend of reclaimed wood fibers and high-density polyethylene. Composite fencing has the look of wood and the low-maintenance and durability of composite materials.

Does composite fencing by UltraDeck® have a warranty?

Yes. Our composite fencing carries the same warranty as our UltraDeck® composite decking and railing.

How do I find your composite fencing?

Our composite fencing along with UltraDeck® is offered at all Menards stores. Full-size composite fencing displays can be seen at most Menards retailers.

Does your composite fencing come in any colors?

Our composite fencing is available in a rich Hickory Brown color.

How much does composite fencing cost?

Please contact your local Menards store for pricing.

What composite fencing styles can I choose from?

The great thing about composite fencing is its design versatility. Because it is sold in components, composite fencing offers the same installation flexibility as traditional wood fencing. Instructions for styles such as Privacy, Shadowbox, Scalloped, and Basket Weave are available at Menards stores. Full-size composite fencing displays can also be seen at most Menards locations. Other custom designs are easily achieved with a little imagination.

Is composite fencing environmentally friendly?

Yes, because composite fencing will not splinter, warp, or fade the way wood does. It dramatically reduces the wasteful cycle of repair and replacement. Composite fencing is manufactured with recycled wood materials that would otherwise go into landfills. In addition, composite fencing is able to be made from recycled byproducts produced in our manufacturing facility. Composite fencing does not require painting, staining, or sealing.

Will your composite fencing fade in color?

Yes. Most materials exposed to ultraviolet rays and weathering will fade. However, our composite fencing is blended with high-quality materials and UV inhibiting pigments to produce a product consistent in color. Composite fencing will achieve its weathered color after 12-16 weeks; this will also depend on the location of the fence and the amount of exposure to direct sunlight it receives.

How does heat affect composite fencing?

The effect that heat has on composite fencing is similar to the effect it has on a pressure-treated wood fence.

How do I cut composite fencing?

Our composite fencing cuts just like wood. All composite fencing products can be cut with a circular saw. No special care or treatment is required on the cut edges. It is recommended that a carbide tip blade be used.

What is the benefit of using the rail bracket?

The benefit of using our color-matched rail bracket is simply ease of installation. Rail brackets also give increased structural stability.

What is the maximum span of your composite fencing?

Our composite fencing was designed for a maximum span of 6' center-to-center of the posts.

How many rails are required for composite fencing?

As recommended by the American Fencing Association, three support rails are required for each section fence with an overall height of 5'-6'. For an overall height of 4' or less, two support rails are required.

Can the post cover touch the ground?

Yes. The post cover can be set at grade level. A structural post must be used in conjunction with post covers.

How many screws are required on each fence board?

Fence boards should be attached with two screws at each rail.

What kind of fasteners should I use?

Attaching Fence Boards - with composite fencing we recommend a good-quality composite screw. Color-matched screws are available wherever composite fencing is sold. Attaching Post Caps- composite fencing has decorative post caps that may be secured with an exterior adhesive or caulk.

Attaching Support Rails (Mounting Between Posts)- Attach using composite fencing color-matched rail brackets. Brackets come with color-matched screws. Pre-drilling is not required with most applications.

Can I use composite fencing over a new or existing wood substructure?

Yes, our composite fencing may be used in conjunction with a wood substructure.

Can I use glue or caulk?

Glue or caulk is not required or recommended to be used with composite fencing products. However, decorative post caps may be secured with an exterior adhesive or caulk.

What do I do for scratches or nicks?

Scratches and nicks will weather to a similar match in 8-10 weeks; the time frame will vary based on exposure and climate.

Can I paint your composite fencing?

UltraDeck®, the makers of our composite fencing, does not recommend painting and cannot guarantee the performance of anything applied to the product. Painting and staining takes away from the low-maintenance benefits of composite fencing, and once the fencing is painted, stained, or sealed, subsequent applications will be necessary to maintain appearance.

What can be used to clean composite fencing?

Although low-maintenance, composite fencing components may require periodic cleaning to help maintain the beauty of the product. Frequency of cleaning requirements will vary by region and environment. For periodic cleaning, use soap and water or any product made for washing composite material. You can wash your composite fencing with a power-washer. A maximum 1200 psi at least 12" away is recommended for fencing products. A fan tip nozzle should be used, and spray in the direction of the grain/fence board to avoid damaging the surface of your fence. Use caution not to damage the material, and always take the proper safety measures when operating a power-washer.

Railing
Will RusticTM Railing fade?

The Rustic railing will see a color change within 30-60 days. Aside from color change, the railings themselves will stay sturdy & weather resistant.

How wide of a span can RusticTM railing cover?

RusticTM railing is designed for 6' on center post spacing.

Does UltraDeck® Classic railing code compliant?

See the code report CCRR-0335 for more details.

Is the UltraDeck® Classic railing variegated like the UltraDeck® decking?

The UltraDeck® Classic railing is a single color that matches base color of the decking.

Can UltraDeck® railing be installed on concrete?

Yes. A Building Materials Team Member at your local Menards store can assist you with any attachment to masonry.

What railings will work with UltraDeck®?

Check out our full catalog for details on all of the railings that are available

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