The Benefits of Composite Decking vs Concrete Pavers

Article Highlights:

• Discover how composite decking and concrete pavers can improve your outdoor living space.
• Compare the design options for composite decking and concrete pavers.
• Learn about the strength, care needs, and environmental effects of both material choices.
• Compare the long-term costs of composite decking vs concrete pavers.

When you want to improve your outdoor living space, picking the right materials is crucial. Composite decking and concrete pavers both have their benefits and limitations. Knowing about these will help you decide on the best option. This guide looks at the pros and cons of each choice. It will support you in making a smart decision that suits your needs, preferences and budget.

What is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is changing how outdoor spaces are used. It offers a durable and low material. Typically made from recycled plastic and wood fibres called Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) composite boards provide lasting strength and withstand harsh weather conditions.

Millboard does things a bit differently, their wood-free composite resin boards are hand-moulded from high quality oak to mimic natural wood grain without its downsides.

Resin mineral deck boards require very little maintenance. You don’t have to treat, stain, paint or seal it. It stands up against fading, stains, and resists insect damage. This keeps your deck looking good and staying functional for years. You can find composite decking boards in various colours, textures, and finishes. This makes it easy for homeowners to create their dream outdoor living space.

 

Introducing Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are popular for creating a functional, low maintenance outdoor space. They are strong and versatile – they can be used for patios, driveways, garden paths and pavements.

To keep concrete pavers stable and lasting a long time, a solid base is needed. They come in different shapes, sizes, colours, and textures, which lets you create unique patterns. Even though they are tough, concrete pavers do need regular maintenance, like cleaning, sealing, and some repairs now and then. People often pick concrete pavers because they can handle heavy use but their appeal may be less wide-ranging, compared to the appearance of wood.

Comparing Design Options Between Concrete and Composite Decking

The Appeal and Versatility of Composite Decking

Composite decking is great because it makes any outdoor living area more appealing. Millboard can offer the beauty of a natural wood deck without issues like warping cracking or rotting.

Homeowners have many options for colours, styles and finishes, allowing them to design their outdoor space just how they like it. No matter if you want a clean, modern look or a cosy, traditional feel, reinforced resin mineral decking can meet your needs and style preferences.

Explore wood effect Enhanced Grain decking in ten beautiful colours

Or select from three tones of Weathered Oak Decking, moulded from real antique oak boards

A beautiful deck is the perfect way to create more usable space on your property and they’re also great for entertaining, relaxing and encouraging outdoor living.

Design Limitations of Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are available in a range of shapes, patterns, and textures, making them a popular choice for outdoor spaces. However, their colour options may be more limited compared to resin-mineral composite decking, which is offer a variety of pre-finished shades.

Our new Modello decking can be configured into up to 50 different patterns so your summer decking is as unique as your style. Discover your dream space.

Configuration Options: Concrete Pavers vs Decking

Composite decking gives you the most versatile design options for your outdoor living space. You can choose from different colours, styles and patterns to match the design of your home. Millboard’s flexible edging makes it simple to create a curved decking. Approved installers can install an elevated deck which tailors to sloped gardens and uneven ground.

Choose between Enhanced Grain, Weathered Oak or Lasta Grip. Enhanced Grain has ten colour options, and two different board widths. Customise your decking further by choosing a herringbone or tessellating board pattern.

While concrete patios can be sleek and simple, they are more difficult to lay on steep slopes and uneven surfaces. Moreover, finding the right shaped pavers for a curved patio can be more challenging.

Overall, mineral resin decking is generally more appealing and versatile than a concrete patio. Deciding between the two will depend on your personal preference, budget and desired configuration.

Configure your dream decking

Durability and Maintenance: Concrete vs Composite

Both concrete pavers and resin mieral boards can last a long time, resist moisture damage, warping, fading and rotting but composite decking outperforms concrete in many ways.

Patented Millboard Lastane® (a rubber-like surface) resists fading from direct sunlight exposure, slipping, and mould growth. It requires very little maintenance to keep your Millboard sundeck looking as good as new. The elastomer layer doesn’t splinter and feels comfortable when walking barefoot. The composite boards themselves are resilient, they’re highly resistant to damage.

Concrete on the other hand can crack, chip or stain but the extend depends on factors such as quality, installation and maintenance. Exposure to harsh weather, freezing and thawing can weather concrete over time. Lichen growth can make your concrete patio look unappealing without regular scrubbing and pressure-washing. Keep your Millboard deck looking good all year-round with minimal seasonal cleaning.

• Composite, wood-free decking looks beautiful for years with minimal maintenance
• Concrete paving is durable and strong but requires more maintenance

Choose your favourite styles – order up to three free samples

 

Composite Decking Performs in a Range of Weather Conditions

Resin mineral composite boards are made to handle fluctuating UK weather conditions. Millboard rigorously test their decking boards to withstand cold, hot and damp conditions without warping, melting or creating dangerous slip hazards. The paint is also UV-resistant to maintain its colour for much longer. You can rely on a Millboard decking to be a low-maintenance, long-lasting outdoor surface that looks good and stays safe throughout the year with minimal cleaning to prevent ice or dirt build-up.

