Composite Deck Recall: Home Depot Veranda, ABTCo and LP WeatherBest

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Approximately 48 million linear feet of LP WeatherBest, ABTCo and Home Depot Veranda composite decking were recalled after dozens of reports were received where the boards deteriorated and unexpectedly broke, in some cases causing serious injury.

The composite deck recall was issued by Louisiana-Pacific (LP) Corp. and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on May 13, 2009. Individuals with the potentially defective deck have been asked to contact the manufacturer for a free inspection and repair if the decking is prematurely deteriorating.

Composite decking is a man-made wood substitute, which is marketed as requiring little maintenance and lasting longer than a traditional wood deck.

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At least 37 reports have been received of the recalled composite decks breaking, with at least 14 people suffering personal injuries such as broken wrists, sprained ankles, lacerations and bruising.

Although the size of decks may vary, more than 50,000 homeowners could have composite decks constructed out of the defective LP decking, as a 400 square foot deck typically requires approximately 875 linear feet.

The composite decking was sold for between $1.50 and $2.25 per linear foot between January 2005 and August 2008. The Veranda composite decking made by LP was sold exclusively at Home Depot stores, and the LP WeatherBest and ABTCo composite decking were sold by building product retailers throughout the United States.

The recall applies to various colors and styles, including Tuscan Walnut/Chestnut, Driftwood, Grey/Greystone, Pacific Cedar and Western Redwood.

Home Depot Veranda decking is also made by other manufacturers, but only composite deck manufactured by LP are included in the recall.

To arrange a free inspection or obtain additional information about the LP composite deck recall, contact the manufacturer toll free at (888) 325-1184 or visit www.deckingnotice.com.

Tags: Composite Deck Recall, Home Depot, Home Depot Deck Recall, Louisiana-Pacific, LP, LP Deck Recall
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100 Comments

