Maintenance of wood composite decking (WPC)

Caring for your composite deck: a few simple steps are all it takes

This is one of the great advantages of Silvadec composite over traditional solid wood: a deck brush and warm soapy water are all you need to keep your deck looking beautiful year after year. No treatment, no stain, no oil — just one thorough clean in spring, and a second pass in autumn to limit the build-up of winter grime.

For best results, always brush in the direction of the boards. IMPORTANT: clean between the boards at every pass — debris build-up causes moisture retention that compromises the ventilation of your deck.

Which Kärcher machine should you use to maintain your composite deck?

A deck brush covers the vast majority of cleaning needs. In some cases — large surfaces, stubborn dirt, limited accessibility — a powered machine can be useful. Important: only models without a high-pressure function are compatible with Silvadec composite boards. High pressure makes the surface porous and irreparably damages the boards.

Small and medium surfaces

Kärcher PCL4 or equivalent

Compact model operating without high pressure. In a single pass, it injects water (plain or soapy) and scrubs effectively — stains, green deposits and bird droppings are removed, and minor surface scratches are reduced. Suitable for use all year round, without chemical products.

Large surfaces

Kärcher 40/10 C floor scrubber or equivalent

Professional model without a high-pressure function, suited to large areas. It accepts several brush types depending on the board range — see the table below.

Compatible brushes for the Kärcher 40/10 C floor scrubber

The tables below apply to the Kärcher 40/10 C floor scrubber or equivalent only. For the Kärcher PCL4, brushes are supplied with the machine.

Élégance and Émotion boards — brush selection by finish

Maintenance varies slightly depending on your board finish.

Brush	Board type	Recommended use	Scratch treatment	Abrasive fibre disc brush
	Élégance smooth Élégance structured Émotion	Classic brush (green) for spring cleaning or routine maintenance	Light sanding possible on smooth boards only — any colour difference fades naturally with UV exposure and weathering. Not permitted on structured boards: sanding removes the wood-grain pattern from the surface.	✓ Compatible
	Élégance grooved	Orange dual-height bristle brush, specially designed for grooved profiles	Light sanding possible — any colour difference fades naturally with UV exposure and weathering	✓ Compatible

Please note: Élégance boards may show a temporary bronzing effect in the first few weeks after installation. This natural phenomenon disappears with sun exposure and weathering, allowing the boards to return to a shade close to their original colour.

Nuances & Atmosphère boards — simple and effective maintenance

One brush for the floor scrubber, with specific precautions to keep in mind.

Brush	Board type	Recommended use	Scratch treatment	Abrasive fibre disc brush
	Nuances Atmosphère	Medium-stiff brush (red) for the Kärcher 40/10 C floor scrubber	Brass wire brush, vigorous scrubbing in the direction of the boards. Test first on an inconspicuous area to assess the impact on the surface finish.	✗ Not compatible

Nuances and Atmosphère boards are particularly sensitive to mineral dust and limescale deposits. To remove them: spread bicarbonate-based washing powder over the boards, dampen the accessory with hot water, scrub, leave to act and rinse thoroughly.

Maintenance sheets to download

Consult the detailed maintenance sheets by range.