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20 Gorgeous Composite Decking Ideas
Posted:
September 16, 2023
Categories:
Composite Decking
Dreaming of a new deck? Outdoor living space helps us recharge from the busyness of life and connect with the people we love. It’s where some of our best memories are made, so the design needs to fit your life. Designs range from a simple rectangular deck makeover, to a raised deck with stairs, or a multi-level platform deck with separate activity areas. Upscale deck builders might add an outdoor kitchen, pool deck, or covered outdoor dining area. Decking brands like TimberTech offer the natural beauty of wood without the upkeep; plus, it’s available in a wide range of designer colors to complement your home’s exterior.
Get started with our design guide to help you create the deck that fits your outdoor space for decades to come!
Develop a Theme with Single-Width or Multi-Width Decking
One of the first things to consider in a deck design is which type of boards to use and their layout. Choosing a combination of board widths and colors is an easy way to add interest and texture to a deck design. While older deck designs were limited to a single board width, today’s decking materials are available in different widths, making it easier to create more interesting and complex designs. Single-width decking patterns use the same board width throughout the design:
Multi-width decking is available in our TimberTech Vintage Collection and Harvest Collection in three sizes: narrow (3.5 inches), standard (5.5 inches), and wide (7.25 inches). You can combine deck boards of different widths to add dimension or create patterns.
Get Creative with a Deck Board Pattern
You can create a unique custom deck design by laying the boards in a pattern. Cover the entire deck surface with a single pattern, or use inlays to create focal points and separate areas for seating or dining. Keep in mind that more complex deck board patterns require extra joists which can increase the cost of your deck project. However, we think it’s worth the cost to include one of these popular deck patterns into your design:
Diagonal Deck Boards
A Diagonal deck pattern sets the boards at a 45-degree angle to the deck frame for a sleek, modern look. A design detail often found in mid-century homes, diagonal planks draw the eye outward and make spaces appear bigger. This design is ideal for small or narrow decks because of its expansive effect.
Pinstripe Deck Boards
The Pinstripe deck pattern is a great way to add visual interest in a subtle way. Alternating narrow and wide deck boards create a striped effect; you can even mix and match more than two widths for complex stripes. This versatile design complements both traditional and modern homes.
Herringbone Deck Boards
The Herringbone deck pattern is a basket weave texture created with short deck boards set at 45-degree angles to form repeating “V” shapes. It’s a complex design that adds an elegant touch when used as an inlay, and delivers bold impact as an all-over design. This versatile pattern complements both traditional and modern architectural styles.
Picture Frame Deck Designs
A Picture Frame deck pattern is a simple, affordable design that creates a “frame” around the deck’s edges using decking boards. Add impact to a picture frame design by choosing edges in a contrasting color, or use multi-width boards to create a frame that’s two or three boards wide.
Picture frame edges have the added benefit of covering the ends of your deck boards to protect them from the elements.
Tile Deck Pattern
Tile deck patterns create a pattern of squares or rectangles by separating sections of deck with a framed grid. This geometric design helps to break up the expanse of a large deck with the pleasing rhythm of repeating squares. Choose a contrasting frame color for more impact, or create a subtle effect with a uniform board color.
Differentiate with a Deck Inlay Design
A deck inlay is an inset section of decking boards that features a decorative pattern, contrasting color, or both. Designers use inlays to create a focal point or define pathways and seating areas. An inlay can also be a practical way to minimize seams and joints on a large deck. If a single board won’t span the entire length of your deck, a decorative inlay in the center creates a natural breaking point in the design. Deck inlays offer an opportunity for creativity with contrasting patterns and colors that add extra impact.
Diagonal Deck Inlay
Diagonal inlays set the boards at an angle to the main deck, helping to visually expand the deck area. This contemporary design adds a modern touch to any backyard. Contrasting board colors add standout style.
Herringbone Deck Inlay
Herringbone patterns make a bold statement with their elegant basketweave design. Use contrasting board colors to create an inlaid rug that anchors a dining or seating area.
Curved Deck Inlays
Curved deck accents add an instant “wow” factor. The TimberTech Advanced PVC line is made from innovative, capped polymer material that allows for heat bending. Create a circular seating area or a dining platform with curved edges. Choose two or three complementary board colors for a bold design.