val
I was thinking about buying the tuscan walnut at HD tomorrow (2011) i see the recalls on it but that was in 2005-2008 do you think this is ok to purchase or should i stay away???
Marty
We installed a large Veranda composite deck in fall of 2009, boards were purchase at Home Depot. We live in Atlanta Georgia and have a horrible mold problem with our deck. We are extremely disappointed with Home Depot and Veranda. It doesn’t matter who produces the materials they are sold at Home Depot and the ultimate responsibility is theirs! I see talk of a class action suit against LP and would like the contact information. If I had any idea that LP was involved in the making of these materials I would never have purchased them. They were the makers of defective siding that caused a huge class action suit in the 90″s. I am a Realtor and I will certainly express my concerns to all my clients about Home Depot, their products and their failure to stand behind the products they sell!
Eileen
Same story, Mold, Cracking, Warping, Weatherbest, Pacific Cedar. VERY DISSAPOINTED, Inferior product, billed as superior and maintanence free, NOT AT ALL!!
Linda
I received my class action papers in the mail this weekend and am THRILLED that maybe something is going to be done about this decking. We installed a huge deck with multiple stairs around our pool and jacuzzi. Purchased this decking b/c of the wood grain look and the textured “grooves” in the planks. What a joke, within 90 days, the wood grain was faded away and the “grooves” were flat. We have had several people slip and fall on our deck and have filed multiple claims with LP to which we were told that the fading and smoothness are not covered under the warranty!! We live in Southern CA and haven’t had the mold issues, but would love to know if anyone else has had an issue with the deck becoming slippery when wet.
Alexander
We installed 2 small decks about 06, the boards are flacking and falling apart. They are making you jump over very small stuff like proof of purchase,copy of the purchase documents the logo stamped on the products and many othe chicken —– stuff
Deana
We built our deck in 2007. Just noticed this past year some cracked boards, bowing and major spotting/molding. I have been in the process with WeatherBest since May 2010 and am getting very frustrated. The customer service is absolutely horrible. They do nothing but repeat themselves and ask you to send in the exact same thing over and over again. I would love to find an attorney and join in on a class action suit. This is ridiculous, especially considering the amount of money we have all put into these decks.
Mary
I, too, share the same splitting, warping, molding, and discoloration issues with my LP Deck built in 2006 as the rest of the bloggers here. Definitely interested in a class action lawsuit as the company reports I’ve received also blame the builder.
DeAnne
I have same problem as Karen. We built $17,000 deck with a great builder. The deck is LP and is under recall and is disinigrating We also have major cracking, warping, splitting, mold and color compeletly changed to pink.. We have proof that it is the boards from recall and they say only part of deck is bad. They have also claimed error by builder. Their adjuster stated boards are completely disenegrating,but LP has only approved us for partial replacement. It is only a matter of time before whole deck dissenegrates. We have been trying to get this resolved for over 6 months and Lp keeps giving us the run around. There is no replacement deck that matches our deep chestnut color which has faded from chocolate brown to light pink How do you replace part of deck with unmatching boards and leave a recalled product that can cause ingury?We are so dissapointed. If anyone knows of lawsuit we are ready to join.
Karen
We have the Weatherbest material from LP installed in 2007 and have splitiing, cracking, swelling, warping,and molding. It appears the material is a sponge. However, the company inspector is blaming everyone but the product. We have been given a partial repair authorization however all the materials are deteriorating but they claim its installation. A professional builder purchased and installed the product? They are trying to quickly get you to sign off on claim. I’d like to find a lawyer to sue for me. There is a tag on boards to tell product.
hele
Our deck was installed in Summer of 2006 at a cost of $18k. In may of 2007 it started to deteriorate. I called to complain and was told that type of problem was normal. It now is so bad with splitting, warping, chipping and flaking that I am afraid to walk on it. The rails have split to the point that it no longer holds the steel cable guards secure, making it very unsafe as the deck is 30 feet in the air. What to do now?
Phillip
The market is slowly evolving away from these “1st” generation composite decking boards. These boards are prone to stain, fade, absorb moisture, not able to power wash the deck. The issue with mold on composite decking is that once it starts it does not stop growing. Even if you purchase the composite liquid cleaners it will only be a temporary fix because the composite boards are pores. The cleaner might work on the surface but the mold is still growing internally in the board. It only a matter of time that the stains/mold will be visible again. The market has evolved to products that “non-pores” which means that is the homeowner drops red wine, greasy hamburger, or any liquid the substance will be only on the surface and can easily be cleaned up. Think of it as putting a “membrane” around a composite board to protect it from external influences. These “new boards” are stain resistance, mold resistance, fade resistance, scratch resistance and will have minimal fade if they use a polyethylene surface wrap. There is a product out called Guardeck Prestige (www.guardeck.com) that we found that has been an absolute blessing since we resurfaced our old veranda deck. They have 4 earth tone colors to choose from and all have NO organic material in the surface. (you can tell by looking at the deck board. If there are small white/yellow flakes in the board especially on the surface, you WILL have mold, stain and fade issues, not to mention it easily scratches! There is another product called correct deck that has similar technology but we felt they did not offer a very aesthetic board. The prestige had a better looking emboss (like real wood!) I hope this information has been useful to you! I just felt obligated to post this for someone to read because of the HUGE headache we had to go through with traditional composite decking. STAY AWAY from it!
