Lasting on average 20-30 years and requiring minimal maintenance, it’s no wonder why composite decking is such a popular choice for UK gardens. That’s without even mentioning the slip and fade resistance or the recycled composition.
Nonetheless, selecting your ideal product remains a large and long-term decision, right down to choosing between composite decking colours. Which is where this post comes in – if you’re curious about which shades are on offer, this one’s for you!
The Importance Of Choosing The Right Colour
When it comes to garden decking, the colour is almost as important as the material itself. Since colour has a profound effect on emotions and mood, the right hue can achieve a truly unique garden design whilst complementing the surrounding environment. Sounds like a dream, right?
Let’s break down the key factors to consider when choosing your perfect composite decking colour…
Cohesion
The colour of your decking should harmonise well with the features already present. Think about the colours of adjacent fences or existing sheds as well as the furniture and lighting you’ll place onto the decking once it’s completed. For instance, if your outdoor furniture is of a singular colour, a neutral wood shade for your decking can provide a balanced look. Alternatively, bold and contrasting colours will offer a striking edge that draws the eye.
Don’t forget to think bigger too! How do different composite decking colours relate to the overall scheme of your home?
This can be as simple as thinking through the external appearance (e.g. red brick works nicely with a pale warm-brown), or even going so far as to consider the transition between interior colours and exterior colours.
Style And Substance
Choosing your decking colour is a great opportunity to infuse your personality into your garden space. Whilst a seamless, toned-down blend is key for some, others might prefer to be more daring with vibrant colours that reflect a unique style.
As part of this, you should balance personal style with what the decking will be used for. For example, lighter colours can create a relaxed and airy feel perfect for unwinding, whilst darker hues add a sophistication and elegance that transform the decking area into the perfect social space.
Atmosphere
As days draw on and seasons change, composite decking colours can look different. In full summer sunlight, the shades can appear brighter whilst at night they can feel more subdued. Consider how the decking can adapt year-round to your needs – will it look as inviting in the winter as it does in the summer?
Also, if you’re working with a small garden, pay particular attention to how the decking colour will affect the perception of space. Lighter shades can help to open the area up, whilst darker shades can feel cosier. Since the decking is likely to take up a large proportion of the space in a small garden, this is all the more important to get right.
Functionality
Consider the less interesting stuff too for example, where do you plan to install the decking? Whilst all decking products absorb heat in sunlight, darker colours will get hotter than lighter colours. So, if your decking is positioned to catch the sun, you might opt for a lighter shade to keep it more comfortable.
In a similar vein, the level of traffic is important to consider. If your decking is likely to be used often, it might be more practical and cost-effective to choose a more durable colour that can maintain its appearance over time.
Garden Decking Colour Ideas
Now that you’ve thought about your needs and wants, it’s time for the star of this post: composite decking colour ideas.
Let’s start with the shades that composite decking is commonly available in.
What Colours Does Composite Decking Come In?
Straight from the get-go, composite decking is highly versatile and readily available in numerous colours to suit different preferences. These tones tend to reflect naturally occurring wood shades, and include:
- Grey: Particularly fitting for modern and contemporary homes that seek a crisp and minimalist aesthetic.
- White: Helps to create a fresh and clean atmosphere that works strikingly with vibrant plants or accessories.
- Pale Brown: Perfect for a versatile and refined look that creates a calming and natural environment.
- Medium Brown: Works well in both traditional and contemporary gardens, offering depth and warmth alongside a timeless appeal.
- Dark Brown: Brings a sense of luxury and refinement that pairs beautifully with natural greenery.
- Red Brown: Great for a more mediterranean or rustic look, it cultivates a vibrant yet inviting atmosphere.
- Black: Ideal for contemporary designs that aim for a striking visual appeal and especially useful to make a statement.
Combine Different Colours
Whilst installing composite boards of a single colour is the easiest and most common way to create a composite deck, don’t be afraid to mix things up. Combining two (or more!) colours in your decking design can create visual interest and draw the eye. If a multi-toned approach appeals to you, there’s three main ways to integrate the different hues:
- Create An Outline: Use a contrasting colour to create a bold perimeter for your decking. This technique highlights the dimensions and shape of the space, making it feel more defined.
- Get Funky With A Pattern: If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, use alternating colours to create an intricate design such as herringbone or diagonal stripes.
- Move Beyond The Main Decking: Don’t overlook any railings or edges – particularly on raised decks! Contrasting colours can make a statement that stands out, whereas complementary colours can tie the whole design together.
Get Creative With Paint!
Whilst composite decking is designed to be low-maintenance and therefore doesn’t usually require paint, you can still get creative with specialised products to achieve a custom finish. Doing so opens up a rainbow of exterior colours, from pinks and reds to greens and blues: just bear in mind that paint will need to be regularly touched up to keep your decking looking fresh. Here are a few of our favourite shades:
- Light Sage: A subtle and on-trend colour that still feels fresh and natural.
- Dark Navy: Rich and elegant and pairs beautifully with white railings and gold accents.
- Deep Wine: Adds a rich and romantic feel that works well with wood-tones.
- Vibrant Magenta: A bold and playful shade that works great as a statement in artistic settings.
For the best results, make sure that the paint you use is specifically formulated for composite materials. It’s also worth reaching out to a professional to ensure that you don’t damage the garden decking, and that you won’t void any warranties.
Composite Decking Colours: Conclusion
Your decking has a large role to play in shaping the look and feel of your garden. Whether you opt for natural tones, bold contrasts or a personalised painted finish, the right choice can tie your garden together and reflect your personal style. Just make sure to consider factors like surrounding elements, functionality, and lighting, and you’ll be all set!
