Brushed Composite Decking: The Budget-Friendly, Stylish Solution for Your Outdoor Space
Transforming your outdoor space into a stunning, functional area can often seem like a daunting and expensive task. However, Brushed Composite Decking can help you achieve a high-end look without breaking the bank. This premium-quality decking option offers a blend of aesthetics, durability, and affordability, making it the ideal choice for homeowners and landscape professionals alike.
Whether you’re updating your garden, adding a sleek, low-maintenance terrace, or creating a serene space for relaxation, Brushed Composite Decking provides both flexibility and design appeal. With its modern brushed finish, easy installation, and budget-friendly price point, this decking option has become a go-to option for outdoor transformations.
Why Choose Brushed Composite Decking?
A Budget-Friendly Option
While composite decking is often associated with a higher price tag compared to traditional timber, Brushed Composite Decking stands out as an affordable option for those who want quality without exceeding their budget. Its cost-effectiveness doesn’t compromise on performance or aesthetics, making it a savvy investment for homeowners who are looking for a durable, attractive decking solution.
Durability and Longevity
One of the key benefits of Brushed Composite Decking is its long-lasting durability. Made from a combination of hardy bamboo fibres and PVC, this decking is built to withstand the toughest elements. Unlike traditional wood, which can warp, crack, or splinter over time, composite decking is resistant to moisture, UV rays, and extreme weather conditions. It won’t fade or require constant upkeep, ensuring that your outdoor space remains beautiful for years to come with minimal effort. Our Brushed Composite Decking is supported by a 3-year product warranty (providing it is installed correctly).
Low Maintenance
Traditional timber decking needs regular staining, sanding, and sealing to maintain its appearance and structural integrity. Brushed Composite Decking eliminates these time-consuming tasks, giving you more time to enjoy your outdoor space. The surface is resistant to mould, mildew, and insect damage, meaning you won’t need to worry about the usual wear and tear associated with wooden decks.
Stylish Aesthetic
Featuring a lightly textured, brushed surface, this composite decking creates a contemporary, sophisticated look akin to the natural grain of wood. Its subtle texture not only enhances the appearance of the deck but also provides a slip-resistant surface, making it a safe choice for families and areas around pools or water features.
Available in a range of natural tones, including warm browns and cool greys, Brushed Composite Decking can complement any garden design or architectural style. Whether you’re going for a modern minimalist aesthetic or a more rustic, natural look, there’s a colour option that will suit your vision.
Herts-based Limebok Landscaping featured both Dark Ash and Pebble Grey Brushed Composite Decking in this gorgeous contemporary garden. Combining the decking alongside our Florence Grey Porcelain has given this homeowner a beautiful, lasting garden, complete with hot tub, a bespoke seating area made from the decking, and dedicated areas for both relaxing and entertaining.
Chris Wild Garden Design and TN1 Project Management used Warm Teak Brushed Decking alongside Light Grey Porcelain in this stunning courtyard garden. This project is a fantastic example of the look that can be achieved with budget-friendly materials, in a small space. The colours of the paving and decking contrast beautifully with each other, as well as the vertical timber cladding, and painted brick walls.
The award-winning duo of Llevelo Garden Design and Stewart Landscape Construction used the naturalistic brown tones of Chestnut Brushed Composite Decking across both the RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court Palace Flower Shows in 2022. Their 5* winning trade stands for greenhouse and glasshouse manufacturer, Hartley Botanic, were the perfect platform to showcase how this material could look when installed in your own garden setting, complimenting the garden buildings and gorgeous planting.
Here’s a comparison table to highlight the key differences between Brushed Composite Decking and timber decking:
Material Composition |
Composite material (bamboo fibres & PVC) |
Natural wood (softwood or hardwood) |
Maintenance |
Low: clean every 3-4 months |
High: requires annual staining, oiling, or painting |
Lifespan |
25+ years |
10-15 years (softwood), 25+ years (hardwood) |
Durability |
Durable, scratch-and-fade-resistant |
Varies by wood type, prone to rot, insect damage, and warping without treatment |
Fade Resistance |
Minimal, ≤1% per year |
Significant fading without regular maintenance |
Colours Available |
Available in 4 different colours |
Natural wood tones (can be stained) |
Surface Texture |
Brushed, smooth-look finish |
Natural grain pattern, can be smooth or textured |
Joint Widths (to allow for expansion) |
4mm between boards, 4mm between ends, 10mm around perimeter |
5-6mm between boards, 3-5mm between ends, 10-15mm around perimeter |
Installation Method |
Hidden Clip System (no drill holes visible) |
Drilled holes into surface of the deck |
Environmental Impact |
Made with renewable resources (bamboo fibres) low environmental impact |
Depends on the wood source (sustainably sourced timber is better) |
Composite Battens: The Perfect Match
For a cohesive and seamless finish, consider pairing your decking with Composite Battens, available in matching colours. These battens are ideal for creating sleek, modern fencing or cladding around your decking area, ensuring your outdoor space has a uniform and sophisticated look.
