FAQs
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Millboard and our products
Millboard Decking
Millboard decking is extremely versatile and can be used in practically every outdoor space (subject to building control). Create decks, cladding, balconies, roof gardens, boardwalks, bridges, pontoons, seating, steps, planters and more. Millboard can be used as the decorative face for most outdoor designs, as long as it is fixed to a structural element.
When you take your first look at your new Millboard decking boards, you will be amazed at the attention to detail and quality before you. You'll notice how lightweight yet durable the boards are, ready for immediate use.
There are a few things we advise users to be aware of before diving in and building that dream project:
+ A release agent will be present on the surface of the boards when you take delivery of them, which may give a slightly shiny effect. This release agent has been applied so that the finished board can easily be removed from our moulds and will disperse in the weeks following installation.
+ Like wood, no two Millboard decking boards are the same colour, with the subtle differences giving the most natural appearance. This is to give your decking all the good looks of a wooden deck, but all the structural benefits of a composite deck.
+ Our boards are moulded under extreme pressure and not extruded, so some dimensional variance is expected. The tolerances that we permit for the size of our decking boards are limited to: Width: ± 3mm. Length: ± 5mm. Thickness: ± 2mm.
+ As with wood, it may be necessary to trim the ends of the boards during installation, in order to achieve a flush, clean finish.
Following extensive trials, we recommend and supply Durafix® stainless steel screws, designed specifically for Millboard - this is a requirement of our limited warranty. There’s no need to pre-drill or countersink Millboard decking, and the unique Lastane® material coating flexes back over the screw-heads, leaving a minimal witness mark. This may be more visible on the lighter colours. Should some of the screws leave larger witness marks, these can be filled. Our installation guide should be followed at all times to achieve the best possible results.
Millboard has been designed to replicate the natural variances of wood and we do not intend for the product to have identical shades. Buying all the Millboard decking you need at the same time should help to ensure that the colour is as consistent as possible and we would always recommend laying out the boards before installation, to create an effective, subtle blend.
Samples are provided as a representation of the product and we would encourage customers to view full boards as part of a deck, in order to fully appreciate the product, prior to purchase.
We go to extraordinary lengths to recreate the look of natural wood. As with all products exposed to the elements including sunlight, snow and rain, Millboard will naturally weather and tone down over time. Slight yellowing, especially in the deeper grain of our decking boards will be visible and loss of gloss is also expected and intentional. This is in order for us to replicate that natural piece of wood it has so carefully been moulded against along with our unique hand coloured process.
As with all composite products, the surfaces of the boards tend to be hotter than wood when exposed to direct sunlight. Darker colours particularly will feel hotter and may be uncomfortable to walk on in bare feet. Under direct sunlight and high temperature, footwear may be necessary. Special caution should be taken when using decking in areas by heat/UV reflective glass, or around pools.
As Millboard is made from a resin mineral composition it is stable in comparison to wood or composites based on wood, the amount of movement that is acceptable is up to 0.2%. We recommend a 4mm gap between the sides of boards and a 1mm gap between the ends of boards, a 10mm gap should be left between the boards and any solid surface to aid drainage.
As the boards are a moulded product we use a release agent in the manufacturing process so when the boards are first delivered this release agent is still on the surface. This may result in the boards looking like they have a shiny or waxed surface or have small particles of dirt and water puddling. This release agent will come off the surface within 6-8 weeks due to natural weathering. This process can be accelerated by cleaning the boards with warm soapy water and stiff brush after installation.
When the boards are first laid they still have a release agent on the surface, this will come off within 6-8 weeks due to natural weathering and usage.
Surface water will always be more prevalent on Millboard due to it being made from a non-porous composition. Laying the boards to a slight fall away from a building will help to drain the water off the surface, however it will not drain all of the water off the boards. Adhere to relevant gapping on the sides and ends of the boards as per the installation guidance to assist drainage, the boards have a cupping tolerance of 2mm. Surface water can be taken off the surface of the boards with a brush or large squeegee, frost or ice can be removed by spreading white salt across the board surface. When the boards are first laid they still have a release agent on the surface, this will come off within 6-8 weeks due to natural weathering and usage. The release agent means that the water will form beads or globules over the surface of the boards, once this release agent has come off the water will dissipate across the board surface.
There will always be a slight variance in the board’s dimensions due to the fact that we mould from natural oak, and due to the pressure of the moulding process. Despite this, we calibrate the boards to maintain as consistent a profile as possible. The manufacturing tolerances are: Width: ± 3mm. Length: ± 5mm. Thickness: ± 2mm. The dimensions of the Weathered Oak style may vary more between moulds due to the fact that they are moulded from timeworn oak with minimal changes to the dimensions. When working with the boards, packers may be required to create a flush finish between two boards.
The Lastane® finish is highly resistant to food and drink stains and scratches, and everyday wear and tear. 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. The risk of marking from strong dyes and stains such as berries and animal droppings will be reduced if removed as soon as possible, this also applies to cooking oils or fats that come into contact with the surface of the Lastane®.
