Real Timber Decking vs Millboard
June 26, 2018
More Cost-effective long-term
The initial cost of Millboard decking is more expensive than real timber decking. However, if you consider that Millboard requires no staining, sanding or maintenance (aside from cleaning) over its lifetime, and can typically last up to 35-40 years (subject to environment), whereas timber typically lasts 10-15 years - it is clear that Millboard works out cheaper in the long run. For more information on the cost of Millboard click here.
Quicker to install
The sub-frame material costs for Millboard are comparable to traditional wood decking. However Millboard requires no pre-drilling and all the boards are manufactured perfectly straight (no warping), which cuts down the installation time by about 30%. As a result, a Millboard deck will usually work out cheaper to install than a real timber deck.
Longer Lifespan
Millboard decking boards can typically last up to 35-40 years (subject to environment), whereas timber typically lasts 10-15 years. The life cycle cost of Millboard is considerably less than that of wood decking.
Virtually Maintenance-free
Real timber decking is recommended to be re-stained up to twice a year, with with the cost of re-staining a timber deck sitting at $20-30/m2. In contrast to this, Millboard decking needs no paints, varnishes, sealers and stains to maintain its good looks.
Realistic Wood look
Millboard decking is hand-moulded from real wood, resulting in an authentic wood-look finish you'd hardly know it wasn't wood without close inspection.
Consistent product / no Defects
With timber decking you always have to allow a certain percentage for wastage as boards can be warped, contain defects such as cracks and knots and may be inconsistent in density. In contrast to this Millboard is an extremely reliable product, with consistently straight boards which are free of defects. It is the perfect alternative decking product.
Dimensional Stability
Most real timber decking is not very stable and has a tendency to expand and contract. Millboard decking is made from a unique resin mineral board that has a very low expansion and contraction rate at less than 0.01% - similar to concrete. Millboard is non warping, twisting or buckling, and will not splinter.
Resistant to fading and colour change
Real timber decking can fade and change colour over time. Millboard is produced from UV stable materials and is highly resistant to fading.
Highly slip-resistant
Millboard's rubberized Lastane® coating gives it fantastic anti-slip performance, far better even than natural timber.
Inherent microbiological properties
Millboard decking contains nothing to assist in the growth of algae. Materials like wood or plastic which are protein based and are like food to algae. It is non porous so that dirt, drinks, food fats etc. won't be absorbed into the board.
Won't rot or break down from insects
Unlike real timber decking, Millboard decking is made from a wood-free material that doesn't rot and won't be broken down by insect activity.
Hidden Fixings
Most real timber decking has unsightly fixings which require pre-drilling. With Millboard, the special Durafix® screws are simply screwed straight into the face and Millboard's unique Lastane® surface seals itself back over the heads, leaving virtually no evidence - no pre-drilling required!
Environmentally Friendly
Millboard has been tested and its base material properties are excellent - its Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) rating is zero, and Global Warming Potential (GWP) rating is also zero. The Millboard Company Ltd itself is an ISO 14001 certified company, complying with international environmental management practices.
