A quick Google search for decking will fire back a surprising amount of results, featuring a wide variety of deck options for you to choose from.

As a result, picking out the decking material that’s right for you and your home can be a lot trickier than you might think.

To help you get to grips with each of these woody resources and, more importantly, the pros and cons of each, here’s a brief introduction into different types of decking.

Common Types of Decking

Decking boards come in a myriad of shapes, sizes and colours, offering an equally diverse range of attributes.

For years, the three main options for those looking to deck out their outdoor space were softwood decking, hardwood decking or plastic decking.

Unfortunately, none of these materials offered a comprehensive, long-term solution to domestic decking needs., as you can see below.

Softwood Decking

Softwood decking requires extensive maintenance to keep it in tip-top condition, necessitating regular staining and treating from year-to-year.

Even with such treatment, softwood decking may still warp and crack, while this material is also very absorbent, making it highly susceptible to mould and algae.

Meanwhile, traditional wood is also notably difficult to install at times, with knots in the wood a natural obstacle resulting in wasted materials.

Hardwood Decking

While hardwood decking may be a safer option than softwood decking, it will still need a lot of maintenance to keep its looks over time, requiring continued stripping, staining and oiling.

In addition to being time-consuming, this also involves the introduction of chemicals which can be harmful to the environment.

Much like softwood, hardwood decking can also be difficult to install and has the potential to split and splinter over time.

Plastic Decking

While plastic may seem like a synthetic solution to the above issues, they often not fit for purpose when it comes to weather-resistance and can become very slippery underfoot when wet.

What’s more, while they may benefit from less maintenance than traditional wood, they are also less sturdy and can bow and crack under stress.

Aesthetically, plastic decking also tends to look notably less impressive than wood, exuding a cheaper appearance that connotes a lack of quality.

Types of Composite Decking

While the above three options have many pitfalls in terms of appearance, practicality and upkeep, there is a better way to achieve your dream deck without the drawbacks.

Composite decking boasts all the aesthetic beauty of traditional wood decking with the low-maintenance benefits of synthetic materials, all with the added benefit of extreme durability and weather-resistance.

At DeckPlus, we specialise in composite decking and currently offer the following three avenues for you to explore when settling on the right material to suit your needs.

Hollow Composite Decking

The newest innovation to hit the decking market in recent years, hollow composite decking is a budget-friendly solution to your composite decking needs.

Hollow composite decking is markedly less expensive than other kinds of composite decking allowing those without a sizeable savings fund to deck out their garden in style.

They are also extremely eco-friendly, benefitting from the recycled aspect of its composition, while also using less material than solid composite decking.

Uncapped Composite Decking

A step up from hollow composite decking boards, non-capped composite decking offers virtually unrivalled durability and design flair with a low-maintenance lifespan.

Providing beautiful wood-look decking without the upkeep of the real thing, uncapped composite decking is fade, stain and abrasion-resistant.

Non-capped composite decking is also inherently slip-resistant, boasting an extremely low absorption rate for enhanced traction.

Capped Composite Decking

A step up from uncapped decking, capped composite decking is arguably the most comprehensive decking solution available on the market today.

Featuring a protective polymer sleeve for enhanced durability, capped decking is virtually impermeable to moisture, making it ideal even in wet conditions.

Ideal for pool and hot tub surrounds, spills and splashes can simply be wiped clean, while social gatherings involving food and drink are also no match for the awesome resilience of capped composite decking.

So, there you have it: a frank assessment of the main types of decking available on the market today. For more information on any of the decking types mentioned in this article or to find out more about hollow or solid decking at DeckPlus, call 0800 028 8756 now or get in touch online using the link below.

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When it comes to choosing which composite decking is right for you, choosing between the tried and tested solid option and the new hollow alternative can be a tough choice.

Both offer a variety of benefits in their own right that give them the upper hand in certain areas, but which one wins out overall?

Let’s find out as we take a closer look at them both in this ‘hollow vs solid decking’ head-to-head!

