Composite ranges, colours and design
There are many different suppliers, ranges and colour choices with composite decking giving you lots of options with design when considering composite decks boards. As a rule the dearer the board the better - you get what you pay for and this also applies to the standards of installation. Below we give a brief description of ranges as we do not manufacture or stock boards ourselves but will source from various suppliers.
Board layout is normally dictated by design and water management, if its a narrow deck its best to run vertically to give the illusion of depth for example. Diagonal installation requires more material in the frame to accommodate joist spacing so this affects the cost.
If you find a range you like yourselves and wish to purchase we're more than happy to install and guarantee our work - However we will not install a budget board as it simply won't last and it'll affect our own standards and brand image.
The images below are simply a guide and not exhaustive. Another point to consider is if you use a recommended installer the warranty is upheld, some suppliers shy away from warranty if its a DIY installation.
Budget & Economy
These boards are entry level into the composite world of decking. The boards will be hollowed, some very much so, which can weaken the board and joists spacing's need to be tighter. Suppliers state up to a 10 year warranty. Purely from personal experience these are prone to splitting and warping.
WE WILL NOT SUPPLY OR FIT THESE BOARDS.
Pro's - good price for a wood alternative deck. Cons - UV protection is low so the colour will fade in sunlight. The boards are porous so when wet will be darker and dry lighter. Does require more cleaning. Scratches and marks are easily achieved. Grain tends to be deep and not as natural as advanced ranges. Our advice with some of these ranges is to use composite restorer to bring back the colour if you feel its faded to much.
Warping
These boards are prone to over swelling in different temperatures and expanding substantially, In doing so they space between the board disappears which then creates standing water. If installed in a constricted area they will buckle from expansion.
Porous
Unfortunately these boards over time become porous meaning they trap water within the board and can lead to algae growth, pooling water and they become slippy. In cold conditions the water freezes expanding the board even more.
Midrange to Premium Example
Obviously the next level up so the boards normally come with a longer warranty and more depth to grain. In the main these will be capped to prevent water ingress and more protection from UV. Overall the boards look better to the eye. Hollowed out again but more structure so stronger and less flex.
Midrange to Premium Example
The underside is grooved on this example giving 3 or 4 points of contact beneath allowing for minimal water to be trapped.
Pro's to Mid/Premium Boards- up to 25 year guarantee. Higher UV protection. Waterproof so quick drying and easier to clean. Higher scratch resistance.
Premium Boards
Normally have a very detailed finish and can come in wider widths. Higher warranty potentially supplied and solid boards available dependent on use.
Pro's - solid feel and long warranty. Different texture underfoot. Some manufacturers supply wider boards of up to 8".
Con's - some deem cost a downside however sometimes you can get what you pay for.
Some suppliers have gone for a hidden screw system on the premium boards from an installation perspective this can be a downside as once the board is fitted its very difficult to take the board back up but then potentially you never need to.
Standard Design
Difficult to explain the design stages as it all depends on what you want and size of the area. Boards as a rule come in 3.6m lengths anything larger we'd need to butt the joints leaving 3-5mm expansion space. If we need to butt boards we install as you would do a floor with a long length, then a medium length then a shorter length to ensure your not drawn to the butt joint. We also leave a joist gap for water drainage so the water doesn't sit on the joist causing rot - this is something that separates us from other businesses! Edge finishes are also a choice from using a simple capping as shown in the image but this can get damaged overtime which is why the edge board or picture frame finish is our finish of choice.
Picture framed
This allows a choice of blending colours for an ascent. Creates a more interesting space but requires additional framing to accommodate the picture board. This also allows for a drainage junction from the board to the picture frame board.
Its all about personal choice!
Picture framed with edge board
Contrast picture frame with capped edge
Contrast picture frame with Edge board
Teak
Colours
Many choices from many different suppliers so the images displayed here are an example for you from one of our suppliers. As stated before if you find a range you love we will install them for you.
If you visit the photo gallery it will show some of the colours clearer, most boards are not just one colour and have flecks of different colours running through to try and provide a natural finish
All images are from our own installations - Apologies for water in the images we finish all jobs with a full clean down of the area.
Antique
Grey
Charcoal
Silver Birch