Please ensure to cover and protect the boards from any surrounding building or landscaping works, painting, rendering or cementitious dust that could contaminate or mark the surface, especially if the boards have been recently installed. Millboard will not be held responsible for issues arising from the boards being affected by foreign substances as this does not represent a fault with the product. We are able to recommend cleaning solutions that may be used to address contamination concerns or in situations where our guidance has not been followed.
If the board surface becomes dirty during installation, this should be cleaned as soon as possible using warm soapy water (dishwashing liquid) and a brush. Clean your decking once to twice a year to remove leaves and general dirt particles.
Cover the boards from any surrounding building works or painting that could mark the surface of the boards. Stubborn marks may be removed with a range of different cleaners depending on the mark. Please contact us for more information on technical@millboard.co.uk.
Pressure washers can be used carefully on Millboard decking for cleaning and rinsing.
We would recommend following the below guidelines
• A PSI no greater than 2,000 should be used, with a 40 to 60 degree spread fan tip
• The head should always be kept around 300mm away from the surface
• Please note that using pressure washers may increase the chance of screw holes becoming more visible
• Direct, prolonged and intense contact could damage the surface of the boards
Yes Millboard provide a UK-backed Residential 25 year Limited Warranty or a Commercial 10/12 year Limited Warranty on decking products, to provide customers with piece of mind.
Envello Cladding
Envello cladding is extremely versatile and can be used for most low-level cladding areas (subject to building control). It can be used for cladding on low-level residential and commercial buildings, garden rooms, home offices, furniture, soffits and fascia, outdoor kitchens and more. Envello can be used as the decorative face for most outdoor designs, as long as it is fixed to a structural element. All areas subject to the relevant government regulations/building standards.
When you take your first look at your new Envello cladding boards, you will be amazed at the attention to detail and quality before you. You'll notice how lightweight yet durable the boards are, ready for immediate use.
There are a few things we advise users to be aware of before diving in and building that dream project:
+ A release agent will be present on the surface of the boards when you take delivery of them, which may give a slightly shiny effect. This release agent has been applied so that the finished board can easily be removed from our moulds and will disperse in the weeks following installation.
+ Like wood, no two Envello Cladding boards are the same colour, with the subtle differences giving the most natural appearance. This is to give your cladding all the good looks of wood cladding, but all the structural longevity of a composite material.
+ Our boards are moulded under extreme pressure and not extruded, so some dimensional variance is expected. The tolerances that we permit for the size of our cladding boards are limited to: Width: ± 3mm. Length: ± 5mm. Thickness: ± 2mm.
+ As with wood, it may be necessary to trim the ends of the boards during installation, in order to achieve a flush, clean finish.
Millboard has been designed to replicate the natural variances of wood and we do not intend for the product to have identical shades. Buying all the Envello cladding you need at the same time should help to ensure that the colour is as consistent as possible.\
Samples are provided as a representation of the product and we would encourage customers to view full boards in a showroom, in order to fully appreciate the product, prior to purchase.
We go to extraordinary lengths to recreate the look of natural wood. As with all products exposed to the elements including sunlight, snow and rain, Millboard will naturally weather and tone down over time. Slight yellowing, especially in the deeper grain of our cladding boards will be visible and loss of gloss is also expected and intentional. This is in order for us to replicate that natural piece of wood it has so carefully been moulded against along with our unique hand coloured process.
Our Shadow Line+ and Board & Batten+ cladding boards have been tested to BS EN 13501-1 and have a classification of D-s3, d0.
The responsibility for the cladding’s suitability in the required location is to be determined by a certified building professional (building control, building insurance, fire officer, etc). Millboard will not be held responsible for incorrect specification, application, or product installation in areas not in accordance with government guidance, in the UK or abroad. Current guidance should be gained from the government website relating to the geographical project location.
As Millboard is made from a resin mineral composition it is stable in comparison to wood or composites based on wood, the amount of movement that is acceptable is up to 0.2%.
There will always be a slight variance in the board’s dimensions due to the fact that we mould from natural oak, and due to the pressure of the moulding process. Despite this, we calibrate the boards to maintain as consistent a profile as possible. The manufacturing tolerances are: Width: ± 3mm. Length: ± 5mm. Thickness: ± 2mm.
When working with the boards, a level may be required to help keep the boards running upright or level. In order to achieve straight and consistent 5-6mm gapping between the shadow Line+ boards, it may be necessary to use our Millboard Multi-Spacers during the installation process.
The elastomeric finish is highly resistant to scratches, and everyday wear and tear. Take care to keep sharp objects away from the boards, as they can leave marks if moved against the boards surface. The risk of marking from strong dyes and stains will be reduced if removed as soon as possible, this also applies to cooking oils or fats that come into contact with the surface of the boards.
