Choosing a color for new decking involves more than just personal preference. Other considerations include the colors of a house façade, the amount of sun exposure the new decking will receive, and how the outdoor space will be used. The type of decking is also important. Homeowners with wood decking may choose to go with a bolder stain or paint color knowing they can always repaint. Those using composite decking, however, may want a color that is more neutral, as it will remain throughout the lifetime of this long-lasting decking material. Archadeck of Raleigh-Durham is a professional composite deck builder See our composite deck gallery for some of our work.
Whether you are planning to re-stain or re-paint an existing deck or you are planning for a new one, here are several factors to consider when making you are selecting a color for your new decking.
Current Deck Color Trends
Although gray has been dominating interior design for many years now, natural wood and warmer wood tones are regaining momentum. The same is true in outdoor living design. While the neutrality of gray decking is still quite popular, decking color trends are shifting more toward brown and tan tones. Natural wood tones are a classic choice that match any style of architecture. When building a composite deck using TimberTech™, AZEK™, or Trex™, neutral colors like grays and browns will never truly go out of style.
Your Home’s Exterior Color Palette
No matter what your favorite colors may be, it’s typically a good idea to choose decking colors that work well with your home’s exterior. Finding an exact match of colors can be tricky, so selecting complementary or contrasting colors is best. For example, if much of your house’s trim (the edging around windows and doors, gables or shutters, or other architectural details) is white, using a light color of decking in combination with white rails or accents can tie both spaces together in seamless color. On the other hand, for greater contrast, you can choose a decking color that has a different tone than your home color. For example, if your house color is gray, using warmer wood tones for your decking can help your outdoor living structure stand out in contrast yet still look good together.
Sun Exposure and Heat Retention
If your decking will be in direct sunlight for long periods of time, we recommend choosing a lighter color for greater comfort. Dark colored deck boards absorb more heat and stay hotter longer than lighter colors. Using whitewashed wood is one option if you want the look of natural wood but in a much lighter shade. The whitewashed look is an option for both painted pressure-treated wood and composite decking. Some of the new light wood tones featured by TimberTech include French White Oak, Whitewash Cedar, Driftwood, and Weathered Teak.
Foot Traffic and Dirt
What kind of foot traffic will you have on your new decking? Considering the everyday use of the structure you are decking may help you create an outdoor living space that is easier to maintain and enjoy. For example, if your beloved furbabies like to get into the mud, you may choose a deck color that is medium tone, as dark and light colors will show dirt more. Is your driveway gravel? If the stairs to and from your deck are connected to a gravel area, you may find a light, almost white dust tracked onto your deck. In this case, you may want a light-toned deck to hide the dust. Check out our deck gallery for ideas.
If you’re interested in a new deck, deck expansion, or re-decking at your home, please call your Raleigh deck builder, Archadeck of Raleigh-Durham and the Greater Triangle today for a design consultation: 919-973-1523. We look forward to working with you!
Check out related content:
What is Composite Decking?
Raleigh Composite Decking
Raleigh Dry Deck Systems Transform Your Under-deck Patio Into Functional Dry Living Space
How to Choose Between a Low-to-grade-deck And a Patio for Your Backyard
Could 2022 Be the Year for Composite Decking?
Southern Traditions: The History of the Screened-In Porch
What are the Benefits of a Fixed Price Contract?
