Brown herringbone composite decking in front of shrubs and trees, with a cream easy chair to the side. The NB Blog logo side over the image.Brown herringbone composite decking in front of shrubs and trees, with a cream easy chair to the side.

Composite Decking: A Beginner’s Complete Guide Blog

Written By Charlie Belcher

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Hello and welcome to this week’s Blog, where I’ll be introducing you to a fantastic alternative to paving: composite decking.

Composite decking has become one of the most popular ways to transform outdoor spaces. It offers the natural look of timber without needing regular maintenance, so you can enjoy a beautiful garden for years with very little upkeep.

Whether you’re replacing old decking boards or planning a brand new outdoor living area, this guide explains everything you need to know. You’ll also discover why so many homeowners choose Millboard decking for its exceptional quality and timeless appearance.

What is Composite Decking Made Of?

Composite decking is designed to combine the beauty of timber with outstanding durability. However, not every product is made the same.

Millboard is the world’s finest hand-moulded Resin Mineral Composite Decking & Cladding. Indeed, inspired by nature, it combines authentic timber character with exceptional strength. But unlike traditional wood-plastic composites, it contains no timber, so it won’t rot or provide a food source for insects.

Every composite decking board is hand-moulded from carefully selected pieces of real timber. Consequently, each board captures the rich texture and natural grain of wood while offering a premium finish.

Shop Millboard Decking & Cladding
Millboard Composite Decking in Limed Oak

Is Composite Decking Slippery?

One of the most common questions we hear is, “Is composite decking slippery?”

Quality composite decking should provide good grip throughout the year. Millboard’s textured surface offers excellent slip resistance, even during wet weather. Therefore, it’s an excellent choice for family gardens, patios and swimming pool surrounds.

Like any outdoor surface, leaves, mud and algae should be cleaned away regularly. Keeping your deck clean helps maintain its appearance and slip resistance.

Millboard Composite Decking in Coppered Oak

Choosing Between Enhanced Grain and Weathered Oak Decking

Millboard offers several finishes, but Enhanced Grain and Weathered Oak (pictured) are two of the most popular decking choices. Both deliver durability and a highly realistic timber look, but each creates a different style:

  • Enhanced Grain has a clean, refined oak appearance with subtle grain detail. It suits modern homes, contemporary gardens and new-build outdoor spaces. It also pairs well with porcelain paving and minimalist landscaping.
  • Weathered Oak (pictured) has a more natural, aged timber look. Its deeper texture works well in traditional gardens, cottage-style settings and period properties. It blends beautifully with natural stone and established planting.

Both options deliver the same Millboard performance, so the choice mainly comes down to the look you want to achieve.

Millboard Composite Decking Embered

How Much is Composite Decking?

If you’re planning a new deck, you’ll naturally want to know how much composite decking is. The overall cost depends on the size of your project, your chosen board style and the accessories required. Installation costs will also vary depending on your design.

Although premium composite decking costs more than timber initially, it often proves better value over time. That’s because you won’t need to buy stains, oils or replacement boards every few years.

At Nigel Belcher Stone Paving, we offer market leading prices on the full Millboard decking range. Browse the collection, order FREE samples and explore our competitive prices to find the perfect solution for your project here:

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Millboard Composite Decking in Ashwood

Composite Decking Prices

When comparing composite decking prices, it’s important to look beyond the purchase price. Higher quality products usually last longer and require far less maintenance, so they often provide better long-term value.

Millboard is designed as a premium decking solution. Its realistic finish, outstanding durability and low maintenance requirements make it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.

If you’re unsure which products suit your project, our experienced team will be happy to help.

Get in Touch
Millboard Composite Decking in Golden Oak

Best Composite Decking UK

There are many composite decking products available today. However, quality can vary considerably.

Millboard is widely recognised as one of the best composite decking products that UK homeowners can buy. Its realistic appearance, hidden fixings and exceptional durability sets it apart from standard composite boards.

