Decking board samples – why order them before buying?

Decking board samples – what exactly are they?

A decking board sample is simply a small piece of your chosen board – usually around a dozen or several dozen centimetres long – which you can order to your home. Practically all manufacturers and shops selling terrace materials offer them, both in natural wood and composite (WPC). Simply choose the models you’re interested in, click “order a sample” and wait for the courier. Simple, quick and... very helpful!

6 reasons to order decking board samples.

1. You’ll see the true colour.

Photos on websites can be misleading – seriously! Filters, lighting and screen calibration all mean that the board’s shade in real life may differ from what you see online. A sample lets you check what the colour looks like in natural light, in the place where you’re planning your terrace.

2. You’ll be able to touch and feel the material’s texture.

Some boards are perfectly smooth, while others have deep grooves or a wood-like texture. You can’t assess this by sight alone. Only by holding a sample in your hands can you check whether the surface is slippery, pleasant to touch and scratch-resistant, and so on.

3. You’ll be able to compare different options in person.

By ordering several samples of different models, you can compare them side by side. Which colour goes better with the exterior walls? Which material feels more robust? This kind of “real-life” test tells you much more than reading descriptions online.

4. You’ll see how the board looks in different lighting.

Daylight, shade, overcast weather and light from garden lamps all affect how a board looks. With a sample, you can see whether the colour becomes too dark, dull or simply out of place with the rest of your design.

5. It’ll be easier to make a decision with your family or client. 

If you’re building a terrace at home, you’ll probably want everyone in the household to like it. If you’re designing a terrace for a client, it’s even more important to be sure it’s the right choice. Showing samples “in real life” makes discussion and decision-making much easier.

6. You can test the material’s durability

Did you know that some customers... test board samples with a hammer or knife? It sounds extreme, but it lets you check how a particular board withstands mechanical damage. You can also pour water on the sample, leave it out in the rain and check whether it warps or changes colour.

How do you order decking board samples?

It’s very simple at most online shops and from manufacturers. All you need to do is:

1. Visit the page listing the decking boards

2. Choose the models you’re interested in

3. Click the “Order a sample” button (or add it to your basket)

4. Enter your delivery details

Some companies offer samples free of charge, while others charge a nominal fee (e.g. 10–30 zł). Sometimes this amount is refunded with the actual order – it’s worth checking.

What should you look for when examining samples?

• Colour – does it look natural? Does it suit the surroundings?

• Texture – is the surface too slippery?

• Finish – does the material look robust?

• Resistance – how does the sample react to moisture, pressure and scratches?

• Ease of cleaning – try wiping a stain with a damp cloth

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Are samples free?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no – it all depends on the manufacturer. It’s worth checking the terms on the shop’s website.

Is it worth ordering samples from different companies?
Yes! Each company may offer a different quality and shade, even if the product looks similar online.

How many samples can you order?
There are usually no limits – you can order several, or even a dozen or so samples of different decking boards.

Let’s recap...

Ordering decking board samples isn’t a cost – it’s an investment in making a well-informed decision. They let you:

• see what the boards really look like

• test their quality

• avoid costly mistakes

• make an informed decision

Don’t risk buying “blind”. Spending a dozen or so złoty and waiting a few days could save you years of frustration and thousands of złoty!