There’s no doubt about it: Traditional wooden decks just can’t keep up with a true South African braai. They crack and splinter under bare feet and paws, stain as soon as you drop a glass of red wine on them and demand regular maintenance and cleaning. This season, it’s time to upgrade the very foundation of your outdoor life. It’s time for a low-maintenance deck engineered for the beautiful art of real entertaining.

Let Best Deck design the ultimate braai deck, one that looks premium, lasts for seasons and allows you to focus on what really matters: a good old South African summer jol.

The summer-proof deck

When you get it right, a deck is multifaceted. It acts as the dining room, play area, chill zone and even dance floor for months on end. As such, it needs to withstand blazing sun, sudden downpours, oily spills from the grill, wet feet from the salt or chlorine pool and playful kids and pets. And it needs to look stunning while doing it all.

Traditional wood often cracks, warps and splinters under this kind of pressure. It needs endless work: Sanding, repairing and sealing.

Best Deck’s solution is a composite wood deck. It delivers the rich, warm aesthetic of real timber but is engineered to be the resilient, low-maintenance hero your summer deserves.

The layout: Flow is everything

A great entertaining-eating-drinking-laughing-dancing-sharing deck is all about an insightful flow. A poor layout creates bottlenecks and traffic jams around certain parts of the entertainment area. Here are some factors to consider:

The all-important braai zone

Your braai is the anchor. Position it with safe clearances from the walls and screens around it. If possible, try to incorporate a generous ledge on one side for food prep. A durable composite wood surface is perfect for resting tongs, plates, salt and spices. On the other side, consider a ‘plating-up’ ledge where guests can dish up their boerewors, chops, pap and chicken without crowding the heat.

Human circulation

Think about the paths people will naturally take (e.g., from the kitchen to the deck, from the deck to the pool and around the seating areas). Don’t put furniture in these high-traffic lanes. A clear route that is as wide as possible around the braai is essential for safety and comfort.

Environmental factors

Where is exposure to the sun and wind at its minimum? Position your seating areas so that they catch the late afternoon shade and use strategic planters or composite wood privacy screens as wind buffers to protect the flame and your guests. Best Deck’s decking is slip-resistant when wet, a crucial safety feature for poolsides.

Surface choices that work as hard as you do

This is where your choices make the biggest impact on both aesthetics and day-to-day enjoyment.

Board profiles and colours

Choose a board profile that complements your home’s architecture. For a contemporary look, the Diamond Range board is sharp, modern and clean. The grooved Gold Range is sometimes preferred for a more traditional feel. When it comes to colour, lighter shades tend to stay cooler underfoot in the hot sun, while darker wood tones offer a more dramatic, premium contrast. Our team can guide you through samples to see what works best with your home’s palette and style.

Fascia and edging

The difference between a good deck and a great one is in the details and finishes. Opt for colour-matched composite wood fascia boards and 90-degree step planks. These wrap the edges of your deck, hiding the substructure and creating a seamless, luxury finish. It’s this attention to detail that defines a Best Deck installation.

Built-ins that add lasting value

Elevate your deck from a simple surface to a fully-fledged outdoor room with integrated features, such as:

Benches and planters

Built-in bench seating around the deck’s perimeter saves space and creates a cohesive look, as well as plenty of room to eat and chat. For even more functionality, design them with lift-up lids for added storage for gardening equipment, pool toys, cushions and braai wood.

Privacy screens and cladding

Composite wood cladding will transform a bland boundary wall or create a dedicated nook. It’s the perfect backdrop for your entertaining area, adding texture and privacy while being completely maintenance-free.

Step and deck lighting

As the sun sets, the party shouldn’t stop. Integrated step lighting is not only a stunning aesthetic feature but a crucial safety element, gently illuminating level changes and guiding movement. It completely transforms the night-time usability of your space, making it the ideal venue for summer shindigs that last well after dark.

Photography by Nic Baleta for SA Homeowner Magazine ©

Savour your summer with minimal cleaning

The braai was a triumph. The company was wonderful. Now, the last thing you want is an hour of scrubbing before you head to bed. This is where composite wood truly shines.

A simple sweep and an occasional quick wash with a hose and a soft-bristle brush is all it takes to keep your Best Deck decking looking gorgeous. If your buttery mielie or saucy boerewors roll hits the decks (literally), a little Cleen Green and water will have it looking new. Forget the anxiety of red wine stains or grease marks soaking in; the non-porous surface of composite wood resists stains effortlessly.

This means no more splinters to threaten bare feet or paws and no more fading that requires a new coat of sealant every year. The rich colour and integrity are locked in, summer after summer. Click here for full, easy cleaning instructions.

The braai culture difference

South African braai culture is unlike any other outdoor cooking tradition. It’s not just about the food. It’s about the ritual of tending the fire, the conversations that flow while the coals glow and the way time seems to slow down when everyone gathers around the flames.

From the first sosaties hitting the grid to the last piece of boerewors being fought over, your deck needs to handle it all. That means resisting the drips from marinated meat, withstanding the heat from feet dancing around the braai and staying safe underfoot when someone inevitably spills their drink rushing to turn the chops.

