Now that you have finally decided that you’re going to build a composite deck, the next step is to choose the right color for your outdoor living space. At first glance, picking the best composite decking color seems challenging. It is probably a big decision, and the choices abound. From light-colored composite boards to tonal variations and solid shades, you have an assortment of colors to choose from. But with so many options when it comes to composite decking color, there isn’t really a perfect choice; rather, it is about finding a color that matches your needs, preferences, and style. So, if you are not really sure where to start and how to pick the right one, we have put together a composite decking color guide to help you navigate your options, understand the selection process, and come out with a stunning deck.
The Three Basic Composite Decking Colors
When you are presented with a number of color options, you will end up asking a lot of questions. Is a dark-colored composite board a good fit? Do I need a warmer- or a cooler-toned shade? Is gray a great choice to achieve a modern-look deck?While there are many options, most manufacturers and contractors offer three families of composite decking color: gray, brown, and red. However, the tonal variations of these basic colors create a distinction from one another. For instance, gray-colored composite decking can span from light gray to deep charcoal variation. Red, on the other hand, can provide you either fiery warmer tones or cooler undertones. Whereas brown-colored composite decking ranges from warmest shades of brown to cooler hues of tan. The choice still depends on your needs and preferences, but it is advisable to talk to a professional composite deck contractor near you for better recommendations.
Tips For Choosing The Right Color
To guide you in selecting the right color for your composite deck, let’s run down several factors you need to consider.
1. Consider The Color Of Your House
The color of your composite deck should be cohesive with your home’s exterior. Your house is considered the biggest element in your outdoor space, so your composite decking color should complement it. However, a complementary tone does not necessarily mean an exact match. You may still want to create a little contrast between your home and your deck colors. In deciding which deck color works best, consider the existing hues or shades on your exterior elements such as siding and trim. Select an accent color or pull out one of the shades on your façade, then try to blend it well with the style of your home. Another way to choose the color that will match your home’s exterior is by using the three basic composite decking colors. Start with the basic and figure out how it will blend well with other colors. For example, red composite decking can blend well with a wide array of home textures and colors such as brick or stucco facades. On the other hand, gray composite decking works well with blue, gray, red, and white homes.
2. Think About The Climate
Your composite decking color isn’t just for aesthetics; it should also serve a purpose. When you plan to build a composite deck, always consider the climate. Do you live in a sunny area? Is your deck exposed to the sun all day? If you live in an area that receives a lot of sun exposure year-round, you may want a composite decking color that will make your outdoor living space stay cooler. Dark surfaces tend to absorb light and can heat up the most. In contrast, light-colored surfaces reflect light, so it can keep your deck much cooler. The same rule applies to your composite deck. If your deck gets full sun exposure every day, might as well opt for boards with lighter colors. On the other hand, if you live in a cooler climate, having a darker color composite deck isn’t a problem at all.
3. Don’t Forget About Undertones
Unless you are planning to build a pure black or white composite deck, you should not overlook the undertones. An undertone is literally a color underneath a color, which can either be warm or cool. The undertones of orange, red, and yellow will result in warmer colors. Whereas violet, blue, and green are cooler colors. Gray, on the other hand, is a neutral color—which can either have cool or warm undertones. These undertones create variations and character to your outdoor living space. However, you don’t need to keep all these undertones the same. The rule of thumb is to be consistent with either warm or cold undertones for both your home’s exterior and deck. This way, it creates a great flow and seamless transition of both indoors and outdoors.
4. Use The Color Wheel Rules
If you love to create an excellent deck and house color combination, consider a scheme consisting of three colors: an accent, a dominant, and a secondary color. This scheme can also be incorporated in your door, existing siding, outdoor furniture, trim, to name a few. Color wheel rules can help you create a pleasing palette by combining complementary colors in your outdoor living space. Replicate the color wheel rules in your deck designs and colors by using dominant tone as the main color, while two additional colors act like supporting roles.
5. Consider The Surrounding Landscape
Since you are building an outdoor living space, don’t overlook the landscape that surrounds your deck. This also plays an important role in choosing the right composite decking color. If you have a green landscape because of lush plants and trees, it is safe to use red or orange deck colors. On the other hand, if your surrounding landscape is more colorful, consider using a more neutral palette such as gray or brown tones.
6. Utilize The Online Design Tools
There are several online tools that will let you visualize different composite decking colors with different designs and styles of houses. You can play around with these tools to help you determine which color works for your home before you even build your dream deck. Using this technology provides a more accurate representation of how your composite deck will look like, and how it can match your home’s exterior.
7. Order A Few Samples For Testing
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you need to try out the composite decking color before you decide which one to choose. Order a few samples of the color of your choice, and test it on a small area of your deck. This is the time where you can see the quality and color up close. Step back and try to view it from different angles at different times of the day.
Composite Decking Color Ideas
If you are still confused about which deck color to choose, here are some recommendations for you: Chocolate Brown Or Black. Dark tones are ideal for small outdoor living spaces. Because black and chocolate brown are very neutral colors, it may be overpowering if you use them on a large deck. Plus, dark tones usually absorb light, so it may heat up your deck. Dark Blue. Dark blue composite decking is an excellent choice for cottage-style homes. It works very well if you combine it with secondary tones such as cream, lighter blue, and beige.Green. If you have a contemporary home or traditional façade, green composite decking is a perfect choice. Green is a stunning deck color that can be combined with a lot of tones such as black, red, and taupe. Dark Gray. Gray is a neutral color and can either work with warm or cool schemes. Plus, it is a great way to hide dirt and footprints in your deck.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot to consider when building a composite deck, and choosing the right deck color is one of them. While selecting the right color might be a big decision, it should not be a stressful one. Just follow the tips enumerated earlier, and you surely can make a great choice. However, if you feel that you still need an expert’s assistance, feel free to call us. Schedule a free in-home consultation today!