Does composite decking need maintenance?

Yes, composite decking needs periodic cleaning. Remove leaves, pollen and dirt before they form a slippery film on the boards.

Does composite decking need expansion gaps?

Yes, temperature changes make composite boards move along their length. Follow the exact gap table supplied for that board system.

How far apart should composite decking joists be?

Joist centres depend on the board and laying direction. Many systems specify 300mm to 400mm, but the product guide controls.

Can composite decking fade?

Yes, some composite boards settle in colour after outdoor exposure. Natural weathering is often most noticeable during the first months.

Is composite decking slippery when wet?

Any outdoor board can become slippery when contaminated. Regularly remove algae, leaves and surface dirt, especially in shaded areas.

Can I pressure wash composite decking?

Only use pressure washing when the manufacturer permits it. Keep within its pressure, distance and nozzle instructions to avoid surface damage.

Decking
Composite Decking

Composite Decking

Composite decking suits gardens where easy cleaning matters more than refinishing the boards. It needs no annual staining, but correct joist spacing and expansion gaps are essential. Colours can settle during the first months outdoors, so order one batch for a continuous area. Compare the warmer finish of wooden decking, or return to our complete decking guide.

Low Treatment No annual staining or oiling

Allow Movement Expansion gaps protect the finish

Firm Subframe Follow each board's joist centres

UK Delivery Delivery terms shown per product

Verified Customer

Very helpful. Great delivery. Looks good:
we will see after I’ve built it.

Verified Customer

The greenhouse parts plus glass arrived safely packed.
We erected the greenhouse ourselves and after a couple of initial errors we got into the swing of it and are really pleased with the results.
The diagrams in the instruction manual could be clearer but we got there, though it did seem to take many hours.

Verified Customer

Unfortunatly has not been put together yet,

Verified Customer

great comminication throughout and a great product

Verified Customer

We haven’t even opened it yet - waiting for greenhouse to be erected 😂

Verified Customer

Extremely helpful, could answer all my questions and give advice. Delivery was first class, one of the best delivery companies I've dealt with if not the best.
Product is fitted and looks great.

Verified Customer

It was easy to choose the greenhouse itself and then the extras. Hassle free and it was delivered when expected. I would however advise that you may want to hire someone to put it together for you, unless you are good at following this sort of instructions. The greenhouse looks fantastic and I am very happy to have bought it. I would recommend the Greenhouse Stores.

Verified Customer

Great service, arrived when expected greenhouse excellent quality easy to assemble no items missing

Verified Customer

Very good great greenhouse put up in a day

Verified Customer

Delivered on time and the fitters they recommended were excellent.

Verified Customer

I have done this twice??????

Verified Customer

ordered a 4x6 greenhouse which was delivered on time. My son put it up in a day and it looks lovely. Can't wait for the next spring growing season.

Verified Customer

Great in communication. Attentive. Concrete base layer needed and link to him enabled him to do it. Lean to greenhouse efficiently assembled. Highly recommended

Verified Customer

Brilliant service from start to finish and a slight issue with my order was resolved extremely quickly great service

Verified Customer

Great product and straight forward to assemble, would suggest a few addition 3D views in the assembly manual but thats only so you can confirm which orientation you are working on. Also make sure the base is securely fixed prior to the build and ensure you are within 1mm on corner to corner measuring so you know you are square before you start building up. Some of confusion on some of the instructions as the description can be read several ways. All in all a very simple build. Only concern is how it acts in strong winds, I have positioned mine adjacent to a fence on one side and a structure at the rear to try and reduce the potential for wind causing damage

Verified Customer

Absolutely love my greenhouse. Fast delivery, very helpful friendly delivery driver. Good communication. Fast to get back to me when emailed with problem putting together. Thank you

Verified Customer

All arrived as planned. Elite not so good wih missing parts that had to be chased up. Delivery time was perfect, as arranged.

Verified Customer

Great product , just what I was looking for . Delivery was faster than expected too

Verified Customer

Great products, great prices. Delivered when suitable to me.

