Ideas for Composite Decking Patios
Creating an inviting patio space with composite decking is a great way to enhance your backyard and entertain outdoors. Composite decking offers unrivaled durability and low maintenance compared to natural wood, along with endless possibilities for creative designs. With the right patio composite decking ideas, you can transform your outdoor living area into a stylish yet practical oasis for relaxing and hosting.
Patio composite decking blends the natural beauty of wood with the strength of recycled plastic. The wood fibers provide an authentic look and feel, while the plastic protects against rot, splintering, cracking, and moisture damage. Composite decking requires no annual sealing, staining, or painting - just an occasional soap-and-water cleanup with a pressure washer to keep it looking fresh.
Benefits of Composite Decking for Patios
Composite decking has many advantages that make it an ideal choice for patio construction:
- Low Maintenance - No sanding, staining, or painting required. Just wash occasionally with soap and water.
- Durability - Resists rot, splintering, mold, and insect damage. Stands up to weathering.
- Customizable Style - Available in a wide variety of colors and finishes to match your style.
- Cost Savings Over Time - Avoid ongoing maintenance expenses of natural wood.
With minimal upkeep requirements, patio composite decking enables you to spend more time enjoying your outdoor living space and less time maintaining it. The durability also provides long-term value by eliminating the need for frequent repairs or replacement.
Composite Decking Materials
Today's composite decking contains a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic. There are two main types of composite decking used for patio construction:
Wood-Plastic Composites
These feature roughly 35-70% recycled wood mixed with polyethylene or polypropylene plastic. The wood fibers give the decking an authentic, natural look while the plastic provides enhanced durability.
Capped Composites
These have an outer plastic shell or "cap" layered on top of the composite core for extra protection against fading, staining, and scratches.
Both types of patio composite decking offer great performance. Capped composites provide enhanced surface resilience at a slightly higher cost. Many popular brands like Trex offer both wood-plastic and capped composite product lines.
Composite Decking Design Ideas for Patios
From subtle touches to dramatic transformations, composite decking opens up endless possibilities for enhancing your patio space. Consider these creative ideas:
Match Home Exterior
Select a decking color and grain pattern that complements your home's siding, trim, or color scheme. This helps the patio seamlessly blend with the architecture.
Complement Landscaping
Choose decking in shades that enhance the greenery and flowers surrounding your patio. For example, brown and earthy tones can accentuate lush gardens.
Built-In Seating
Use composite decking boards to construct benches, planter boxes, or steps that double as seats around the patio perimeter.
Lighting and Ambiance
Install post cap lights, spotlights, or string lights overhead to enable evening enjoyment of your patio. Accent lighting also adds style.
Water Features
Build a pondless waterfall or fountain as a focal point. The soothing sound of water complements a composite deck patio perfectly.
Fire Pits
An elegant fire pit makes the patio a year-round destination. Composite decking is the ideal fire-safe surface for surrounding it.
Shade Structures
Pergolas, pavilions, and covered seating areas allow you to enjoy the patio in comfort and style during sunny weather.
Serving Areas
Designate zones of your composite deck patio for grilling, dining, or entertaining with different decking patterns, built-in benches, and accent lighting.
Installation Considerations for Patio Composite Decks
Proper installation is crucial to ensure your composite deck patio provides lasting function and beauty. Key factors to consider include:
Grading and Drainage
The ground beneath the deck must slope away from the house to prevent water pooling. Allow for drainage gaps between decking boards.
Framing and Substructure
Pressure-treated lumber or galvanized steel can be used to build a solid framing system to anchor the decking boards.
Fastening Methods
Use hidden fasteners or color-matched screws designed for composite decking to cleanly secure the boards.
Staircases and Railings
Composite decking materials can be used to construct sturdy, matching stairs and railings.
Accessibility Features
Consider including a ramp, wide steps, and handrails to make your patio deck universally accessible.
Hiring a professional installer experienced with composite decking is recommended to ensure proper construction and adherence to local building codes.
Maintaining Your Composite Deck Patio
While composite decking is low maintenance, some periodic care will keep your patio looking its best. Recommended maintenance tips include:
Cleaning
Sweep away loose debris with a broom. Use soap and water with a pressure washer annually to deep clean the decking.
Repairs
Spot repair any damaged deck boards or fasteners. Catch issues early before they worsen.
Re-sealing
Re-apply deck sealant around the boards every 2-3 years to prevent moisture ingress.
Snow and Ice Removal
Promptly shovel snow and scatter ice melt to prevent buildup and slip hazards.
Cost Comparison of Composite Deck vs Wood Deck
Composite decking typically costs $30-50 per square foot installed compared to $15-30 per square foot for pressure treated lumber. However, composite materials offer significant long-term savings by eliminating ongoing maintenance expenses. You'll avoid the need to repeatedly sand, stain, seal, paint, and replace rotting boards.
Composite decking comes in a range of price points based on the quality of materials and manufacturing. More advanced composites with protective caps or shells fall at the higher end of the cost spectrum but provide enhanced durability and stain/fade resistance.
Though composite decking requires a greater upfront investment, the minimal maintenance requirements and resistance to deterioration make it more cost-effective in the long run - often recouping the added initial expense within 5-7 years of use.
Composite decking enables you to enjoy all the functionality and style of a wood patio deck while gaining unmatched durability and low maintenance. With creative design possibilities and long-lasting performance, composite decking is a wise investment to enhance your outdoor living area.
From choosing complementary colors and patterns to integrating seating, lighting, and accessories, the options for building your dream composite deck patio are virtually endless. Pair composite decking with lush landscaping, comfortable patio furniture, and elegant finishes to create an inviting outdoor oasis perfect for entertaining and relaxation for years to come.