Frequently asked questions

AlterWood has been Millboard’s distributor in the Netherlands since 2016, for both corporate and private customers. Alterwood offers the complete range of Millboard: from a wide choice of boards in various collections to specific finishing materials for an optimal final result. You can read more about AlterWood here.

Millboard is a premium brand for outdoor flooring and façade cladding. Millboard boards have the look and feel of wood but are maintenance- and splinter-free and stain, UV and weather resistant. The boards are virtually indistinguishable from genuine timber and, combined with their unique properties, they are the perfect alternative to wood in various outdoor applications such as flooring and façades. You can read more about the benefits of Millboard here.

Yes, the unique composition of Millboard prevents warping and rotting, while the shades of colour and the wood grain make the boards barely distinguishable from real wood. Millboard is 100% wood-free and sustainably produced. The unique Lastane™ coating has the best non-slip properties, is algae-resistant and guarantees quick installation. This makes the boards the perfect alternative to wood, composite or bamboo in various outdoor applications. You can read more about the benefits of Millboard here.

Millboard boards are precise, hand-formed replicas of carefully selected timber boards with coarse and finer texture. The boards are coated with a wash, which penetrates deeply into the wood grain structure. And this is done by hand, so each board is unique. The boards, with their colour variations and wood grain, exhibit a remarkably natural appearance that is indistinguishable from real timber.

Yes, the unique, specially developed Lastane™ coating is scratch-resistant under normal conditions. Sharp objects such as unprotected table or chair legs or flower pots can cause scratches. Be careful when moving these objects. Despite the self-healing top layer, we recommend using furniture felt pads to protect the floor.

The Millboard material is inherently grippy and, as such, very slip resistant. Moreover, Millboard is wood-free and non-porous and algae cannot adhere to its resilient, non-porous Lastane™ top layer. Studies show that, on both dry and wet floors, an anti-slip rating of R12 is achieved. Especially in applications around swimming pools, jacuzzis and water features, as well as in wet weather, this is a huge advantage.

During production, an oil is used to give the planks their unique finish. After Millboard leaves the factory, a thin layer of oil remains on the boards. For several weeks after installation, the boards will repel rainwater as small droplets. This is perfectly normal and will no longer happen after a while.

Millboard is UV resistant, which means that under normal conditions no discolouration can be observed with the naked eye. Its colours last much longer than those of real wood or bamboo, and even those of most composites. We recommend ordering enough for the entire project at one time, as there may be slight colour differences between production batches.

Millboard is completely resistant to freeze–thaw cycles, snow and ice. Snow and ice may adhere to the coating, but this will not damage or affect the boards themselves. The use of de-icing salt is not recommended, as it may affect the board’s coating. Cleaning with a broom and a little water in spring is often enough to remove any residue that accumulates during the winter.

Yes, Millboard is a versatile product that can definitely be used for many purposes. Just like real timber boards, it can be used for façade cladding, fences, stairs, planters, chairs, lounge seating, benches, etc. In public spaces, Millboard is used for promenades, quays and bridges. The possibilities are endless!

The prices of composite boards are often higher than the prices of standard decking materials. However, Millboard is an exceptionally high-quality product. The price may be higher than softwood, plastic or bamboo, but they simply cannot compete on quality. In addition, time and money are saved because Millboard requires virtually no maintenance, as Millboard is made of a mixture of polymer resin and polyurethane. Sweeping off occasionally with a broom to remove leaves is all you ever need to do. Because Millboard boards are durable and long-lasting, they need to be replaced significantly less often. It is an investment that will pay for itself in no time.

There may be a slight deviation in the board dimensions because they are cast in moulds made of natural oak and due to the pressure applied during the moulding process. Nevertheless, the boards are calibrated to maintain as consistent a profile as possible. Production tolerances are: Width: ±3 mm. Length: ±5 mm. Thickness: ±2 mm. More information and installation instructions can be found on our Help & Advice page.

You can request a sample via our website. To get an even better impression of a larger area of the Millboard board you are interested in, we recommend attending one of our events or visit a showroom before buying the product. Find a showcase location where you can experience the natural look and quality of Millboard façade cladding for yourself here.

