The best composite decking can create a fabulous garden feature that makes room for dining or relaxing. You can use it for a simple ground-level deck of any size, or far more extensive landscaping with different levels and steps in between. You can get the look you love, too. Composite decking comes in a huge range of colours and can pull off the appearance of hardwoods, and replicate its grain patterns, too.
If you’ve already settled on composite decking rather than hardwood or softwood, you’ll likely also be attracted by its durability and its low maintenance credentials as well.
The composite decking on our list includes different shades and looks, so you can complement the other hard landscaping in your garden as well as its planting and overall style. Read on to see our top picks, or check out our list of the best decking for a wider choice including wooden decking.
Best composite decking 2020
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Composite Prime HD Deck Dual gives you two decking colours in one buy because the boards are reversible. This colour is carbon and the reverse is lighter antique.
Timber appearance
If you want the look of wood, this is a top option. It’s made to have the appearance of natural grain plus the depth of colour wood has.
Fade resistance
These boards have a capped outer layer, which is designed to increase protection from fading in the sun as well as from the elements.
Secret fixings
This decking has a special clip system so that when you’ve built the deck you can’t see the fixings.
Like the idea of getting everything you need to build a 2.4 x 2.4m deck in one ready-to-use package? Then the Homebase Ecodek Composite Deck Kit is for you.
All you need
You’ll get everything that’s required if you opt for this design. That means the deck boards of course, but also pressure-treated timber joists for the base, side fascias, colour matched screws, spacers and even the drill bit needed. You will need a saw to cut the timber joists to size, though.
Grain – or not
These grey boards have a natural wood grain effect on one side and a rigid profile on the other, which looks contemporary, so you can choose which you have on show.
Re-use
The boards, which have a solid core, are made from recycled high-density polyethylene and beech hardwood fibres from sustainable sources, and they’re UK manufactured.
If you’re looking for decking that can brighten even a shady plot, check out Howarth Timber & Building Supplies Trex Transcend Composite Square Edge Decking Board seen here in Island Mist. It’s ideal for small gardens as well as to create larger decked areas in big plots.
Exotic shade
Island Mist is a silver colour that reproduces the appearance of tropical hardwood. It looks exotic and it’s ideal for making outdoor spaces seem larger than they really are as it’ll bounce the light around. It comes in a range of greys and browns with exotic names including Tiki Torch and Spiced Rum.
Nearly all
These are 95% recycled boards, so you can feel happy that your deck will be largely made from re-used materials.
Board types
This square-edged board is installed like timber decking, but there are also grooved edged boards in this colourway available. These have a hidden fixing system so there wouldn’t be any screw holes on show.
B&Q Neva Anthracite Grey Composite Deck Board is a good looking and affordable design.
Contemporary colour
Anthracite grey won’t suit every style of plot – but there are plenty it will. The finish looks modern and this shade has become popular for bi-fold doors and window frames, so you well might want to continue your colour choice on the deck.
Reversible boards
They’re all one colour, but the boards do have a different profile on each side, to give you a choice of effect.
Sticky end
Some reviewers have reported that the labels have been tricky to remove and recommend arming yourself with a sticky remover to get the residue off.
If it’s a traditional wood finish you’re after rather than a tropical timber, Havwoods Trekker New Oak Decking could come top of your list. Its mid tone is the ideal backdrop to weatherproof rattan furniture, or elegant metal tables and chairs.
Hardwood style
This composite decking has the light brown colouring of oak and will look enduringly stylish in your outdoor space.
Easy installation
Clip fixings make these deck boards easy to lay and they can be used to create a raised deck, too.
FSC certified
The timber used to make this wood plastic composite is FSC certified as coming from a forest managed with consideration for people, wildlife and the environment.
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