Verified Customer

Great service lovely greenhouse !

Verified Customer

I'm 100% happy with product and the company that sold it the delivery driver was a very helpful nice man and nothing was too much trouble I would recommend definitely thanks

Verified Customer

From ordering to delivery went fine had a phone call to let me know when delivery was coming. And it was on time.

Verified Customer

Was waiting for over a week for delivery from order date but apparently this is the norm with this company so be aware if you want it quick - delivered well boxed- no damage- no parts missing - husband assembled by himself and found it easy - couldn't find a small compact one like this on other websites and if available on other sites no shelves available which we feel you need - overall very pleased with purchasing method and product - enclosed pictures so other customers can gauge storage

Verified Customer

Greenhouse Stores were the answer to my prayers. Amazing people who went above and beyond to satisfy my requirments and to ensure that I was happy with everything from ordering to having the Greenhouse put up. Top class from start to finish and wouldnt ever go anywhere else.

About composite decking

Composite decking is for customers who want the look of boards without an annual staining routine. Most systems combine wood fibres with polymer, creating consistent profiles that fix with clips. The boards still need cleaning, and the subframe must be built to the manufacturer's spacing.

The trade-off is movement. Composite boards expand and contract along their length as temperatures change. The fitting guide decides the end gap, edge gap and joist centres. Those figures vary between systems, so a rule copied from another brand can cause lifting or wide joints.

Use this page alongside our main decking guide. If you prefer a repairable surface with a natural grain, compare wooden decking. Related garden projects include patio covers, fencing, garden structures, garden furniture and garden rooms.

Why composite needs careful selection

"Low maintenance does not mean no maintenance. Choose the board system and fixing method together, then follow its spacing table exactly."

Matt W, Founder of Greenhouse Stores

How to choose composite decking

Board type	Useful for	Watch for	Buying check
Solid composite: Matt's pick for busy areas	Steps, edges and heavily used decks	Higher board weight	Confirm compatible clips and trims
Hollow composite	Cost-conscious domestic platforms	Open ends and point loads	Check end caps and support centres
Capped composite	Spill-prone dining areas	Surface scratches and heat build-up	Check cleaning and colour guidance

Quick buying guide: Order boards, clips, starter clips and trims as one system. Mixing fixings can change the intended expansion space.

Matt's installation tip: never guess the gaps

Board temperature affects the required end gap. Read the fitting table on installation day and double-joist every butt joint where specified.

Subframes, drainage and colour settling

Published composite fitting guides commonly specify joist centres around 300mm to 400mm, depending on the board and laying angle. They also require clearance from walls and fixed objects. Treat those figures as examples, not substitutes for the instructions supplied with your boards.

Build a slight fall away from the house and keep the drainage route open. Leaves and pollen hold moisture on the surface, so sweep regularly. Warm soapy water handles routine cleaning. Test stronger cleaners on a hidden area first.

Composite containing natural wood fibres can change colour during its first months outdoors. Buy one batch for adjoining boards where possible. View samples outside in both wet and dry conditions before committing to a large area.

Our ground preparation guide, foundation comparison and installation mistakes guide contain useful drainage and levelling checks.

Frequently asked questions

Does composite decking need maintenance?
Yes, composite decking needs periodic cleaning. Remove leaves, pollen and dirt before they form a slippery film on the boards.
Does composite decking need expansion gaps?
Yes, temperature changes make composite boards move along their length. Follow the exact gap table supplied for that board system.
How far apart should composite decking joists be?
Joist centres depend on the board and laying direction. Many systems specify 300mm to 400mm, but the product guide controls.
Can composite decking fade?
Yes, some composite boards settle in colour after outdoor exposure. Natural weathering is often most noticeable during the first months.
Is composite decking slippery when wet?
Any outdoor board can become slippery when contaminated. Regularly remove algae, leaves and surface dirt, especially in shaded areas.
Can I pressure wash composite decking?
Only use pressure washing when the manufacturer permits it. Keep within its pressure, distance and nozzle instructions to avoid surface damage.