All the boards are produced in moulds. To prevent surface damage when the boards are removed from the moulds, a release agent is used. Some of this release agent remains on the boards. As the boards weather naturally, this will dissipate. Depending on weather conditions, this could take 4-6 weeks. The process can be sped up by cleaning the boards with warm soapy water and a hard brush (sometimes it is necessary to repeat this several times to get the desired result).

Millboard planks are extremely versatile and applicable in almost any outdoor space such as (roof) terraces, cladding, balconies, roof gardens, boardwalks, bridges, pontoons, benches, stairs, planters and more. Millboard can also be used as a decorative element, as long as it is attached to a structural element.

Because Millboard’s core consists of a combination of plastic and polyurethane, reinforced with fiberglass, it is very stable compared to wood or wood-based composites. The unique closed “cellular” internal structure makes the board light and strong. Therefore, the solid planks will not expand, shrink or warp. We do recommend a 4 mm gap between the sides of the boards and a 1 mm gap between the ends of the boards. A 10 mm gap should be left between the boards and any solid surface to promote drainage.

As with all composite products, the surfaces of the boards tend to become warmer than wood when exposed to direct sunlight. Dark colors in particular will feel warmer. Something to consider when walking barefoot. In direct sunlight and high temperatures we therefore recommend wearing footwear. Special caution should be taken when using terraces in areas with heat/UV reflective glass or around swimming pools.

When burning wood or coal in the fire bowl, we recommend placing a porcelain or cement tile under the fire bowl. The plate surface should extend about 1 meter beyond the fire bowl. Any sparks or burning material should be removed immediately to prevent damage or permanent stains on the Millboard surface. Deck heaters or infrared radiators are not known to affect the boards.

All boards are manufactured in molds. To prevent boards from being damaged when they come out of these molds, a release agent is used. Some of this release agent remains on the planks. This can cause the planks to look like they have a shiny or waxed surface. Over time, this will fade under the influence of the weather. Depending on weather conditions, this may take 4-6 weeks. The process can be accelerated by cleaning the planks with warm soapy water and a hard brush (sometimes it is necessary to repeat this several times to get the desired result).

Millboard is designed to mimic the natural variations of wood and it is not our intention that the product have identical shades. Purchasing all Millboard siding required at one time prevents color difference.

Millboard planks are certified to EN 13501-1 and have a classification of Bfl-s1 when used as a flooring product. When Millboard boards are used as cladding, the Board & Batten and Shadow Line cladding boards are tested to BS EN 13501-1 and have a rating of D-s3, d0.Responsibility for the suitability of the cladding in the required location should be determined by a certified building professional, firefighter, etc.). Millboard is not recommended for use as cladding or balcony decking on buildings 11 m or taller. Millboard and AlterWood cannot be held responsible for incorrect specification, application or product installation on sites that do not comply with government guidelines (Bouwbesluit), in the Netherlands or abroad.

Provide a stable and firm foundation to prevent subsidence. An existing flattened patio is the ideal base on which to place beams. However, a sand bed of at least 10 centimeters is also possible. A solid base can easily be created by placing a few concrete tiles on which the beams can then be placed. Root canvas is optional in this setup. With unstable ground such as peat, beams must be driven into the ground to reinforce the structure. Special beams with pointed ends are available upon request.

To maximize and guarantee the longevity of decking, we supply specific material for both the sub-structure joists and fasteners. We recommend the special Plas-Pro underbars for our Millboard boards and for the connection between board and underbars we recommend Durafix® screws. There is no need to pre-drill or countersink Millboard, because once the special screws are installed, the innovative Lastane coating on the plank closes over the screw heads, making them invisible. To attach Plas-Pro posts and beams to each other, we recommend using the special coated Hexhead screws. More information on this can be found on our page on Underlays and Accessories. And you can see our installation instruction video here.

We recommend using the special Plas-Pro underlayers with our Millboard planks to maximize and guarantee the longevity of terraces. You can find more information on our page about Underlays.

