Composite decking ideas to add style and structure to your outdoor space As the days grow warmer and longer, we start to spend more and more time in our gardens. There are a myriad of ways to make your outdoor space work for you, and composite decking ideas has to be one of the most versatile. Decking ideas add so much flexibility to your garden. They work equally well integrated into lawns or as standalone terraces and patios. Therefore, whether you’re looking to create a new dining area, entertaining space or practical pathway, decking steps up to the challenge. Plus, some strategically placed boards can add value, as well as style, to your home. Always a welcome bonus. Decking of any sort is a great choice in terms of garden ideas, but composite decking ideas, specifically, are worth exploring. ‘It’s an ideal choice for homeowners with a busy lifestyle, as it requires very little maintenance,’ says Nick Whiley, Project Director, Trekker Decking. ‘With its clean, straight lines wood composite planks offer a timeless look and will enhance natural beauty across both contemporary and classic exteriors.’ It’s first well worth understanding exactly what we mean when we talk about composite boards. ‘Composite decking, also sometimes referred to as WPC decking, is made up of a combination of plastic and wood fibres that, when combined, create strong and durable decking boards,’ explains Lee Cavalier, Decking Product Manager, Dura Composites. ‘Good quality composite decking combines recycled wood and plastic elements for a more sustainable choice, and results in a strong, durable and authentic looking alternative to traditional wood that’s much lower maintenance and easier to care for.’ Composite decking ideas ‘Decking is a great way to make the most of your outdoor space,’ says Tony Kersey, Buying Manager Builders, Hardware & Fixings, Homebase. ‘Laying and looking after decking isn’t as difficult as you’d think, although there are a few things to consider before beginning your garden makeover, like how durable you’d like your decking to be and how you’re planning on using it.’ So, whatever outdoor space you’ve got, it’s time to explore what composite decking ideas could work for you. 1. Use two colours for style and safety Image credit: Trex One of the many benefits of composite decking is the vast array of colours and finishes available. Make the most of this flexibility by using more than one shade in your outdoor space. One way of doing this is to use a lighter colour of the borders and edges of steps. As well as adding interest, this neatly zones areas. In terms of the steps this form of composite decking ideas also makes things safer come evenings as the levels will be more visible. 2. Paint your pergola to match the boards Image credit: Future PLC Create an outdoor room based around your composite decking. Use outdoor paint to co-ordinate your pergola or trellis with the flooring below. This will delineate the area, making it feel enclosed and cohesive. While you will need to repaint your pergola over time, this won’t be the case with the flooring. ‘Composite decking is incredibly low maintenance, they will not rot, split, swell, twist or fade like a timber deck,’ points out Karl Harrison, landscaper and Trex Composite Decking expert. ‘They do not require annual painting, staining or stealing and won’t splinter easily either. They even have the natural look of timber and all this is possible without having to fell a single tree, making them a highly sustainable decking option.’ 3 Use two styles for interest Image credit: Trekker Global Make the most of the variety available with composite decking ideas by using more than one style in an area. Choose a thinner board design to create an elegant boarder to your terrace or pathway. Whatever style or design you choose, rest easy knowing the good looks will last. ‘Composite decking requires very little maintenance apart from basic cleaning,’ advises Nick Whiley, Project Director, Trekker Global. ‘Composite boards look, feel and are installed in the same way as natural wood, but they will not rot, splinter, warp or host algae growth. They are also extremely fade and stain resistant, making them essentially maintenance free, requiring no sanding, staining or painting.’ 4. Create level outdoor space Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore It’s fairly common to have a lawn and a house which don’t exactly match up on levels, so use composite decking ideas to fix this problem. You can even lay these over existing paving to modernise the area and level things even further. ‘Adding decking to your garden can be a great way to create the perfect outdoor space for summer dining,’ says Chris Moorhouse, Category Director for Timber, Building, Decor and Garden, Wickes. ‘On the whole, laying decking over old patios is completely fine, however the surface needs to be flat so if your slabs are in really bad shape we would advise relaying these first to reduce the risk of your new decking sinking over time.’ 5. Integrate a retro conversation pit Image credit: Trex Look to the Seventies for a quirky addition to your outdoor space. If you’re considering working in a firepit, then why not go one step further and build in a full blown conversation pit? You’ll have seating and heating together in this cool zone. ‘Like many other outdoor surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt, beach sand, timber decking, composite decking can get hot due to weather and sun exposure,’ notes Karl Harrison. ‘On such days, care needs to be taken to make sure skin does not have extended contact with the surface of the deck, especially with young children and those with special needs. Please note also that the darker the colour, the hotter the deck will feel. For hotter climates, consumers should consider choosing a lighter colour.’ 6. Opt for a tile effect Image credit: Dura Composites ‘Composite tiles are another alternative to traditional boards,’ advises Lee from Dura Composites. ‘These easy-to-lay interlocking tiles can be…

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