When planning to install or upgrade outdoor flooring, color selection is one of the most important decisions you will make. Your choice will influence not only the overall style of your patio, garden, or balcony but also how much maintenance you will need in the future.
Composite decking is well-known for its durability and nearly zero maintenance, which means you no longer need to apply water sealants, oil, or paint like with traditional wood. However, choosing the right color is still crucial to ensure your outdoor project matches your design vision.
In recent years, black composite decking has become a favorite among architects and garden designers. This timeless shade delivers elegance, modern appeal, and a striking contrast with greenery or lighter tones. In this guide, we’ll explore why Gladol’s black composite decking stands out, how to use it in different landscape styles, and what to know before making your purchase.
Gladol Black Composite Decking Series
At Gladol, we provide multiple options within our black composite decking product line. Each is made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), making it both strong and sustainable.
- Clarity Series Charcoal Black Decking
Made with 55% recycled wood fibers and 45% HDPE plastic, this decking features a double-sided design with wide/narrow grooves. It comes with a 20-year warranty, excellent slip resistance, and is ideal for high-traffic outdoor spaces. - Select Series Midnight Black Decking
Our deepest black shade, produced using advanced co-extrusion technology with HDPE film. This series offers a 25-year warranty plus a 25-year color guarantee, making it perfect for homeowners seeking long-lasting beauty and stability.
Pricing Range:
- Charcoal Black Series: $49.95/sqm
- Midnight Black Series: $79.45/sqm
Both series are designed for customers who want long-term performance and premium design aesthetics.
Common Questions About Black Composite Decking
1. Does black decking get too hot under the sun?
All dark surfaces absorb heat, but our tests show that the surface temperature of black decking is only 15–20°F higher than lighter shades at midday. The material cools quickly in the evening, making it comfortable for barefoot use. If heat is a concern, we recommend installing it in shaded areas or combining it with pergolas and awnings.
2. Is cleaning more difficult on dark surfaces?
While dust may appear more visible on black decking, cleaning is straightforward:
- Routine cleaning: use a soft-bristle brush and warm water.
- Deep cleaning: a pressure washer may be used (always test on a scrap piece first).
Compared to traditional wood decking, maintenance time is reduced by over 85%, saving you energy and cost every year.
3. Will the color fade over time?
Our Select Midnight Black Series uses UV stabilization technology to resist fading. During the first 2–3 weeks, a small amount of natural fading (less than 5%) may occur, after which the color remains stable for over 10 years. This makes black composite decking more reliable than painted or stained wood alternatives.
Five Core Advantages of Gladol Black Composite Decking
✅ Exceptional Durability
- Scratch resistance is three times higher than wood.
- Completely resistant to rot, corrosion, and termites.
- Backed by warranties up to 25 years, compared to just 5–10 years for traditional timber.
- For more details, see our guide on composite decking durability.
✅ Design Flexibility
- Matches the popular Japanese shou sugi ban style.
- Can be paired with our Midnight Black Wall Cladding for a uniform look.
- Works well across modern, industrial, and traditional architectural designs.
✅ Family-Friendly Safety
- Slip resistance rated R10 (ASTM standard).
- No splinters – safe for children and pets to walk barefoot.
✅ Easy Installation
- Patented clip system reduces installation time by 40%.
- Compatible sub-frame system available for faster setup.
- For planning assistance, check our detailed guide on parts of a deck.
✅ Eco-Certified Sustainability
- Each square meter contains recycled plastic equivalent to 120 milk bottles.
- Certified as a sustainable building material by the EPA.
- Helps reduce environmental impact compared to wood decking.
Design and Style Tips
🖤 Color Combinations
- Classic modern look: black decking with white window frames.
- Bold industrial vibe: rust-red furniture combined with charcoal black boards.
- Minimalist design: grey exterior walls with midnight black decking.
🌿 Landscape Pairing
- Bright flowers such as white hydrangeas or yellow marigolds contrast beautifully with dark flooring.
- Light-colored outdoor furniture enhances the modern aesthetic.
- Copper and bronze decorations add a warm industrial touch.
Product Line Extensions
Gladol doesn’t just stop at decking. To help you create a fully integrated outdoor space, we also provide:
- Matching composite fences (noise reduction tested up to 28dB; learn more about types of fences).
- Exterior wall panel systems for seamless cladding.
- Custom outdoor furniture designed to coordinate with decking.
- For larger building projects, we are also a trusted WPC wall panel supplier in China.
Why Choose Black Composite Decking?
Choosing black composite decking is more than a design choice. It’s an investment in low-maintenance decking, eco-friendly materials, and long-lasting durability. Unlike wood, which requires constant upkeep and is prone to fading, cracking, and insect damage, composite decking ensures your backyard or patio remains beautiful and functional for decades.
Whether you are designing a modern patio, building a garden deck, or upgrading a balcony floor, black composite decking delivers the perfect blend of performance and style.
Final Recommendations
✨ Pro Tip: Always request free samples before purchasing. Place them under different lighting conditions to see how they look in morning sun, afternoon shade, and evening ambiance.
With Gladol’s black composite decking, you’ll enjoy durability, slip resistance, eco-friendly benefits, and timeless style—all while reducing your long-term costs.