• Composite decking resists moisture penetration, UV fading, impact damage, slipping, scratching, warping, expansion, rotting and insect damage
• Concrete paving resists rotting, impact damage, slipping, fading and expansion but can be prone to algae and lichen growth, cracking, chipping and loosening.

Environmental Impact: Choose the more Eco-Friendly Option

As sustainability becomes more important, picking materials that have a minimal impact on the environment is vital. Millboard composite decking is a great option because it is made using renewable biopolymers and 30% recycled plastic. Moreover, the boards can be repurposed once they reach the end of their usefulness.

Additionally, manufacturing composite boards may have a smaller impact on natural resources than concrete and wood decking and releases fewer emissions than concrete.

Enjoy your outdoor area without harming the outdoors. We’re Rated Five Stars

Assessing the Environmental Footprint of Concrete Pavers

Making concrete pavers has a large environmental footprint. The process of making cement, a main part of concrete, can release a lot of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas). Cement is also very water-intensive, and limestone extraction causes habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and soil erosion. Concrete pavers are also difficult to recycle.

If you want to select the more eco-friendly material, consider their impact on the natural environment and assess the material recyclability. Consider the preservation of natural resources, minimal emissions, water usage and waste.

Explore Millboard Wood-Free Boards. Made from renewable and recycled materials

Cost Analysis Over Time: Concrete vs Composite Decking

When creating your outdoor renovation budget, it’s important to consider the long-term costs.Composite decking may cost more to install at first. However, it requires less maintenance, lasts longer and looks much better.

 

Moreover, resin mineral decks can last decades. This long lifespan adds to its overall worth. By choosing strong and low-maintenance materials, your outdoor space stays elegant and functional for a long time. Read about the Millboard Structural Warranty.

Resale Value: Which Adds More Value?

When considering the resale value of your home, investing in an appealing and functional outdoor living space is crucial. Both composite decking and concrete pavers can contribute positively, but understanding their perceived value to potential buyers is key.

With its diverse appeal, low-maintenance nature, and durability, A composite decking often commands a higher return on investment compared to concrete paving. Potential buyers are increasingly recognising the value of a well-designed outdoor decking area – appreciating its durability and low maintenance requirements.

Pros and Cons: Composite Decking vs Concrete Patio

Choosing between a concrete patio and Millboard decking can depend a lot on what you prefer and what you need for your project. Concrete is a budget-friendly and strong option. Composite decking is a stylish choice that is easy to take care of and looks elegant for decades.

Concrete patios are simpler to manage than a traditional wood deck. However, they might need regular cleaning. Composite polymer decking doesn’t require staining, sanding, sealing or painting. This makes it a top pick for people wanting an easy outdoor space that looks stunning for years to come.

See it for yourself – Order a sample

If you have any questions or would like more advice on choosing a decking material, contact the Millboard experts today – call us at 020 7643 9943.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Millboard considered the best composite decking on the market?

Millboard is one of the best offerings on the market. It stands out because of its great quality and durable materials. It gives a look almost identical to natural wood while being easy to maintain, comfortable and high-performance. Because of this, we’re a leader in decking products for outdoor living.

How do composite decks compare to concrete pavers with installation time?

Composite decking usually takes less time to install than concrete pavers. The time it takes can vary based on how complicated the project is. The relatively lightweight boards can be easily moved around and screwed in place, whereas concrete slabs are heavy and bulky. Try Millboard’s headless screw technology to speed up installation further. Order a sample.

Can composite decking be recycled?

Composite boards are made partially from recycled and renewable materials, making it a more eco-friendly choice. Millboard are developing options to recycle their boards after clients no longer have use for them and already recycle 75% of manufacturing waste.

How long does composite decking last compared to concrete pavers?

Both materials are durable. With proper maintenance, they can last a long time. Composite decking can last decades with minimal maintenance. Meanwhile, even with regular cleaning, concrete can start to discolour after just a few months when algae and lichen grow. Concrete pavers will remain structurally sound for decades.

What is the disadvantage of composite decking?

Millboard composite decking outperforms many other decking materials, but it comes at a higher price point which can understandably be off-putting for some homeowners.

Some people prefer the appearance of natural materials such as natural stone, porcelain or wood. Millboard deck boards are made from synthetic materials, even though they’re the most realistic composite boards on the market.

What do you need to consider before laying composite decking on concrete?

You can install self-levelling pedestals on a concrete surface to create a level decking. Read how to install the DuoSpan Framework or DuoSpan + DuoLift pedestals. Trust a Millboard Approved Installer to create your dream decking on a concrete surface.