Five Alternative uses for Millboard Composite decking and cladding
At Millboard, we’re constantly pushing the boundaries of outdoor design, exploring new ways to enhance outdoor spaces and landscapes with our innovative composite decking and cladding. From transforming outdoor seating areas to creating captivating water features, our materials offer limitless possibilities for designers, architects, and homeowners alike. Here are five alternative uses that showcase the versatility and beauty of Millboard’s resin mineral composite decking and cladding.
Our resin mineral boards are made using no wood at all, instead they are a polyurethane resin mixed with mineral stone and feature a durable, slip-resistant Lastane® coating. Millboard realistically mimics the detail of natural wood without any of the downsides.
The boards themselves are hand-crafted as well as coloured to ensure that they are a really high quality so that we can ensure we are a premium product. They are very low maintenance as they only need to be seasonally cleaned and do not need oiling or staining ever.
1) Outdoor Seating and Furniture
Millboard’s decking and cladding materials, provide an ideal foundation for creating inviting outdoor seating areas and furniture pieces. The inherent resilience of these materials ensures longevity, while their natural appearance seamlessly integrates with surrounding greenery. From sleek benches to expansive loungers, designers can sculpt bespoke seating arrangements that blend seamlessly with the landscape, inviting relaxation and socialisation amidst nature.
Because the boards are splinter-free and resist warping, they are comfortable to lean against and sit on, even after years in a range of weather conditions.
Some simple examples of seating that we have seen our clients use millboard for include; built-ion corner benches, around a fire bowl and our boards work really well for around a pool or hot tub where Lasta-grip can come in especially handy due to its slip-resistance.
If you want to go the extra mile why not use our boards to make storage under benches using then as lids or even integrated lighting plinths. If you do send us a photo or tag us on social media.
2) Architectural Accents and Features
Enhance garden design by incorporating decking and cladding elements as architectural accents and features. Whether used to clad striking focal points like pergolas and arbours or to define spatial boundaries with eye-catching partitions and screens, these materials lend structural integrity and visual interest to outdoor environments.
Beyond pergolas and arbours, the same boards can be used to wrap outdoor kitchens, conceal bin or plant rooms, or form simple slatted privacy screens along boundaries.
A vertically clad feature wall behind a seating area can create a ‘room-like’ feel outdoors and gives a strong backdrop for planting or lighting. The shadow lines in the boards, the way you arrange them, so their direction or even their texture in low evening light can give them different feels to suit a range of applications.
If you use the same boards for planters as well as a feature wall it can really help to tie these spaces together.
3) Bespoke Planters and Green Walls
Transform ordinary planters into captivating focal points by encasing them in decking or cladding materials. By seamlessly integrating planters into decks or cladding walls mixed with lush foliage, designers can infuse landscapes with dynamic texture and colour. Moreover, the durability of these materials ensures resilience against the elements, providing a stable foundation for nurturing thriving greenery year-round.
In practice, the boards form a durable outer shell that can be lined internally, protecting the structure from constant moisture and soil contact. This is perfect for planters that stand the test of time and look great in your outdoor space.
They are particularly useful on roof terraces as well as balconies where their wipe clean finish means you can keep the space looking smart easily.
4) Captivating Water Features
Create a sense of calm and peacefulness within outdoor spaces by incorporating decking and cladding into the design of water features. Whether creating bespoke ponds, cascading waterfalls, or sparkling streams, these materials offer unparalleled versatility and durability. Millboard’s decking and siding, in particular, boast high-performance attributes that withstand moisture and weathering, ensuring the longevity of water-centric installations. Coupled with strategic lighting and landscaping, these features can evoke a sense of Zen-like calm that enhances the overall ambiance of the garden.
Unlike many timber alternatives, the boards do not become slimy or spongy with prolonged exposure to moisture. This makes them the perfect material if you’re looking for a wood like texture and feel without the cons that are associated with natural timber.
5) Interactive Play Spaces
Encourage creativity and exploration through interactive play spaces made from composite decking and cladding materials. From charming bridges traversing gentle streams to imaginative playhouses nestled amongst lush foliage, these materials offer a sturdy base for creating enchanting environments that ignite the imagination. Millboard’s decking and cladding, celebrated for their aesthetic appeal and durability, provide peace of mind to designers seeking to create engaging outdoor spaces that withstand the rigours of play and exploration, in addition to weathering.
The use of Millboard’s resin mineral composite decking and cladding in outdoor design presents exciting opportunities for designers and homeowners alike. By considering alternative applications, they can enhance their designs and create outdoor spaces that inspire, delight, and endure for years to come.
See original article in Pro Landscaper magazine.
