Composite decking has become a popular choice for modern outdoor settings. It’s not a throwaway product, but a recyclable substance. Leftover composite deck boards can be used for other modest projects. This decreases resource consumption and construction waste. It is not, however, structurally reusable in lieu of the main deck framework.

Composite wood decking is very durable and weather-resistant. This makes it a great material for small practical or ornamental purposes. This article looks at many ways to reuse leftover composite decking boards. It takes a little creativity, but you can give that old composite decking new life.

Benefits of Reusing Composite Decking

Composite decks are a great engineered product. It is primarily produced by heating and extruding wood fibres and recycled plastic. This original composition has remarkable qualities. Hence, the advantages of re-using leftover composite decking are as follows:

• Durability and Weather Resistance: It is resistant to corrosion, dampness, insects and UV radiation. It won’t break, distort, or deteriorate with continual use.
• Low Maintenance Requirements: Unlike wood, composite decking does not need to be regularly painted or sealed. Thus, other goods created from it likewise have similar low-maintenance quality.
• Green Features: Composite deck boards are inherently green products. Reusing them is the best way to maximise this sustainable resource and minimise building waste. This approach also helps reduce the demand for virgin wood and plastic.
• Consistent Performance and Appearance: The composite decking has a consistent colour and uniform appearance. Plus, composite decking won’t fade out. It has a smooth texture, even if there is little discolouration with time. When reused, it does not detract from its visual attractiveness.

10 Ways to Reuse Leftover Composite Decking

The balance of the composite deck boards can be used for a variety of purposes. From privacy walls and chairs to garden pots for merely cosmetic purposes. The only limits to the applications are your creativity. The exact project will depend on how much decking material you have remaining. Here are 10 creative ideas.

Building Window Sills or Planters

Plants are a great way to add a touch of nature to any room. Window boxes and planters are two of the most versatile methods to design outdoor spaces, allowing you to change styles with the seasons. Better still, with a little planning, you can simply learn to create planters out of composite decking boards. You will need safety goggles, a tape measure, a saw, and a drill.

With the materials you have now, it’s a simple matter to calculate the dimensions for your deck board planter. Next, measure and cut the boards: Add a layer of landscape fabric on the bottom to keep moisture out. Composite decking is naturally waterproof, but you still want to use landscaping cloth. It encourages drainage and root health.

Garden Furniture or Benches

If you’re making outdoor furniture packages using composite decking, then you will need more than just a couple of extra boards. Especially if you are going for designs with backrests or bigger sizes. Why not make a bench or outdoor table with enough material to go around?

• Benches: The seat and back should be made from thick boards. Pair it with a new wooden or metal frame. Or even build the frame yourself with thicker composite posts.
• Outdoor Tables: Join wide planks to construct the tabletop. Fasten it to a firm base. This provides a weather-proof outdoor dining table or coffee table.

Birdhouse

Wildlife watching is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of nature. A well-placed birdhouse might bring pleasant visitors to your deck. And the best thing is, it just takes one board to make a birdhouse. 

The simplest design has a foundation, four equal sides, and a roof of the same size as the base. The final step is to carve a hole for an entrance about 2 inches in diameter. This can be done with a wood saw. Don’t worry about maintenance. A birdhouse made out of composite decking can resist the wind and rain much like your deck.

Privacy Screens and Fences

Build a privacy screen from leftover composite decking boards. It stops neighbours peeping inside and divides your garden into separate sections. You can mount the boards vertically, horizontally, or diagonally on a simple frame. This provides a nice-looking screen that works.

A more basic design requires only four posts. Then you can cover with boards or plants any pattern you like. Check your local building codes before you begin. Make sure that the screen is within the height and attachment rules of the boards.

Entertainment and Play Structures

A few small changes can turn composite deck planks into a functioning play structure. For example, build a corn hole board. It’s a great centrepiece for get-togethers with the family and garden parties. Many homeowners even construct treehouses or playhouses for youngsters. Composite decking is a long-lasting, low-maintenance siding.

Shelving

Shelving is one of the best things you can do if you want to maximise space with minimum materials. With just a few deck boards, you can build elegant, practical shelves. Cut to size and attach in brackets against a wall. They can be used as storage or display shelves in kitchens, home offices or bathrooms.

You can make as many shelves as you need. It is contingent upon how many composite decking boards you have left, how much room you have to work with, and where you want to put the shelves. The two best options are free-standing and wall-mounted designs. These shelves will complement your décor and provide functional storage for essentials.

Outdoor Bar or Kitchen

You might want to add additional designs to your deck project. This makes good use of spare decking boards. For instance, an outside bar is a great way to make the patio more accessible for entertaining visitors. But remember, big-sized projects like this usually need more than just a few more decking boards.

The same goes for an outdoor kitchen, which is also a terrific spot to host events or for convenience. It really makes the patio experience better. Deck boards make great outdoor kitchen additions. You could, for example, just build a cooking or food storage facility. You could even fit in a washbasin or a refrigerator.

Bottle Opener

You can create a bottle opener if you have a few little pieces of composite wood decking. This is a terrific complement to any drink serving deck. You can make a simple bottle opener from a quarter of a piece of decking.

You’ll also need to cut a slot into the top half of the board to allow for the bottle cap. Put a coin or washer on the board then. It lets you press down bottle tops firmly. You can also paint or stain these simple motifs for more detail. Finally, install or hang them somewhere you might require a bottle opener.

House Number Sign

You are probably wondering what to do with small bits of decorative trim that you have left over. Why not make them into some smart DIY projects? For example, build a home number sign with them. 

Store-bought house numbers can look like everybody else’s. Making a unique personalised sign yourself is a great sense of success. You can do it with a wood saw and a little talent.

DIY Swing Set

This could be one of the more difficult ways to reuse outdated composite deck boards. But it’s also one of the most functional. Kids (and some adults) love to play on the swings outside. The best part is you only need a few solid planks. 

Use sturdy composite decking boards for the swing seat. Drill holes at either end for attaching ropes and/or chains. This makes for a strong swing frame. Of course, you will also require a rudimentary support structure. That may be three cross beams and a little digging into the ground.

Conclusion

Composite lumber decking is not meant to be thrown away. It is a great material for reuse as it is durable, weatherproof, and environmentally friendly. Whether you are making a modest planter box or building sophisticated garden furniture, it adds personality and character to your home. If you’re replacing your deck, or you have any leftover composite decking planks, don’t just throw them away. They can help you to live thriftily, creatively, and greenly.