Doorway Control Solutions
English decking technology, Millboard decking is a
superior option to wood composite decking.
Capturing the charm of real wood but eliminating many of its
shortcomings for outdoor environments, Millboards are moulded from
prime oak samples, replicating the beautiful qualities of the originals
rather than just extruded from a machine, as standard composites are.
Each board is hand-finished to reproduce the detail of natural wood
with minimal repetition and can be sawn and fitted like wood.
It captures the charm of real wood but eliminates its shortcomings for outdoor environments. Millboard decking is a unique decking material, which is manufactured from polyurethane with up to 50%, recycle fillers. The boards are then coloured by hand to perfectly reproduce the same detail as natural wood with minimal repetition and it retains an exceptionally stable surface with a stunning appearance throughout its entire lifetime.
Fastening Millboard® to substructure
Warranties apply if the recommended screws and fixing methods are used as per guidelines. Boards may have up to +/-2% dimensional variance. Following extensive trials we recommend and supply the best self drilling screws which should be used, a minimum of 20-25mm in from the edge or end of the board. (Fig. 1). Two screws must be used where a board crosses a joist. On 196mm boards 3 fixings on the ends are recommended. Ends of boards to be supported by minimum of 18-20mm. A 4mm spacing between boards and 2mm at the ends is recommended. Top fixing, all boards are normally screwed through the Lastane resilient surface that closes over the screw head. No pre-drilling or countersinking is required. Screws used to fix the end of Millboards to the joists should be driven at a slight angle to avoid being too near the edge. All screws should be stainless steel on any decking within 3-4 miles of the sea.
Cutting Millboards
Although Millboards are used to best visual effect when the detail of the ends are featured, should you need to cut them a sharp wood saw can be used and matching colour coating can be supplied. Always use a dust mask when sawing boards, to avoid inhaling dust and wear gloves. As the formed end of the board is lost when cut, we recommend these are used in less visual areas against a wall or fascia. On steps and prominent edges they should be faced with a step edge that is set a little higher to take the wear at that point (see page 33). If you need to cut the board down along the length, then reduce the joist centres accordingly. Exposed cut boards can be touched up with the coloured ‘Touch-up coating’, available in 500ml tins.
Joist spacing
Joist spacing of 400mm is recommended for normal residential use. On heavy commercial or bridges, balconies, moorings, doorways and steps use 300mm spacing.
A minimum of 3 joists are required for any cut boards. All Millboards are reinforced for additional strength. For laying 45° to joist max 300mm centres, 240mm on commercial (See Fig. 3 & 4).
Full instructions on download PDF.
Cleaning
Millboards are manufactured with non porous material, therefore resists both algae growth and stains. We do not recommend the use of any kind of solvent, chemicals, abrasive cleaners, wax, oil or other household cleaners on Millboards as these may harm the boards finish. There is no need to pressure wash Millboards as dirt does not become ingrained. As
the surface texture is non-porous, to remove dirt and grime wash with soapy water and brush with a broom before rinsing off, like internal flooring.
Choosing Colours
The darker colours of Millboard, can feel warmer than lighter colours on exposed, unshaded locations similiar to decking in sunnier climates. The lighter colours should be specified in unshaded areas exposed to prolonged hot sun.
As with all flooring it is best to buy all you need at one time as batches made may vary slightly, these variations are considered acceptable, similar to natural timber.
Do not install boards if colours are unacceptable or if for any reason you believe them to be defective. Colours may tone slightly in time, this is normal for decking.
Fascia Boards & Step Edges
We recommend that the purpose made ‘step edges’ are fitted at steps, and bull nosed or flat fascia boards at edges of decking to protect the ends and sides of the decking from excessive wear and to enhance the finished deck area where they can act as a positive edge to changes in levels.
Edge boards are available as a Bullnose version (Fig. 5) or as a ribbed design (Fig. 6). Both are available as rigid and flexible. The flexible type boards can be curved to follow a maximum convex diameter of 3m.
However the boards must be warmed to at least room temperature before attempting gentle bending and fixing whilst working the curve with recommended screws at approx. 300mm maximum intervals. To ensure a firm fixing, always pre drill holes.
Ensure have a minimum of 25mm supported bearing on step edge and board.
Download Installation Instructions