How to choose short composite decking boards for a small terrace?

Short composite decking boards for a small terrace are best chosen after measuring the space accurately, rather than simply following the rule “the shorter the board, the less waste”. On a small balcony, terrace adjoining a flat or in a recess, the key factors are the laying direction, number of joints, board width and whether offcuts can be reused.

The current catalogue includes shorter 1.8 m and 2.25 m options in the SELECT and DUO series, while the PREMIUM series starts at 2.25 m. This gives you more options for small, irregular surfaces, particularly when the terrace has a recess, pillar, step or L-shaped outline.

Where to start when planning a small terrace?

First, measure the actual dimensions of the surface you want to cover. Note the length of each side, the width of recesses and the distance from doors, stairs or a balustrade. Do not rely on just one measurement—even a small difference can affect how the boards are laid out on a small terrace.

Choose the laying direction

Boards are usually laid along either the longer or shorter side of the terrace. On a small surface, the direction should be determined by the number of joints and cuts. If the boards run across the full dimension of the terrace without breaks, the layout will be simpler. If the space is deeper than the available board length, you will need to plan the joints and how they are arranged.

On a rectangular balcony, a shorter board can be practical if its length matches the balcony’s width. In that case, cuts are mainly needed at the edges, and the remaining pieces can be used for shorter sections elsewhere. With a recess or pillar, drawing up separate sections is more important than the board length itself.

• measure each side and mark any obstacles,
• draw the boards as strips using the width of the specific series,
• mark the joints and cuts,
• check whether cut-off pieces can be used in the next row,
• allow for edge finishing and the system instructions before ordering.

It may also help to compare several laying patterns. In the guide Comparison of composite decking board layouts, find tips on straight, staggered and picture-frame layouts.

How do you match board length to the dimensions?

Choose a board length to suit the longest repeated dimension in your design. However, this does not mean that the longest option is always the best choice. In a small area, a long board may require more cuts, and the offcuts may not always fit another section.

SELECT series — shorter options for small areas

The SELECT 25x140 board is listed in lengths from 1,8 m to 5,8 m, in line with the available options in the series. The 1,8 m and 2,25 m options may be particularly useful for a small balcony. SELECT 25x140 decking board, 1.8 m long may suit short sides or separate areas. The 2.25 m option is suitable when you need slightly more reach but still want to limit the weight and length of each individual element when planning the work.

SELECT is 140 mm wide and has a grooved surface in two texture options. When drawing up the layout, remember not to base your calculations solely on the nominal board width. The coverage width depends on the system and the gaps used, so make your final calculations according to the installation instructions.

DUO series — when you need greater width

DUO 23x148 is 148 mm wide, so the same number of rows may cover a slightly larger area than SELECT decking board. The catalogue lists options from 1.8 m to 5.8 m. DUO 23x148 decking board, 2.25 m long may be a good choice for a small patio with several areas, or for a design where you want to reduce the number of joints without using very long boards.

DUO has a 3D wood-effect texture and fine grooves. It is a separate series, so do not automatically apply dimensions, finishing methods or installation assumptions for SELECT or PREMIUM to it.

PREMIUM series — when being able to turn the board over matters

PREMIUM 23x138 is available in lengths from 2.25 m to 5.8 m. The product description specifies a wood texture on both sides, with different colours on each side. This may be useful when making design decisions, but does not replace careful checking of the layout and compatibility of the system components. For a small patio, 2.25 m is the shortest option in this series according to the information provided.

If you are considering more than one series, compare more than just the length. Also check the width, height, surface texture, fixing method and clip compatibility. Browse the full range in the composite decking boards category.

How can you reduce waste on a small patio?

The most effective method is to draw the patio to scale before placing your order. Mark the full boards, cut locations and offcuts that could be reused on the plan. Do not assume, however, that every offcut will be useful — some may be too short, damaged by cutting or unsuitable because of the position of the clip or edge.

Plan for a rectangular patio

For a rectangular balcony, compare at least two options: boards running along the longer side and boards running along the shorter side. The first layout may reduce the number of joints, but the cuts may be longer. The second may make it easier to use shorter boards, but the number of rows and edge sections may change.

Plan for a recess or L-shaped terrace

Divide the area into rectangles. Plan the main section first, then check whether the offcuts will fit the recess. Narrow areas by a wall, post or step should be considered separately. Do not automatically transfer the structural spacing or installation gaps from another project — check these values in the instructions for the specific series.

It is also worth planning the side finishing in advance. A trim or other finishing piece may change the available width of the area and affect the length of the boards to be cut. Find useful information about accessories in the guide installation accessories for composite decking.

Common mistakes when choosing short boards

• Choosing solely on the basis of price or length. A shorter board does not always mean less waste. The entire layout matters.
• Ignoring the board width. SELECT, DUO and PREMIUM have different widths, so the number of rows will vary.
• Not planning the joints. Randomly positioned joints can spoil the appearance and complicate installation.
• Mixing components from different series. Decking boards, clips and trims must be compatible with the specific system.
• Not taking doors and edges into account. These are the areas where cuts are most often needed.
• Assuming that the marketing description replaces the instructions. Check the numerical installation requirements for the selected series.

Questions and answers

Is 1.8 m always the best length for a small balcony?

No. The 1.8 m option may reduce cutting along the shorter side, but if the balcony is longer, it may increase the number of joins. Compare it with the 2.25 m length and other options suited to the layout.

Can you mix lengths within the same series?

Choosing different lengths can help reduce waste, but you need to plan the rows in advance and check the system instructions. Do not assume that every combination will be suitable at the joins.

Which series should you choose for a small terrace?

SELECT is 140 mm wide and has short options starting at 1.8 m. DUO is 148 mm wide and is also available from 1.8 m. PREMIUM starts at 2.25 m and is 138 mm wide. Your choice depends on the dimensions of the area, the look you want and the compatible installation system.

Summary: Start by measuring and drawing a scaled plan; only then choose the series and length. On a small terrace, short SELECT or DUO decking boards can make it easier to fit recesses and reduce unnecessary cutting, while PREMIUM is worth considering if its format and finish suit you. The next step is to compare the options in the catalogue and check the layout against the installation instructions for the chosen system.

Products for this project

• SELECT composite decking board 25x140 - 1.8 m — check the available options and current information on the product page.
• SELECT composite decking board 25x140 - 2,25 m — check the available options and current information on the product page.
• DUO composite decking board 23x148 - 2.25 m — check the available options and current information on the product page.

Read also

• How do you choose the length of composite decking boards for a terrace with changes in direction?
• How to avoid waste when building a composite decking terrace: a practical guide.
• Comparing composite decking board installation patterns: straight, staggered and picture frame – impact on waste and appearance.