Traditional timber struggles with this authentic South African lifestyle. A busy summer of entertaining can leave it looking tired by March. Composite wood, on the other hand, is engineered for exactly this kind of life. It’s built to handle the real-world chaos of South African outdoor living, from rugby Saturdays to New Year’s Eve, and still look premium when you’re hosting your in-laws for Sunday lunch.

Photography by Nic Baleta for SA Homeowner Magazine ©

Bringing your deck to life

Best Deck makes investing in a premium deck transparent and stress-free.

We begin with a site visit to understand your space, needs, wants and vision. From there, we create a design and quote tailored to you. Our installation (or that of our trusted suppliers) is meticulous, with a focus on quality control from the substructure up. For a typical family deck (usually 30 square metres to 40 square metres), the installation is quick, causing minimal disruption to your home life. Once it’s all done, we walk you through the handover, detailing the robust 25-year warranty on our Diamond Range so you can have absolute peace of mind.

Transform your summer experience

Imagine this: It’s a Saturday afternoon in December. The pool is sparkling, the braai is fired up and your friends are arriving. As they step onto your deck, they immediately notice something different. The surface feels solid underfoot. There are no splinters catching bare feet. The colour is rich and consistent. And you? You’re relaxed, because you know this deck requires nothing more than a quick sweep tomorrow morning.

That’s the Best Deck difference. It’s not just about the materials or the installation. It’s about giving you back your weekends. It’s about creating a space where your only concern is whether you made enough potato salad, not whether your deck will survive another season.

Real-world proof: The Hills Estate transformation

Best Deck recently worked with a family in The Hills Estate who had an under-utilised patio of about 50m². It was a blank canvas that felt disconnected from the garden and they needed a braai deck and lounge space where their teenagers could relax, they could host Friday night braais and everyone could flow naturally to and from the pool. Best Deck designed a composite deck using a Coffee Gold range that brought the entire space together. The main level featured a dual zone with seating space, whilst a tiered section led up to the pool area, connecting everything as one cohesive entertainment hub.

The patio is now the family’s summer living room. The clean, splinter-free surface is safe for wet feet and pets, and the parents love that a quick hose-down on a Sunday morning is all the cleaning it ever needs. It’s exactly the kind of transformation that shows how the right deck design can turn a forgotten corner into the heart of your home.

Visit our extensive installed solutions gallery for inspiration.

Create your perfect summer sanctuary

This braai season, don’t just use your stoep for the odd afternoon lamb chop. Savour every moment on a deck that is as practical as it is beautiful. Let’s build a space where you can enjoy sunshine, fresh air, plenty of laughs and the comfy luxury of a composite wood deck.

Request your no-obligation quote today and let’s start the journey to your perfect outdoor living space. Explore our Diamond Range of composite wood decking and discover the possibilities with our matching composite wood cladding to create a truly seamless look.

Click here to request your quote and transform your outdoor living.

What makes composite wood decking better for braais than traditional timber?
Composite wood decking is specifically engineered to handle the demands of South African braai culture. Unlike traditional timber, it won’t stain when oil or marinade drips on it, won’t splinter under bare feet and doesn’t require annual sanding or sealing. Best Deck’s composite wood stays cooler underfoot during hot summer days and maintains its appearance even with heavy use throughout the braai season. The non-porous surface means a quick wipe or hose-down after your gathering is all the maintenance you need, giving you more time to enjoy your guests rather than worrying about deck damage.

How do I design the perfect layout for entertaining around a braai?
The key to a successful braai deck layout is creating natural flow zones. Position your braai as the anchor point with at least 1.5 metres of clear space around it for safety and movement. Create distinct zones for food prep (a ledge or counter next to the braai), plating up (a separate surface where guests can dish food without crowding the heat) and seating areas (positioned to catch afternoon shade). Consider traffic patterns between your kitchen, the braai and the pool, ensuring paths remain clear even when furniture is in place. Built-in bench seating along the perimeter maximises flexible space for large gatherings while composite wood privacy screens can create intimate zones and protect your braai from wind.

What is the difference between Best Deck Gold Range and Diamond Range for braai areas?
Both ranges are excellent for braai areas, but they serve slightly different needs. The Gold Range features a grooved solid-profile design in four natural colours with a 15-year guarantee, ideal for those who prefer a traditional aesthetic. The Diamond Range offers a smooth wood-grain finish with superior stain and moisture resistance, backed by a 25-year guarantee, making it the premium choice for high-traffic entertainment areas and poolside decks. For braai zones where spills and stains are common, many homeowners prefer the Diamond Range’s enhanced resistance, though both will significantly outperform traditional timber. Your Best Deck consultant can show you samples to help you choose the perfect match for your home’s style and usage patterns.

