Buyers’ guide to the best composite decking in stylish colours

As well as spoiling us with colour choices, those brilliant board boffins have treated us to many upgrades since composite decking was first developed some 20 years ago. Now it can withstand everything the British weather throws at it, protecting us from the tedious tasks of sanding, staining, treating or oiling, as with traditional timber decks. Compared to timber, composite is usually more expensive, but it’s less likely to fade, and although it will weather to some degree, you’ll barely notice any colour change, and this will only happen during the first three months of being in the sun. After that, it will stabilise for the rest of its days. This tends to be around 25 years, much longer than timber, which generally needs renewing after 8-12 years.
Planks are still the most popular option. Lay them parallel in a traditional fashion with staggered joins, diagonally or with inset panels running in an opposing direction.

To get down to the nitty-gritty, composite decking is made from wood fibres, high-density polyethylene and bonding agents, and many of the ingredients are waste or recycled products, so it ticks the eco-friendly box too. Once mixed and heated, they’re pressed into a plank form and impressed with a wood grain. The surface of each board is then brushed, sanded and treated to create a specific finish. The quality of ingredients and the manufacturing process will determine how the boards perform over time and the retail price.
It’s worth knowing if the boards you’re buying are hollow, solid core or co-extrusion boards, which relates to how they’re made: 
✽ Hollow boards have holes running through them, reducing the amount of material used, weight and, usually, the retail price too. 
✽ Solid core boards are much denser and more rigid and the cost is higher for these.
✽ Co-extrusion boards, also known as capped or shielded, have an extra protective layer of plastic covering, which makes them super-strong. In a line-up with real timber planks, you’d be hard pushed to pick them out, thanks to their natural woodgrain, realistic varied colour and less ‘plasticky’ feel.

Hugely versatile, the floor is not the limit when it comes to composite decking. With plenty of coordinating extras to be found, such as cladding, fascias, trims and railings, you can seamlessly extend the look to steps, multiple levels, fitted benches, tables and raised planters. For extra wow, why not use contrasting boards to outline different areas and create decorative borders, or a deck ‘rug’ as a focal point for an outdoor seating or dining area?
Composite tiles are also available and are often an affordable option and ideal for sprucing up small spaces such as balconies and terraces. Made with interlocking connections on all four sides they can simply be clicked in place as needed. Non-slip and mostly made from a bamboo and plastic blend, they are 100% recyclable.

Lifting and laying composite decking is a breeze compared to heavier timber alternatives. With tongue and groove edges, they can be fitted together using specialist hidden fixings that also act as spacers, so the boards run parallel, leaving your lovely deck screw-hole free and less likely to let moisture in. 
Need to cut a composite board? No problem – all you need is a sharp specialist blade. Thin jigsaw blades are flexible enough to neatly do the job. Or, if you have lots of cutting to do, then a circular saw fitted with a 40-tooth alternate top bevel finish blade is a speedier option. Cut ends will never be as neat as uncut boards, so you may wish to cover them with a raised fascia board, vinyl stair-nosing cove or decking veneer for a super-smart finish.

If you want to spend more time enjoying drinks on your deck and less time cleaning it, composite decking is for you. Unlike timber, the sealed surface doesn’t demand tiresome scrubbing, the yearly removal of green slime or the painstaking slog of applying sealant. Instead, you can enjoy a clean surface that is child and pet-friendly and safe to use whether wet or dry. 
Your best bet is to use a pressure washer, but if that's not an option, simply go over it using a stiff, bristle brush – and don’t be shy with those grooves – before mopping it with hot soapy water. Any stubborn marks should simply wash off, but check the manufacturer’s guidelines before using any detergent or you may compromise the product’s guarantee.
You can relax in the knowledge that composite boards won’t warp and lift like natural wood, and your deck will stay nice and flat. There’s also no need to worry about wood knots, weeping sticky resin or gouges that can ruin the look and let water and rot set in. 
All that’s left to do is plan what you’ll do with all the extra free time composite boards afford us. Daiquiri on the deck anyone?