Is Millboard Worth the Investment? An Honest Look at Cost and Long-Term Value

What Exactly Is Millboard Made From?

To understand why Millboard costs more than many conventional decking products, it helps to understand what makes it different. Millboard is neither solid timber nor traditional wood-plastic composite (WPC).

Millboard is completely wood-free and manufactured using natural minerals, fibre reinforcement and a polymer resin system containing partly renewable biopolymers. This core is covered with a resilient Lastane® surface, designed for durability and excellent slip resistance.

Each board is also moulded from carefully selected pieces of real oak and hand-finished with a specific colour treatment. This creates an exceptionally realistic timber appearance, without many of the disadvantages associated with natural wood.

Which Costs More: Timber, Composite or Millboard?

If you compare materials purely by their initial purchase price, the hierarchy is relatively straightforward.
Pressure-treated softwood is generally the least expensive option, followed by standard WPC composite and premium hardwood. Millboard sits at the upper end of the market and requires a higher initial investment.
At first glance, timber or conventional composite decking may therefore appear more attractive from a budget perspective. But a deck or façade isn’t designed for just one or two seasons. Ideally, you’re making a decision for the next 25 to 30 years. Over that period, the comparison starts to look very different.

Everyday Comfort and Quality

Of course, the decision isn’t purely about financial return. Much of Millboard’s value becomes apparent in everyday use.

Its resilient surface provides high levels of slip resistance, including in wet conditions. Because the surface is non-porous, everyday dirt and spills are easier to clean and are less likely to penetrate the material.
And because Millboard contains no timber, it won’t splinter like natural wood can—making it comfortable to walk on barefoot during warm summer days.
These practical benefits are difficult to express in a simple price-per-square-metre comparison, but they can make a significant difference over the years.