PatM
LP made things right. They hired a contractor and replaced all of the veranda decking.
ERIC
I INSTALLED VERANDA ON MY DECK IN 2006. EVERY YEAR THE DECK SEEMS TO GET WORSE. THE SCREWS SUPPLIED WITH THE RAIL SYSTEM THAT I USED FOR THE SPINDLES ARE PULLING OUT MY RAILS ARE WARPING AND EVEN SPLITTING APART. THE POST CAPS ARE SEVERAL DIFFERENT SHADES LIGHTER THEN THE REST OF THE PRODUCT AND THERE ARE WHITE SPOTS ALL OVER THE RAILS AND DECKING. I HAVE 2 KIDS AND IT IS VERY UNSAFE FOR THEM TO BE ON THE DECK WITH THE SPINDLES COMING LOSE. DECK IS 12FT OF THE GROUND. I WOULDNT RECOMEND ANYONE USING THIS PRODUCT!
Pat
my decking is shedding a layer of wood and bending all over. I have some that was bought in 2005 before they changed the formula and it is fine but when I finished the front deck of 14 x 40 all that is peeling like crazy. How do I get It replaced?
Tia
My deck was built in ’07 I am now faced with warping,bubbling & mold. When I purchased the boards they were promoted as maintenance free, needless to say they are not. As I paid close to $10,000 for the deck, I am not happy with this product.
JoAnn & Sal
We installed a grey weatherbest deck Oct. 2008. By mid Spring 2009 we started to see unusual spotting. By summer it turned into a recognizable mold problem. Tried cleaning with every product we could think of to no avail. Finally found a deck cleaner at HD for $25/bag that removes the mold temporarily only for it to return in a few weeks. Throughly disgusted.
Bill
I have heard and read many complaints about composite lumber products. I want to rebuild my pressure treated wood deck. Can anyone recommend a product that they are satisfied with?
Deanna
We had Tuscan walnut weatherbest installed in April of 2008 and it is now cracking, fading and scratches easily. When I filled in the form and they came and checked it they said it was not their product as they sold the plant and let the new company continue to use their name. So far Fiberon does not answer the 800 number and the other number I was given in not a usable number. Our deck has the hidden fastner system which Lp claims is not covered as it is not their product. I’d stay clear of their products.
Nancy
We purchased our Veranda decking in 2005, it has been chipping, peeling, cracking, splitting, gets soft in hot weather. We contacted L.P. and they sent out an adjuster last week. He took pictures and measured everything. The adjuster asked if we have ever fallen through. We both said no. Well guess what, I fell through 2 days later from the decking shrinking up and pulling out of the frame work. Sprained 3 toes, skinned up both legs and alot of bruising. We’re waiting to hear back from them. If not I’ll file a complaint with the Attorney Generals office, & Better Business Bureau.
Frank
Does anyone know if this decking is still problematic? I did a small porch last year and its holding up so far and am considering doing another small porch.
Sue
We purchased the Veranda grey decking boards in late 2005. It’s taken 5 years for the degrading to advance enough to attract my attention. We live in the Pacific Northwest, so our climates are a bit milder. After closer examination, the boards have swelled to the point that there is no space left between the boards. I installed the boards myself since the deck was quite small ( 6 1/2′ x 11 1/2′). I’ve just started the process to get all the info together to start the claim. It sure would be wonderful if companies would stand behind all those amazing promises they make!
Jim
My deck was installed in 2006 .Now it is deteiorating. The deck has to have the red dust washed off if you intend to use it that day. Otherwise the residue gets all over you. It’s warping, staining, cracking,and shrinking.The decking goes at least 6′ all the way around the 16×38′ swimming pool.I can not recommend this decking to any one.we will see if veranda will take care of the problem.
Matt
Man am I glad I saw this we are just getting ready to build a deck and had been looking at the Veranda and using a hidden fastener system. I will have to check with supplier now and see which manufacturer supplies them. May have to go with Trex or TimberTech I guess.
Rose
Our LP deck was installed in 2006. By 2009 it was deteiorating badly. My situation is similar to the post by Rick B on January 21, 2010, and I have the same question, do I have a say in what LP considers replacing with? What is offered is poor quality material. I would like learn the outcome of the post I mention here.
tnt
I brought my veranda from home depot also in may of 2009 and it is already faded and cracking and mold spots all over .They send people over to look but say its my falt also because it is on top of another deck,nothing said you can not do this and It is just another excuse from them.I would never recommend this to anyone.very unhappy in NY
michelle
We had our deck installed in early 2001 and within 4 yr we had deterioration problems.it cost us a lot of money my deck is 12 by 40 we called and after going back and fourth for om-oust a full year, they gave us new decking in 2005 we had installed now we are at the same discolored cracking my deck looks like a display of different collars they are all mouldy e dirty no matter how many time i was it all ways the same wean i go on my deck i better watch my step because the Bord’s are splitting and popping up our deck was in fact failing of the original coll er now my deck is lite gray dark gray pink off pink and some are om-oust white this is not the coll er that i bout e and the variation in the composition of the boards is beyond explanation. I have sent pictures, made phone calls to try to get some satisfaction. The answers that I received were – it’s normal. they are sending me a letter with the name of the chemicoal to clean my deck that it will be brand new it must be some kind of magicoal power because there is nothing in this world that can fix this deck but you now i will give them benifit of a douth but i now wath the outcome is i want my money back or replaset with something that will last i have bild this deck olrady 2 times this will be my 3 this is joke this deck it costing me so muck money that i could have put an adishion to my house it wood cost less
