Millboard Composite Decking vs. Traditional Composite Decking
When it comes to outdoor decking, composite materials have become the go-to solution for homeowners and designers seeking the perfect blend of durability, style, and minimal maintenance. Composite decking is a modern alternative to wood that offers the appearance of natural wood with far less hassle.
Let’s look at how Millboard composite decking compares to traditional composite decking options. We’ll delve into essential factors like raw materials, aesthetics, durability, safety features, and installation to help you determine the right choice for your outdoor space.
your outdoor space.
Click on one of the sections below to learn more
- Introducing composite decking
Explore the advantages of composite decking material
- What sets Millboard apart in composite decking?
Learn why Millboard are the market leading manufacturer for composite decking
- Material composition and durability
Discover what makes Millboard so tough, durable and versatile
- Design and aesthetic appeal
Find your perfect decking style that suits your home’s appearance
- Safety and slip resistance
Keep customers and residents safe with highly slip-resistant surfaces
- Installation and maintenance
Learn the simple installation process for these innovative composite boards
- Choosing the right decking for your needs
Review the reasons for choosing Millboard composite decking
Introducing Composite Decking
Composite decking has grown in popularity as a durable and low maintenance alternative to traditional timber decking. Traditionally, composite decking is made from a mixture of wood fibres and plastic, offering a balance between visual appeal and performance. However, the decking market has evolved; advanced composite materials such as Millboard are redefining the types of decking options available.
Unlike traditional wood decking, which requires regular cleaning and wood treatment to protect against rotting and fading from UV exposure, Millboard composite decking is designed for long-term durability with low maintenance requirements. The unique resin mineral used in Millboard products ensures superior performance against rot and moisture damage.
What Sets Millboard Apart in Composite Decking
Millboard takes composite decking materials to the next level with its hand-moulded design. Unlike traditional composite decking, which often relies on uniform patterns and synthetic looks, Millboard decking is moulded from real timber, capturing the intricate details and variations of natural wood grain. Each board is hand-finished, ensuring a premium look and eliminating the need for expensive decking treatments.
Key Differences:
- Unique Lastane® Surface: The top layer of Millboard decking is made from a unique resin, known as Lastane®, providing a soft-touch surface that highly resists scratches, stains, and fading from UV exposure.
- 100% Wood-free: Beneath the Lastane® surface, a polyurethane resin core reinforced with fibreglass offers robust structural strength, eliminating concerns of rot, warping and deterioration that’s common in wood or some composites based on wood.
- Minimal Maintenance: Unlike traditional timber decking, Millboard composite decking does not require staining, sealing, or regular cleaning beyond simple washing with soapy water.
Material Composition and Durability
Traditional Composite Decking
Most traditional composite decking boards are made from a mix of wood fibres and recycled plastics. Modern composite decking materials have a more durable surface capping layer which not only enhances the look of wood but also protects the core from damage. Wood plastic composites do usually offer better durability compared to natural wood, lower grade options can still be susceptible to issues like moisture absorption, which can lead to warping or mould over time. One way to ensure your decking stands the test of time is to choose wood-free decking options such as Millboard.
Millboard Composite Decking
Millboard decking uses a high-performance resin mineral composition that does not absorb moisture. This makes it ideal for areas exposed to the elements, such as poolside decking, docks, or regions with high rainfall. The fibreglass reinforcement adds to its strength, making it suitable for high-traffic areas without the risk of cracking or splitting. Additionally, Millboard’s surface is designed to last decades.
Design and Aesthetic Appeal
One of the key reasons homeowners and designers choose composite decking is its aesthetic appeal. Millboard composite decking offers the most authentic wood look available. Each board is hand-moulded from real oak, capturing the organic grain patterns and subtle texture variations of the original timber mould. These nuances are hard to replicate in other types of composite decking that are extruded.
Millboard’s Range Includes:
- Enhanced Grain: Offers a smooth finish that replicates the clean lines of freshly sawn timber.
- Weathered Oak: Moulded from 100-year-old oak boards, providing a rustic, aged appearance that enhances any outdoor space.
- Lasta-Grip®: Combines slip resistance with beautiful design for added safety in areas like steps or pool surrounds.
- Modello: Provides the elegant appeal of enhanced grain with up to 50 pattern combinations to make your outdoor space truly one-of-a-kind.
With a broad spectrum of colours, finishes, patterns and configurations available, Millboard composite decking can complement various architectural styles, ensuring it’s the right choice for your garden, holiday home or commercial area.
Safety Features and Slip Resistance
Safety is a critical consideration for any decking project, especially in outdoor environments prone to rain and moisture. Traditional composite decking can become slippery when wet, depending on the finish and design. Although surface treatments can improve grip, these often wear down over time.
Millboard’s unique rubber-like Lastane surface, however, has high slip resistance. Its pliable top layer provides excellent traction even in wet conditions, making it ideal for use around pools, outdoor kitchens, or any areas where safety is a top concern.
Installation and Maintenance
Ease of Installation
Millboard decking’s unique construction makes it easy to work with using standard carpentry tools, whether you’re a professional installer or a DIY enthusiast. The boards are designed to be cut and configured to fit your space. Moreover, Millboard’s Durafix® screws allow for hidden fixings and a clean surface.
Low Maintenance Requirements
Millboard’s non-porous surface means it requires little maintenance—just occasional cleaning with soap, water and a brush. Traditional wood decking and some composite decking options require regular staining and sealing, making Millboard the preferred choice for those who want to spend less time on upkeep and more time enjoying their beautiful outdoor space.
Environmental Considerations
Millboard decking doesn’t use any wood content which helps your decking last longer than the alternatives. Moreover, we are committed to sustainability. The boards use 38% recycled materials, and production operates using renewable energy sources. Recycling as much waste from production as possible, is a top priority.
Choosing the Right Decking for Your Needs
Selecting the right decking material depends on your specific needs—whether that’s the look of wood, stain resistance, or ease of maintenance. Millboard composite decking offers distinct advantages over traditional Wood Plastic Composites, making it a popular composite decking brand for style-savvy homeowners.
If you’re looking for decking that combines the charm of real wood with the benefits of composite, Millboard decking is the right choice. Explore our wide range of products and colours to find the perfect match for your outdoor space.