The most affordable option (applicable to free draining, relatively dry conditions only) is to use treated softwood. Although softwood substructure will become slimy/moldy easily over time, this is normally acceptable as it is not seen. We can also provide a composite substructure profile which is useful in wet conditions or areas with low air circulation. In particularly damp conditions where the deck is over 1 meter off the ground, we recommend the use of galvanized steel box section beams / hard wood structure or other stronger structure. 

Forestar products can be ripped only to reduce width. Please be very careful when fastening ripped boards and refer to our Installation Guides.

If Forestar product has been installed as mentioned in the Installation and Maintenance Guide, most of melt off will flow away rather than freeze. However, we recommend to use rock salt or calcium chloride for ice or snow removal. These may only leave white residue, but it can be cleaned easily by mild soap or rinsing with water.

Yes. Almost everything will fade over time when exposed to sunlight and other weather conditions. Forestar product is added high quality UV-inhibiting pigments and made from hardwood fibers in order to minimize the fading (softwood fades far more than hardwood), but there will still be some visible fade over first few months(the speed and degree of this fading depend on actual weather conditions) giving a more textured appearance. As with any timber based product, some fade will occur but the plastic content holds its colour. Any initial colour difference between boards is due to the natural colour variance in the wood fibers and once weathered, the boards will all be similar colour tone.

For normal wash, you just need to clean it with water and warm soapy water if necessary. When comes deep wash, the most efficient way is to use water by sponge or soft brush and even a power washer with the pressure no more than 1500psi applied by professional cleaner. For further information, please find our .

Yes. Forestar product can take screws just like the way of the wood and it also has better screw retention than wood. It’s just the type of the screw required for each product may varies, so you need to follow the .