Board length is often treated as an afterthought, but getting it right from the start is crucial to a seamless build. If you map out your patio dimensions and choose a board length that closely matches your project, you will drastically speed up installation, minimise expensive wastage, and avoid having multiple ugly “butt joints” scattered across your deck.

Ultimately, colour comes down to your personal garden design, but you must remember how these boards weather. First-generation (uncapped) boards in our Essential range will naturally lighten in the sun during their first few months. Always factor this in and order a sample box to see the true shade in your own garden. For a full breakdown on matching shades and fading, check out our complete guide to composite decking colours.

Let’s be honest: composite decking is low maintenance, not no maintenance. The exact upkeep depends on the generation of board you buy. For uncapped boards, we advise a quick wash quarterly. For capped boards, you can stretch this to twice a year. While some manufacturers claim you never need to wash them, our experience tells a different story. If you leave wet leaves, algae, and BBQ spills sitting on the deck for months, they become much harder to remove. A simple, regular wash keeps your deck looking pristine.

Yes, provided you get the groundwork right. The actual laying of the boards is incredibly straightforward using our hidden fastener clips. The real work is in the subframe. As long as you keep your joist centres strictly at 300mm, install double joists where board ends meet, and build in a slight gradient for water runoff, the installation is a breeze. For a complete step-by-step walkthrough, check out our guide to installing composite decking, or give our team a call if you need expert advice.

For cost and speed, treated C24 timber is the industry standard and works perfectly, provided you ensure excellent airflow and drainage beneath the deck. However, if you are looking for a true “fit and forget” solution, we highly recommend solid plastic or composite joists. While they take slightly longer to install, they will never rot, ensuring your subframe lasts exactly as long as your premium decking boards.

The market can feel like a minefield of different sizes, profiles, and generations. The style (like a classic woodgrain) comes down to your personal design preference. However, the type of board (solid vs. hollow, capped vs. uncapped) dictates the structural strength, colour consistency, and longevity of your deck. To cut through the jargon and find exactly what you need, read our guide to composite decking types and price.

It is nowhere near as slippery as traditional, algae-covered timber. However, let’s be realistic: any smooth surface holding standing water will become slippery. This is exactly why building a 1.5% gradient into your subframe is so critical. For the maximum anti-slip rating (a PTV of 38+), we recommend installing grooved boards horizontally across your main walkway to provide the highest level of grip.

We spent 5 years testing our boards in the UK to ensure they deliver commercial-grade strength without the premium price tag. Our Essential range is built specifically for domestic customers, offering incredible durability and affordability to easily last 10 years and beyond. For maximum protection, our Timeless Collection features a co-extruded shield, making it incredibly resistant to fading and winter moisture. We don’t just sell it; we engineered it for British weather.