Carole
Does anyone know if Universal Forest had problems with their veranda composite decking? After reading all this about the other manufacturers, I’m shy of ordering Veranda products but love the Tuscan Walnut color. Thanks for any info.
Patricia
I had my deck (LP Weatherbest purchased through Harvey Industries) installed in July 2005. I live in RI and now have a badly warped deck, swollen and cupping as the boards are so tight. My contractor did all he was supposed to, spacing boards appropriately. He actually went to a class on how to install before using this product. I contacted LP Johnson 11/2009, filed a claim. It took about 5 months for an inspector to come out. They have offered me a check for one split corner post. The rest they said was due to incorrect gapping. I have no proof the contractor gapped correctly, no photos of the undamaged deck, who would think to take them? The water pools on each board. It’s a mess. I have no recourse according to their letter. I either accept 133.00 or the claim is closed. Anyone have any suggestions? Sound to me like big business ripping off the average consumer. I’m likely not to take their offer just because I will have to sign off of on the claim.
Donna
I had the Weatherbest railings installed in 2006. I noticed this past winter that the bottom rails were spliting. I called my contractor and he found that there was a recall. I contacted the proper people and they asked me if I had the Crystal White (I do) and he told me that wasn’t part of the recall. What does the color have to do with it. Has anyone else had that problem? Isn’t there a life time warranty on this product? Don’t know where else to turn.
David
We have a severely defective deck. I did not find this site prior to wasting time with LP’s claim office. Just got a rejection; they claim we’ve installed the product defectively. I am not a person who initiates litigation, but I am commited to suing LP. I would be pleased to participate in a class action suit. I would welcome contact from any firm that has initiated such an action. These arrogant people need to make people whole who have purchased their defective products.
Jim
My Vernada was ordered in two loads ( my fault). As the product weathered for 3-4 months, it was apparent that I have at least 6 different shades. HD said that “of course, they would take care of it”. My satisfaction was their goal. BS! Eight months later they passed me off to the manufacturer. Seven months after that, the mfg. made a token settlement. They are waiting for the plaintiff to die or go away.
Rick B
We had our LP deck installed in early 07 and within 1 yr we had deterioration problems. We had to call LP several times 888-621-5088 before they would respond but eventually they did defer to BrightServ 888-600-5744 to handle the claim. It takes a while and some follow up but within about 4 month’s BS determined that our deck was in fact failing and the product was purchased within the dates described in the lawsuit and qualifies for full replacement. NOt sure why, but we had to produce proof of purchase and our contract for installation. BrightServ hired a local contractor to do the replacement and they plan on starting soon but the contractor only offered Trex Accents as a replacement. Trex has a pretty poor reputation and I am still trying to find out whether I have any “say” in what the LP is being replaced with. I live in Oakland, CA. Does anyone have any experience with this?
Lisa
We have had nothing bud mold spots and cracking and are very disatisified. We recently went to a local 84 lumber and were complaining in conversation and they told us there was a recall. W ehave to powerwash constantly and it leaves marks, we thought it was supposed to be maintenance free and hold its color! I am interested in class action. Anyone know how we go aboutthis?
Lisa
We went through the same issues with the LP deck claim. We installed our deck in 2006 and after a rainy fall in New England, the boards swelled up and warped so badly the water pools on the deck and we have to push it off with a broom. LP’s decking claim process is a farce. I have yet to hear from anyone who actually got a settlement. They claim installation error in every case. I want to start a class action suit. Anyone else interested?
Frank
We installed our deck in the fall of 2007(at a cost of about $20,000. for material and labor) By the fall of 2008 it looked really bad. Contacted LP and they sent out a local contractor, who was suppose to be their adjuster. We sent in everything they ask for- response back was they would replace everything including labor. A couple of weeks went by without hearing from the contractor so I called him. He said our claim had disappeared from his computer, I contacted LP, they said they would send out a third party adjuster. They gave me his name and phone # so I called him, told him I wanted to be there when he was on my property. He came when I wasn’t home, took pictures and they responded back they would not do anything. I’m wanting to find out what can be done.
Nick
Prior to the recall I contacted LP about something they called shotgun mold which are spots on the decking. They told me to out bleach w/ water on the deck on a overclase day scrub it down and wash it off. It did slightly clean it but it was back in a month or so. The color has really faded and the orginal cedar color is no where near the samples
Mark
