If you’re planning to build a new deck — or upgrading an existing one — fire safety might not be the first thing you think about. But here’s the thing: wildfires aren’t picky about zip codes, and building codes are evolving fast. That means fire performance is now part of choosing the right materials. Don’t worry, Deckorators has you covered.
You may hear terms like flame spread rating or WUI compliance when researching decking. Understanding these terms can make it easier to compare options and choose decking with confidence.
What Is a Flame Spread Rating?
A flame spread rating measures how quickly fire moves across the surface of a material during standardized testing, commonly the ASTM E84 surface burning characteristics test.
Think of it this way: it doesn’t tell you whether something will burn — it tells you how fast flames could travel across it if exposed to fire.
These ratings are typically grouped into three classes:
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Class A: Slowest flame spread — best performance in resisting rapid fire spread
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Class B: Moderate flame spread — often an improvement compared with traditional wood
- Class C: Faster flame spread — materials more likely to allow flames to travel quickly across the surface
It’s also important to understand that even materials with a Class A flame spread rating aren’t fireproof. For example, many PVC-based decking products can still soften, melt, or burn when exposed to enough heat or direct flame. A flame spread rating simply reflects how fire behaves across the surface during testing — not whether the material will ignite or be damaged under real-world fire conditions.
That’s why it’s important to do your homework. Class A is not automatically required in every situation, and Class B materials are code-recognized and permitted in many areas where code-compliant products are required. Local building codes and requirements vary by region, so always check with your local authorities to understand what applies to your project.
Lower flame spread classifications can help slow how fire moves across a deck surface, which may help provide a greater level of protection in certain situations. For homeowners, it’s one more factor to consider alongside durability, maintenance, and design.
WUI Compliance: Not Just for the Wild West
WUI stands for Wildland-Urban Interface. Fancy name, simple concept: it’s where houses meet wild vegetation like forests, grasslands, or open spaces — basically anywhere fire could decide to visit uninvited.
Many communities in WUI-designated regions have building codes requiring specific fire-performance standards for exterior materials, including decking. When a product is described as WUI compliant, it means it has been tested and approved for use where those codes apply.
Wildfires don’t just spread from large, visible flames. In many cases, they’re carried by wind-blown embers that can travel long distances and ignite homes and outdoor spaces. That’s why WUI requirements focus on helping reduce that risk. And it’s not only a concern in western states — more than 60,000 communities across the U.S. are considered at risk for wildfires, making fire-conscious building decisions increasingly relevant nationwide.
Why These Ratings Matter
Understanding flame spread ratings and WUI compliance can help homeowners make more informed decking choices:
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Peace of mind: Materials designed to slow flame spread may help provide a greater level of protection.
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Code readiness: WUI-compliant products can simplify building in fire-prone areas where regulations apply.
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Improved performance vs. traditional wood: Many untreated wood decking products fall into higher flame spread categories, which can contribute to faster fire spread compared with higher-performing composite materials.
Deckorators Decking Designed for Performance
Deckorators composite decking combines beautiful aesthetics with thoughtful performance — including fire-conscious design. Our Class B-rated boards meet national flame spread testing standards.
Altitude Decking
Deckorators Altitude decking features a fire-resistant core with a Class B flame spread rating. It’s engineered to help slow flame spread while delivering strength, stability, and modern aesthetics. Altitude decking also meets WUI compliance standards, making it suitable for many wildfire-prone regions.
Vista Decking
Deckorators Vista decking offers natural wood-inspired looks with composite durability and performance. Like Altitude, it features a Class B flame spread rating and WUI compliance, giving homeowners an attractive option that balances design flexibility with enhanced fire performance considerations.
Both lines are engineered to meet the expectations of today’s homeowners — whether building in a fire-sensitive area or simply looking for materials that support long-term outdoor confidence.
Fire Safety Tips
Even with high-performance materials, a few smart habits can help improve deck safety:
✔ Keep decks clean: Remove leaves, debris, and flammable materials regularly, especially during dry seasons.
✔ Maintain a safe grilling area: Position grills, fire pits, and heaters away from railings, siding, and vegetation. Never leave them unattended.
✔ Clear nearby vegetation: Trim plants, grass, or shrubs close to the deck to reduce potential fuel sources.
✔ Use fire-resistant furnishings when possible: Outdoor furniture and décor made with durable, weather-resistant materials can reduce fire risk.
✔ Check local fire guidelines: Many communities provide seasonal safety recommendations, especially in wildfire-prone regions— because we all need a little help sometimes.
Ready to Build a Safer, More Beautiful Deck?
Deckorators delivers innovative materials, thoughtful design, and dependable performance so you can spend less time worrying — and more time enjoying your outdoor space. Explore our decking lines with a Class B flame spread rating today!
