DesignBoard Classic Composite Decking – An Innovative Choice for Outdoor Spaces

When it comes to crafting beautiful and long-lasting outdoor areas, choosing the right decking material is crucial. London Stone spent great care and attention in sourcing Classic DesignBoard, to bring it to the UK market. Sourced directly from Spain and exclusively distributed in the UK by London Stone, DesignBoard stands out as a premium composite decking option. It offers an elegant, low-maintenance solution tailored to withstand the rigors of both residential and commercial spaces.

Why Choose Classic DesignBoard Composite Decking?

DesignBoard composite decking is not your average decking product. It is a superior, innovative material that brings a sleek, contemporary aesthetic to any space. While it doesn't attempt to mimic timber exactly, its unique appearance and advanced features make it an excellent choice for those seeking a modern outdoor solution.

DesignBoard’s widespread use across Europe, particularly in Spain, attests to its popularity and reliability. From luxury hotel terraces and rooftop bars to pool surrounds and sophisticated garden spaces, DesignBoard creates striking environments with its clean lines and high-end feel.

A Durable and Versatile Decking Option & Design Inspiration

Crafted using high-quality materials, DesignBoard composite decking is designed to endure harsh weather conditions, making it ideal for the UK climate. Unlike traditional timber decking, it is resistant to fading, warping, splintering, and insect damage. This robustness ensures that your outdoor space remains pristine for years to come, with minimal upkeep.

DesignBoard goes beyond traditional decking use. Its versatility allows it to be utilised in various innovative ways, including creating benches, bespoke storage solutions, and even cladding, like in this stunning garden from Doug Holloway Garden & Landscape Design. This adaptability enables you to craft a cohesive, functional design throughout your outdoor area, making the most of every inch of space.

As more of us cherish our outdoor space and the time that we spend in them, composite decking can help to create a seamless extension of your home, like in this ‘outdoor room’ from April House Garden Design, who used our Amber DesignBoard in her own garden.

Landscape Architects, Hill-Wood & Co. combined Cinnamon and Mocha DesignBoard in their permanent show garden, in Kent. Director, Lydia Hill-Wood, said of DesignBoard, "I love it! It’s a great mix between traditional deck colouring, with a modern light touch, similar to what you would see around a luxury resort hotel pool in the Caribbean, reflecting the lighter sand tones."

Hampshire-based designer, Simon Orchard, paired Luna DesignBoard with the contemporary grey tones of our Florence Grey Porcelain in this stunning Surrey garden. By using decking as the base for the outdoor kitchen and dining area, Simon ensured that a smooth, consistent surface texture was created, while also taking advantage of DesignBoard’s anti-scratch surface – perfect for moving garden furniture on.

Composite Decking is a fantastic material to delineate different areas within a garden design, especially if you have a garden across multiple levels. This stunning garden from Doug Holloway uses Traditional DesignBoard with the softening tones of Slab Khaki Porcelain, to create a seamless, multi-level garden.

Key Features of DesignBoard Composite Decking

A Unique Look: Unlike other composite decking products that try to replicate the appearance of natural wood, DesignBoard sets itself apart with its distinctive style. Its elegant finish brings a refined, contemporary look to outdoor spaces, perfect for those looking to add a touch of modernity to their design.

Exceptional Durability: DesignBoard is built to last. With its weather-resistant properties, it withstands everything the UK weather can throw at it, from heavy rainfall to strong sunlight. Its low water absorption rate means it’s highly resistant to stains and rot, ensuring it remains beautiful and functional over time. We’re so confident in the performance of Classic DesignBoard, that we offer a 10-year guarantee against structure and surface finish of the material following the correct installation of the product.

No Timber: Classic DesignBoard composite decking boards, with a lightly combed texture and range of popular colours, combine a sleek, contemporary character with a matt finish that has a pleasing organic feel. WPC Decking – or Wood Plastic Composite – combines wood fibres or wood flour with plastic polymers. The intention is to create a product with the desirable properties of both wood and plastic. It’s a term that is sometimes used universally for composite decking boards. Here it is a misnomer. DesignBoard has the advantage of containing no wood whatsoever. Instead, it is made up of 50% rice husks, a highly renewable and abundant resource that is high in silica, which makes it very dense.

Slip-Resistant Surface: Safety is a top priority in any outdoor area, especially around pools and commercial spaces. DesignBoard features a slip-resistant surface that provides excellent grip, even in wet conditions, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas or spaces that might get wet, such as pool surrounds.

Low Maintenance: One of the major benefits of DesignBoard is its low-maintenance nature. Unlike timber decking, which requires regular staining, sanding, and sealing, DesignBoard only needs a simple clean with soap and water to keep it looking its best. This feature makes it an attractive option for both homeowners and businesses looking to minimise maintenance costs and effort.

Eco-Friendly Choice: DesignBoard is crafted with environmental sustainability in mind. The composite material includes recycled content, reducing the demand for virgin resources. Its longevity and durability mean that it doesn't need to be replaced as frequently as traditional decking, further minimising its environmental impact.

