Millions of feet of decking recalled after breaking, causing injuries

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Decks built with composite boards and railings have been breaking, bringing 37 complaints of product failure that included 14 injuries. That has caused the Consumer Product Safety Commission to recall about 48 million linear feet of composite decks built by Louisiana-Pacific Corp. today.

Cuts and bruises, sprained ankles and one broken wrist were among the injuries to some of those who fell through the decks that had deteriorated prematurely and broken unexpectedly, the commission said in the recall statement.

The Louisiana-Pacific deck boards and railings, which vary in size, was sold under the brand names LP WeatherBest, ABTCo. and Veranda.

The composite decks look similar to natural wood and were sold in various colors including Tuscan Walnut, Chestnut, Driftwood Grey, Greystone, Pacific Cedar and Western Redwood.

The recalled Veranda brand composite decks were sold at Home Depot, while the LP WeatherBest and ABTCo. brand composite decks were sold at other supply stores nationwide from January 2005 to August 2008.

Veranda decking products are manufactured by multiple companies and only decking built by Louisiana-Pacific are included in the recall.

The decks cost from $1.50 to $2.25 a linear foot and were built in the U.S. by Louisiana-Pacific, which is based in Nashville, Tenn.

Those who bought the recalled decking are asked to stop using their decks and immediately contact Louisiana-Pacific for a free inspection. If the decking is affected by premature deterioration, the company will replace the decking for free.

For more information, consumers can call Louisiana-Pacific at (888) 325-1184 between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit the company’s recall website at www.deckingnotice.com.

-- Nathan Olivarez-Giles

deteriorating (top), the decking installed (middle) and the colors the decking was sold in. Credit: Consumer Product Safety Commission