Charcoal and Black Composite Decking: Elevate Your Outdoor Space with Bold Elegance

Charcoal and black composite decking brings a touch of bold sophistication to any outdoor area, blending strength, style and sustainability in a stunning finish. The darker hues presented by the decking make a striking statement, perfect for those wanting to create a contemporary and sleek outdoor living space while enjoying the low-maintenance benefits of composite materials.

Key Features of Charcoal and Black Composite Decking

Sophisticated and Bold Aesthetic: Charcoal and black decking offer a dramatic yet timeless look that adds a modern edge to your garden. These darker shades are ideal for creating contrast against lighter elements like natural stone and porcelain patios, glass balustrades, or vibrant garden greenery. The versatile tones suit both minimalist and bold landscape designs. Gardens Of The Future created this incredible modern garden using contrasting shapes, colours, and textures, with the help of Charcoal DesignBoard Composite Decking.

Exceptional Durability: Built to endure harsh weather conditions, composite decking outlasts traditional wood by resisting moisture, fading, and warping. With added UV protection and moisture resistance, your decking will retain its rich colour and structural integrity, making it a perfect year-round option for the unpredictable British weather.

Minimal Maintenance: With no need for frequent staining or sealing, keeping your decking in pristine condition is straightforward. A quick wash down is generally all that’s needed to maintain its fresh look, saving time on upkeep so you can spend more time enjoying your outdoor space.

Slip-Resistant Surface: Safety is a key consideration for any outdoor area, especially in wet conditions. Charcoal and black composite decking boasts slip-resistant surfaces, making it ideal for poolside spaces, terraces, and family-friendly environments.

Eco-Friendly: Across our range of composite decking, all boards are manufactured with sustainability in mind. DesignBoard Brushed and Grooved decking is produced in part with natural bamboo fibres, while DesignBoard Decking is part-made with rice husks, which are a natural waste product of rice-milling. Check out Millboard Composite Decking’s sustainable practises.

Why Choose Charcoal and Black Composite Decking?

Year-Round Resilience

Whether dealing with the scorching sun, heavy rain, or frosty temperatures, charcoal and black composite decking retains its beauty and strength. Unlike timber, it won’t crack, split, or warp, making it a dependable and long-lasting choice.

Timeless Appeal

These rich, dark tones remain on trend while seamlessly integrating with various architectural styles. Whether paired with sleek, contemporary furniture or rustic outdoor elements, charcoal and black decking offers a versatile foundation for creative landscaping.

Increased Value Over Time

While composite decking may require a larger initial investment compared to timber, its longevity and low maintenance make it a cost-effective solution over the long term. Forget about frequent repairs and replacements—composite decking is designed for durability.

Flexible Design Possibilities

From smooth and polished finishes to textured, weathered looks, charcoal and black decking offers a range of design options to complement your outdoor vision. Pair it with stainless steel fixtures, natural stone accents, or greenery to craft a space that stands out.

Comparison Table of Composite Decking vs. Wood

This handy table shows key differences between decking types:

Factor DesignBoard and Brushed & Grooved Composite Decking Millboard Composite Decking Timber Decking
Retail Price (per m², approx.) £45 - £80 + VAT £131 - £144 + VAT £25 - £60 (depending on wood type)
Board Size (L x W x D) 3600 x 150 x 20-25mm (depending on range) 3600 x 176-200 x 32mm (depending on range) 3600 x 150 x 28-32mm (approx. depending on type)
Material Composition Composite material (rice husks, polymers) Polyurethane with a mineral composite core Natural wood (softwood or hardwood)
Maintenance Low: clean every 3-4 months Very Low: occasional cleaning only High: requires annual staining, oiling, or painting
Lifespan 25+ years 25+ years 10-15 years (softwood), 25+ years (hardwood)
Durability Durable, scratch-and-fade-resistant Extremely durable, does not warp, rot, or split Varies by wood type, prone to rot, insect damage, and warping without treatment
Fade Resistance Minimal, ≤1% per year Minimal, ≤ 2% per year Significant fading without regular maintenance
Colours Available Available in 12 different colours Available in 10 different colours Natural wood tones (can be stained)
Surface Texture Available in lightly grooved, brushed, grooved Moulded from real timber for a true wood-grain texture Natural grain pattern, can be smooth or textured
Joint Widths (to allow for expansion) 4mm between boards, 4mm between ends, 10mm around perimeter 4mm between boards, 2mm at 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) ‘Invisible’ DuraFix screws through boards Drilled holes into surface of the deck
Environmental Impact Made with renewable resources (rice husks), low environmental impact Low impact, wood-free, made from recyclable materials Depends on the wood source (sustainably sourced timber is better)

Featured Products in Charcoal & Black Composite Decking

Charcoal DesignBoard

Charcoal DesignBoard composite decking provides a sleek and contemporary aesthetic, ideal for modern garden designs. Its deep, neutral tones make it a perfect backdrop for bright planting schemes or contrasting materials like stone and metal. This stunning garden setting provided Botanica Garden Design with the perfect opportunity to use this material, complemented by patterned tiles and Grey Yorkstone natural paving, finished off with an abundance of colourful planting.

