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FAQs

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Millboard and our products

About Millboard

    Millboard is a high-performance composite decking and cladding product designed to replicate the natural beauty of wood while offering exceptional durability and low maintenance.

    Millboard is made in Great Britian and each board is hand painted by our skilled craftsmen.

    Yes, all Millboard products have exhaustive and stringent testing at our testing facilities and also at United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited independent labs and in real world conditions in Florida which is the internationally recognised benchmark location for outdoor expose testing because the conditions are not only realistic they are also accelerated.  One year of Florida sunshine can equate to several years of weathering elsewhere.

    Yes, we offer free samples of our decking and cladding products. Request a sample on our website, and we'll send one to your address.

    Millboard is predominantly manufactured using a polymer and mineral mix.  Almost all other composite decking uses a mixture of plastic and wood fibres. The way in which Millboard is made means it’s the closest thing to real wood available with none of the upkeep.  Millboard can be cut, mitred, glued and shaped which other products can’t.

    We have a dedicated team based in the UK who can help customers and installers with any questions that they have.

    Millboard Decking

      Millboard decking outperforms traditional wood in terms of longevity, resistance to staining, fading, and low maintenance. It does not rot, warp, or splinter, making it an ideal choice for outdoor spaces.

      Maintaining Millboard is easy. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent and water is typically sufficient. No sanding, staining, or sealing is required.. Exact amounts of cleaning will vary depending on the location of your deck but cleaning twice a year will keep is great condition for most decks.

      Millboard's unique material is designed to look great without the need for painting or staining.  We have ten different colour variations in our Enhanced Grain range, three in our Weathered Oak and two in our Lasta-Grip range which we hope will enable you to find the perfect hue for your deck. Any attempts to paint or stain may void the warranty.

      Millboard decking is backed by a 25-year residential warranty, ensuring it will last for many years with minimal deterioration.

      Millboard decking is designed for DIY installation, but we recommend using a professional installer to ensure a precise and long-lasting result.

      When you take your first look at your new Millboard decking boards, you will be amazed at the attention to detail, craftsmanship, 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 timber 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 timber, it may be necessary to trim the ends of the boards during installation, in order to achieve a flush, clean finish.

      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.

      As with all composite products, the surfaces of the boards tend to be hotter than timber 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 timber or composites based on timber. 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.

      Millboard has been designed to replicate the natural variances of timber 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 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.

      Yes. Our Limited Warranty gives you peace of mind and we assure you that we will stand by the provisions, as laid down in the Limited Warranty document. We will issue you with either a Residential 25 year Limited Warranty or a Commercial 5 year Limited Warranty depending on the installation application of the boards and when it is registered within 90 days of the installation. To register your warranty click here.

      The Lastane® finish is 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.

      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 - please see our installation guide.

      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.


      Dimensional variation is also possible with our Our Envello® cladding boards and therefore the same manufacturing tolerances are applicable (Width: ± 3mm. Length: ± 5mm. Thickness: ± 2mm).


      When using our Shadow Line product, in order to achieve straight and consistent 6mm gapping between boards, it may be necessary to use our Millboard Multi-Spacers during the installation process.


      For further details please refer to our Envello® Cladding Installation and User Guidance in the Help & Advice section of our website.

      Envello

        Yes both our Shadowline+ and our Board and Batton+ ranges are all fire rated.  If installing as cladding you should always check with local building control to ensure that it is signed off for installation.

        Millboard ShadowLine+ is a premium composite cladding product designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your exterior while providing exceptional durability and low maintenance.

        ShadowLine+ features a distinct shadow gap profile that provides a unique, modern appearance, creating a visually striking finish for your project.

        ShadowLine+ is designed for straightforward installation. It uses a concealed fixing system to achieve a clean and seamless appearance. However, professional installation is recommended for the best results.

        Millboard has been designed to replicate the natural variances of timber and we do not intend for the product to have identical shades. Buying all the Millboard cladding you need at the same time should help to ensure that the colour is as consistent.


        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.

        Our Shadow Line+ cladding boards have been tested to BS EN 13501-1 and have a classification of D-s3, d0. The Board & Batten range is also crafted with fire retardants in the board composition, but is NOT fire rated and does not carry a ‘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, England’s building regulation Approved Document B can be found on - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-approved-document-b

        Upkeep and warranty

          Yes, Unlike the vast majority of decking and cladding options Millboard contains no wood which makes it highly resistant to mold and mildew growth. It's an excellent choice for any deck or cladding, even more so in damp or humid climates.

          Millboard offers a 25-year warranty for residential use and a 15-year warranty for commercial use. These warranties are applicable in UK courts of law and are warranties on products manufactured in Great Britian.  Please refer to our Warranty page for full details (insert link).

          Subframes

            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.

            Timber is the most commonly used subframe material. However, timber only performs well under ideal circumstances and if the cut elements are regularly retreated. In applications where the timber 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 timber, 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 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.


              For our reaction to fire report view our online document - Millboard Fire Test Results EN-13501-1


              More information on requirements for fire are on https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-approved-document-b

              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, England’s building regulation Approved Document B can be found on - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-approved-document-b

              Our Shadow Line+ cladding boards have been tested to BS EN 13501-1 and have a classification of D-s3, d0. The Board & Batten range is also crafted with fire retardants in the board composition, but is NOT fire rated and does not carry a ‘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, England’s building regulation Approved Document B can be found on - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-approved-document-b

              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.

              Sample basket