Building a composite deck is a sure way to enhance your outdoor space. Low maintenance, durable and aesthetically pleasing, composite decking is the the perfect solution for any area, whether it’s a garden, a roof terrace or a balcony.

Whether you're replacing an old deck or starting fresh, planning is crucial to ensure your new deck meets your needs and stands the test of time. We’ve pulled together the top five things we think you should consider when planning a composite deck.

1. Budget

It seems an obvious one to think about how much you can spend on your new deck, but you may not always think to factor in things like subframes (the price of this can vary depending on the material used), nosing and any extras you may need for your deck.

You may also need to consider any additional add-ons you would like for your decking area such as lighting & balustrades which can impact the overall cost.

Our decking products offer outstanding quality for a great price, helping you save against other brands in the market. 

Oh, and don’t forget any installation costs. 

2. Placement

Deciding where your decking should go can be a big decision. If you have a large space to work with, you need to consider things like where the sun hits the most and the most shaded areas. Our composite decking products are UV resistant which means they don’t fade in direct sunlight, so you can position it wherever is best for you - whether you enjoy basking in every minute of sun or relaxing in the shade.

Another important factor to take into consideration is what you will be using the decking area for. Do you need a water or power supply nearby for outdoor dining or entertaining? This might determine where you need to position your decking space, and it may need to be fixed onto the building.

Does the ground need any attention or is it suitable for the subframe to be built on top? This may impact your decision on where to place it. 

3. Finish and Design

You’ll want to bring your ideas to life with your new decking so it’s important to choose the right products. Are you looking for a more natural finish that is closest to timber or a more durable wrapped finish? Is woodgrain your perfect choice or would a grooved or fluted finish be more suited? The great news is, that we have all these options to choose from within our Trekker composite decking range – you can see the full range here.

Choosing the right colour is very important! We’d always recommend requesting samples of your chosen decking so that you can compare the colours and see how they will look in situ. We have a total of 8 colours across our range of 5 finishes so we’re sure to have the ideal product for you to achieve your vision.

You can request your samples here.

Have you thought about how the boards would be laid? Using different colours can allow you to create borders or even patterns in the decking.

Do something different by creating distinct built-in features with your decking such as benches, planters or storage.

4. Size of the Deck

When it comes to planning the size of the deck, there are a few things that need to be considered: do you plan to use the deck for entertaining? What space do you have to work with? What size will your budget allow? Will you need your composite decking area to be raised or over multiple levels? Composite decking is so versatile and can be used to make a feature in your space and provide practical solutions. You could even incorporate some of our composite cladding to box the area in.

5. Building Regulations

When it comes to planning and building regulations, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Although building a simple deck in your garden is not likely to cause any issues, decks on roof terraces, balconies and raised structures may need approval from your local authorities.

Before you make a start on your project, it’s a good idea to look into any issues you may face and get any permission you need beforehand.

We would always recommend hiring a professional to install your decking to ensure the very best finished product and they will be able to advise on whether any building regulations apply.

If you’re ready to get started with your composite deck, get in touch with the team today for some free samples at info@trekkerglobal.com or 01483 310800. Or you can call into one of our showrooms to see our complete range and speak to one of our advisors.