Choosing composite for a stone house
The worry people have about composite next to stone is that it'll look artificial. Cheaper boards with a uniform colour and a regular stamped grain can. Premium capped boards, with streaked, variegated colour and a deeper woodgrain, look far more natural, especially in warm walnut, teak and soft grey tones that echo the honey and grey of Yorkshire gritstone.
Why choose it over hardwood
The appeal is simple: composite looks good all year without oiling. It won't silver, crack or splinter, and it resists the green algae that can grow on timber in Harrogate's shady gardens. For a deck under trees or on a north-facing side of the house, that matters.
Fitted with care
We build a closely spaced frame designed for composite, use hidden clips so the surface is clean and uninterrupted, and leave expansion gaps. Edges are finished with fascias and a picture-frame border, and steps with nosed treads, for a crisp, considered finish.
Next to stone paving and steps
Composite pairs well with existing sandstone paving or stone steps. We match heights carefully so the transition is flush or a clean step, and leave gaps for drainage.
Frequently asked
Is woodgrain composite convincing close up?
The best boards are surprisingly convincing, with varied colour and a deep grain. They don't feel exactly like timber, but they look natural. Seeing samples in person helps.
How does composite weather next to stone?
Composite changes very little. Stone darkens and mellows over time, so we suggest choosing a board tone that complements the stone as it ages, not just as it looks today.
