Why Millboard Decking Solves Decking Maintenance Problems

May 26, 2016

Wooden decking has its problems - algae, slipperiness, the chicken-wire remedy (so stylish) and the required cleaning and treatment. Millboard decking does away with all that. It also looks incredibly realistic.

In this design by Landscape Artisan, Embered Millboard creates a long-lasting, rot-proof descent that looks perfectly at home in this woodland setting.

How Millboard decking is made

Composite decking materials

The secret lies in its unique resin composition and anti-fungal, non-porous Lastane® finish, which was inspired by the non-slip soles of shoes. Unlike wood-composite boards, it contains no actual wood. Sales Director Guy Douglass explains, “Wood-composite boards – a mix of wood and plastic – originated in the States and were designed to overcome issues like painting (which they like to do there). With wood-plastic you still get algae, as algae grows on protein in the timber, and it can get slippery and colours fade.” Millboard decking was designed to counter these problems. What you see today is the result of years of research and refinement. It shrugs off the challenges posed by the instability of Britain's weather. “We have the highest anti-slip rating,” adds Guy.

The bullnose edging option adds a smooth, classic finish to this step in Coppered Oak Millboard.

Why Millboard looks like real wood

While Millboard solves the problems of real timber, the icing on the cake is attention to detail. Each Millboard range has been moulded from real boards, handpicked by director Jerry Douglass who looks for plenty of character in grain and knots. Guy explains, “Millboard composite decking boards are moulded, not extruded, so it has the most natural grain, and the moulded boards are finished by hand, to bring the fine-grain detail up, and then hand-coloured to create the nuances of natural wood.”

Millboard Limed Oak creates a light, modern feel to this comfortable patio by Coles & Jackson.

Why a Millboard deck looks so natural

It's subtle touches that makes something good into something great. Here, that subtle touch is the number of different boards. Each range is based on around four to five boards. Along with the hand-colouring, they ensure there's no sense of repeating pattern, which is a key part of creating an authentic real-wood feel, with all its beauty and character. Many of you have already told us that Millboard is your decking of choice and, when you see its good looks and the detail that goes into its production, it's easy to see why.

Millboard's Vintage Oak composite decking from the Weathered range add texture and real timber appearance to this striking design by Gardens of the Future.

The Weathered Millboard range

Weathered Millboard had a particularly colourful start. Available in Embered (pictured top), Vintage and Driftwood, these planks are slightly wider and were moulded from hundred-year-old boards that originated as the floor of a French railway carriage. Discovered in deepest rural France, the boards were borrowed for copying and returned. We'd like to have heard the conversation opener that persuaded the owner to create a hole in his floor while this was done!

Find out more

Millboard is on display in all our showrooms. If you haven't used it before, come and take a closer look, relax and chat over the possibilities with our knowledgeable showroom staff. Post updated: October 2024