The Most Common Questions About Composite Decking Answered

Is there anything better than when the sun finally appears, you can crack open a cold one, fire up the barbie and head outside into your garden? Well, that all depends on how said garden is shaping up!

Having a surface that’s practical to place furniture on top of really counts. Composite decking makes a solid choice for homeowners, as it offers advantages in practically every category, especially in terms of price, durability, ease of installation and the available colour options.

If you’re new to all things composite decking, we’ve got you covered, as in today’s post, we will answer some of the top questions our customers and the wider internet have about composite decking, so that you can make an informed purchase decision when you place your order with us.

What Is Composite Decking?   

There is no better place to kick the discussion off by taking you through what composite decking actually is. That way, those who are new to the material can understand the benefits it will provide to your project, along with why composite decking has become so popular within the building and gardening trades in recent years.

The main difference with composite decking versus other types of decking that you need to know about relates to its composition.

Composite decking is a special hybrid of materials that includes 55% recycled wood, 40% HDPE plastic and 5% additives.

When you consider the properties of wood and plastic on their own, they have a plethora of appealing features. For example, wood looks fantastic when used in outdoor projects and plastic is known for its durability, not to mention the ease of customisation such as moulding it to different shapes or the ability to add internal colourant, to ensure a beautiful even finish for whatever application it’s used for, which is difficult to achieve with regular painting.

However, when wood and plastic are combined, they not only help to complement each other but also cancel out any of the cons of using one versus the other. In terms of decking, this includes aspects such as wood not being sustainable and being prone to chipping or cracking. But because additional materials have been added (i.e. plastic), these issues can be avoided giving you the customer, the best of both worlds.

The finished product gives beautiful, durable decking that can be enjoyed for many years without any of the associated hassles with how decking used to be done. So in many ways, composite decking makes for a wise investment that is fast becoming the industry’s preferred material of choice

What Colours Does Composite Deck Come In?     

Here at Dino Decking, our composite decking is available in a stunning range of colours with nine shades to choose from, which are:

Simply order one of our free sample packs. We’ll send you a selection of different colours and decking weights so that you can get a feel for which shade along with the decking type that will best suit your project

Best of all, with a composite deck, there’s no need to reach for that paintbrush to add oils, stains, primers or paint colours – your beautiful deck will arrive in the colour selected, all ready to go! Below are the 9 colours:

How To Install Composite Decking

The installation of a composite deck is more straightforward than other outdoor surface types such as patio or tiles, as for one, there’s no mixing of concrete to contend with.

However, if you’re not confident with DIY, we do recommend hiring an expert for the job to ensure satisfaction with the finished installation.

Some of the top tools required for a composite deck installation include ground sheets, plastic coverings, pegs, a garden spade, heavy duty scissors, heavy duty tape measure, a spirit level, a pencil and a try square.  

Planning

Choose a suitable location for your deck. It’s entirely your choice whether you want the deck to be in a sunny location or if you want to be able to seek some shade with regards to your furniture placement.

Measure the space out and create a basic drawing of the deck, which will help you know how much material you’ll need and so you can work out your costs.

Arrival Of Boards      

When ordering your decking, ensure to leave at least 72 hours before installation commences to allow for the composite to acclimatise.

Also, make sure you’ve read our delivery policy so that you’ll know what to expect on the day including whether any additional help may be needed to manage any heavy loads.

Once the boards have arrived, lay them on a ground sheet and keep them covered.       

Create The Foundations    

There are several foundation options that can be used for composite decking, including using an existing patio or concrete base. Alternatively, decking can be laid over lawn which will require marking out the space and digging up the lawn, covering the ground with landscaping fabric and then adding gravel. 

Follow Our Decking Installation Instructions

Although the process is straightforward, there are a lot of steps involved with the entire composite decking process, which aren’t easy to cram into a single post. However, we have created a several videos on how to install composite decking, which we highly recommend checking out.

Click here to view installation video

As always, we’re on the end of the phone if you have any further questions. If choosing a qualified composite deck installer, the process should also be incredibly seamless.

What Are The Benefits Of Composite Decking?

• Cost effective
• Environmentally friendly
• Long lifespan
• Low maintenance
• Mould resistant
• No splinters
• Non-slip
• Range of colour options
• Reversible designs
• UV fade resistant
• Weather resistant

How Much Is Composite Decking UK?

Our composite decking boards start from just £6.25 per linear metre. We also have classic and premium ranges to choose from, allowing you to select the right type of decking for your requirements, including your budget.

View our composite decking ranges.

How Long Does Composite Decking Last?

With the proper care and attention, composite decking can last anywhere between 25 and 30 years on average. For your peace of mind, all Dino Decking products come with a 10-year warranty.

Composite Decking Vs Hardwood Decking

Traditionally a deck was always made with timber known as softwood or hardwood decking. The idea of using a hardwood deck is idyllic, but the reality paints a different picture. That’s because some of the top issues with hardwood decks include the time consuming preparation and maintenance, the heavy reliance on natural resources, splinters, mould and absorption of stains.

In other words, a hardwood deck may as well be called a ‘hardwork deck’! As mentioned above, the fusion of plastic and wood, which combines to make composite, looks to solve a lot of these issues for consumers.

Our composite decking even comes with a reversible design, allowing you to choose between groove or wood detailing, along with anti splinter technology. Therefore, you get the look of wood without any of the associated headaches. Plus, as we use recycled materials, your deck will be much kinder to the environment versus using freshly cut real trees.

Composite Decking Vs Patio

On the above link to our composite decking installation guide, you’ll notice everything you need to know about how to install your Dino Decking products fits nicely on one sheet. When it comes to laying a patio (never mind measuring it out!), we hope you’ve got all day just to comprehend the basics.