We recommend using the special Durafix® stainless steel screws with our Millboard planks to maximize and ensure longevity of decking. There is no need to pre-drill or countersink Millboard, because once the special screws are applied, the innovative Lastane coating on the board seals over the screw heads, making them invisible. To fasten Plas-Pro posts and beams to each other, we recommend using the special coated Hexhead screws. More information can be found on our page about Underlays and Accessories.

For normal residential use, beams should be placed with a maximum spacing of 400 millimeters between them. For commercial or public use, a spacing of 300 millimeters is recommended. Keep in mind that for two connecting boards, the ends of these two boards should be supported by the same beam. When beams are placed at a 45-degree angle, the spacing should not exceed 300 millimeters for residential use and 240 millimeters for commercial or public use. For more information on installation, see the installation instructions

By the way, for the boards, we recommend a gap of 3 to 6mm between the sides of the boards and a gap of 2mm between the ends of the boards. A 10mm gap should be left between the boards and any solid surface to promote drainage.

When using our Shadow Line product, it may be necessary to use our Millboard Multi-Spacers during the installation process to achieve a straight and consistent 6mm gap between the boards.

For a perfect finish of edges, steps, stairs or other elevations, we offer various products, of course completely matching Millboard’s various outdoor flooring collections. These include finishing boards, step edges and edge boards. For more information on these finishing options, visit our page on edge finishing.

Millboard planks are -just like real wood planks- great to work with and, thanks to the extremely low coefficient of expansion, a dilation of only 2 mm on the end edges is sufficient. A normal wood saw can be used, but for best results we recommend a crosscut saw. For optional edges and cutouts, a normal hand saw or jigsaw can be used. Always ensure your own safety by using protection such as safety glasses and gloves. It is also possible to miter and glue the boards at the corners. By staining the end of the sawn board with the appropriate matching paint color, it will be as original again.

Millboard’s Lastane™ coating is made of a non-porous material that resists stains and algae. So your patio, balcony or garden path will never get slippery! Thanks to this UV- and weather-resistant top coat, you hardly need to maintain Millboard planks. Should there still be some dirt on the planks, it can easily be removed with a broom and a little water. Never use a pressure washer or any other type of chemical cleaner, abrasive, thinner, wax or oil. If you do, the planks may be damaged and the warranty will be void.

No, treatment with stain, lacquer or oil is not necessary. The planks have their own unique sealed coating making the floor virtually maintenance-free. This saves time and money from annual maintenance and you can enjoy the luxurious look for years without a care.

The Lastane® finish resists stains from food and drinks. The risk of staining from strong dyes and stains such as berries and animal feces is reduced if they are removed as soon as possible, this includes oils or greases that come in contact with the Lastane® surface.

Always be sure to cover and protect the boards from any surrounding construction or landscaping work, painting, plaster or cement-like dust that could contaminate or mark the surface, especially if the boards have been recently installed. Alterwood cannot be held responsible for problems resulting from the planks being affected by foreign substances, as this is not a manufacturing defect.

The Lastane® finish resists scratches and daily wear and tear. Sharp objects such as unprotected table or chair legs, pointed shoes, animal claws or (metal) planters can leave marks when dragged across the surface, so be careful when moving these objects. Despite the self-healing top layer, we recommend using (furniture) felt to protect the floor.

Be sure to always cover and protect the planks from any surrounding construction or landscaping to prevent scratches. Alterwood cannot be held responsible for problems resulting from the planks being affected by foreign substances, as this is not a manufacturing defect.

Yes! Via our samples page you can request a sample of your favorite color(s). This way you can see and feel our unique planks and see if the color matches your garden furniture. We ask a small fee for this, but you get it back when you place an order with us. So in the end, the sample is completely free!

Millboard is manufactured to the highest standards. Outdoor flooring comes with a 25-year warranty when used in combination with the special Plas-Pro underlayers and Durafix stainless steel screws. On Envello wall cladding, we give a 15-year warranty. The warranty conditions can be found on our warranty page.