Potted plants are an absolute game-changer when it comes to sprucing up your living space! Homeowners all over the place are catching on to this amazing decorating trend. Whether you’re into vibrant flowers or funky foliage, potted plants are guaranteed to give your home an awe-inspiring makeover. And guess what? You can place them indoors or outdoors, depending on your personal preference. If you would rather have your potted plants outside, you should know that decks are the perfect place for them.
No deck is truly complete without a touch of greenery.
Now, here’s the thing. Potted plants are undoubtedly the top choice when it comes to decking decoration. They bring life, color, and a refreshing ambiance to any outdoor space. However, if you happen to have a timber deck, there’s a little snag to consider: moisture. Timber and excessive moisture aren’t exactly best buddies.
But there is a nifty solution for you: composite decking. It’s like the superhero of decking materials when it comes to accommodating potted plants. Composite decks are designed to withstand moisture like champs, making them the perfect match for your green companions.
This article will explain why potted plants and composite decking are the perfect combinations for your yard.
What is Composite Decking?
Composite decking refers to decking boards made from 100% polymer materials or a mixture of organic wood and virgin plastic. Some chemical additives are also included in the mixture to improve its quality, and the boards are usually encapsulated. The features of this material make it ideal for decking, and you can tell it is top quality by its widespread usage. The benefits also make it the go-to option for modern houses.
Why Composite Decking is the Best for Potted Plants
Composite decking boards are the ideal material for decks. Not only are they sturdy enough to withstand pressure, but they are also intricately finished and can afford your deck the best designs. Also, composite decking is the perfect backdrop for potted plants, and here’s why.
- Mold Resistant: It’s not unusual for pools of water to gather under your flower pots occasionally, especially during the wet months. The water can often create a conducive environment for mold and mildew formation. These molds can, in turn, penetrate your composite decking boards and compromise their structural integrity. This is only possible for traditional lumber boards, as composite can be pretty formidable. Not only does it limit the formation of molds and mildews, but it is also resistant to their attacks.
- Less Likely to Stain: Deck materials offer a delightful array of surface designs that effortlessly elevate the aesthetics of your outdoor spaces. However, the charm can be short-lived when the moisture generated beneath flower pots wreaks havoc on these surfaces, leaving unsightly stains on traditional lumber boards. Thankfully, composite boards come to the rescue with their nonporous nature, significantly prolonging their resistance to staining.
- Cracks and Warp Resistant: The occasional sunshine on your deck makes it excellent for plant growth, but it comes with a price. When traditional lumber boards are exposed to UV light, they crack over time. But composite decks are UV stable, eliminating the risk of cracks and warping.
- Anti-Termites: Potted plants need constant watering to stay alive, which can often create a moisture pool on your deck. This moisture can be problematic, attracting pests like termites to feast on your lumber. This is one less thing to worry about with composite decking since they eliminate the moist condition that termites love.
Best Plants for Your Composite Decking
While composite decking may be best for outdoor plants, it is important to note that not all plants are ideal for this combination.
Here are some of the best plants for your composite decking.
- Herbs and Vegetables: Herbs and vegetables often make up most potted plants in and around the home. This is partly because they are among the most used in the house. Since your deck is an extension of your home, you may want to consider planting veggies and herbs as your decking pot plants.
- Architectural Plants: If you are after the extra beauty these plants add to your deck rather than the functionality, then architectural plants may be your best option. Architectural plants have distinct shapes and structures and can significantly improve or add a dramatic look to a space. They are characterized by their ornamental, evergreen leaves, and they usually take unusual but interesting forms.
- Flowery Plants: As far as aesthetics are concerned, no other plant can give you more than what flowers offer. Not only do they look great, but they also attract colorful butterflies to add that bit of liveliness to your exterior.
Expert Tips for Growing Potted Plants on Your Composite Decking
If you plan to grow potted plants outdoors, you should know it doesn’t just end at selecting the right plant for your composite decking. While it is a good start, you still must employ a few more techniques to make it worthwhile.
Here are some tips for growing potted plants on your composite decking.
- If you want a more cohesive look that improves your outdoor appearance, it is best to use pots or planters with similar colors.
- Research how much sunlight your plant needs, and use patio furniture or umbrellas to create shade and regulate UV exposure.
- Place your plants close to each other to make watering much easier.
- Larger plants are more stable and should be at the edge of your deck, with the smaller plants placed inside where they can be safe.
How to Protect Your Composite Decking from the Plants
Moisture pools and mold generation are the most significant problems with potted plants. If you are not careful, these conditions can cause damage to your composite decking. To prevent this, you may want to apply the following tips.
- Use pot feet or risers to elevate your planters and prevent moisture pools from forming under them.
- Allow good airflow around your deck to prevent mold formation.
- Rotate the positions of smaller pots between watering to give your deck time to dry out.
- Use quality composite boards for your decking to rest assured of durability.
- Invest in good quality soil, and use pots with built-in saucers to prevent water from passing through to your deck.
Conclusion
Whether you are a nature lover or just looking to make your home more beautiful, potted plants provide a practical solution. But you may want to utilize composite boards for your decking if you wish to place the plants outside. This article has discussed some expert tips for growing potted plants on your composite decking.