Decking Planter Ideas for Composite Decking

Whether you’re installing brand new composite decking or looking to breathe new life into an existing deck, our decking planter ideas can help take your outdoor space to a new level.

Composite decking is durable and incredibly versatile, lending itself perfectly to many different options for customisation. It is sturdy enough to support most types of garden furniture, as well as potted plants and deck planters, which can be heavy when filled with soil and plants.

Let’s look at some great decking planters ideas to help make your deck look extra special, along with some of the benefits and issues you might encounter. We’ve also put together a few things to consider before committing to any themes, designs or purchases.

Article contents

• Things to Consider Before Incorporating Deck Planters
• Plant Ideas for Your Composite Decking
• Benefits of Incorporating Deck Planters
• Upgrade Your Garden With Durable Composite Decking

Things to Consider Before Incorporating Deck Planters

One of the best things about composite decking is that it does not require a lot of maintenance. Plants and planters are a great way to add colour and texture, but they do represent a commitment and will require a certain amount of upkeep.

Seasonality

Seasonality plays a huge role in plant selection. Seasonal or annual plants will typically only last for one season and will need to be replanted or replaced. Even perennial plants may still lose their colour or die away in winter, which can be a drawback if you want your garden to be colourful all year round. In this case, selecting evergreen plants such as lavender and heather is a good option.

Maintenance

Some plants require more TLC than others, but all plants require ongoing maintenance. If gardening isn’t for you, a decking planter might not be a great idea. You could always opt for plants that are easier to care for, however, and you might even discover a newfound passion for gardening.

Durability

The UK weather can create a challenging environment for many plants, especially during windy and rainy periods. With this in mind, you might want to consider selecting plants that are better able to survive through periods of harsh weather.

Colour

When it comes to choosing plants that match your decking, the colours you choose will largely depend on the aesthetic or theme you are trying to create. You could, for example, consider changing colours based on the seasons. Sunset colours such as red, orange, and purple can really stand out on warm summer evenings, but the choices are endless.

You might also want to choose plants that complement your decking colour and design. Those sunset colours, for example, might look best with neutral-coloured decking boards, such as light grey composite decking.

Plant Ideas for Your Composite Decking

Raised Planters

Raised planters are popular because they can accommodate more plants in a convenient structure that can easily be placed on sturdy composite decking. They are often placed along the edges of the deck.

Raised planters are simply frames or structures that raise planting areas above the surrounding ground level. This makes them ideal for outdoor spaces such as decks, and they can even be made from leftover pieces of decking or cladding. Composite materials can be useful for this because they are robust and resistant to weather, water and rot. A raised planter will typically have a bottom and may be elevated on legs so the soil does not come in contact with the actual decking boards.

Potted Plants

Potted plants add a traditional aesthetic to decking and tend to be more flexible than raised planters because they can be placed anywhere on the deck. They can also be more easily changed and replaced. Potted plants can be placed around the edge of the decking, but they can also be used to add colour and texture anywhere on the deck.

Add Plants Around the Edge

Framing involves making the edge of the deck contrast or stand out from the middle. This can be achieved by using a different colour or texture in your decking boards. You can also emphasise the edging by using raised planters and potted plants. This tends to work better with larger decks as there will be more space around the edges.

Combine Plants and Furniture

You can also combine plants with furniture and other features, such as hangers. A small table can be enhanced with a potted plant, for example, while a set of weatherproof shelves can hold multiple plants for a wealth of different colours and options. Potted plants can enhance the spaces between seating areas or provide a touch of greenery and other colours alongside a fence.

Benefits of Incorporating Deck Planters

Aesthetics

The biggest benefit and the main reason you might want to consider our decking planters ideas is the way they can enhance the look of your garden and deck. There are endless combinations of different plants, decking and furniture to try out to find the aesthetic that fits you best and help you achieve your ideal outdoor space.

Better Privacy

A beautiful deck is a wonderful place to sit and relax, particularly on warm summer days. Adding plants to a deck can be a great way to provide natural screening and increase the privacy of your garden, making those moments even more relaxing. Adding a planter or pots containing tall plants, for example, can be very useful for increasing privacy from overlooking neighbours and outside eyes.

Upgrade Your Garden With Durable Composite Decking

Our decking planter ideas can add a touch of class and a natural feel to your decking, with endless looks, themes and combinations to try. Take a look at our extensive range of durable, eco-friendly composite decking boards and low-profile infrastructure options for DIY-friendly decks that are close to the ground and perfect for planters of all types.