I am extremely disappointed about my LP Weather Best Deck installed on my new home in the summer of 2004. One year later I complained to my builder because of issues. An LP representative came out, claimed it was installation issues and suggested to add venting which the builder did. I did not help and each year the deck and product deteriorated more. This summer I learned about the recall, contacted LP and wnet through the proper procedure to only have my claim rejected. Not I am stuck having to pay for a new deck with minimal help from my builder and a lot of cost to me – and none of it is my fault. It seems like LP has a bad habit of putting out untested product. Another example was their fiberboard siding fiasco. Why does anyone buy LP products? Why do builders use LP products?
Rick
Please note this is only the Veranda manufactured by LP/AbtCo. Universal Forest manufactures Veranda and is sold by Home Depot as well. Also, any composite decking that is manufactured with wood flour or any other organic compound will get mildew on it. This is unavoidable, as mildew feeds on anything organic. Use a deck cleaner to wash it off. There is no such thing as a “no maintenance” deck. All decks need to be cleaned as needed.
Norm
I bought Veranda decking from a Home Depot in Conn. about a year ago. It is discolored with mold spots all over the deck with some areas being very badly stained.I called Home Depot and am supposed to have a meeting with a rep from Home Depot and Veranda to determine a solution. I have tried two deck cleaners and on the reccommendation of Veranda, pure chlorine bleach. Nothing worked, they just seemed to turn the black mold spots redish or purple.
Margaret
I have a weatherbest deck that is an absolute disaster. The “boards” are warping, turning green, splitting etc. My contact with Louisiana Pacific is going no where fast. They are stalling big time. Does anyone know of a law suit against them that I could join? For now I think I will contact the state Attorney General and see what they can do. I need the whole deck replaced – so much for a “no maintenance” deck that cost me a fortune.
Sandra
Comment by Sandy on September 23, 2009 In August 2008 I had Veranda (Cedar colore) decking installed. It was only 8 months and the appearance was deplorable. The fading of the color is almost white and the variation in the composition of the boards is beyond explanation. I have sent pictures, made phone calls to try to get some satisfaction. The answers that I received were – it’s normal. I purchased USA to keep our Americans working. With this type of work production, lack of credibility and concern, I can see why the US workers are losing their jobs. NOBODY CARES OR WANTS TO HELP YOU TO RECTIFY A WRONG THAT WAS MADE. They don’t want to admit that the product is either inferior or an irregular that was sold at TOP DOLLAR. THEY WILL TAKE YOUR MONEY AND RUN. I purchased the material from HOME DEPOT.
Deborah
How can I tell if my decking is part of the recall? To be honest, the contractor just finished the deck, and it looks like crap! Most of the boards are so discolored, I can’t believe they would use the boards!
Tom from cleveland
In 2006 We built a deck and spent approximately $3,000 on Veranda gray decking. After 1 winter the decking began to split and mold. We are very disappointed with this product. I’m not sure how to go about getting the problem fixed but will investigate. We have alot of money in labor putting this deck up and I don’t want to pay for the labor and materials again becuse of a bad product.
William
We have spent approximately $3,000 on rebuilding our deck and have not only problems with wrapping and spliting with this product, but now have mold coming through the broads. We installed this product in 2008 and it has continually degraded over the past year. We are very disappointed and have just found out about the recall. We spent a lot of hours and money on rebuilding out deck and do not look forward to a long fight with the company to try and get even a portion of our money back. To say nothing of of th hours of work and planning.
Gen
We installed our veranda decking July 4th 2007 and have noticed in the past couple months that our deck is chipping and flaking off in several areas. We spoke to Home Depot today and they said to contact the manufacturer about the recall of the product. We will be doing this on Monday. Very disappointing after all the hard labor, hours and cost of our deck….not a cheap product, as far as the cost that is.
Bud
LP and ABTco made siding that was/is part of a class action lawsuit. I’d stay away from all of their products personally.
James
We had our home built in 2003, the composite decking, grey in color, was used and I think it may have come from Home Depot now that I see it on this web site. This summer (2009) the boards on the outer edge started to swell, flake, and split and is a mess probably due to an unusually wet summer in Colorado. I had a home inspector and our home insurance adjustor come to evaluate this problem and I was told by both that I had to find the manufacturer. I have a call out to the general contractor that built our home to see if he can tell me what company they purchased the material from and what company manufactured the material but he hasn’t called back, in case the builder can’t provide the information does anyone have any idea as to how I can determine what company made this crap?
muri
hello I had my deck put in the spring of 2005. For a while, it held up well. My son while visiting some months ago, brought to my attention the fact that it was splitting in various sections. I am so dasappointed, I sure would like to give it another try.I think we just got a bad batch.
Jeffrey
I have the same problems on my deck as well as mold. I bought this product to be free of the cracking, splitting and mold spotting, and fading.
Crystal
We are in the middle of construction on our deck. We are having the same issues, cracking and splitting. What is even more disturbing is the product that we have not used yet is also cracking, splitting and even on the sides it is coming apart at the seems so to speak. We also notice a fair bit of cupping which I also thought was not suppose to happen. We also believe we got a bad batch at the rate it is deteriorating there will be nothing left of our deck. We thought we were investing in a maintenance free solution $$$$.
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