Millboard Composite Decking vs Traditional Composite Decking

Introduction to Composite Decking

Composite decking has grown in popularity as a durable and low-maintenance alternative to natural wood. Traditionally, composite decking is made from a mixture of wood fibres and plastic, offering a balance between aesthetics and performance. However, the market has evolved, with advanced composite materials like Millboard products redefining what composite decking can offer. In this guide, we’ll delve into the unique qualities of Millboard composite decking, how it compares to other traditional composite options, and which choice might best suit your needs.

What Sets Millboard Apart in Composite Decking

Millboard decking takes composite decking to the next level with its hand-moulded design and focus on craftsmanship. 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 that is nearly indistinguishable from genuine timber.

Key differentiators include:

• Unique Lastane® Surface: The top layer of Millboard decking is made from a unique elastomeric material called Lastane®, providing a soft-touch surface that remains durable against scratches and stains.
• Fibre-Reinforced Core: Beneath the Lastane® surface, a polyurethane resin core reinforced with fibre offers robust structural strength, eliminating concerns of rot, warping, and core material deterioration common in other composites.

Material Composition and Durability

Traditional Composite Decking

Most traditional composite decking boards are made from a mix of wood fibres and plastics. Modern composite decking materials have a more durable surface capping layer to enhance the look and help protect the core. While this blend offers enhanced durability compared to natural wood, it can still be susceptible to issues like moisture absorption, which can lead to warping or mould over time. Additionally, traditional composite boards are extruded with a brushed or rolled wood-effect finish, which can affect their long-term durability and appearance.

Millboard Composite Decking

Millboard decking, on the other hand, uses a high-performance polyurethane core that is non-porous, meaning it does not absorb moisture. This makes it ideal for areas exposed to the elements, such as poolside decking or regions with high humidity. The fibre reinforcement adds to its strength, making it suitable for high-traffic areas without the risk of cracking or splitting.

Design and Aesthetic Appeal

One of the key reasons homeowners and designers choose composite decking is its appearance. Millboard decking excels in this area by offering a truly authentic wood look. Each board is hand-moulded from real oak, capturing the organic grain patterns and subtle texture variations that are nearly impossible to replicate with traditional composites.

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, it provides a rustic, aged appearance that adds character to any space.
• Lasta-Grip®: Combines slip-resistance with beautiful design for added safety in areas like steps or pool surrounds.

In contrast, traditional composite decking often features a more uniform, synthetic appearance due to mass production methods. While it can mimic wood to some extent, the detail and depth of Millboard’s finish stand out in a class of their own.

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 decking’s 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 concern. The Lastane® material also offers enhanced resistance to mould growth, further reducing slip risk compared to traditional composite options.

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 shaped easily, and Millboard’s Durafix® screws allow for hidden fixings, resulting in a clean, uncluttered surface.

In comparison, traditional composite decking often requires clip fixings and may result in visible screw heads, which can impact the overall aesthetic and have a longer installation time.

Long-Term Maintenance

Millboard’s non-porous surface means it requires minimal maintenance—just occasional cleaning with soap and water. Traditional composite decking may need more frequent cleaning to maintain its appearance, especially if exposed to intense sunlight or fluctuating weather.

Environmental Considerations

Traditional composite decking also tends to be a sustainable choice due to the large recycled content of timber and plastic.. However, it can still pose challenges in terms of disposal at the end of its lifespan. Traditional composite decking production methods tend to involve extrusion techniques which are renowned for being energy intensive.

Millboard is committed to sustainability through continuous improvement. Currently, 38% of the materials used in our products are recycled, and our production process is powered entirely by renewable electricity. In addition to its environmentally responsible manufacturing, Millboard offers exceptional durability, backed by a limited structural warranty.

Millboard has ensured that its core product range has Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) available, for additional assurance and transparency. Learn more about our efforts in our Sustainability Roadmap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Millboard decking be installed in high-traffic areas?

Yes, the fibre-reinforced core and durable surface make Millboard decking suitable for both residential and commercial installations.

Does Millboard decking fade over time?

Thanks to integrated UV stabilisers, Millboard decking is designed to retain its colour better than many traditional composites, ensuring a long-lasting appearance.

How does Millboard decking handle scratches and impacts?

The Lastane® surface is more resistant to scratches than most traditional composite surfaces, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to heavy use.

What is the downside of composite decking?

The main downside of composite decking is its initial cost, which tends to be higher than wood decking. Additionally, although composite decks are low maintenance, they can still be prone to surface scratching, especially with heavy foot traffic or furniture. Despite these factors, high-quality composites, like Millboard, reduce many of these issues with scratch-resistant surfaces and enhanced durability.

Is composite decking worth the money?

Yes, composite decking is often worth the investment for homeowners seeking low-maintenance, durable decking with a long lifespan. Composite decks resist common issues like rotting, warping, and splintering, which are frequent in natural wood decks. Although they may have a higher upfront cost, the reduced need for upkeep and repairs makes composite decking a cost-effective choice over time. Premium options like Millboard decking offer enhanced aesthetic appeal and longevity, adding value to outdoor spaces.

Does composite decking get slippery when wet?

Composite decking can become slippery when wet, particularly lower-grade boards that lack slip-resistant surfaces. However, high-quality options like Millboard decking incorporate highly slip-resistant layers, such as the Lastane® coating, to help provide safer footing in wet conditions. This makes them ideal for poolside areas or regions with frequent rain.