Design Complementary Custom Railings
Railings provide safety while adding to the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. Choosing a quality railing material that is integrated with your deck design will help to ensure the stability of your railings for years to come. TimberTech’s composite and PVC railings are available in customizable posts, caps, and infills. Check out 21 Deck Railing Ideas For A Stylish Outdoor Space for more inspiration.
Add Functionality with a Built-In Deck Bench
Furniture for seating and dining makes your deck a comfortable and inviting place to relax. Outdoor furniture requires maintenance and outdoor cushions fade and wear out. Built-in benches are permanent furniture that lasts as long as your deck – 25 years or more! A standard bench is an affordable feature that provides extra seating without blocking the view. You can even add planter boxes to soften the deck’s edges. Match the board material and color to your deck for a cohesive look.
Curved benches are an upscale option, created by heat-bending TimberTech’s Advanced PVC deck boards. A custom bench can be shaped to fit an oval dining table, or fill a circular gazebo. Add a bench back and pile on the pillows and cushions for relaxing. This semi-circular built-in bench makes it easy for everyone to gather around the fire pit:
Add Ambiance with Deck Lighting
Outdoor lighting not only adds ambiance, it also makes your deck and outdoor stairs safer. At the very least, steps and walkways should be illuminated. Post Cap and Under-Rail lighting provide a soft, ambient glow. Most people choose a combination of outdoor lighting products to highlight their deck’s design. TimberTech offers a range of built-in lighting options for your deck:
Riser lights to illuminate stairs
- In-Deck lights emit a soft glow to delineate deck edges
- Accent lights for general lighting on posts
- Post Cap lights to softly illuminate each post
- Under-Rail lighting to frame the deck with a soft glow
This deck railing features lighted island caps and accent lights at the bottom of the boards for general illumination:
Enhance Your Deck with Shade Cover
Creating a shady area on your deck is a smart idea. A built-in shade structure is a more permanent solution than an umbrella, and lets you use the deck more hours of the day. It also protects your deck from the elements (although TimberTech deck boards are highly durable). Here are some popular shade solutions for you to consider:
- Awning – Stretched fabric on a frame attached to your home; some awnings are retractable and will partially shade a porch, patio, or deck.
- Pergola – A structure with a slatted roof and corner posts; shade is provided by growing plants overhead, attaching shade fabric, or both.
- Attached overhead structure – A roof-like structure attached to your home and supported by posts, much like a porch.
- Roof extension – An extension of your home’s roofline to partially shade the deck. May require an architect to incorporate into your home’s design.
Finish Well with Decking Edge Options
There are many ways to finish the edges of your deck for a polished appearance and lasting construction. While TimberTech products are extremely durable, the cut ends of composite boards should be protected from the elements to extend the life of your deck. Design details like contrasting colors or wide fascia boards also add a decorative element to your design. Consider these edge treatments to give your deck a sophisticated finish:
Picture Frame Border
A picture frame border is a simple way to protect the cut ends of deck boards. Here an elegant three-board picture frame border creates a defined edge with a sophisticated look:
Picture Frame Border
To add some dimension, install a picture frame border that extends over a fascia board (the wide trim board on the side of the deck).
Deck Board As Fascia With Picture Frame Border
Define the perimeter of your deck with a contrasting border, and use a matching deck board as the horizontal fascia trim. This deck also uses lighter colored fascia boards vertically as deck skirting:
Raised Fascia Or Deck Board
Install a fascia board that’s raised to cover your deck’s end-cuts to give your deck a clean, modern look. This deck features a wide-width deck board layered on top of a fascia board. The top of the deck board sits flush with the deck surface.
Fascia Board & Picture Frame Combination
This edging style adds dimension to create a sophisticated, modern finish. A picture frame border is cantilevered out over the fascia board, and trimmed with a deck board mounted vertically. This homeowner added contrast by combining warm wood tones with a cool gray border:
Explore TimberTech Decking at Ring’s End
Ready to use these ideas to dig into materials and colors? Check out our TimberTech product guide to learn more about creating a deck that’s right for your home. Ring’s End offers TimberTech products because we know that homeowners have confidence in their quality and industry-leading warranty. And you’ll love the extensive color and design options TimberTech offers!
TimberTech Product Guide
Read for detailed product information
Remember we’re here to help! Whether online or in-store, our Ring’s End experts want to help you understand your options and guide you to the best products for your decking project. You can also visit a Ring’s End store near you for free color samples and professional help with planning, pricing, and delivery.