Carefree enjoyment

This is how to keep your composite deck and siding looking like new

Imagine enjoying a beautiful outdoor space without spending every weekend sanding, staining or painting timber.
With AlterWood’s premium composite decking and cladding, that’s exactly what you can expect. Millboard combines the warmth and character of natural timber with the durability of advanced material technology, eliminating many of the common issues associated with traditional wood, such as splintering, warping and rot.
While Millboard requires remarkably little maintenance, a few simple care routines will help preserve its appearance for many years to come.

Anti slip
Light weight
100% wood-free
Splinter-free
Algae repellent
UV- & Weatherproof
Stain resistant
Does not warp, does not rot
Maintenance-free
Dimensional stability
'Lost head’-effect
Environmentally friendly

Home » Blogs - Composite Decking Maintenance | Tips for Decking & Cladding

10-05-2026

Patrick Smidt

Why Composite Still Deserves a Little Attention

Millboard’s advanced, UV-resistant surface is designed to maintain its colour and appearance for decades without sanding, staining or painting. The material is highly resistant to changing weather conditions and everyday staining, making it an ideal choice for modern outdoor living.

Even so, outdoor environments naturally accumulate dust, sand, pollen, leaves and other debris throughout the year. Fortunately, these remain on the surface rather than penetrating the material, making them quick and easy to remove. Even heavily used areas such as garden paths or outdoor dining spaces can be kept looking fresh with minimal effort.

Simple Maintenance Tips

Although Millboard decking and cladding share the same advanced material technology, they are exposed to different conditions. Decking experiences daily foot traffic, outdoor furniture and general use, while cladding is continuously exposed to the elements.

Place plant pots on pot feet or plant trolleys to prevent moisture and dirt from becoming trapped underneath.
Fit felt pads to outdoor furniture to minimise the risk of scratches when chairs or tables are moved.
Lift heavy objects such as barbecues or parasol bases instead of dragging them across the surface.
Tip: Inspect the facade annually in the spring. Green deposits only adhere to surface dirt, not to the composite material itself. You can easily wash them off with a soft brush and a mild soap solution.

Spring Cleaning in Four Simple Steps

1. Sweep

Remove loose debris such as leaves, sand and twigs using a soft broom. Make sure the gaps between the boards remain clear to allow rainwater to drain freely.

2. Wash

Prepare a bucket of warm water with a mild soap solution. Apply generously across the decking and allow it to soak for approximately ten minutes.

3. Brush

Gently clean the boards with a soft brush or microfibre cloth, always working in the direction of the grain.

4. Rinse

Thoroughly rinse the surface with clean water from a garden hose until all soap residue has been removed.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

To protect the appearance and performance of your decking, avoid the following:

Pressure Washers: Although tempting, high-pressure cleaning can permanently damage the resilient Lastane® surface. A standard garden hose is the recommended cleaning method.
Harsh Cleaning Products: Avoid chlorine, bleach, abrasive cleaners or aggressive chemical products. These
may damage the surface or affect the appearance of the boards.
Abrasive Brushes: Never use steel brushes, abrasive pads or stiff brooms. A soft brush or microfibre
cloth is all that’s required for effective cleaning.

Minimal Maintenance. Maximum Enjoyment.

Outdoor living should be about relaxation—not constant maintenance. Millboard is engineered to retain its beauty with minimal effort, allowing you to spend less time maintaining your outdoor space and more time enjoying it.

If you have questions about cleaning or maintaining your Millboard decking or cladding, our specialists are always happy to help with tailored advice.