Dark Ash Brushed Composite Decking

With a rich, textured finish, Dark Ash Brushed Composite Decking adds a rustic yet refined element to garden spaces. Its durable, low-maintenance surface is perfect for high-traffic areas like pathways or entertaining zones, blending practicality with style. Limebok Landscaping used Dark Ash Composite Decking to house a hot tub in this modern garden scheme. Owner Brett Penny says of the material, "The ashy tones were a perfect match for our customer's hot tub. The Dark Ash DesignBoard blended in especially well with the other dark colours in this project - brought to life by the surrounding foliage."

Brushed Basalt Millboard

Incorporate Brushed Basalt Millboard into your garden design to create a sleek, contemporary decked area that blends seamlessly with natural stone and greenery, offering both durability and a striking visual contrast. Demonstrating the versatility of composite decking products, Monarch Lawn & Landscape used Brushed Basalt to create a beautiful built-in bench in their Mediterranean-inspired project.

Burnt Cedar Millboard

Inspired by the traditional Japanese technique of Shou Sugi Ban, use Burnt Cedar Millboard to bring a dramatic character to your outdoor design. Its charred wood effect is perfect for creating a striking feature, whether used as decking or as cladding for vertical surfaces. Cheshire-based Robert Hughes Garden Design featured Burnt Cedar Millboard in this stunning modern garden, to create a colour and texture contrast between the pale, cream Beige Sandstone.

Embered Millboard

Embered Millboard offers a stunning, weathered look that adds warmth and texture to garden spaces. Its dark, smoky tones work beautifully in contemporary designs or when paired with natural elements like stone or water features for a balanced, organic feel. Here’s a great example of darker materials making luscious planting and lawns stand out, by the talented team at Landscape Artisan.

Composite Decking Installation Info & Hints & Tips

Installing composite decking can be completed as a DIY project, but it’s essential to follow proper guidelines to ensure a lasting result. London Stone advocate using reputable, professional garden designers and contractors to undertake landscaping works at your property. Our Connect service allows you to find local trade professionals for your project.

Here are some installation hints, tips, and information about installing composite decking:

  • Prepare the Ground: Clear the area and ensure the ground is level. For elevated decks, a subframe of treated timber or composite joists is necessary to support the decking.
  • Install Joists: Joists should be spaced evenly, usually 300mm apart. This framework provides the support for your decking boards.
  • Fix the Boards: Use the recommended fixing clips and screws, such as the DesignBoard Clip System, which ensures a seamless and secure fit. View deck building essentials.
  • Cutting the Boards: Composite boards can be cut using standard woodworking tools, such as a bench-mounted drop saw with a carbon-tipped blade. Read more on cutting composite decking.
  • Edging: For a polished finish, use matching fascia boards or bullnose boards for exposed edges or steps.
  • Maintenance: One of the main benefits of composite decking is its low-maintenance nature. Simply sweep away debris and wash with water and mild soap if necessary.

View tutorial videos on how to install DesignBoard Composite Decking, and how to install Millboard.

Charcoal and Black Composite Decking FAQs

How long does composite decking last?  

Composite decking has a predicted lifespan of over 25 years. All our composite decking comes with a product warranty, making it an excellent long-term investment: 

  • Brushed & Grooved Product Warranty – 3 years 
  • DesignBoard Classic – 10 years 
  • Millboard Composite Decking – 25 years (residential usage, if registered within 90 days of purchase)

Is composite decking slippery? 

Composite decking is designed with slip-resistance in mind. Ranges like Millboard and DesignBoard Grooved offer textured surfaces for enhanced grip, making them safe for use around pools or in wet conditions. 

Can composite decking fade in sunlight? 

UV-resistant properties in both Millboard and DesignBoard prevent significant fading, ensuring that your decking remains vibrant for years. 

Can I put a fire pit or fire bowl onto my composite decking?  

This depends upon the heat exposure and type of firepit that you are intending on installing. We would always recommend there is a gap to the underside allowing for a good airflow to prevent a build-up of heat under any type of burner. Refer to our DesignBoard Product Guide for more information. 

How do I clean composite decking? 

Like any outdoor material, composite decking does require maintaining, to keep it looking its best and to ensure it lasts. Cleaning is a straightforward process. Depending on how clean you wish to keep your deck, it usually takes place seasonally. Sweep regularly and hose down with water. For stubborn dirt, use a mild detergent and a soft brush. To remove stains, specialist cleaning products can be used, but check with the manufacturer’s guidelines before applying any chemicals to your decking, and always test cleaning products in a small, inconspicuous section, before applying to the whole decked area. 

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. We also offer product warranties across the entirety of our composite decking ranges. 

Can I view composite decking in your showrooms? 

Yes! Our network of nationwide showrooms offer inspirational displays where you can view our materials before buying. You will never receive a ‘hard sell’ approach from London Stone – our showrooms offer a relaxed atmosphere, 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. 

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