Solid Composite Decking

Available in a variety of designs and colour, solid composite decking comes in two primary forms: capped composite decking and uncapped composite decking.

Standard non-capped composite decking offers extreme durability, providing a long-lasting aesthetic that requires very little maintenance and upkeep.

Slip and stain resistant, each board is fundamentally designed to withstand the demands of the outdoors and is more than capable of handling a number of man-made obstacles as well, be it a family barbeque or a lively social gathering.

Meanwhile, capped composite decking offers all that and more, with the added benefit of enhanced moisture protection in the form of a protective polymer sleeve.

This gives each capped composite deck board an extremely low porosity, making them virtually impermeable to moisture, giving them added protection against stains and slips.

Perhaps most attractive of all, all solid composite decking comes with a 25 to 30-year warranty, with capped option even including fade and stain cover as standard.

Meanwhile, both are made from a combination of recycled hardwood and synthetic material, making them extremely eco-friendly.

Hollow Composite Decking

While it may have some big shoes to fill, hollow composite decking has a number of unique perks of its own.

Perhaps most obviously, an immediately noticeable difference between hollow and solid composite decking is the price tag that comes with them.

Hollow composite decking is notably less expensive than its solid counterpart, due predominantly to the fact that it uses less material by design.

Each hollow composite deck board features multiple hollow channels running through each plank, meaning they use considerably less material. This makes them extremely environmentally friendly, even more so than the solid version.

Despite the hollow composition, hollow composite decking is still inherently sturdy and hard-wearing, never requiring any wood treatment yet still providing all the stain and fade resistance of its solid competition.

They also provide a comfortable, lightweight surface to walk on, which can be preferable to some over the bulkier rigidity of the solid decking.

That being said, perhaps the main drawback of the hollow version in its battle with its solid opponent is the warranty. Hollow decking warranty is typically 5 to 10 years, as opposed to the 25 to 30 offered by the solid version.

Which is Better?

While both are designed for low-maintenance outdoor enjoyment, providing a wood-look aesthetic without the drawbacks of genuine timber, each option can make a solid argument (no pun intended) that puts them ahead in the opinion polls.

Solid composite decking has the edge in terms of long-lasting durability and variety of design; however, hollow composite decking is extremely eco-friendly and has a particularly attractive price point.

If budget is tight and cost is a concern, hollow decking will win all day, every day. However, if money is no object and long-lasting durability is top of the agenda, capped composite decking will long reign supreme.

Which Decking is Right for Me?

When deciding which is better for you, it can often come down to the wants and needs of the individual.

It’s worth considering your future plans when choosing which decking material is right for you. After all, would you buy top-of-the-range tyres for a car you plan on selling in a month’s time?

If you plan to stay in your home for the foreseeable future, it can make perfect sense to invest in a deck that lasts for decades to come.

Meanwhile, if you plan to relocate within the next decade, it may not be worth investing in a solid deck that’s designed to last 30 years.

Whether you want to use hollow or solid decking for your garden project, we have a huge range for you to choose from. All of our composite decking ranges are manufactured to the highest standards. Did you know you can now purchase everything you need including deck boards, trims and fittings directly through our website? Shop now!

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Throughout the year, British weather is typically dominated by dismal weather, with grey skies and downpours an accepted part of life in the UK.

As a result, when it comes to outdoor flooring, the ability to combat these conditions isn't just a welcome addition, it’s a veritable must-have.

In the case of outdoor flooring, non-slip decking is the holy grail of outdoor flooring, providing firm footing and grip in all weathers.

But just how slip-proof is non-slip decking? Let’s find out…

Can You Get Non-Slip Decking?

Before we go any further, lets address the very common question "is there such a thing as non-slip decking?" It’s worth noting this very important point: there’s no such thing as slip-proof decking.

