Weight is a good thing
Composite boards are noticeably heavier than softwood. In a windy garden, that's a benefit: they sit flat and solid, and once clipped and screwed to the frame, they don't move. The cap keeps rain out of the core, so boards don't swell and shrink with the weather the way timber can.
Fixed to stay put
Each board is held by hidden clips into every joist, with start and finish boards screwed through where the maker specifies. Fascias and picture-frame borders are screwed securely to the frame, so there's nothing loose for the wind to catch. Near the sea, on the Headland and at Seaton Carew, we use stainless clips and screws.
A frame that suits composite
Composite needs closer joists than timber. We space them correctly, keep the frame level and leave room for air underneath so it dries out between showers. On exposed sites we add noggins between joists for extra stiffness.
Grip and colour
Hartlepool gets a lot of rain carried on the wind. We choose boards with a deep embossed grain for grip. Mid-greys and browns hide salt marks and dust better than very dark boards. We bring samples so you can see them against your house.
Low effort
No staining or sanding. Sweep away debris and give it a wash with soapy water once or twice a year, and a fresh-water rinse after storms if you're close to the sea.
Questions answered
Can composite boards lift in a gale?
Not when fitted properly. Each board is clipped into every joist and the edges are fixed. Loose boards on old decks are usually down to failed fixings or a weak frame.
Is composite slippery when wet?
Good capped boards with an embossed grain grip well in the wet, and they don't grow the green film that makes timber slippery.