How long does composite decking last?

Traditional composite decking can last over 25 years, depending on its quality and exposure to weather elements. Premium products, like Millboard decking, are built with durable materials that resist warping, rotting, and mould growth, offering a longer lifespan with minimal maintenance compared to traditional wood.

Can composite decking be power washed?

Yes, composite decking can be power washed, but it’s important to use a lower pressure setting (usually under 2,000 PSI) to avoid damaging the surface. For added care, avoid placing the nozzle too close to the boards (around 300mm from the surface) and use a 40 to 60 degree spread fan tip.

Does composite decking fade over time?

Composite decking may experience minor fading over time, particularly in prolonged, direct sunlight. However, quality brands like Millboard incorporate UV stabilisers that minimise fading, helping the boards maintain their colour and appearance for years.

Can you paint or stain composite decking?

Composite decking generally doesn’t require painting or staining because it is designed to retain its colour. In most cases, paint and stains won’t adhere properly to composite surfaces. Premium options like Millboard come with a range of finishes that eliminate the need for additional treatments and retain their aesthetic appeal without maintenance.

Is composite decking hotter than wood?

Composite decking can retain more heat than natural wood, especially in direct sunlight. However, colours like light grey or oak tend to absorb less heat, so will have a cooler surface than darker colours.

Can you cut composite decking?

Yes, composite decking can be cut with standard woodworking tools, although a fine-toothed blade is recommended for cleaner cuts. Millboard decking, in particular, is easy to cut and mill, making it versatile for various design applications.

Does composite decking require a subframe?

Yes, composite decking requires a sturdy subframe for proper installation and long-term durability. Subframes provide essential support and prevent the boards from warping or sagging. Millboard offers proprietary subframe systems, such as DuoSpan, which are designed to work seamlessly with composite boards, improving stability and longevity.

Can composite decking be used around pools?

Composite decking is an excellent choice for pool areas due to its resistance to moisture, rot, and warping. Premium composite decking, like Millboard with its slip-resistant Lastane® surface, offers added traction even when wet, making it a safer option for poolside installations compared to traditional wood.

How do you clean composite decking?

Cleaning composite decking is simple and usually only requires soap, water, and a soft brush. For tougher stains, a diluted vinegar solution can help. Unlike wood, composite decking doesn’t need annual staining or sealing, reducing maintenance time and cost. Millboard decking, with its non-porous surface, is highly resistant to stains or mould growth, making cleaning even easier.

Does composite decking expand and contract?

Yes, composite decking can expand and contract slightly with temperature changes. Proper installation with recommended spacing between boards allows for natural movement. High-quality decking brands, like Millboard, are engineered to minimise noticeable expansion and contraction, keeping the deck looking uniform year-round.

What’s the difference between composite decking and PVC decking?

Composite decking blends wood fibres and plastic, offering a natural appearance with added durability. PVC decking, being entirely synthetic, is highly moisture-resistant but can lack the authentic look of wood. Millboard decking stands out by combining the best of both worlds—its unique polyurethane and fibre-reinforced core delivers exceptional durability, while the surface replicates the beauty of natural wood.

Does composite decking scratch easily?

Traditional composite decking can scratch if exposed to heavy furniture or sharp objects, Millboard decking's Lastane® finish is highly resistant to scratches. Sharp objects such as unprotected table or chair legs, spiked shoes, animal claws or metal planter bases can leave marks if dragged across the surface, so take care when moving these items around.

How does composite decking compare to wood in terms of maintenance?

Composite decking requires significantly less maintenance than wood. While wood decking needs annual treatments like staining, sealing, and sanding to protect against weather damage, composite decking only requires periodic cleaning. Millboard decking, for example, is designed to be highly resistant against weathering, fading and mould, fading, and algae, eliminating the need for intensive upkeep.

Can composite decking be used for raised decks?

Yes, composite decking is suitable for raised decks as long as it’s properly supported by a stable subframe. Raised decks benefit from composite decking’s weather resistance and durability, especially in areas exposed to the elements. Millboard decking’s lightweight yet strong construction makes it particularly well-suited for elevated structures.

Is composite decking safe for pets?

Composite decking is generally safe for pets, as it doesn’t splinter like wood and is more resistant to scratching. Millboard decking’s non-porous Lastane® surface also resists stains from pet accidents, making it easier to maintain. Its slip resistance provides added safety for pets running around on the deck, even in wet conditions.

How wide are composite decking boards?

Composite decking boards vary in width, typically ranging from 120mm to 200mm. Millboard decking offers a variety of sizes, including standard and narrow options, allowing for customisation in deck design. It’s recommended to plan deck layouts based on board width to ensure an even finish.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Decking for Your Needs

Selecting the right decking solution depends on your specific needs, whether that’s a natural wood-like appearance, low maintenance, or enhanced durability. Millboard decking offers a premium alternative to traditional composites, with a focus on craftsmanship, strength, and aesthetics that set it apart from the competition.

If you’re looking for decking that combines the beauty of wood with the performance of advanced composite materials, Millboard decking is a top choice. Explore our range today to see how it can transform your outdoor space.

Browse through our online inspiration gallery today to see the amazing spaces we have helped to create. If you are looking to use Millboard decking on a commercial project take a look at our commercial case studies to get inspired.

If you have any questions you can contact us using our online form here or alternatively call us on 024 7643 9943.

You can also order FREE samples from our website here.