Any company that claims to offer slip-proof decking is likely to be quite the slippery customer in their own right, so avoid at all costs! Now that we’ve got that out of the way, back to the task at hand…

While slip-proof decking is yet to make its way off the technological production line, slip-resistant decking is very much a reality. When the word "non-slip" is used, it's usually referring to slip-resistant decking, providing ample slip-avoiding attributes such as enhanced grip, etc. – without claiming to offer complete immunity.

Slip-Resistant Composite Decking

Traditional wood decking boards are prone to collecting moisture, whether it’s within the natural groves of the wood or soaked up by the board itself. Both can cause a major slip hazard, particularly following a heavy downpour.

Worse still, during the wintertime, this moisture can then freeze over, causing your wooden deck area to become a make-shift ice rink, worthy of Will Ferrell and Jon Heder.

At DeckPlus, all of our composite decking is specifically designed and engineered for enhanced slip-resistant, providing extreme traction with every transaction. With a moisture intake of just 1.2%, our composite deck boards are not only less likely to freeze over, but they are also far more resistant to slippery fungus like mould and algae.

What's the Best Non-Slip Decking?

When it comes to slip-resistance, few decking materials can compare to the moisture-resisting qualities of capped composite decking.

Covered in a protective polymer coat, each capped composite deck board is virtually impermeable. Surface water can simply be wiped away or left to dry, with a typical drying time of just 30 minutes.

These slip-resistant qualities make capped composite decking the perfect surface material for pool surrounds, hot tubs and areas likely to endure frequent splashes and spills. If you're looking for a safe and stylish alternative to slippery traditional wood decking, non-slip composite decking is the right option for you. 

Non-Slip Decking Boards at DeckPlus

Best of all, all of our composite decking boards come in a wide variety of designs, to ensure you get the best choice possible in terms of design, colour and safety.

Don’t slip up in your quest for the perfect decking. Order slip-resistant composite decking from DeckPlus and keep your feet firmly on the ground, regardless of what the weather brings!

For more information on non-slip decking boards and slip-resistant composite decking, call DeckPlus today? Drop us a line on 0800 028 8756 or get in touch online using the link below.

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At DeckPlus, we understand that every home is different, complete with its own individual features and quirks. Naturally, your garden should be the same, reflecting your own personality and character.

If you’re keen to put your own personal stamp on your garden design, you’ve come to the right place. Create a unique garden space that’s exclusive to your tastes with these top tips for garden deck designs.

Touch of Colour

Over the years, multiple things have been crowned “king” by their industry, from cash to content. In the decking business, we’re proclaiming that colour is king – so long live the king!

A splash of colour can have a hugely regenerative effect on your outdoor space. It also has the ability to turn a standard decking area into statement focal point of your garden.

What’s more, each colour and shade has its own individual personality too, capable of altering the tone and ambience of the space instantly.

Grey is ideal for a modern aesthetic that’s uber-cool, while bright oranges present a bolder, more in your face vibe. Meanwhile, dark woods are perfect for giving your deck an air of sophistication.

At DeckPlus, we offer a wide variety of colours throughout our various product ranges. Why not mix and match by incorporating multiple colours into your design to really make your space unique.

Pattern Pending

Once you’ve settled on the colour (or colours) you would like for your garden deck design, now is your chance to really expand your horizons and colour outside the lines.

There’s no hard and fast rule that says that decking patterns need to flow from east to west or north to south, so throw the compass out the window and prepare to take your garden deck design to unchartered territory.

From transition boards and picture framing to herringbone patterns and chevron styles, the scope for deck patterns goes far beyond simple lines and stripes.

For more ideas on deck patterns, check out our blog dedicated to just that by clicking here to find out more.

Shape Shifting

Following on from the last section, it’s time to really think outside the box and what better way to do that by getting rid of the box entirely?

Decking areas commonly fall within a designated square or rectangular area. One sure-fire way to make your outside space really stand out is to create a decked area that’s shaped completely differently from the outset.

Hexagonal and octagonal decks have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly when used for the purpose of separating levels and zoning (more on that below).

Even if you have a quadrilateral space to work with, you can still mix things up by incorporate cut-out areas within the deck itself.

