Composite decking sold at Home Depot recalled by Louisiana-Pacific

Just in time for that first picnic, some 48 million linear feet of decking sold under the brand names Veranda, WeatherBest and ABTCo. has been recalled by Louisiana-Pacific Corp., of Nashville. Veranda is sold at Home Depot.

The composite decking can deteriorate prematurely and break unexpectedly causing homeowners to fall, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Louisiana-Pacific has received 37 reports of composite decks breaking, resulting in 14 injuries including a broken wrist, sprained ankle, minor lacerations and bruises.

The outdoor deck board and railings are composite products that look similar to natural wood and were sold in various colors including Tuscan Walnut/Chestnut, Driftwood Grey/Greystone, Pacific Cedar and Western Redwood. Home Depot's Veranda decking products are manufactured by multiple firms; only products manufactured by Louisiana-Pacific are included in this recall.

Update: The recalled decking was made in the U.S. at Louisiana-Pacific's Meridian, Idaho plant and was sold  from January 2005 to August 2008 for between $1.50 and $2.25 per linear foot. The Veranda and ABTCo decking and railing was sold at Home Depot in the western U.S. (AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY, and TX (El Paso markets). The WeatherBest decking and railing was sold nationwide at building products dealers. Photos on the Louisiana-Pacific Web site can help consumers identify the recalled decking.

Consumers affected by the recall should contact Louisiana-Pacific for a free inspection. If the decking is showing premature deterioration, Louisiana-Pacific will arrange for a free replacement. For additional information, contact Louisiana-Pacific toll-free at (888) 325-1184 between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.deckingnotice.com. If you kept your invoice, have it handy.

Note: Veranda decking was included in our most recent Ratings (for subscribers).