When it comes to installing composite decking in your outdoor space, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of choosing the perfect colour. However, one of the most crucial aspects of decking that often gets overlooked is its texture and finish. The feel and surface of the decking can dramatically impact its durability, safety, and comfort underfoot. Before you make a final decision, testing composite decking’s texture and finish is essential to ensure it meets your expectations and serves your needs.
Let’s explore why testing these aspects of composite decking is so important and how it can affect the overall performance of your deck.
Ensuring Safety and Slip Resistance
One of the primary reasons to test composite decking’s texture is to evaluate its slip resistance. When choosing decking, safety should always be a top priority—especially if you have children, pets, or elderly individuals who will be spending time outdoors. Some composite decking materials have a smoother finish, which may be more prone to becoming slippery, especially in wet conditions.
By testing samples, you can assess whether the decking provides a firm grip, even when wet. Look for products with a textured surface or specific anti-slip coatings designed to improve traction. This is particularly important in areas that experience frequent rainfall or humidity, as slippery decking can lead to accidents and costly injuries. Don’t forget to check out composite decking accessories to envisage your whole design.
Comfort and Feel Underfoot
The texture of composite decking plays a significant role in comfort, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time barefoot on your deck. Some finishes can be rough and uncomfortable to walk on, while others may have a smooth, splinter-free surface that feels soft and pleasant.
Testing the samples allows you to directly assess how the decking feels underfoot. If you’re hoping to create an inviting outdoor space where you can relax, entertain, or walk barefoot, it’s essential to ensure the texture of the decking is comfortable. Some composite decking products feature a wood-like texture, designed to mimic the feel of natural timber without the rough edges or splinters—perfect for a more barefoot-friendly environment.
Durability and Wear Resistance
A composite deck is an investment, and you want to ensure it stands the test of time. The texture and finish of the decking can greatly impact its durability and how it holds up under pressure, weather conditions, and general wear and tear. For example, some textured finishes offer better resistance to scratches and dents, while smoother finishes may be more prone to damage.
Testing the samples will help you assess how well the finish holds up over time. Take the time to check how the surface reacts to scratching, scrubbing, or pressure. If you have pets or heavy foot traffic, you’ll want decking with a strong, durable finish that resists fading, scratching, and marking. The finish can also impact how easy it is to clean and maintain the decking, which can ultimately save you money on repairs or replacement.
Aesthetic Appeal and Overall Look
The texture and finish of composite decking can dramatically impact its aesthetic appeal. While colour is often the focal point when choosing decking, the finish can also affect the overall look of your outdoor space. For example, some finishes have a glossy or matte look, while others may have a more natural, wood-like texture.
Testing samples will allow you to evaluate how the decking looks in different lighting conditions, especially if you’re going for a specific aesthetic. You’ll also be able to see how it complements your home’s design, landscaping, and other outdoor elements like railings, fences, and furniture. Whether you prefer a sleek modern look or a more rustic, natural finish, testing the texture will help you achieve the right vibe for your garden.
Narrowing Down Your Choice of Composite Decking Providers
Prioritise Quality
You want to make sure you’re investing money wisely. In other words, purchasing quality decking that’s not going to fade, is durable enough to face the elements, and is the right texture for your needs. Therefore, when you’re comparing providers, make sure you read about the materials and how they construct their decking. This ensures that quality is at the forefront of your decision and you’re choosing a design that will last for many years.
Check the Delivery
Of course, when you’re comparing composite decking providers, another element that you should consider is the delivery options. Most people are excited to receive all of their materials and get started on their project. Alternatively, you might already have your installers booked and need to make sure you have everything to go. Some providers will be faster than others to gather your order and ship it to you. So, you need to make sure that the delivery options align with your needs before you buy the composite decking boards.
Look at the Designs
One of the great things about composite decking is that you can choose from various colours. So, when you’re choosing a provider, take a look at what colours and styles they offer you. You should have the freedom to select a style that you love and that’s going to enhance your outdoor space.
Conclusion
When choosing composite decking, testing the texture and finish is just as important as considering colour and material. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your decking is safe, comfortable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you want a slip-resistant surface for safety, a durable finish for long-term performance, or a low-maintenance option for easy care, testing samples will help you make an informed decision and choose the right decking for your outdoor space.
