Exotics® Decking Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is Monarch composite decking made?
A: Monarch Exotics® and Exotics Edge™ composite decking is made by combining virgin polymer and recycled wood flour from the furniture and flooring industry. Our manufacturing process is simple, yet effective. Finely ground wood flour is mixed with molten plastic, encapsulating each particle to minimize direct exposure to the elements. This process makes Monarch stronger than some other composite products and, unlike wood, is covered in a limited warranty not to rot, split, splinter, and crack or suffer structural damage.
Q: How do I determine how much Monarch decking I'll need for my project?
A: Exotics and Exotics Edge boards are manufactured in standard lumber lengths; so plan your deck as if you were using wood your deck dimensions will determine how much Monarch you'll need. A good rule of thumb is to add 10% to your final measurements to take into account waste and mistakes. Additionally your local Monarch dealer will be happy to assist you in your determining product needs.
Q: Some of the Monarch deck boards have some color variation. Is this normal?
A: Yes. Monarch uses a patent-pending color process and the color variations are due to natural color variations in the wood fiber and virgin polymers. Actually, this makes each board unique and one-of-a-kind, with color veining, shading and graining realistic in every detail. Please look at the photos in the below photo library link, to show examples of the true color variations in actual Monarch decking boards. The Monarch exclusive color veining and shading extends through the entire board, so even cut surfaces look just like wood. The Monarch Exotic deck boards are as workable as wood itself; they can be cut, ripped and routed to create virtually any wood structural design.
Q: Is Monarch susceptible to pests, like termites and ants?
A: No. Monarch's manufacturing process virtually ensures that pests will never be a problem. Made with a homogenous combination of virgin polymer and recycled wood flour, Monarch's wood particles are completely encapsulated to prevent any exposure to outside elements, even termites and ants.
Q: Do the Monarch decking and railing systems change color over time, similar to how wood weathers?
A: All Monarch products weather to some degree. The Exotics decking and railing systems weather to a beautiful seasoned tone. The rate of color seasoning depends on exposure to sunlight, weathering and other environmental factors. However, beginning with installation Monarch Exotic decking seasoning is usually complete within 6 to 12 months.
Q: I don’t want any fasteners to show on my new deck, what about using hidden fasteners to install an Exotics deck?
A: Yes, Exotics is pre-grooved at the factory to accept hidden fasteners like the Monarch Crown Clip.
Q: The grooved board is great, but I need a solid board for stairs and trim boards
A: Solid edge boards are available in all Exotics colors.
Q: I want to replace my current deck with an Exotics deck. The under carriage is in great shape, can I use my existing joists?
A: Replacing just your deck boards is a great way to save money on your deck project. One word of caution, make sure to check your current joist spacing. The maximum span for Exotics is 16” on center (12” on center for any diagonal or angle installation). If your current joist spacing is more than 16”, you’ll need to add additional joists. All this information and more, is available in the Monarch Exotics Decking Installation Guide
Q: Can Exotics be routered?
A: Exotics routers and cuts, just like natural lumber
Q: Can Exotics deck boards be glued?
A: It is not recommended to glue Monarch Exotics deck boards
Q: What about painting or staining?
A: Exotics decking is designed to weather over time to a beautiful seasoned tone. Painting or staining the product just like natural lumber is at best temporary. Once you stain or paint Monarch Exotics you will need to keep staining or painting it.
Q: I power wash my current wood deck each year, is that ok with Exotics?
A: Using a power washer on your Exotics deck can damage the surface. It is not recommended.
Q: Ok, then what is the recommended cleaning?
A: Regular sweeping is the best way to keep your Exotics deck clean. A composite deck cleaner or mild dish soap can be used to remove dirt. Refer to the Monarch Exotics Cleaning Guide for tough stains.
Q: I live in the cold North is it ok to put salt on my Exotics deck?
A: Salt while an effective ice melt, is very harsh. We recommend ‘salt alternatives’ to de-ice your deck, they can be found right next to the salt at your favorite retailer.
Exotics® Edge™ Decking Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is Monarch composite decking made?
A: Monarch Exotics® and Exotics Edge™ composite decking is made by combining virgin polymer and recycled wood flour from the furniture and flooring industry. Our manufacturing process is simple, yet effective. Finely ground wood flour is mixed with molten plastic, encapsulating each particle to minimize direct exposure to the elements. This process makes Monarch stronger than some other composite products and, unlike wood, is covered in a limited warranty not to rot, split, splinter, and crack or suffer structural damage.
Q: How do I determine how much Monarch decking I'll need for my project?