Without a doubt, patios can look fantastic when done right. The problem is, the entire process is messy, complicated and time consuming. Even picking up a patio slab is no easy feat and can soon put your back out with the wrong lifting technique. All in all, patios just aren’t practical, time or cost-effective for what most people want out of a practical garden surface.

Even when a patio has been installed professionally, you’ll still need to jet wash it and regularly remove weeds from it. The pH of rainwater can also damage some patio materials, which when you live in Britain isn’t exactly ideal!

But with composite decking, you can avoid all that nonsense and skip to the part where you’re enjoying some quality family time out in the garden on your beautiful new deck.

Composite Decking Vs Tiles

We’ve got to give outdoor tiles some credit here, they do look stunning in glossy photos or property brochures.

But what happens when the weather gets a little nippy and there’s some frost underfoot? Or, if there are any spillages that don’t get cleaned up before someone walks over them? That’s right, unfortunately, a huge issue with outdoor tiles is that they can be incredibly slippery.

What’s more, if anything does get dropped on them, and they aren’t an extremely good material the tile could also be prone to cracking or breaking.

No such hassles with our composite decking, which has anti-slip technology and won’t chip or crack.

What Composite Decking Accessories Do I Need?

Great question! Alongside the installation tools we mentioned above, you’re also going to need certain components to complete the look and feel of your deck and ensure its longevity.

Some of the top accessories for composite decking include decking clips, decking frame, fascia boards, corner trims and end caps. For the likes of caravan decking, you might also want to check out our composite balustrades too.

Luckily, when it comes to all things composite decking and accessories, you’ll find everything you need right here at Dino Decking.

What Is The Best Way To Clean Composite Decking?

We recommend wiping your decking clean as needed. It’s extremely important to note that the sooner a stain is wiped up the less chance it has to absorb into the material. However, if you check out this video on composite deck vs PVC vs cedar, you’ll see how well composite fared against common BBQ stains and even red wine – so long as the stain is cleaned up promptly and using the correct method.

Basic cleans can also be performed using soap, water and a gentle bristle brush, which you may want to do post-installation to remove any construction debris. Likewise, at the start of the spring season, it’s always nice to give your deck a quick clean to refresh the look of it.

Please read our cleaning guide for more stubborn stains

If in doubt, give us a call or drop us an email, and we can give you specific advice depending on the stain and the deck you have chosen.

Does Composite Decking Get Hot In The Summer?

For the likes of entertaining, lounging and even the comfort of your pets – we think temperate comfort is particularly important.

When composite decking is exposed to the sun, the material will warm slightly but never to an uncomfortable level. Therefore, even in the height of summer, you’ll be able to enjoy your deck as intended. For example, when you compare this to a tile which essentially acts like a hot plate absorbing the heat from the sun – there’s a remarkable difference with decking.

We also recommend opting for our premium range of composite decking for any south-facing gardens or those exposed to strong sunlight, as it has enhanced UV light protection to help protect the colour of your decking.

Is Composite Decking Slippery When Wet?

Nope! Our composite decking has been expertly engineered to reduce the hazard of slipping associated with other outdoor surface materials. Featuring integrated anti-slip technology, our composite deck will be safer to walk on, however, slipping may still happen if the deck is not cared for.

How To Find Composite Decking Installers Near Me

If you’re in search of a composite decking installer, the best advice we can give is to do your research.

We know it’s tempting to opt for the cheapest professional but really, what it should come down to is their experience, knowledge and professionalism. So, definitely check out whether they are a legitimate company and whether they have any good reviews – pictures or videos can be extremely helpful here.

We also recommend checking sites such as CheckaTrade or Mybuilder.

Is Composite Decking Worth The Money?

While we could wax lyrical about the ease of installation, low cost, fuss-free maintenance, 10-year guarantee and even the beautiful colours to choose from, what the value of composite decking really comes down to for us is the enjoyment of your garden.

Without a practical space to place furniture on, alfresco dining, entertaining, relaxing and even working from home in the summer can all be a no-no. But, with just a few simple steps and a bit of elbow grease, you’ll have an incredibly practical, not to mention stylish outdoor addition to your home for many years to come. So in answer to your question yes, composite decking is most certainly worth the money.

Plus, did you know that sprucing up your garden can add as much as 5% to the value of your property? According to a group of estate agents, 62% commented that the addition of a deck adds value to a property.

Why Should I Buy Composite Decking From Dino Decking?

First and foremost, we’re a trusted UK leading supplier of composite decking. This matters because should you need us, we’re on the end of the phone or an email. We even have a showroom in Wigan you can come and visit! Compared with a faceless internet-only company, or even purchasing from overseas, we want to offer our customers peace of mind and quality assurance.

We were also selected to supply products for Alan Titchmarsh’s Love Your Garden, which was a huge honour for us. Alan has a long association with garden makeovers from the days of Ground Force, so we were delighted to be able to supply our composite decking for such a deserving project.

You too can also enjoy the fantastic results of a TV makeover wherever you’re based in the UK by ordering our composite decking. Better still? All for an affordable price!

Buy Composite Decking Online UK – Dino Decking

We hope we’ve helped uncover the mystery of composite decking for all those considering using it in their next project. In summary, it’s a solid material that fuses the best of both worlds compared with using wood or plastic separately.

Available in a wide range of colours, long-lasting and easy to maintain, it’s easy to see why composite decking is a firm favourite within the building trade and with our customers alike.

Didn’t see your question above? Dino Decking is a UK based supplier of composite decking. You can reach our customer team at any time by giving us a call on 01942 355968 or dropping us an email at support@dinodecking.co.uk. You can also download our brochure to browse our full range of products.

Ready to get your project started? Shop all decking, and we’ll get your chosen style and colour on its way to you!