When choosing composite decking for your home or commercial project, warranty coverage is one of the most important things to understand. A decking warranty is not just about how many years are listed on paper — it’s about understanding what the product is designed to resist, what installation conditions are required, and what is considered normal weathering over time.

At Bighands Building Supply, SmartWood® Composite Decking is designed for Australian conditions and backed by a structured product warranty for residential and commercial applications.

What Does the SmartWood® Decking Warranty Cover?

Under normal residential and commercial use, SmartWood® Composite Decking is designed to resist:

• Cracking and splitting
• Rotting and termite damage
• Delamination, flaking and peeling
• Structural failure caused by moisture exposure
• Splintering during normal use conditions

However, it is important to understand that composite decking, like all outdoor building materials, will naturally weather over time. The warranty covers material performance — not the prevention of every visible change caused by sun, temperature, moisture, and daily use.

Warranty Period

The applicable warranty is determined by the original installation type.

What Is Considered a Manufacturing Defect?

Manufacturing defects covered under the warranty may include:

• Structural defects
• Product delamination
• Material inconsistencies
• Non-conforming dimensions outside manufacturing tolerance

At the same time, some visual changes are considered normal characteristics of composite decking and are not classified as defects.

• Minor colour variation
• Surface blemishes
• Cosmetic irregularities
• Slight embossing reduction over time

Why Proper Installation Matters

One of the most overlooked aspects of decking warranties is installation compliance.

Composite decking expands and contracts with temperature changes, especially in Australia’s harsh climate conditions. Proper drainage, ventilation, joist spacing, and expansion gaps are essential for long-term performance.

The SmartWood® warranty only applies when:

• The product is installed according to the official installation guide
• Proper drainage and ventilation are provided
• Suitable expansion gaps are allowed
• Approved fixings are used
• Installation complies with Australian building standards

What Is NOT Covered by Warranty?

Like most building material warranties, certain situations are excluded.

The warranty does not cover issues caused by:

• Incorrect installation
• Poor workmanship
• Structural movement of the subframe
• Ground contact where not permitted
• Poor ventilation
• Fire or heat damage
• Chemical exposure
• Oil or grease staining
• Surface scratches or impact damage

This is why both correct installation and ongoing maintenance are critical for long-term decking performance.

Normal Weathering Is Expected

Many customers are surprised when composite decking changes slightly over time — but this is completely normal.

The following are considered natural weathering characteristics, not product defects:

• Colour fading
• Slight colour variation between boards
• Minor expansion and contraction
• Surface checking
• Reduction in embossing texture

In Australia’s strong UV environment, some degree of fading and weathering is expected for all outdoor products.

What Happens If There Is a Valid Warranty Claim?

If a valid claim is approved, Bighands may:

• Supply replacement product
• Provide replacement product credit
• Refund the defective product value on a pro-rata basis

Final Thoughts

A good decking warranty is not just about the number of years — it’s about understanding how the product performs in real-world conditions.

SmartWood® Composite Decking is engineered to handle Australia’s outdoor environment while providing low-maintenance, long-term performance. But like all composite products, correct installation, ventilation, drainage, and realistic expectations around natural weathering are essential.

Understanding these details early helps reduce installation issues, avoid warranty misunderstandings, and ensure your decking performs as intended for years to come.