A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Composite Decking for Your Garden

15 August 2023

When it comes to creating an impressive outdoor space, composite decking offers an ideal solution for homeowners seeking both beauty and durability. Choosing the perfect composite decking for your outdoor space can be a daunting task, given the plethora of options available on the market. In this comprehensive guide, Outdoor Home Improvements will walk you through the essential factors to consider when selecting the best composite decking, ensuring you make an informed decision that will complement your outdoor space for years to come.

What is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is a modern decking material made from a combination of wood fibres and recycled plastic. This fusion creates a durable, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood decking.

Grey composite decking boards installed in garden

Why Consider Composite Decking For Your Next Garden Project?

Composite decking offers numerous advantages, including:

  • Exceptional durability, resisting warping, cracking, and splintering.
  • Low maintenance, requiring no staining or sealing, unlike wood decks.
  • Environmentally friendly, utilising recycled materials.
  • Resistant to mould, mildew, and insects.
  • Aesthetically pleasing with various colours and finishes.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Your Composite Decking

Budget

Before diving into the world of composite decking, establish a realistic budget for your project. While composite decking can be more expensive upfront than timber decking, its longevity and minimal maintenance costs make it a cost-effective investment in the long run.

Design Preferences

Consider your garden’s design, style and colour scheme. Composite decking boards come in a wide array of colours and finishes, allowing you to choose the one that complements your overall outdoor aesthetic. With our outdoor smart composite decking range, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to designing your new decked out area.

Evaluating Usage and Foot Traffic

Assess how frequently your outdoor space will be used and the expected foot traffic. For high-traffic areas, opt for highly durable composite decking with excellent resistance to wear and tear.

Material Considerations

There are two main types of composite decking boards:

  • Solid Composite Decking: Featuring a uniform composition throughout the board, this type of decking offers robust strength and stability.
  • Hollow Composite Decking: These boards have a hollow core, making them lighter and
    less expensive. However, they may be less durable than solid boards.

Some composite decking products come with a cap or shell that enhances their durability and resistance to fading, staining, and scratching. Capped composite decking is an excellent option for those seeking maximum protection for their investment.

Maintenance Requirements

One of the major advantages of composite decking is its minimal maintenance requirements. Regular cleaning with soap and water are usually sufficient to keep your composite deck looking pristine.

While composite decking is highly durable, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent any damage that might void the warranty. Avoid using harsh chemicals or power washers, as they can harm the surface.

Environmental Impact

If sustainability is a priority, explore composite decking brands that prioritise the use of recycled materials and have environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Outdoor Home Improvement’s composite decking is designed from an innovative composition of 60% wood from post-industrial manufacturing and 40% recycled, high density polyethylene, which is an eco-friendly bonding agent.

Transform Your Garden With Outdoor Home Improvements’ Composite Decking Installation

Choosing the perfect composite decking for your garden involves understanding your needs, budget, and design preferences. By considering factors such as material type, capping technology, and maintenance requirements, you can make a well-informed decision that will provide beauty, longevity, and value to your outdoor space for years to come.

If you would like to learn more about our composite decking Devon, or any of the other types we offer, visit our decking FAQs page today, or contact our team on 01626 323525 or via email at info@outdoorhomeimprovements.co.uk, who would be happy to answer your questions.