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Snowfall during winter can make your composite decking slippery, creating a safety hazard. While ice melt products are a common solution for paths and driveways, it’s crucial to know if they are safe to use on your deck.
The short answer is yes, you can use ice melt on composite decking, but you must choose the right kind to avoid causing expensive damage.
The Golden Rule: Choose a Deck-Safe Ice Melt
There are many different kinds of ice melts you can buy, but not all types are suitable for composite decking. You should always choose an ice melt that is not too harsh.
We personally recommend Calcium Chloride as it is a gentle ice melt that is effective without damaging your deck or the surrounding landscape, including plants.
Table of Contents
Calcium Chloride (Recommended) ✅
Calcium chloride is the most suitable ice melt for composite decking as it will not cause damage or discolouration to the material’s surface.
- Why it works: It is one of the most effective types, dissolving ice quickly by forming a liquid brine that lowers the freezing point of water.
- Safety: It is gentle on the deck surface and generally safe for vegetation when used correctly.
Magnesium Chloride (Runner Up) ⚠️
Similar to calcium chloride, magnesium chloride melts ice quickly.
- The Verdict: While it is considered more environmentally friendly, high doses can still cause damage to nearby plants and soil, so attention must be paid during application.
Sodium Chloride / Rock Salt (Use with Caution) ❌
Rock salt is a popular choice due to its low cost, but it comes with risks.
- The Risk: It can be harmful to plants and soil in large amounts. For timber decks, it can cause cracking by pulling moisture out of the wood.
- Composite Advice: While capped composite decking is not susceptible to cracking, rock salt can leave a heavy residue. If you use rock salt, use it moderately and clean your deck thoroughly once the ice has melted.
Crucial Precautions for Composite Decking
When using any ice melt product on your composite decking, you need to be careful. Follow these three rules to prevent accidental damage:
Avoid Metal Shovels ⛔
Never use a metal shovel on composite decking.
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The sharp edges of an aluminium or steel shovel can slice into the deck’s surface, leaving permanent white scratches.
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The Fix: Always use a plastic shovel or a stiff broom to clear the snow before applying your ice melt.
Avoid Ice Melts with “Traction Grit”
Do not use ice melts that contain traction grits like sand or sawdust.
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These abrasive materials are great for preventing slips on concrete, but when walked on, they act like sandpaper and can cause fine scratches on your deck’s cap.
Avoid Ice Melts With Colourants
Ice melt products that contain colourants (often blue or pink pellets) can stain composite decking.
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The Fix: Always check the label and choose a type that is clear/white and free from dyes.
Conclusion
You can safely put ice melt on composite decking, with Calcium Chloride being the most suitable and recommended option.
Always avoid products that contain traction grits or colourants, and swap your metal shovel for a plastic one to protect your deck’s surface. By choosing the right product, you can keep your deck safe and slip-free all winter long.
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