Please ensure to cover and protect the boards from any surrounding building or landscaping works, painting, rendering or cementitious dust that could contaminate or mark the surface, especially if the boards have been recently installed. Millboard will not be held responsible for issues arising from the boards being affected by foreign substances as this does not represent a fault with the product. We are able to recommend cleaning solutions that may be used to address contamination concerns or in situations where our guidance has not been followed.
If the board surface becomes dirty during installation, this should be cleaned as soon as possible using warm soapy water (dishwashing liquid) and a brush. Clean your cladding when required to remove general dirt particles. Start cleaning at the top of the cladding and work downwards along the grain. It is best to use a brush with an extendable handle to clean the boards.
Cover the boards from any surrounding building works or painting that could mark the surface of the boards. Stubborn marks may be removed with a range of different cleaners depending on the mark. Please contact us for more information on technical@millboard.co.uk.
Pressure washers can be used carefully on Envello cladding for cleaning and rinsing.
We would recommend following the below guidelines
• A PSI no greater than 2,000 should be used, with a 40 to 60 degree spread fan tip
• The head should always be kept around 300mm away from the surface
• Direct, prolonged and intense contact could damage the surface of the boards
Take extra care when using a pressure washer around windows, doors and cut ends of boards
Yes Millboard provide a UK-backed Limited Structural 15 Year Warranty on Envello products, to provide customers with piece of mind.
Subframe
The ideal companion to our all-weather composite decking is our DuoSpan subframe system.
DuoSpan combines the strength of aluminium with the design flexibility of recycled plastic. This combination enables distinctive design opportunities for decking and outdoor structures that would be impossible with most conventional subframes. Boasting impressive durability and exceptional ease of installation, DuoSpan provides the perfect subframe for Millboard decking, as well as a universal support system for other outdoor flooring. Its ingenious design includes multiple features that make it near-impossible to get assembly wrong.
Wood is the most commonly used subframe material. However, wood only performs well under ideal circumstances and if the cut elements are regularly retreated. In applications where the wood is in contact with the ground or has limited airflow, the intended lifespan of the frame can be impeded significantly. Our recommendation is to use our innovative DuoSpan framework or Plas-pro to achieve a non-rot solution.
When using Plas-Pro as an alternative to wood, please bear in mind that the structural spans are not equivalent. Please refer to the Plas-Pro brochures and installation guides for further details. If in doubt then contact a member of our technical team on technical@millboard.co.uk.
DuoSpan™ combines the strength of aluminium with the design flexibility of recycled plastic. This achieves a system that provides exceptional ease of installation, enormous strength and durability. DuoSpan has been designed by industry professionals to comply with Eurocode 1: Actions on Structures (BS EN 1991-1-1). The system has been assessed for point loading in relation to both domestic and commercial use, making it suitable for a range of applications.
There may be situations where our Plas-Pro framework items may be more suitable than the DuoSpan, such as furniture framework or areas in wet/marine environments. Manufactured in the UK from 100% recycled plastic and they will never suffer from insect attacks or rotting, they are designed for longevity and reliability.
Safety
Millboard decking boards have been certified to EN 13501-1 and have a rating of Bfl-s1 when used as a flooring product, this does not mean that the decking board will have a ‘B’ rating when they are used in a cladding application. When the decking boards are used in a cladding application they have no fire rating and carry no ‘reaction to fire’ certificate, the responsibility for the cladding’s suitability in the required location is to be determined by a certified building professional (building control, building insurance, fire officer, etc). Millboard will not be held responsible for incorrect specification, application, or product installation in areas not in accordance with government guidance, in the UK or abroad. Current guidance should be gained from the government website relating to the geographical project location.
Our Shadow Line+ and Board & Batten+ cladding boards have been tested to BS EN 13501-1 and have a classification of D-s3, d0.
The responsibility for the cladding’s suitability in the required location is to be determined by a certified building professional (building control, building insurance, fire officer, etc). Millboard will not be held responsible for incorrect specification, application, or product installation in areas not in accordance with government guidance, in the UK or abroad. Current guidance should be gained from the government website relating to the geographical project location.
Our Shadow Line+ and Board & Batten+ cladding boards have been tested to BS EN 13501-1 and have a classification of D-s3, d0.
Millboard decking has been tested to BS EN ISO 13501-1:2007+A1:2009 and has a Bfl-S1 reaction to fire classification (fire test for flooring).
Millboard is not recommended for use as cladding or balcony decking on buildings 11m or above, and for other use, it should be subject to Building Regulations to check suitability, use and proximity.
Where heat sources are in prolonged proximity to the boards, the board surface may become affected. We would recommend keeping any heat source 1m away from the board surface, non-combustible materials should be used in these areas. In instances where there is burning wood or coal, they will need to sit the fire bowl / brazier onto a porcelain or cement tile / slab. The slabbed area needs to extend about 1m outside the fire bowl / brazier. Any embers or burning material needs to be removed immediately to prevent any damage or lasting marks to the Millboard surface. Patio heaters or infra red heaters are not known to affect the boards.