Instead of simply copying the look of timber, Millboard recreates its texture and character using moulds taken from real oak, giving remarkable accuracy. The result is a deck that feels every bit as premium as it looks.

Shop Millboard Decking
Millboard composite decking in Embered

Composite Decking Near Me

Looking online for composite decking near me? Why not visit NB Display Centre in Berkshire?

You’ll be able to browse our large display of Millboard decking and cladding, compare colours and experience the authentic wood-grain finish for yourself. Our knowledgeable team can also answer your questions and help you choose the right products for your project.

Sometimes, seeing the decking boards in person makes the decision much easier. You can also take home samples of your favourites to try at home!

Visit NB Display Centre
Millboard Composite Decking in Ebony Grey

How to Build a Deck

A successful project starts with good planning; begin by thinking about how you’ll use the space. Consider where the sun falls, how people will move through the garden and how your deck will connect with the rest of your landscaping.

A solid, level subframe is essential. It supports the decking boards and helps ensure the finished deck performs well for many years.

If you’re researching how to build decking, choosing quality materials is just as important as good construction. Premium products like Millboard will continue looking beautiful long after traditional timber decking needs repairing or replacing.

When it comes to how to lay composite decking, always follow the manufacturer’s installation guidance. Use the recommended fixings and allow the correct spacing between boards. Millboard’s clever Durafix fixings sit virtually hidden beneath the surface. As a result, they create a clean, uninterrupted finish without visible screws across the deck.

Many confident DIY enthusiasts install their own decking. However, for larger or more complex projects, a professional installer will ensure you achieve the very best result. Get in touch for recommendations of local installers.

Get in Touch
Millboard Decking Fixings

How to Clean Composite Decking

One of the biggest advantages of Millboard decking is how easy it is to maintain.

To keep it looking its best:

  1. Wet the decking with clean water around 10 to 15 minutes before cleaning. Always test cleaning products on a small area first.
  2. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any cleaning solution you use.
  3. Scrub the surface with a stiff natural-bristle brush. This removes dirt trapped within the wood-grain texture.
  4. If needed, use a pressure washer carefully. Keep the pressure below 2,000 PSI and hold the nozzle around 300mm from the surface. Avoid concentrating the spray on one area for too long.

With occasional cleaning, your decking will continue looking its best year after year.

Millboard Composite Decking in Ashwood

FAQs

Here are a list of questions that people often ask, so you can get quick and simple answers to the topics you’re interested in…

  • No. Millboard decking is very low maintenance in comparison to real wood decking. It never needs staining or oiling.

    Shop Millboard Decking
  • No, because Millboard contains no timber, it won’t rot or suffer insect damage.

    Shop Millboard Decking
  • Yes, Millboard composite decking has high slip resistance, making it an excellent choice for pool edging and surrounds.

    Shop Millboard Decking
  • Premium composite decking is designed to provide decades of reliable performance with correct installation and simple maintenance. Register your Millboard products on the manufacturer’s website to benefit from their 25 year residential warranty.

    Shop Millboard Decking
  • Yes, use a pressure washer carefully and follow the recommended pressure and distance guidelines. Get in touch for more information about maintaining your Millboard decking.

    Get in Touch
  • Visit NB Display Centre in Berkshire, where you can compare colours, textures and board styles while receiving expert advice from our knowledgeable team.

    Visit NB Display Centre

Order Up to 4 FREE Samples Online

The best way to appreciate Millboard composite decking is to see it for yourself. Order up to 4 FREE samples online and compare your favourite finishes at home. Alternatively, visit NB Display Centre in Berkshire to explore the full collection first-hand and speak with our experienced team. Plus, take home samples of your favourites to try out in your garden!

 

Thanks for reading – I hope you found this ‘Beginners Guide to Composite Decking’ a useful introduction. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. And of course, we look forward to welcoming you to see the collection at NB Display Centre very soon.

 

Take care and see you soon.

Charlie

Nigel Belcher Stone Paving
Crafted for Living. Designed for Life.

 

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