This allows you to create a weaving S-shaped deck path that’s totally unlike the standard block deck we’ve become accustomed to. Dedicate these cut-outs to flower beds for the ultimate mix of colour and style.

Level-Headed

Another great way to instantly turn a bland decking area into something special is to take your garden decking design to another level…quite literally!

Incorporating steps into your design can be a fantastic way to not only create a deck that looks visually stunning, but it can also allow you to really make the most of the space you have available.

Levelling is also a great way to split your decking into zones; for example, you could use the lower area for dining and the upper partition for general lounging and socialising.

Creating a raised deck is also the perfect way to transition from one space to another and can seamlessly blend your deck area with a lawn or patio with effortless ease and style.

Raise your game with a deck that performs on every level!

Accessorise All Areas

Like any form of interior or exterior design, the finishing touches can make all the difference and the choices you make for your decking have the ability to make or break your outside space.

Luckily, decking lends itself well to any number of optional extras and creature comforts, from plant pots and garden furniture to fire pits and hot tubs.

Perhaps one of the easiest and most natural ways to incorporate a functional accessory into your decking design is to blend your deck into a bench of the same material.

DeckPlus boards can be easily modified to create a built-in bench that not only matches your deck to the grain but also retains all the hardwearing properties of composite material.

If you'd like to bring one of these garden deck designs to life, browse our composite decking & order today! You can now order everything you need including deck boards, trims and fittings directly through our website. Shop now!

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When opting for a decking area in your outdoor space, it’s easy to fall into the mindset of linear patterns and uniform design.

The tried and tested route of cascading deck boards, flowing straight from left to right or stretching from top to bottom is one that has reigned supreme for decades and is as timeless as the decking itself.

However, to overlook the potential for creativity is like going into a cocktail bar and ordering a pint of Carling.

With that in mind, it’s time to shed the blinkers, expand the horizons and breathe some life into your outdoor space with deck patterns that are designed with wow factor built-in.

Unusual Deck Patterns

Outside of laying your decking in a traditional vertical, horizontal or diagonal orientation, there are a whole host of styles you can create by combining a combination of the three.

Here are a few creative deck patterns you can easily create using some simple techniques and design blends.

Transition Board

Combining horizontal decking with one or two vertical boards in the centre at strategic points throughout the deck can be a fantastically easy way to mix up your design.

This can be particularly effective if you opt to use a contrasting colour for your transition boards; e.g. opting for light Teak boards to break up an overall Walnut design.

Picture Framing

As the label suggests, picture framing adds a border to your decking for a custom look that adds a sense of confinement to your design.

This is a great way of definitively separating your deck from another area of your garden making it ideal for zoning and multi-purpose outdoor spaces.

The alternating rib width of our EvoDek range is perfect for this, providing notable directional change and design distinction, as well as the option for bi-colour blending.

Herringbone

Named for its likeness to the skeletal structure of a fish, the herringbone deck pattern is essentially a combination of two mirror-image diagonal boards.

The result of this is an arrowhead pattern that gives a unique aesthetic as well as an element of direction to your deck design.

Chevron

Very similar to the herringbone design, chevron decking also follows a V-shaped pattern, providing an aesthetically pleasing directional design.

However, the main difference between the two is that, while the herringbone boards overlap end-on-end, the chevron boards meet with ends flush.

The chevron design is perfect for combining two different colours, while it can be further customised with a transition board to open up a world of creative design options.

Hopefully, this blog has helped open your eyes to a new realm of possibilities for deck patterns in your garden, but it’s important to remember that we’ve only scratched the surface in this blog.

With a bit of flair and an eye for creativity, there’s a whole world of variations to explore when it comes to your deck design.

For more deck pattern ideas, head over to our deck inspiration page now for more unique concepts and unusual designs.

Want to get started and create a stunning deck pattern in your garden? Browse our composite decking and order directly through our website today! We'll deliver everything you need to start your garden transformation. 

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