How South African homeowners are rethinking outdoor living with Best Deck composite wood decking products

The South African outdoors has always revolved around one undisputed ritual: The braai. It is our cultural cornerstone, the place where friends gather over open flames, local wine, cold beer, rugby banter and proper belly-laughs. But what about the space that hosts it all?

At Best Deck, South Africa’s leading supplier of composite wood decking, pergolas, cladding and screening, we are witnessing an exciting shift. Homeowners from Johannesburg to Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal are no longer treating their deck as a simple braai platform. Instead, they are using it as a blank canvas for a whole new way of living outdoors. The versatility, durability and beauty of modern composite materials are unlocking a wave of creativity, and we are here for it.

Gone are the days of high-maintenance timber that warps in the Highveld sun, splinters underfoot at the coast or fades after a single Durban summer. Best Deck’s composite wood products, manufactured from a blend of 30% recycled bamboo, 30% recycled timber, 30% recycled HDPE plastic and 10% UV stabilisers and bonding agents, deliver a weather-resistant, splinter-free and consistently beautiful foundation for virtually anything.

So, let’s step beyond the braai and explore five unexpected ways South Africans are reimagining their outdoor living spaces with composite decking.

1. The All-Weather Home Fitness Platform

Forget the stuffy garage gym with its concrete floor and zero ambience. And the daily traffic crawl to a crowded commercial gym? No thanks. Picture instead rolling out of bed for sunrise Pilates on a warm, even composite surface, or lifting weights with your garden stretching out before you.

A sturdy composite deck, installed on the correct substructure, provides a stable, low-impact platform that is perfectly suited to a home gym. Best Deck’s solid-profile boards, available in both the Gold Range (15-year guarantee) and Diamond Range (25-year guarantee), are slip-resistant even when wet from morning dew or a post-workout hose-down. They are incredibly resilient under the weight of equipment and repeated foot traffic, with no risk of rotting timber or rusty nails.

Add a Best Deck pergola overhead, fitted with an adjustable slatted roof or shade cloth, and you have a dedicated fitness zone that works equally well in the blazing summer sun or on a drizzly winter morning. Your own private wellness retreat, just a few steps from the back door.

2. The Stargazing Sanctuary

South Africa is blessed with some of the most spectacularly clear night skies on Earth. With just a little planning, your backyard can become a private observatory.

This transformation is all about atmosphere. Start with a spacious, low-level composite deck as your foundation: a clean, comfortable surface in the stillness of the dark. The magic happens overhead. A Best Deck pergola becomes far more than a daytime shade structure. Choose an open-roof design or one with a retractable canopy to frame the night sky perfectly. Add deep seats, cosy blankets and perhaps a glass of something special.

For a touch of modern elegance, integrate subtle low-voltage LED lighting into the pergola posts or deck railings. Then use Best Deck’s composite screening on one or two sides to block ambient light from the house or street, creating a secluded cocoon where nothing stands between you and the stars.

3. The Alfresco Art Studio and Creative Hub

Natural light is every artist’s best friend, yet suitably lit indoor studio space often comes at a steep premium. The answer? A pergola or boma studio bathed in consistent, indirect light.

Best Deck’s composite decking provides a floor that is effortless to clean and entirely unaffected by moisture, paint drips or clay residue. A solid pergola or boma overhead provides essential shelter from direct sun and rain, creating the perfect environment to foster your creativity.

For added versatility, incorporate Best Deck’s composite wall cladding or fluted panelling on the sides. This defines the space, provides privacy and gives you a beautiful, maintenance-free backdrop on which to pin inspiration boards or hang lightweight artwork. The result is a serene creative zone where mess is welcome and inspiration is drawn from the gorgeous outdoors on every side.

4. The Ultimate Kids’ Party Venue (That’s Easy on Parents)

Hosting a children’s party indoors usually means controlled chaos followed by hours of cleanup. Transforming your deck, boma or pergola into party headquarters changes everything. The composite deck becomes the dance floor, the racetrack for toy cars or the setting for a giant craft table. Goodbye tears (for the kids and the parents).

This is where the low-maintenance character of Best Deck products truly shines. Cake, icing, glitter, juice spills: simply hose the lot away. No staining, no splinters for little hands and bare feet. The non-slip surface keeps energetic little ones safer, even when things inevitably get wet.

