A great deck has the power to transform your outdoor living space, but it’s something that definitely takes thought and planning. So to help you get the inspiration flowing, we’re stepping you through some of the best composite decking ideas for Australian patios and porches.

Along with functionality and aesthetics, practical factors like climate, land size and style of your home have a lot to do with how you design your perfect deck. But if it seems like a lot to take into account, don’t worry. The world’s leading composite decking brand, Trex, is the answer to bringing any and all deck dreams to life.

From undercover havens to split-levelled masterpieces, our shortlist of Trex-inspired composite decking ideas will help you create the perfect outdoor living zone for your home. But first, let’s take a look at what you should consider before you set the creative process in motion.

What To Consider When Designing Your Deck

Before you start designing your deck, sit down and consider these points to help you nail your deck goals and get a lifetime of use out of it.

How big is your outdoor space?

For small spaces, you might consider a multi-level deck with more vertical, usable space. For larger spaces, think about whether you want built-in seating, a swimming pool, a gazebo – or just a sprawling composite deck that’s low on upkeep and huge on enjoyment.

How will you access the deck?

Think about where your entry and exit points are to and from your deck. A wrap-around deck gives you plenty of direct access from multiple rooms of the house. A smaller deck, on the other hand, may only be accessible from one door. (Pro tip: if you entertain a lot, ensure you have direct access to the kitchen!)

How will you use your deck?

A quiet household may want nothing more than a tranquil area to relax. Big families and entertainers should consider extra seating and plenty of lighting for year-round enjoyment. Young families also need to think about how kids will use the deck and relevant safety factors. The way you’ll use your deck plays a huge part in your design, but the good news is that a high-performance composite deck from Trex is always built with longevity in mind.

5 Awesome Composite Decking Ideas For Patios

Now that you’ve thought about some of the practicalities of a deck, let’s take a closer look at some popular designs and features to get the inspiration flowing.

Consider permanent shelter

Wherever you live, shelter is critical in Australian backyards. But while many people rely on temporary solutions like umbrellas, permanent options like pergolas, gazebos or an extended roof are practical features to weave into your deck space. They add a good splash of drama, too!

The example above shows how perfectly a permanent pergola pairs with a contemporary, heat-mitigating Trex Transcend® Lineage™ deck to create a luxe patio that’s enjoyable all year round.

Don’t forget to consider the type of furniture and decor you’ll use on your deck before finalising the dimensions of any shelter. Ask yourself if you want undercover space for a dining table, extra seats and plants.

Ramp up your railing

According to Australia’s National Construction Code, any deck more than one metre from the ground needs to have a suitable railing installed to reduce the risk of falls. But aside from the obvious safety element, rails are an excellent way to add dimension, luxury and functionality to a deck space.

From glass to wood, there are many options on the table when it comes to balustrades and rails. But the beauty of Trex Deck Railing is that it’s easy to install and available in designs to suit any type of deck. Composite railing gives you the elegance of timber without the high maintenance that comes with it. And Trex Signature® aluminium railing gives you the sleek finish that’s trending for contemporary Australian homes.

Incorporate subtle deck lighting

Want the good times to roll on beyond sunset? Deck lighting is the answer, and together with overhead lighting, it turns your favourite area from invisible to inviting with the flick of a switch!

Energy-efficient and choc-full of ambience, Trex Outdoor Lighting has the right illumination for every kind of outdoor space. Post cap and rail lights are simple ways to light up your balustrades, and sophisticated Stair Riser and Recessed Lights give better vision (and some extra glamour) to steps and paths.

But the best bit? Trex lighting is cleverly designed to be subtle and elegant. So when the sun rises again, lighting disappears into the scene and lets your fab composite deck do all the talking.

Use multi-level decking

If your outdoor area is sloped, a layered deck is a brilliant, multifunctional solution. Why? Well for starters, it allows you to make full use of your space and inevitably adds more seating to your deck. But it also opens up the opportunity to create zones within your deck: a built-in bbq on one level, a lounge area on another and a garden feature on the next!

As well as being massively functional, a split-level deck also brings a lot of texture and visual interest to backyards. Throw in some strategically placed lighting and you’ve got all the boxes ticked for easy, breezy outdoor living.

Get creative with your seating

Adequate seating is a must when it comes to getting the most out of your deck. To avoid the hassle of moving furniture around outside, consider incorporating some built-in deck seating.

Built-in benches offer extra seating when you have guests around and also come in handy for storing equipment underneath (depending on the design). They’re also super convenient for the off-season when your portable summer seating might be packed away.

Whether you want to match your seating to the colour of your deck or mix it up with some contrast, Trex makes customised seating a cinch. And it looks sensational too.

For more fantastic composite decking ideas, head over to Trex and check out how other Australians are making their decks the star of their homes.

WOM Network is working with Trex to bring you this article. Trex is the world’s leading decking brand, offering a range of flooring options that are not only modern and elegant, but expertly engineered to handle Australia’s climate. Trex decks are proudly and sustainably made from 95% recycled materials – and they have been for more than 30 years.

Top image: Trex Transcend® Lineage™

This article first appeared on Making HOME.