What to Do with Leftover Composite Decking

January 2024
Anton White

At Ovaeda, we understand the puzzle of what to do with leftover composite decking after a project's completion. Often, these remnants are seen as mere leftovers, but in our hands, they become a treasure trove of opportunity for creative and practical DIY projects. 

With our extensive experience in crafting and selling outdoor decking and accessories, we've gathered a wealth of ideas to transform these surplus pieces into functional and aesthetic additions to your outdoor space.

From innovative garden enhancements to bespoke home accessories, let us guide you through the exciting possibilities that your leftover composite decking holds.

What this article covers:

Ideas for Leftover Composite Decking

Small Leftover Composite Decking Projects

Planters

If you’ve already learned what composite decking is made of and whats a composite material, then you know that it can be useful for a number of things. One of these things is building planters.

In our experience, planters can be a fantastic way to repurpose leftover composite decking boards. These materials are moisture-resistant and incredibly durable, ensuring your planters withstand various weather conditions.

composite decking offcuts

You can create planters in different sizes to accommodate everything from small succulents to larger shrubs. The variety of colours available in composite decking adds a vibrant touch to your garden, harmonising with your outdoor aesthetic without the need for painting.

For those with limited space or who prefer a more tiered approach to their greenery, constructing a tiered plant stand is an excellent alternative, allowing for a charming display of various plants in a compact form.

Outdoor Shelves

Outdoor shelves crafted from composite decking are not just stylish but also remarkably practical. They offer a unique way to display plants and other kinds of outdoor decor. If placed near seating, they could even be used to place drinks.

Floating shelves, in particular, are a modern and minimalist option that is surprisingly easy to install. They can be a focal point in your garden or patio, providing an accessible way to add depth to your outdoor space.

Storage Chest

A storage chest made from leftover composite decking isn’t just a stylish addition to your garden; it's a practical solution for outdoor storage needs.

Ideal for storing deck accessories, blankets, or pool decorations, these chests are robust and weather-resistant. Adding padded cushions to the top transforms them into comfortable seating options, perfect for those summer cookouts or as a cosy nook to enjoy your garden.

Garden Edging

Garden edging is another brilliant use for leftover composite decking. It's an excellent way to define the borders of your flower beds or vegetable garden, adding a tidy look to your outdoor space.

The durability of composite materials ensures that your garden edging stands up to the elements and keeps your garden looking sharp year-round.

composite decking projects

Birdhouse

Creating a birdhouse from leftover composite decking is not only a delightful project but also a great way to invite wildlife into your garden.

These birdhouses are easy to assemble and can be designed in various styles to suit your garden's theme. The composite material is perfect for outdoor use, ensuring your feathered friends have a durable and safe haven.

Large Leftover Composite Decking Projects

Outdoor Bench

Building an outdoor bench from leftover composite decking is a project that combines simplicity with elegance.

After putting it to the test, we’ve found that these benches are not just visually appealing but are built to last, thanks to the durability and weather-resistant properties of composite materials. You can design the bench to fit your space perfectly, whether it's a cosy corner of your garden or a complement to your existing deck.

Adding a personal touch with cushions or integrating storage space under the seat can make your bench both a functional and stylish piece.

Dog House

Creating a dog house from composite decking offers a luxurious and safe retreat for your furry friend. This material is not only durable and pest-resistant but also provides a comfortable and weather-proof shelter for your pet.

scrap composite decking

You can customize the size and design to suit your dog's needs and match the style of your decking, ensuring it looks like a seamless addition to your backyard. Plus, the easy-to-clean surface of composite decking makes maintaining your pet's new home a breeze.

Raised Garden Bed

A raised garden bed using leftover composite decking is a fantastic way to make gardening more accessible and manageable. These beds are perfect for those who prefer not to bend down too much or have limited gardening space.

The composite material is ideal for ground contact, offering excellent durability and resistance to rot, ensuring your plants are housed in a sturdy and long-lasting structure. You can customize the size and height to your preference, making gardening an enjoyable and back-friendly activity.

Playhouse

Building a playhouse for children is a wonderful way to use larger pieces of leftover composite decking. This project not only provides a fun and safe play area for kids but also adds an attractive feature to your garden.

The composite material ensures the playhouse is sturdy, weather-resistant, and low maintenance. You can get creative with the design, adding windows, a small porch, or even a slide to make it a dream play area for your little ones.

Outdoor Bar

An outdoor bar made from composite decking can transform your backyard into a perfect spot for entertaining. This bar can be tailored to fit your space and style, whether you're aiming for a sleek, modern look or something more rustic and cosy.

ideas for leftover composite decking

The durability of composite decking means your outdoor bar will withstand the elements and frequent use, making it ideal for those summer barbecues and evening cocktails.

You can add features like a built-in cooler, shelves for glasses and drinks, or even integrate LED lighting to create a truly bespoke entertainment area.

Pathway Or Walkway

Creating a pathway or walkway with leftover composite decking is a practical and visually appealing project. This idea is perfect for enhancing the accessibility and aesthetics of your garden.

Composite decking provides a sturdy, slip-resistant surface that is ideal for garden paths, leading to a gazebo, pond, or a secluded seating area. The material's resistance to weather and rot ensures that your pathway remains beautiful and functional for years, with minimal maintenance.

Privacy Screen Or Fence

Constructing a privacy screen or fence from composite decking is an excellent way to add privacy and style to your outdoor space.

This project can be customised to suit the height and length you need, whether it's to screen off a hot tub, create a private dining area, or simply add a decorative boundary to your property. 

The composite material offers a sleek and modern look, and its durability means your privacy screen or fence will stand up to the elements without fading or warping.

Do You Usually Use All of Your Composite Decking for a Project?

In our line of work at Ovaeda, we’ve found that it's pretty normal to end up with some extra composite decking after finishing a project. How much is left usually depends on how complex the project was and how accurate the initial measurements were.

But here's the good news: these extra pieces don't have to go to waste. With a little bit of creative thinking, you can turn them into something really useful and nice-looking for your outdoor area. It's like having

With a bit of imagination, you can whip up something new and exciting. These leftovers can be transformed into cool, practical things that add extra charm to your garden or patio.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Leftover composite decking offers a world of possibilities for DIY projects. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or a beginner, these ideas can bring new life to your outdoor space.

At Ovaeda, we believe in making the most out of every piece of material, and these projects are a testament to that. So, next time you find yourself with leftover decking, remember these ideas and get creative!

And if you need supplies and materials to complete your project, look no further than Ovaeda. From composite decking to composite cladding, we’ve got you covered.

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