Drape a pergola with fairy lights, balloons and bunting for a defined party zone with shade. You can even use composite screening to create a fun “fort” wall or to separate the party area from a pool or garden pond safely. When the last guest leaves, all it takes to restore order is a quick rinse and a very generous helping of peace and quiet.

5. The Modern Boma and Year-Round Fire Pit Lounge

South Africa’s beloved boma tradition is ripe for an upgrade. Imagine a large, sweeping curved composite deck as your foundation, a safe fire pit bowl at its centre and integrated composite bench seating all around, dressed with scatter cushions.

This creates a clean, defined, level gathering space. The composite surface is a tidy, comfortable platform for feet and furniture alike. Extend the concept with an elegant Best Deck pergola overhead to support a chimney or simply to create that sense of enclosure without closing off the sky.

Add ambient lighting into the deck rails and pergola beams, and your modern boma becomes a luxurious, all-weather entertainment hub: perfect for cosy Highveld winters or balmy KZN summer evenings. It is the evolution of an iconic South African tradition.

Why Composite Decking Outperforms Traditional Timber in South Africa

Each of these five ideas is made possible by the fundamental advantages of composite wood over traditional timber. Best Deck’s products are engineered specifically for South African conditions: intense UV exposure, summer storms, coastal salt air and the dramatic temperature swings of the interior.

The boards feature a non-slip surface texture that stays safe when wet, a suspended installation system that allows proper water drainage and airflow beneath the deck, and solid-profile construction that resists warping, swelling, fading and cracking. They repel wood borer and ant infestations, and they never need sealing, sanding or staining.

Best Deck reports that roughly 50% of their projects involve uplifting existing timber decks and replacing them with composite. The initial investment may be marginally higher than pressure-treated pine, but the absence of ongoing maintenance costs means composite decking consistently delivers superior long-term value.

The Best Deck Product Range at a Glance

Best Deck’s full composite wood product range includes decking (Gold Range and Diamond Range), composite wood wall cladding and fluted panelling, pergolas, screen walling and shade screens, composite balustrades and gates, and SPC flooring. Products are available in a palette of natural tones, including Wood, Chocolate Brown, Coffee, Stone Grey and Charcoal. All products carry 10-, 15- or 25-year guarantees depending on the product type and profile selected.

With a head office in Johannesburg and branches in Somerset West (Western Cape) and Ballito (KwaZulu-Natal), Best Deck supplies and installs products across South Africa and throughout Africa. Their client portfolio includes landmark projects such as Steyn City, developed in collaboration with renowned contractors and architectural firms.

Your Outdoor Space, Your Rules

At Best Deck, we believe your outdoor space should be a direct reflection of your lifestyle, not a limitation on it. Our high-quality composite decking, pergolas, screening and cladding are not merely products. They are the launchpad for something spectacular: spaces that are as unique as the people who use them, spaces that are beautiful, lasting and effortlessly easy to care for.

Whether you are creating a quiet studio, a vibrant party platform, or a sanctuary beneath the stars, your dream space starts with the right foundation.

Explore the full range and get inspired at bestdeck.co.za

Everything you need to know about composite wood decking, pergolas, cladding and outdoor living solutions from Best Deck.

What is composite decking and what is it made of?

Composite decking is an engineered timber-alternative product made from a blend of recycled materials. Best Deck’s composite boards contain approximately 30% recycled bamboo, 30% recycled timber, 30% recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic and 10% UV stabilisers and bonding agents. This combination produces a board that looks and feels like natural wood but delivers far greater durability, weather resistance and longevity than traditional timber.

How does composite decking compare to traditional timber decking in South Africa?

Composite decking significantly outperforms traditional timber in South African conditions. Unlike timber, composite boards do not warp, crack, splinter or rot. They are resistant to UV fading, moisture damage, wood borer and ant infestations. Timber decks require annual sealing, sanding and staining, whereas composite decking is maintenance-free beyond an occasional wash with soapy water. Best Deck reports that approximately 50% of their projects involve replacing deteriorated timber decks with composite alternatives.

Is composite decking safe around swimming pools and for children?

Yes. Best Deck’s composite decking features a non-slip surface texture that remains safe even when wet, making it ideal for poolside installations. The boards are completely splinter-free, which is especially important for children and barefoot areas. The material does not crack or develop sharp edges over time, maintaining a safe surface throughout its lifespan.

What guarantee does Best Deck offer on its composite products?

