How to Select Composite Decking Colour for Your Home?
Composite decking is continually evolving in the last decade, and there are more choices for colour than there has ever been. There’s not necessarily a right or wrong choice; the decision is best made on what works best for you.
You can choose from varying colours and tones that will fit your outdoor environment, but whatever your decision, you want to be sure that it’s something you will continue to like for some time because of the long-lasting nature of composite decking.
Colour Availability for Diverse Choices
Taking the time to browse through the many choices of composite decking colours will likely present you with various questions, like whether you should stick to the traditional brown or go for a brighter yellow tone. Choosing a colour may seem simple; perhaps you already have one in mind, but it can become mind-boggling when given access to such a diverse selection of shades.
Our first suggestion in making your choice is to consider colours that you naturally favour because this can give you a starting point before narrowing down your options. Once you have shortened a list of shades you love, you can see how your choices look with your home trimming, cladding, and other outdoor surroundings.
When it comes to composite decking, two primary colour families are offered by most composite decking suppliers in Melbourne. Each one is made distinct by its tonal variation, which is based around shades of:
- Grey: Variations of light grey through to deeper charcoal
- Brown: From warmer browns through to cooler shades of tan.
The shades that orange or red undertones are warmer than blue-based undertones, which are considered cooler colours. When you think of orange and red, your mind is likely to think of autumn leaves; for tones of blue, ocean waves come to mind. When the sun hits the boards, these undertones will give your composite deck a “warm” or “cool” look.
When choosing what colours and look you desire, it is essential to consider your environment and where the sun hits the area to get the desired effect you’re after.
Another option is to consider combining colours for something a little different. If DIY is your thing or you’re using a professional deck builder, combining different shades with a herringbone pattern or other style will interweave varying hues.
What to Consider When Choosing Colours for your Deck
One of the best steps to take before choosing a colour for your composite decking is to consider both the climate and exterior colours of your home. It makes sense to use medium to dark colours if you have a dark exterior of your home or live in a busy area to blend well within the surroundings.
Your home location can have quite the impact on what colours work best for your deck. If you live in a bushy area where you’re surrounded by shades of deep green and rich browns, warmer shades of brown and red will look beautiful as the summer sun sneaks through the native Australian bush.
If you reside by the beach where the sun shines much of the year, cooler tones will not only deflect the harsh Australian sun, those shades will also look beautiful against the clear blue sky.
It is recommended that if you’re planning to attach your deck to your home that you consider the shades of your indoor flooring for your composite decking boards. The overall look and transition will be smoother if a similar colour is chosen.
Living in Sun-Filled Locations
If you live in areas where you get sun all year round, which is the typical case for most the Melbourne suburbs, your choice of board hues should be well considered.
Colour choice will determine how cool or warm your deck will be, so making the right choice will help you keep more comfortable. A light grey composite deck that has the appearance of driftwood will attract less sun than charcoal and similar dark shades.
However, if you live in a colder area, you can enjoy the rich shades of red or brown while being at a comfortable temperature all year round.
Contrasting Colours with your Home
Another important factor when considering the shade of your deck is the exterior colour of your home. For curb appeal, using contrasting colours with your home will add to the style and curb appeal. The following are a guide of what works well together:
- Grey – Blends beautifully with white, shades of blue, red or grey homes, particularly in sun-filled areas.
- Brown – This versatile colour will go with just about any house colour.
Railing Colours for Composite Decking
The question is often asked whether the railings on your deck should be a different shade? Essentially there is no right or wrong answer because it depends on the type of look you wish to achieve.
For a cohesive look, choosing a similar shade to your deck will give it a monochromatic appearance and relaxed feel. For an ornate feel, then a contrasting railing will help it stand out more.
Where colour is concerned, white is excellent for coastal regions where there is a lot of sun. White works well with most colours and will pair well with any shade of decking you choose.
If you choose a black or brown railing, they pair well against brick or homes with a rustic aesthetic. These aren’t your only options – you can choose to match your railings with window frames or the home’s exterior.
See Composite Decking Boards in Person
Still unsure what is going to work for your home? We can help you choose the ideal shade that will work for your space. We are happy to send you free samples to see how the light hits the composite boards and get a close look.
Ask us how you can get one step closer to morning cuppas on your new composite deck.