A: Exotics and Exotics Edge boards are manufactured in standard lumber lengths; so plan your deck as if you were using wood your deck dimensions will determine how much Monarch you'll need. A good rule of thumb is to add 10% to your final measurements to take into account waste and mistakes. Additionally your local Monarch dealer will be happy to assist you in your determining product needs.
Q: Some of the Monarch deck boards have some color variation. Is this normal?
A: Yes. Monarch uses a patent-pending color process and the color variations are due to natural color variations in the wood fiber and virgin polymers. Actually, this makes each board unique and one-of-a-kind, with color veining, shading and graining realistic in every detail. Please look at the photos in the below photo library link, to show examples of the true color variations in actual Monarch decking boards. The Monarch exclusive color veining and shading extends through the entire board, so even cut surfaces look just like wood. The Monarch Exotic deck boards are as workable as wood itself; they can be cut, ripped and routed to create virtually any wood structural design.
Q: Is Monarch susceptible to pests, like termites and ants?
A: No. Monarch's manufacturing process virtually ensures that pests will never be a problem. Made with a homogenous combination of virgin polymer and recycled wood flour, Monarch's wood particles are completely encapsulated to prevent any exposure to outside elements, even termites and ants.
Q: Do the Monarch decking and railing systems change color over time, similar to how wood weathers?
A: All Monarch products weather to some degree. The Exotics decking and railing systems weather to a beautiful seasoned tone. The rate of color seasoning depends on exposure to sunlight, weathering and other environmental factors. However, beginning with installation Monarch Exotic decking seasoning is usually complete within 6 to 12 months.
Q: I don’t want any fasteners to show on my new deck, what about using hidden fasteners to install an Exotics deck?
A: Yes, Exotics is pre-grooved at the factory to accept hidden fasteners like the Monarch Crown Clip.
Q: The grooved board is great, but I need a solid board for stairs and trim boards
A: Solid edge boards are available in all Exotics colors.
Q: I want to replace my current deck with an Exotics deck. The under carriage is in great shape, can I use my existing joists?
A: Replacing just your deck boards is a great way to save money on your deck project. One word of caution, make sure to check your current joist spacing. The maximum span for Exotics is 16” on center (12” on center for any diagonal or angle installation). If your current joist spacing is more than 16”, you’ll need to add additional joists. All this information and more, is available in the Monarch Exotics Decking Installation Guide.
Q: Can Exotics be routered?
A: Exotics routers and cuts, just like natural lumber
Q: Can Exotics deck boards be glued?
A: It is not recommended to glue Monarch Exotics deck boards
Q: What about painting or staining?
A: Exotics decking is designed to weather over time to a beautiful seasoned tone. Painting or staining the product just like natural lumber is at best temporary. Once you stain or paint Monarch Exotics you will need to keep staining or painting it.
Q: I power wash my current wood deck each year, is that ok with Exotics?
A: Using a power washer on your Exotics deck can damage the surface. It is not recommended.
Q: Ok, then what is the recommended cleaning?
A: Regular sweeping is the best way to keep your Exotics deck clean. A composite deck cleaner or mild dish soap can be used to remove dirt. Refer to the Monarch Exotics Cleaning Guide for tough stains.
Q: I live in the cold North is it ok to put salt on my Exotics deck?
A: Salt while an effective ice melt, is very harsh. We recommend ‘salt alternatives’ to de-ice your deck, they can be found right next to the salt at your favorite retailer.
Exotics Railing Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I determine how much Monarch railing I'll need for my project?
A: Monarch offers three rail systems available in 6’ and 8’ lengths. After assessing your overall measurements of your railing needs, make the choice to use either the 6’ or the 8’ lengths factoring the measurements of a post sleeve in between each of your railing sections, this will give you a good count of rail kits needed to complete the job. A good rule of thumb is to add 10% to your final measurements to take into account waste and mistakes. Additionally your local Monarch dealer will be happy to assist you in your determining product needs.
Q: Is Monarch susceptible to pests, like termites and ants?
A: No. Monarch's manufacturing process virtually ensures that pests will never be a problem. Made with a homogenous combination of virgin polymer and recycled wood flour, Monarch's wood particles are completely encapsulated to prevent any exposure to outside elements, even termites and ants.
Q: Do the Monarch decking and railing systems change color over time, similar to how wood weathers?
A: All Monarch products weather to some degree. The Exotics decking and railing systems weather to a beautiful seasoned tone. The rate of color seasoning depends on exposure to sunlight, weathering and other environmental factors. However, beginning with installation Monarch Exotic decking seasoning is usually complete within 6 to 12 months.
Q: I have kids and I am worried they could get stuck between the spindles.
A: Each Monarch Exotics Rail kit is pre- drilled and pre- spaced, per national building code standards, to ensure a 4” sphere cannot pass between the spindles.
