Outdoor decking is a versatile product. It can transform your garden, creating a stunning decking space, or it can be used to create hard-wearing bespoke features. We take a closer look at the qualities of this product and how it can be used in unique ways. Be inspired by a project where grey composite decking was used to create a balcony seating area.

Qualities of the product

DesignBoard Composite Decking has sleek lines and a consistent texture and colour. It doesn't just look good, though; it's made of robust materials that will not crack, splinter or peel, and it's scratch- and fade-resistant. These qualities combine to make it a perfect product to use around the garden, giving you the confidence of knowing it will look good for years to come.

DesignBoard can be sawn with normal woodworking tools and the dedicated ancillary products, which we also supply, mean it is much quicker to install than hardwood decking. A hidden clipping system removes the hassle of measuring and matching the gaps along its long edges, saving on installation time, as well as bestowing a high-quality finish with the clips unnoticeable once fitted.

Luna DesignBoard Composite Decking, part of our Classic range, has an even grey colouring that is ideal for use in contemporary designs. Its light tones are perfect for an understated look that can be dressed up or down, making it the perfect choice for the project we focus on today.

The Project

The brief for this project was to create a bench, with waterproof storage, that would create maximum seating in a small balcony space. Evergreen Carpentry & Building Services perfectly fulfilled this brief.

We have a wide range of outdoor decking, but the sleek lines of this decking composite meant it was the ideal choice for this scheme. The waterproof qualities, paired with additional internal waterproof measures, provided the ottoman-style storage, whilst the durable and hard-wearing characteristics meant it was ideal for use as a sturdy bench.

Creating the bench

The space was meticulously measured and an architect's drawing produced to ensure as much of the space possible was used. Next the timber frame for the seating was created, including a base for the storage that was raised off the floor. Once the frame was created, the planks of DesignBoard were then cut to size and fixed together using the colour match screws, to create a seamless finish.

The seats of the bench were made to lift, to provide easy access to the storage underneath. Hydraulic hinges were fixed to the underneath of the seating to provide an assisted lift.

Luna DesignBoard Decking was used to create a bespoke made bench.

The finishing touches

Once all the planks were fixed together, it was simply a case of adding some soft furnishings for the finishing touches. A few pillows, a blanket, a table for somewhere to put the prosecco and, of course, a sunny spot for the dog to lie in.

This scheme is a great example of how versatile composite decking is and how it can be used in a unique way to create stunning designs. Shop DesignBoard composite decking to start your scheme.