When choosing composite decking for your outdoor space, one of the key decisions you'll need to make is whether to go with a light or dark colour. Both options offer their own set of benefits and challenges, and your choice will ultimately depend on your aesthetic preferences, the design of your home, and practical considerations. Let’s look at the pros and cons of light versus dark composite decking colours.
Light Composite Decking Colours
Pros:
Brightens the Space: Light colours like beige, light grey, or sand can make your outdoor area feel more spacious and airy. They reflect sunlight, which can be especially beneficial in smaller gardens or patios where you want to create a sense of openness.
Less Heat Absorption: Light-coloured composite decking tends to absorb less heat compared to dark colours. This means your deck will remain cooler to the touch on hot days, making it more comfortable for walking barefoot or lounging outside, especially in sunny climates.
Versatile and Timeless: Lighter decking colours have a neutral quality that complements various design styles. Whether you have a traditional garden or a modern outdoor space, light composite decking will blend seamlessly with your furniture and landscaping.
Enhances Garden Features: Light colours help vibrant plants, flowers, and other outdoor features stand out. The contrast between the decking and your garden can really bring out the natural beauty of your outdoor space. Check out your options at dino.co.uk.
Cons:
Visible Dirt and Stains: While light colours reflect sunlight, they can also show dirt, leaves, and stains more easily than darker shades. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep the decking looking fresh.
Limited Warmth: While light colours can brighten a space, they may lack the warmth and coziness that darker tones provide. If you’re looking for a more intimate, inviting atmosphere, light decking may not deliver the same sense of comfort.
May Fade Over Time: Lighter composite decking tends to show signs of wear and tear more than darker shades. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause the colour to fade, which may require more frequent maintenance or touch-ups.
Dark Composite Decking Colours
Pros:
Sophisticated and Dramatic: Dark colours like charcoal, black, or deep brown bring a bold, elegant look to any outdoor space. They’re perfect for creating a dramatic contrast or for homeowners who want a contemporary or high-end aesthetic.
Less Maintenance for Stains: Dark composite decking tends to hide stains, dirt, and scratches better than lighter colours. This can be a significant advantage if you have a high-traffic area or live in a location where your deck gets a lot of exposure to dirt and debris.
Creates a Warm, Inviting Atmosphere: Dark colours offer a sense of warmth and intimacy, making them ideal for creating a cosy outdoor living space. If you enjoy evening gatherings or want your deck to feel like a natural extension of your home, dark decking can set the perfect mood.
Complementary to Modern Designs: Dark composite decking pairs well with modern or industrial-style furniture, adding a sleek and sophisticated touch to your outdoor space. If you’re after a clean, minimalist look, dark colours may be the ideal choice.
Cons:
Absorbs Heat: Dark colours absorb more heat from the sun, which can make the deck surface feel hot to the touch, particularly on sunny days. This can be uncomfortable, especially for families with children or pets who like to spend time outdoors.
Can Make a Small Space Feel Smaller: While dark colours can create a dramatic effect, they can also make smaller outdoor areas feel more cramped. If you have a limited space or want to make your garden appear larger, dark decking may not be the best option.
Requires More Cleaning: Dark composite decking tends to show dust, pollen, and bird droppings more easily. While it hides stains well, the lighter debris can be more noticeable and require more frequent cleaning.
What You Should Not Do with New Composite Decking
Do you want to ensure that your composite decking lasts for many years and still looks brand new? It’s important to understand what could damage the surface and make it look old and tired. Here are some things that you don’t want to do with your new outdoor space.
Cleaning with a Pressure Washer
When dirt builds up over the winter, you want to clean everything during the spring so your garden is summer-ready. Pulling out a pressure washer and using it on composite decking is tempting. But, this type of high pressure can be damaging to the surface. You could chip away at the composite, which can affect the aesthetic of your outdoor space. Instead, it’s recommended to use a soft brush. This is going to be gentle, yet vigorous enough to clean away dirt and debris.
Being Reckless with Furniture
You can position any furniture you want on composite decking. But, something you don’t want to do is move it around and be reckless with it. Dragging heavy furniture over composite could cause scratches. This can make the surface look scruffy and old before its time. Therefore, it’s better to lift furniture, and use can use protective pads to stop any damage.
Use Bleach
If your composite decking gets dirty over the winter and you notice algae growing, this will need to be cleaned. But, don’t rush in with the first cleaner you find underneath the sink. Most people assume that bleach is going to solve the problem and kill the algae. However, this approach can be damaging for composite. It’s a very strong cleaner, which could lead to staining, fading or weakening the surface. So, make sure that you never use bleach and, instead, look for a specialised cleaner suitable for that material.
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