Q: What lengths are available?
A: Exotics Railing are available in full 72” and 96” kits
Q: I have two sections that are only 2’ wide, can I cut the railing?
A: Yes, you would cut down a 6’ rail section for that application. Please check out Monarch Exotics Railing Installation Guide for more detailed instructions
Q: Is there a stair rail kit available?
A: Exotics rail kits can be used for both straight runs and stair railing applications. Please check out the Monarch Exotics Railing Installation Guide for exact instructions.
Q: How do you fasten the rail section to the post sleeve?
A:Through the end spindle. Each rail kit includes two pre-drilled end spindles. Refer to the Monarch Exotics Railing Installation Guide.
Bermuda™ Railing Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I determine how much Monarch railing I'll need for my project?
A: Monarch offers three rail systems available in 6’ and 8’ lengths. After assessing your overall measurements of your railing needs, make the choice to use either the 6’ or the 8’ lengths factoring the measurements of a post sleeve in between each of your railing sections, this will give you a good count of rail kits needed to complete the job. A good rule of thumb is to add 10% to your final measurements to take into account waste and mistakes. Additionally your local Monarch dealer will be happy to assist you in your determining product needs.
Q: Is Monarch susceptible to pests, like termites and ants?
A: No. Monarch's manufacturing process virtually ensures that pests will never be a problem. Made with a homogenous combination of virgin polymer and recycled wood flour, Monarch's wood particles are completely encapsulated to prevent any exposure to outside elements, even termites and ants.
Q: I have kids and I am worried they could get stuck between the spindles.
A: Each Monarch Bermuda Rail kit is pre- drilled and pre- spaced, per national building code standards, to ensure a 4” sphere cannot pass between the spindles.
Q: What lengths are available?
A: Bermuda Railing kits are available in full 72" and 96" kits- 36" and 42" heights
Q: I have two sections that are only 2' wide, can I cut the railing?
A: Yes, you would cut down a 6' rail section for that application. As it will be necessary to have extra brackets for this application, you will need to order a Bermuda 'Cut Kit' from your Bermuda retailer. Please check out Monarch Bermuda Railing Installation Guide for more detailed instructions.
Q: Is there a stair rail kit available?
A: In addition to a standard Bermuda rail kit, it will be necessary to purchase a Bermuda Stair Rail Bracket kit for a stair application. Please check out the Monarch Stair Railing Installation Guide for exact instructions.
Chameleon™ Railing Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I determine how much Monarch railing I'll need for my project?
A: Monarch offers three rail systems available in 6’ and 8’ lengths. After assessing your overall measurements of your railing needs, make the choice to use either the 6’ or the 8’ lengths factoring the measurements of a post sleeve in between each of your railing sections, this will give you a good count of rail kits needed to complete the job. A good rule of thumb is to add 10% to your final measurements to take into account waste and mistakes. Additionally your local Monarch dealer will be happy to assist you in your determining product needs.
Q: Is Monarch susceptible to pests, like termites and ants?
A: No. Monarch's manufacturing process virtually ensures that pests will never be a problem. Made with a homogenous combination of virgin polymer and recycled wood flour, Monarch's wood particles are completely encapsulated to prevent any exposure to outside elements, even termites and ants.
Q: I have kids and I am worried they could get stuck between the spindles.
A: Each Monarch Chameleon Rail kit is pre- drilled and pre- spaced, per national building code standards, to ensure a 4” sphere cannot pass between the spindles.
Q: What lengths are available?
A: Chameleon Railing kits are available in full 72" and 96"
Q: I have two sections that are only 2’ wide, can I cut the railing?
A: Yes, you would cut down a 6’ rail section for that application. As it will be necessary to have extra brackets for this application. You will need to order a from the Monarch Bermuda collection, a Bermuda Cut Kit from your local retailer. Please check out Monarch Chameleon Railing Installation Guide for more detailed instructions.
Q: I've chosen Chameleon Tigerwood for my deck. My wife likes the Exotics Tigerwood post sleeve better than the Bermuda white post sleeves, but I don’t like the look of the white brackets with on the sleeve. Any suggestions?
A: Monarch offers an accessory kit for applications like yours. The Chameleon Colored Bracket Kit (link content to accessories 3c. above) is available in all Chameleon colors, to match Exotics post sleeves.
Q: Is there a stair rail kit available?
A: In addition to a standard Chameleon rail kit, it will be necessary to purchase from the Bermuda collection, a Bermuda Stair Rail Bracket Kit for a stair application. Please check out the Monarch Stair Railing Installation Guide for exact instructions
Site Map | Privacy Policy | Australian Site