A beautiful deck in your backyard is an oasis that allows you to relax, enjoy the fresh air and get in touch with nature. There are many materials to choose from for your decking and it is important to do some research before making a decision. This article is about millboard decking which has been on the market not for a long time but has quickly become popular due to its amazing qualities.
Millboard is a wood-free alternative that is made from polyurethane. It combines the rigidity and longevity of plastic with the suppleness of rubber and is very durable against damage. It can be used in places where other materials would not be able to survive, like near a swimming pool or in the rain.
The Lastane surface layer of millboard is non-porous so spillages won’t stain and can be easily wiped clean with standard household cleaners. It is also very slip resistant, even when wet, which makes it a great choice for areas where safety is a concern. Millboard decking can be stained or given a weathered look for an authentic wood appearance. It is available in a variety of colors and comes with edging and fascia boards that match, so the visual appearance is consistent throughout the area.
Another advantage of millboard is that it does not attract the natural phenomenon of algae, which causes a green coating on and around wooden surfaces. This can not only diminish their appearance but is a real hazard for people walking on them. In addition, it is safe to walk on when wet and does not produce splinters like natural wood.
The boards are moulded rather than extruded to ensure the fine details of the grain stand out, making them nearly indistinguishable from natural timber. Then they are hand-finished to make the nuances of the colour stand out. In combination with the detailed grain pattern and realistic colours, millboard is virtually indistinguishable from natural timber.
As there is no wood in the board, it does not support termite colonies like timber does, which can cause serious problems to your home. Also, it does not promote the growth of damp or rot that can affect timber, which again is a major problem for homes.
Millboard is easy to install and can be fixed with the manufacturer’s recommended screws, which are coated with a silicone spray before installation. No pre-drilling is required, and the screws are buried beneath the surface so only a small witness mark is left behind.
It can be installed over concrete, paving slabs, timber or steel frames. When installing it over a steel frame, we recommend using the Evolution framing system which is configured for joists at either 12- or 16-inch centers, which are very close to the spacing that the boards need. This allows the panels to be fastened tightly against the joists, providing maximum stability and maintaining the warranty. The frames can be mounted on the steel joists or anchored to the ground with the company’s Plas-Pro recycled-plastic sub-framing material.