Best Deck offers 10-, 15- or 25-year guarantees depending on the product type and profile selected. The Gold Range decking carries a 15-year guarantee, while the premium Diamond Range decking, which features fourth-generation composite technology with enhanced stain and moisture resistance, carries a 25-year guarantee. All guarantees are conditional on following Best Deck’s installation instructions precisely.

What is the difference between the Best Deck Gold Range and Diamond Range?

The Gold Range features a narrow grooved-finish solid-profile plank with a 15-year guarantee. It is extremely durable and the grooves help to conceal minor scratching, scuffing and stains. The Diamond Range is Best Deck’s premium offering, featuring fourth-generation composite wood technology with a stunning wood grain finish. It is resistant to stain and moisture damage and carries a 25-year guarantee. Both ranges are available in a selection of natural tones.

What colours are available for Best Deck composite decking?

Best Deck’s decking range is available in a palette of natural tones designed to complement a variety of architectural styles. Current colours include Wood, Chocolate Brown, Coffee, Stone Grey and Charcoal. The Diamond Range offers additional colour options with a realistic wood grain finish.

How do you clean and maintain composite decking?

Composite decking from Best Deck is virtually maintenance-free. It never needs sealing, sanding or staining. Routine cleaning involves simply washing the deck with soapy water and rinsing it off. For stubborn marks, a light scrub with a soft brush is sufficient. The boards are porous, so periodic cleaning is recommended to keep them looking their best.

Can composite decking be used for pergolas, screening and wall cladding?

Absolutely. Best Deck’s product range extends well beyond decking. They manufacture and supply composite wood pergolas, screen walling, shade screens, gates, composite wood wall cladding, fluted panelling and balustrades. These products share the same durability, low-maintenance and aesthetic qualities as the decking range, allowing homeowners to create cohesive outdoor living environments.

Is composite decking eco-friendly?

Yes. Best Deck’s composite wood products are manufactured entirely from recycled materials, including recycled timber, recycled bamboo and recycled HDPE plastic. No deforestation is involved in the production process. Bamboo, which is one of the most sustainable and rapidly renewable materials on the planet, is used as a strengthening agent, contributing natural strength and flexibility to the boards.

Can I install Best Deck composite decking myself, or do I need a professional?

Best Deck offers both professional installation and DIY options. Their products come with detailed installation instructions, and the company provides technical drawings and support for DIY installers. However, professional installation is recommended for larger or more complex projects to ensure the substructure and drainage are correctly specified. Best Deck’s guarantee is conditional on correct installation, whether professional or DIY.

Where can I buy Best Deck composite decking in South Africa?

Best Deck’s head office is in Johannesburg, with branch offices in Somerset West in the Western Cape and Ballito Bay in KwaZulu-Natal. They supply composite wood products nationally across South Africa and throughout Africa. Products can be purchased directly through Best Deck, and the company also undertakes turnkey supply-and-install projects. Visit www.bestdeck.co.za or contact them directly for a quotation.

Can composite decking be used around a fire pit or braai area?

Composite decking can be used as the foundation for a fire pit or braai area, provided that a safe, purpose-designed fire pit bowl or braai unit is used and placed on an appropriate non-combustible surface. Best Deck composite boards should not be in direct contact with open flames or extreme heat sources. Many homeowners create stunning modern boma spaces with a fire pit at the centre, using composite decking as the surrounding platform and integrated seating area.

How long does composite decking last in the South African climate?

Best Deck’s composite decking is engineered specifically for the demanding South African climate, including intense UV exposure, heavy rainfall, coastal salt air and significant temperature fluctuations. With guarantees of up to 25 years on the Diamond Range, composite decking is expected to last well beyond its guarantee period with only minimal cleaning required. Unlike timber, it does not degrade from UV exposure, moisture or insect damage over time.

What does composite decking cost compared to timber decking in South Africa?

The initial purchase price of composite decking may be marginally higher than pressure-treated pine. However, when total cost of ownership is calculated over 10 to 25 years, composite decking consistently delivers better value. Timber decks require annual sealing, sanding and staining, plus periodic board replacement due to rot and insect damage. Composite decking eliminates all of these ongoing costs, making it the more cost-effective choice over its lifespan.

Does composite decking increase property value in South Africa?

Yes. Quality outdoor living spaces are a strong selling point in the South African property market. A well-designed composite deck, pergola or boma adds functional living area, visual appeal and a low-maintenance advantage that prospective buyers find very attractive. Because composite decking retains its appearance and structural integrity for decades, it contributes lasting value to a property.