Millboard vs. Standard Composite Decking: What Should You Choose?
If you've started researching composite decking, you've probably noticed that the price gap between Millboard and standard composite brands. The natural question is: is Millboard actually worth the extra cost, or is a cheaper composite good enough?
One of the most popular composite decking brands is Millboard due to its authenticity, durability, and strength. But is Millboard the right choice for you, or should you opt for a cheaper, standard composite decking for your outdoor space? In this article we’ll take you through the benefits of Millboard and why it’s a cut above the rest.
Image by Millboard - Featuring Millboard Enhanced Grain in Limed Oak.
What is Millboard composite decking?
Millboard is a premium British decking brand that sits at the top of the composite market. Unlike most composite decking, Millboard boards are 100% wood-free — made from a polyurethane-based composite reinforced with fibreglass, and hand-moulded from real timber rather than extruded by machine. That means no rotting, no warping, no algae taking hold, ever.
The result is a board that looks almost indistinguishable from real hardwood, but performs better than timber, standard composite, or virtually anything else on the market in a UK outdoor environment.
Key Millboard specs at a glance:
100% wood-free (no wood fibres)
Hand-moulded from original timber planks
Protected by a Lastane® surface layer
Slip-resistant in wet conditions
25-year structural warranty
Available in 2 profile widths and 5 colour families
Considering Millboard for your garden?Order free samples to see the colours in your space →
Here are some of the other key benefits of Millboard composite decking:
Authentic wood look and feel: Millboard decking is moulded from real wood, so it has the same beautiful look and feel as natural hardwood.
Exceptional durability: Millboard decking is resistant to rotting, warping, splitting, and even algae growth.
Low maintenance: Millboard decking doesn't need to be sealed or painted, and it's easy to clean.
Stain-resistant: Millboard decking is resistant to stains from food, drinks, and other substances.
Environmentally friendly: Millboard decking is made from recycled materials.
What is standard composite decking?
Standard composite decking is typically made from a blend of wood fibres and recycled plastics, extruded through a mould to create the board shape.
These products have improved significantly in the last decade. The better standard composites offer decent slip resistance, don't need painting or staining, and come with warranties of 10–25 years.
The trade-off: wood fibres still make the boards more porous and susceptible to moisture absorption over time. This can lead to algae build-up, slight swelling in freeze-thaw cycles, and a finish that looks noticeably more "plastic" than Millboard's hand-moulded boards.
Other Composite Decking Brands
Other composite decking brands are typically made from a blend of recycled materials and high-performance polymers and importantly often incorporate real wood.
While many composite decking brands have come a long way over the years, the use of wood within their products, despite making them more durable than traditional timber decking, still means they are less durable and long-lasting than Millboard. Further, there is still a reliance on some wood materials in the production of standard composite decking, making them less sustainable than Millboard.
And while we cannot deny that the aesthetic of composite decking brands has also improved over the years, nothing quite compares to Millboard and this is due to the way Millboard is made. Most composite decking is machine-produced using a method called extrusion. This is where the materials are combined and then pushed through a machine that creates the shape of the end product. In contrast, Millboard is hand-moulded from real timber.
There are many composite decking brands on the market and you may find one that suits your needs that is not Millboard. However, if you're looking for the most authentic wood look and feel, as well as a truly luxurious finish that lasts longer than any other, then Millboard is the better choice.
Millboard vs. Other Composite Decking Brands
| Brand | Millboard | Standard Composite Decking |
|---|---|---|
| Material | 100% wood free | Combination of plastic and wood fibres |
| Durability | Featuring a unique Lastane layer, polymer resin and being solid rather than hollow = increased durability | Durable but may warp/rot or deteriorate due to the containment of wood fibres |
| Slip Resistance | Due to the lack of real wood fibres, it is non-porous and therefore resistant to algae growth. This improves the slip resistance. | Good slip resistance due to texture, but is more porous and therefore may see algae growth. This can make it more slippery. |
| Authenticity | Hand-moulded from original timber for a more authentic look and feel | Formed by extrusion and machine-made |
| Cost | Potentially pricer than standard composite decking brands | Varies per brand, but generally is cheaper than Millboard |
So, which composite decking is best?
Ultimately, the best composite decking for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a decking material with the most authentic wood look and feel, then Millboard is the best option.
Millboard is also, in our opinion, the most durable, low-maintenance, and stain-resistant composite decking on the market. It also has the most authentic wood look and feel, making it feel incredibly upmarket.
However, Millboard is also a pricier option when it comes to decking and composite decking. If you're on a budget or you're not as concerned about the authentic look, then you may be able to look at other brands.
Ultimately, the decision of which composite decking is right for you is up to you. Weigh the pros and cons of each brand and choose the one that best meets your needs, desires, and budget.
Visit our Millboard Experience Centre here at Walker Landscape and Design - book your appointment here.
Which Millboard product is right for you?
If you've decided Millboard is the way to go, the next question is which range. We stock the full Millboard lineup at our Chester showroom, but here's a quick overview:
Millboard Enhanced Grain 126mm — From £70.38/board The most popular choice. Narrower boards that work beautifully in traditional and contemporary gardens alike. Available in a wide range of natural wood colourways.
Millboard Enhanced Grain 176mm — From £81.28/board Wider boards for a more contemporary look. Ideal for larger decking areas and modern garden designs.
Millboard Modello Contour 196mm — From £110.02/board The premium option. The Modello has a distinctive shadowed groove profile that creates depth and drama — perfect for high-spec gardens and commercial projects.
Not sure which is right for you? Order free samples — we'll send out a selection so you can see the colours in your actual garden before you commit.
Why source your Millboard through Walker Landscape & Design?
We're one of the UK's leading Millboard suppliers and installers, based in Chester and covering Cheshire, North Wales, and the wider North West. What makes us different:
Full Millboard Experience Centre — walk on real installations before you buy
Supply only or supply + install — we work both ways
Expert advice — our team has installed Millboard in everything from domestic back gardens to luxury commercial projects
Free samples — see the colours in your garden before you commit
Competitive pricing — we can quote for full projects including groundworks, framing and installation
Ready to take the next step?
Millboard at Walker Landscape & Design
If you're interested in sourcing Millboard composite decking for your next project or you’d like to use Millboard in your own outdoor space, we encourage you to contact Walker Landscape and Design. We are a leading supplier, installer and display centre of Millboard decking in the UK, and we offer a wide range of products and services to meet your needs. All of these are available to view at our Millboard Experience Centre here in Chester.
We can help you choose the right Millboard decking product for your project. We offer a free consultation, so don't hesitate to contact us today to learn more.
