Composite decking has become a preferred material for many UK homeowners seeking a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional timber. For consumers looking to evaluate the quality, texture, and colour options before committing to a significant purchase, several manufacturers and distributors offer free sample programmes. These initiatives allow potential buyers to physically inspect materials, ensuring they make an informed decision regarding their outdoor living spaces.
Overview of Available Sample Programmes
Based on the provided documentation, specific companies offer free samples of their composite decking products. These programmes are designed to address consumer concerns regarding the look and feel of composite materials compared to solid wood. By requesting samples, consumers can better understand the textures and vibrant colours available in the market.
The available sample programmes generally fall into two categories: direct manufacturers and specialist distributors. Both approaches offer distinct benefits, ranging from direct product information to a broader selection of market-leading brands.
Direct Manufacturer Sample Programmes
COOWIN Group
COOWIN Group offers free samples of both composite decking and composite wall cladding. Their stated goal is to guarantee product quality while providing cost-effective solutions. According to their source data, the sample request process is straightforward, and the company commits to contacting customers within 24 hours of a request. Consumers are advised to check their spam folders in case email communications are blocked.
In addition to physical decking samples, COOWIN provides supplementary materials to assist with project planning. These include: * Accessories: Information on fasteners or hidden fasteners compatible with their decking boards. * Brochures: Detailed information regarding product features, previous installation projects, and installation instructions. * USB Flash Drives: Electronic copies of product images, videos, and installation manuals (availability may depend on the specific request or region).
Millboard
Millboard offers a structured sample programme for consumers in the UK and internationally. Participants can request up to three free samples of Millboard composite decking or siding. The sample packs are delivered free of charge and include a complimentary Millboard brochure.
It is noted that if a request originates from outside the UK, Millboard may pass the consumer's data to a local distributor to fulfil the request. The company highlights several technical benefits of their product, which are often included in the accompanying brochure: * Mould Resistance: Actively resistant to mould and fungus, unlike natural wood. * Recycled Materials: Utilises recycled materials and renewable biopolymers. * Moisture Resistance: The non-porous composition means no sealing is required. * UV Stabilisation: Integrated UV stabilizers prevent fade resistance. * Slip Resistance: The pliable Lastane layer offers lower slip potential than wood. * Ease of Installation: Can be cut and installed easily following product guides. * Low Maintenance: No staining or oiling is needed.
NewTechWood
NewTechWood provides a "Free Samples" section on their website, accessible via their shop page. While the specific details of the sample pack contents are not fully detailed in the provided source data, the company lists a wide range of product categories. These include composite decking boards (such as the Magellan, Cortes, Monarch, and Bell Series), deck tiles (composite, grass, and ceramic), and siding/cladding/rainscreen products (All Weather, European, Shadowline, Noir, and Board and Batten).
The company also offers various resources such as composite decking board calculators, installation guides, and warranty information. They provide a "Visualizer" tool and resources for architects, suggesting a comprehensive support system for consumers who order samples.
Distributor Sample Programmes
AdvantageLumber.com
AdvantageLumber.com acts as a distributor offering free samples of top composite decking brands, specifically Trex and TimberTech. This programme is beneficial for consumers who wish to compare different manufacturers' products side-by-side without navigating multiple websites.
According to the source data, the samples are delivered straight to the consumer's door. The process involves visiting the online store and selecting the desired samples. AdvantageLumber.com highlights the benefits of composite decking in general, noting that it is a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastics that withstands the elements and resists fading, staining, and scratching. They specifically emphasise Trex as a pioneer in the industry and TimberTech for its innovative designs.
TruNorth Decking
TruNorth Decking offers a "limited time offer" for four free samples delivered to the consumer. The source data explicitly states that there is no charge applied at checkout, no obligation to purchase, and no billing information required.
TruNorth Decking distinguishes their product from competitors by highlighting specific material compositions. They claim their boards use a proprietary rice hull moisture blocking formulation and a fully encapsulated two-sided heat-blocking composite deck board. They also claim their boards are up to 30% cooler than most other composite brands. This sample offer allows consumers to physically feel the difference in their proprietary formulation compared to standard wood-sawdust filled composites.
Eligibility and Request Processes
While the specific eligibility criteria vary slightly between manufacturers, the general process for obtaining these samples is consistent across the provided sources.
1. Online Request Forms Most companies require consumers to fill out an online request form. For example, NewTechWood and Millboard have dedicated sections on their websites for sample requests. AdvantageLumber.com requires consumers to visit their online store and select the specific samples they are interested in.
2. No Purchase Necessary A key feature of these programmes is that they are generally free of charge and do not require a purchase. TruNorth Decking explicitly states that no billing information is required and that the discount is automatically applied at checkout. Similarly, Millboard offers free delivery on sample packs.
3. Geographic Limitations Geographic restrictions are mentioned in the data. Millboard explicitly states that if a consumer is outside the UK, they may pass the data to a distributor in the consumer's location. AdvantageLumber.com focuses on the US market (mentioning the "lower-48 US states"), which suggests UK consumers may need to verify if a local distributor is available for that specific brand. COOWIN Group and TruNorth Decking do not explicitly mention geographic restrictions in the provided text, though standard shipping limitations likely apply.
4. Follow-up Communication Consumers should expect communication following their request. COOWIN Group states they will contact the requester within 24 hours. It is standard practice for companies to follow up to ensure the samples were received or to discuss potential projects, though the provided data does not detail the frequency or nature of this follow-up for all brands.
Benefits of Requesting Free Samples
The primary benefit of these programmes is the ability to verify product quality before a large financial commitment. The source data highlights several reasons why physical samples are valuable:
- Texture and Colour Verification: Digital images often fail to capture the true vibrancy and texture of composite decking. COOWIN Group notes that samples help consumers "better understand the textures and vibrant colours."
- Comparison: Distributors like AdvantageLumber.com allow for the comparison of leading brands (Trex vs. TimberTech), while TruNorth encourages consumers to "feel the difference" between their product and standard composites.
- Project Planning: Access to brochures, installation manuals, and technical data sheets (provided by Millboard and NewTechWood) helps consumers and contractors plan installations accurately.
- Environmental Assessment: Consumers can evaluate the weight, density, and finish of the boards, which relates to the environmental claims made by manufacturers, such as the use of recycled materials (Millboard) or proprietary eco-friendly formulations (TruNorth).
Conclusion
The provided documentation indicates that UK consumers have access to several free sample programmes for composite decking. These programmes are offered directly by manufacturers such as COOWIN Group, Millboard, and NewTechWood, as well as through distributors like AdvantageLumber.com and TruNorth Decking. The processes generally involve submitting an online request form, with no purchase required and no billing information necessary. Consumers can expect to receive physical samples, often accompanied by brochures and technical data, allowing for a thorough evaluation of texture, colour, and material quality before purchasing materials for their outdoor spaces.