Classic DesignBoard Adorns the Hallowed Turf of Flower Shows

The pinnacle for many garden designers and landscapers is showcasing their work at prestigious RHS Flower Shows, held across the country from May – July, or the annual BBC Gardeners’ World Live show, held each June at Birmingham’s NEC.

DesignBoard Classic composite decking has taken centre stage across multiple show gardens and trade stands over the last few years. Here are a few of our highlights:

Northants-based Elaine Portch made her flower show debut at the RHS Malvern Spring Show in 2018 and used Mocha DesignBoard to create a gold-medal-and-best-in-category-winning balcony-style garden. The small space showcased how composite decking can be used in smaller spaces to create a low maintenance garden, full of succulents and potted plants.

The 2022 show season saw Landform’s Alan Williams team with renowned Radio 2 DJ, Jo Whiley, to create The Vitamin G Garden, which was presented at both the RHS Malvern Spring Show & RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. Highlighting the health benefits of being outdoors, the garden featured our Charcoal DesignBoard and London Mixture Clay Pavers.

The same year saw Sussex-based – and long-time collaborator with London Stone – Garden House Design, use the ever-popular Luna DesignBoard on the stunning trade stand they built for jewellery designer, Boodles. Complete with pencil round boards, and fascia’s, the stand wowed the brand’s discerning customers and has been used at a number of shows for the business in the years since, highlighting the hard-wearing nature of the decking boards.

BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2018 saw decorated Cheltenham-based designer, Martyn Wilson, of Wilson Associates Garden Design, use Charcoal DesignBoard as vertical cladding in his gold-medal-winning, ‘A Breath of Fresh Air’ garden. Designed with a busy urban couple in mind, the garden showcased the versatility of DesignBoard decking by using it on the vertical, to create a dramatic backdrop for copper sculptures, a Corten steel wood burner, and luscious planting.

How To Lay DesignBoard Composite Decking

This case study on how to cut DesignBoard decking highlights the impressive outcome that can be achieved when you combine the expertise of skilled professionals: in this case, Dee Stewart Garden Design and Brockstone Landscape Construction. 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?

Installing DesignBoard composite decking is a straightforward process that can be completed by both DIY enthusiasts and professional installers. 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: DesignBoard 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 DesignBoard: 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.

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. This system not only provides a seamless look but also allows the boards to expand and contract naturally without warping.

Finishing Touches: Once all boards are laid and fixed in place, use edge trims (whether metallic or pencil rounded) and fascia boards to cover any exposed edges, giving the decking a polished appearance. If using fascia boards, we supply Colour Matching Screws to allow for a seamless finish. 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. DesignBoard 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.16 in the DesignBoard Composite Decking Product Guide, for assistance, or contact us for expert advice.

Learn more by watching our video on how to install DesignBoard Composite Decking.

DesignBoard Classic FAQs

Does DesignBoard Composite Decking look like natural wood?

DesignBoard has a unique, contemporary look that doesn’t attempt to mimic timber exactly. With a lightly combed top surface, its sleek finish and clean lines offer a modern alternative to traditional wooden decking, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a stylish, sophisticated aesthetic.

How durable is DesignBoard compared to timber decking?

DesignBoard is far more durable than traditional timber decking. It is resistant to weather, UV rays, and moisture, which means it won’t warp, crack, or splinter. Its robust surface is also resistant to staining, making it perfect for high-traffic areas and spaces exposed to the elements.

Is DesignBoard suitable for commercial use?

Absolutely. DesignBoard is widely used in commercial spaces across Spain and Europe, including luxury hotels, rooftop bars, and pool areas. Its slip-resistant surface, durability, and low maintenance requirements make it an excellent choice for commercial installations.

Can I use DesignBoard for more than just decking?

Yes! DesignBoard’s versatility allows it to be used for a range of applications, including creating custom benches, storage solutions, and cladding. This adaptability makes it a great option for those looking to create a cohesive design throughout their outdoor area.

Does DesignBoard fade over time?

DesignBoard is manufactured with UV resistance in mind, helping to reduce the effects of fading. However, as with any outdoor material, slight changes in colour over time are normal, usually around 1% per year. The fading that does occur is gradual and adds to the natural weathered look of the decking.

Can DesignBoard be installed around pools and water features?

Yes, DesignBoard is perfect for pool surrounds and water features. Its slip-resistant surface provides excellent grip even when wet, making it a safe and stylish option for these areas.

Why should I buy DesignBoard 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 means short lead times – often with next day delivery available – as well as offering product warranties across the entirety of our composite decking ranges.

Can I view Composite Decking in your Showrooms?

Absolutely! Our nationwide showroom network are inspirational hubs where you can view our materials in situ, before buying. You will never receive a ‘hard sell’ approach from London Stone – our showrooms are relaxed 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 ensure you make the right choice for your project.

We encourage all customers to visit a showroom prior to purchasing, as viewing materials in person is highly beneficial. However, if you can’t visit in person, you can 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.