10 exciting composite decking ideas for your home

If you’re about to embark on your own composite deck project then take a minute to look at a few design ideas before confirming your plans. While a deck might seem a fairly straightforward proposal as far as blueprints go, with a bit of creativity, you can actually achieve quite unique results. As these composite decking ideas show, they can be quite profound, enhancing the form and function of your outdoor living space.

Use board widths and colours to your advantage by mixing and matching them on your deck. You can create texture and depth in your design by doing so and a unique point of interest too.

For example, you can create a pattern with narrow, 45 - 50mm composite deck boards combined with more standard 135 - 140mm width-sized options. This type of arrangement can add an extra dimension to your outdoor space.

You can also do this by using slightly contrasting deck colours. This doesn’t have to be done using dramatically different shades but rather graduated colour changes to create subtle shifts from one part of the deck to another.

Related article: How to create a great deck in Australia

You can transform a simple project by creating a “picture frame” around your deck. This is simply done by using a different material or colour for the frame of the deck as a whole. This will create a neat edge and a simple and clean aesthetic for your outdoor space.

Then you can always spruce up your canvas (by which we mean the deck), adding appropriate plants and other decorative details.

You can create a sophisticated, refined finish by installing diagonal runs across your deck. You don't have to lay the entire deck out diagonally. Rather, create designated areas by having sections of the decking installed in such a fashion.

For example, you can create and define a dining area or outdoor kitchen by using this method. With enough room to place your outdoor dining furniture pieces and appliances, you’ll have a visually sectioned space for preparing and enjoying your meals.

Traditional decks have sharp corners and geometric shapes with most either rectangular or square with a few jutting areas here and there.

If you want your deck to stand out, you can create a distinguished feel by creating curved edges. The right composite decking will be cut like timber and the right level of bend in the trim will let you fascia the curved edge. It’ll look great and increase your designer credentials too.

Create a beautiful ambience with the right deck lighting. You don't have to rely on wall lights or string lights like everyone else. You can instead illuminate your deck by installing recessed lighting in the decking area itself.

This subtle form of deck lighting is sleek and stylish, particularly suited to a modern and contemporary aesthetic. They are also great options for stair lighting around your deck which can be installed step by step.

Related article: 12 brilliant deck lighting ideas for your home

Nothing compares to an evening relaxing around a fire pit. You can minimise the risk of fire by having the pit installed directly into your decking with a stone outline right from the outset. The right decking professional will be able to design this for you in a safe and responsible way.

The decking material will then be designed around the fire pit. You can even create a circular pattern with your decking boards as a great visual cue, making the fire pit the centrepiece of your deck.

You don't have to settle for diagonal or straight patterns in your decking. A herringbone deck pattern has become increasingly popular in recent times which creates a basket weave texture using short boards at 45-degree angles.

The herringbone pattern works especially well as an inlay as opposed to a design over the entire deck. Whether you prefer a traditional or modern architectural style, the herringbone pattern is one that just works. It may cost a little more to get installed but it is nearly always well worth it.

If you like the look of tiles, you can create a tile pattern with your decking. Separate sections of your deck by creating a framed grid. Then, within the grid, lay the decking horizontally in one frame and then vertically in the next.

This design creates a pleasant rhythm of repeating squares and works especially well in a large deck. Use contrasting colours with this method to your advantage as well.

Instead of relying solely on outdoor furniture, use your decking to create built-in seating.

Built-in benches will last as long as your composite materials and save you money on additional furniture items as well. Typical deck furniture sometimes needs replacing after a few years but your deck and its built-in seats can last decades.

It also has the advantage of keeping everything in sync with respect to style as well.

If you're embarking on a decking project and want to enjoy your perfect deck no matter how hot it is outside, then a shade solution is a must. While an umbrella is certainly a cost-efficient method of creating shade, it's also temporary and will need replacing over time.

You can create a more durable shade with more permanent options like a pergola, awning or attached roof extended from your home. These will stay in place even against the stiffest wind or in the case of the awning you can simply retract it.

More importantly, it will provide a shelter that keeps everyone cool and dry when required.

Your deck is an extension of your home so it’s important that you take as much care with your choices as you would any internal space or room. As you can see, there are plenty of great deck ideas to take inspiration from to make your composite deck design more unique, stylish and functional, all at the same time.