How do I maintain my composite wood deck after braais and gatherings?
Composite wood deck maintenance is refreshingly simple, especially compared to traditional timber. After your braai, sweep away any debris and leaves. For routine cleaning, simply hose down the deck and use a soft-bristle brush with Cleen Green and water for any stubborn marks. If you spill braai sauce, red wine or cooking oil, wipe it up reasonably quickly to prevent any potential staining on Gold Range products (Diamond Range is more forgiving). Never use a pressure washer or harsh chemical cleaners, as these can damage the surface. Unlike timber, you’ll never need to sand, stain or seal your composite wood deck. Most homeowners find that a quick sweep weekly and a proper wash once a month during summer is sufficient to keep their deck looking pristine throughout the entertaining season and beyond.

Can composite wood decking withstand South African summer heat and sun exposure?
Yes, Best Deck’s composite wood products are specifically engineered for South African climatic conditions. The material includes UV stabilisers that prevent the fading and deterioration common in traditional timber under intense sun exposure. While composite wood will absorb some heat in direct sunlight (all decking materials do), it stays noticeably cooler underfoot than traditional timber, particularly in lighter colours. The Gold and Diamond Ranges both resist warping, cracking and splitting even through summer temperature extremes and won’t degrade through seasonal changes. For maximum comfort in high-sun areas, consider lighter colour options which stay cooler, or incorporate shade solutions like pergolas. The composite wood maintains its structural integrity and appearance year after year without the annual maintenance traditional timber demands.

What built-in features work best for South African braai and entertainment areas?
The most popular built-in features for braai-focused decks include bench seating with lift-up storage lids (perfect for storing braai wood, pool toys and cushions), food prep surfaces adjacent to the braai using composite wood planks and privacy screens made from composite wood cladding that double as wind breaks for your braai fire. Integrated step lighting is invaluable for summer parties that extend into the evening, providing both safety and ambience. Many homeowners also incorporate built-in planters along the deck perimeter for herbs (perfect for garnishing your braai dishes) and shade plants. Composite wood fascia boards and 90-degree step planks create professional finishing touches that hide substructure and give your deck a seamless, luxury appearance. These features transform a simple deck into a fully functional outdoor room designed specifically for South African entertaining culture.

How long does composite wood deck installation take and what is the process?
A typical family-sized braai deck (30 square metres to 40 square metres) can be installed relatively quickly with minimal disruption to your home life. The process begins with a site visit where Best Deck consultants assess your space and discuss your vision, needs and budget. You’ll then receive a detailed design and quote tailored to your requirements. Installation starts with preparing the substructure, which must meet specific standards to qualify for the warranty, followed by laying the composite wood planks, installing fascia and completing any built-in features. Professional installers work efficiently and maintain tidy work sites throughout. Upon completion, you’ll receive a thorough handover including care instructions and warranty documentation. The Diamond Range comes with an impressive 25-year warranty while the Gold Range offers 15 years of peace of mind, both significantly longer than traditional timber alternatives.

Is composite wood decking safe for children, pets and bare feet around braai areas?
Absolutely. Safety is one of the primary advantages of composite wood over traditional timber, particularly in high-activity braai and pool areas. Best Deck’s composite wood products are completely splinter-free, eliminating the painful hazard that plagues timber decks, especially as they age. The surface is naturally slip-resistant even when wet, crucial for poolside areas and when drinks inevitably get spilled during gatherings. Unlike timber, composite wood doesn’t develop cracks or raised grain that can catch small feet or paws. The material stays cooler underfoot than traditional timber, reducing the risk of burns on hot summer days when children are running between the pool and the braai. The consistent, smooth surface remains safe throughout its lifespan without the degradation that makes older timber decks increasingly hazardous. This makes composite wood the ideal choice for family-focused entertaining spaces.

What colour options work best for decks in full sun and entertaining spaces?
Both Best Deck’s Gold and Diamond Ranges offer four natural colour options, each with distinct advantages for braai and entertainment areas. Lighter shades such as teak and dune tones stay noticeably cooler underfoot in full sun, making them popular choices for pool surrounds and unshaded braai zones. Darker wood tones like coffee and charcoal create dramatic, premium aesthetics and provide strong contrast against lighter homes, though they will absorb more heat. The key is matching the colour to your home’s existing palette and architectural style whilst considering sun exposure in your specific entertainment areas. Many homeowners find that mid-tone options offer the best balance of heat management and aesthetic impact. Best Deck consultants can bring samples to your home so you can see how different colours look in your actual lighting conditions and against your home’s exterior, helping you make the perfect choice for your space.

How does the cost of composite wood decking compare to timber over time?
While composite wood typically has a higher upfront cost than traditional timber, the total cost of ownership tells a very different story. Timber decks require annual sanding and sealing (costing several thousand rand in materials and labour), regular board replacement as pieces warp or rot and eventual complete replacement often within 10 to 15 years. Composite wood eliminates these ongoing expenses entirely. Over a 15-year period, when you factor in maintenance labour, materials and the preserved value of your weekends, composite wood often proves more economical than timber. The Diamond Range’s 25-year warranty means your deck will likely still look excellent when timber decks have needed complete replacement multiple times. Additionally, a well-designed composite wood entertainment area adds significant property value and creates genuinely usable outdoor space you’ll enjoy throughout the year. Best Deck provides transparent, detailed quotes so you can make an informed decision based on both initial investment and long-term value.