Composite battens offer the same benefits as composite decking: they’re durable, low-maintenance, and weather-resistant. They’re also incredibly versatile and can be used to frame your decking, create garden structures, or design privacy screens. With matching composite battens, you can extend the beauty of your decking throughout your entire outdoor space, creating a unified design that’s both functional and stylish.
Installation Guide
Installing Brushed Composite Decking is a straightforward process that can be completed by both DIY enthusiasts and professional installers. For the best results, London Stone recommends using reputable, competent landscape professionals to undertake works at your property. If you are looking for a trade professional to undertake your project, why not try our Connect service to find garden designers and landscapers local to you?
Here’s a step-by-step overview to help you get started:
Preparation: Start by planning the layout of your decking area. Take accurate measurements and ensure that the ground is level and clear of debris. A solid, well-draining substructure is essential for the longevity of your decking.
Subframe Construction: Composite decking requires a solid subframe, typically made from treated timber, aluminium, or composite joists. The subframe should be constructed with joists placed at intervals of no more than 300mm. Ensure the subframe is level, securely fixed, and has adequate drainage.
Laying the Boards: Begin laying the DesignBoard decking boards perpendicular to the joists, starting from one edge of the decking area. Use spacers to maintain a consistent gap between each board, allowing for natural expansion and contraction. Remember to order Decking Start Clips to begin your installation.
Fixing the Boards: DesignBoard uses a hidden fixing system for a clean, modern finish. Specially designed clips are inserted into the grooves on the sides of the boards and screwed into the joists.
Finishing Touches: Once all boards are laid and fixed in place, use metallic edge trims and fascia boards to cover any exposed edges, giving the decking a polished appearance. If desired, incorporate built-in benches, storage solutions, or cladding to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your outdoor space.
Cleaning and Maintenance: After installation, clean the decking to remove any dust or debris. Brushed Composite Decking requires minimal maintenance – a simple wash with warm soapy water will keep it looking fresh and new. Should any more stubborn stains or marks need removing, refer to p.12 in the DesignBoard Composite Decking Product Guide, for assistance, or contact us for expert advice.
Brushed Composite Decking FAQs
How long does composite decking last?
Brushed Composite Decking is designed to last for up to 25 years or more with proper care. Its durability and resistance to the elements mean it won’t warp, rot, or splinter like traditional wood, making it a long-lasting solution for outdoor spaces. Our Brushed Composite Decking is supported by a 3-year product warranty (providing it is installed correctly).
Is composite decking slippery when wet?
No, the textured, brushed surface of this composite decking is slip-resistant, providing a safer surface even in wet conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for areas around pools, hot tubs, or in regions with high rainfall.
Does composite decking require any special maintenance?
Unlike timber decking, composite decking is low in maintenance. There’s no need for staining or sealing, and it won’t suffer from mould, mildew, or insect damage. Simply sweep it regularly to remove debris, and occasionally wash it with soapy water to keep it looking fresh. Refer to p.12 in the Brushed Composite Decking Product Guide for more information about ongoing maintenance of this product.
Can composite decking be cut and shaped like wood?
Yes, composite decking can be cut, shaped, and drilled just like wood, making it easy to work with for installation. We recommend using a chop saw to cut our decking boards, ensuring that you use the recommended personal protective equipment, when doing so.
Is composite decking environmentally friendly?
Yes, Brushed Composite Decking is made from a blend of recycled bamboo fibres and plastics, reducing the need for virgin materials and minimising waste. It’s an eco-conscious choice for those who want to create a sustainable outdoor space.
Why should I buy composite decking from London Stone?
London Stone offers free nationwide delivery on orders £750 + VAT and over, and is rated Excellent on independent review site, Trustpilot. We hold good stock levels of our goods, (which you can view in real-time on our website) which allows short lead times, as well as offering product warranties across the entirety of our composite decking range.
Can I view Composite Decking in your Showrooms?
Yes! Our network of nationwide showrooms act as inspirational hubs where you can view our materials in person, before buying. You will never receive a ‘hard sell’ approach from London Stone – our showrooms are relaxed, creative spaces, with complimentary refreshments and free customer Wi-Fi. Our friendly, expert sales staff are always on-hand to answer any questions you have, and to guide you into making the right choice for your project.
We encourage you to visit a showroom prior to purchasing, as most customers find viewing materials in person highly beneficial. If you can’t make it to a showroom in person, take a virtual tour of our flagship Birmingham showroom in HD quality.
How do I contact London Stone?
There are a number of ways to contact us, including via WhatsApp chat, phone, email, or in person. Our trading hours are Monday – Saturday, 08.30 – 17.00.