Millboard or hardwood decking?

5 years ago

We are torn between Millboard and hardwood decking, possibly Balau or Ipe. We like the Millboard charred boards but have read reviews that it gets very hot in the sun and our patio is very sunny. We understand that hardwood gets less hot but can get slippery when wet. We don’t mind some maintenance. Any views on which would be better? Millboard is more expensive but just want to make the right choice. Thank you.

Featured Answer

Kevin Peters

last year

Although this is reviving an old thread, I agree with @Bradley Staines. I am in the process of re-installing my millboard (after the professional installer did such a crappy job) and have to say I wouldn't recommend it. It is hideously expensive, it has surprisingly poor quality standards, pools water, is very flexible (I would recommend 350mm centre joists) and the screw holes do not disappear when screwed in like they show in the video. Want to take up a board to make a small adjustment? Forget about it, you'll have to pry up the entire board and chuck away the (also hideously expensive) screws as they will probably be bent. Finally you, of course can't sand down the surface if you want a nice even, smooth finish like you can with hardwood so you'd better make sure your frame is mm perfect. On the plus side it is low maintenance once down.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

Jonathan
5 years ago
There are also porcelain options that look like wood. I believe that they are more expensive than hard wood but will never need maintenance.
PRO
QTD Ltd - The Timber Specialists
5 years ago
We have installed plenty of Millboard projects in all colours and as with everything the darker colours hold more heat than the lighter ones. The Black Millboard is definitely hotter than the rest. You are correct that hardwood does not hold the heat like dark coloured composites, however, smooth hardwoods or any other material will only become slippery if you do not clean the dirt off the surface. As its the dirt that causes the problem. A textured or grooved surface will attract and hold more dirt than a smooth surface. The difference between a composite board and a hardwood is that you will need to clean and agitate the surface of a composite board with a broom and soapy water before jet washing off. A hardwood will require a cleaner that can be sprayed onto the surface. Prior to jet washing off.

Hardwood apart from being eco-friendly provides different natural colours and grain textures and choosing a good quality hardwood will provide 20+ yrs of durability, stability and contrary to what some composite companies say it will not splinter, crack, rot or warp.

Composites may mimic the natural timbers grain pattern but the colour will remain the same throughout and can lose upto 5% of its colour. Natural hardwoods will colour fade over time and this can be revived by Oiling once a year after its been cleaned.

Its down to a personal choice on aesthetics and not on durability or which is less slippy.
Rie T thanked QTD Ltd - The Timber Specialists
Related Discussions
Smooth decking for UK?
Q
Comments (14)
It's not so much a case of the stain or paint, its more about where to get smooth faced decking that isn't going to cost the earth. If I can get a cheaper decking that I stain and varnish which will look as good as the above photos, i'll be happy. I know it wont have the same robustness or durability of Balau or Cedar, but if I keep the regular treatment then it should last
...See More
Hardwood Decking
Q
Comments (2)
Looks fab - well done! What kind of wood did you use and did you treat it?
...See More
Anyone used Millboard for exterior cladding of a house?
Q
Comments (2)
Not heard of Millboard previously so I looked it up and it seems to be intended for decking. Cedar is good for external cladding, or you could also consider Larch, but both will need some protection and maintenance of course, although I knew a builder who liked using Nordic Larch for cladding extensions and he said it needed very little to protect it from the elements, Andy
...See More
What is the best type of decking for a roof terrace
Q
Comments (3)
We’ve been doing a new part the garden ( had trees removed ) this summer and we have been looking at various types of decking ... Trex and Millboard have been the most expensive both around £7000 for 52m some suppliers haven’t come back to me ( given then a month to do so ) some places like B&Q had a lovely display of a taupe one I liked but none in stock or available to order ... the result is that we are probably going with either yellow Balu hardwood ( as have that elsewhere so it least it will match ) or softwood if I can get one that’s flat . The hardwood is about £3000 and the softwood seems to be coming in about half of that. Hope that helps a bit ??
...See More
Rie T
Original Author
5 years ago
QTD Ltd - thank you very much for your reply. Very useful. I think we will go ahead with Yellow Balau hardwood as we prefer the look of real wood and don't mind some maintenance. In terms of oiling, do the boards need to be oiled individually (all 4 sides) before laying or can they be oiled after? Thanks again.
PRO
QTD Ltd - The Timber Specialists
5 years ago
Hi, Make sure they are laid smooth side up if they are reversible. Also be aware that a 21 x145mm balau can be at risk of cupping where as the 25/28mm thick will be more stable. As long as you have plenty of air circulation under the deck you can just oil the top face. If their is a risk of dampness underneath oil both sides.

Regards

Chris Sidey

Director.
Bradley Staines
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I'm a bit late to this discussion, but found it while searching for Millboard reviews.

I would not recommend. I have had a Millboard deck put down and it pools with water due to cupping of the boards. Builder had checked substructure and adjusted boards (as advised by Millboard) but it is still evident.

Millboard even admit themselves that their own internal quality standards allow for up to 2mm of cupping (concave surface) across a single board.

Best avoided in my opinion.

Millboard or hardwood decking?

Kevin Peters

Comments (6)

Jonathan

QTD Ltd - The Timber Specialists

Related Discussions

Rie T
Original Author

QTD Ltd - The Timber Specialists

Bradley Staines

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Millboard or hardwood decking?

Kevin Peters

Comments (6)

Jonathan

QTD Ltd - The Timber Specialists

Related Discussions

Rie TOriginal Author

QTD Ltd - The Timber Specialists

Bradley Staines

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Rie T
Original Author