Installing a deck can be great way to transform your outdoor space, but before you fall in love with your design ideas, it’s important to understand the true cost of bringing them to life. Whether you’re planning a full installation or taking on the project yourself, getting a clear picture of the investment involved will help you budget wisely and build a space that lasts beautifully for years to come.
Understanding the Breakdown
When it comes to Millboard decking, the boards themselves typically make up around 30 - 40% of the total cost of a completed, installed project. The remaining cost covers the subframe, fixings, labour, design work, and finishing details such as steps, fascia, and lighting.
If you’re planning a DIY installation, where you take on the fitting yourself, the proportion of material cost naturally rises. In most cases, Millboard materials (boards, subframe, fixings, and accessories) can represent up to 70% of the total project value when labour costs are removed.
For cladding projects, the proportions are slightly different. Boards often represent a smaller share of the overall investment compared to a full deck, but the principle remains the same: choosing Millboard products means choosing materials that deliver lasting performance and beauty, bringing better value across the lifetime of your outdoor space.
Material Comparison
Different materials vary not only in price but also in performance and longevity.
|
Material Type |
Approx. Share of Total Project Cost |
Typical Lifespan |
Maintenance Level |
|
Softwood Timber |
10–15% |
5–10 years |
High - regular sanding, sealing, and staining required |
|
WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) |
25–30% |
10–15 years |
Moderate - may split, stain or warp over time |
|
Millboard Decking |
30–40% |
30+ years |
Low - just a seasonal wash with soapy water and a brush |
While Millboard decking may represent a slightly larger portion of your initial spend, it is made to retain its beauty and performance for decades. Unlike some other materials that may need replacing every 5-10 years, Millboard products are designed to last for decades, maintaining their appearance and strength with minimal upkeep.
Beyond the Boards: Other Costs to Consider
When planning your budget, it’s important to account for everything that brings your outdoor project together:
Substructure: Joists, supports, and fixings provide the foundation for your deck. The cost depends on size, height, location, and whether you choose a timber or composite subframe.
Labour: Installation costs can vary depending on access, layout complexity, and site preparation. Multi-level or raised decks, for instance, require additional skill and time.
Accessories: Finishing touches such as edging, fascia boards, steps, handrails, and lighting can enhance both appearance and safety.
Ground preparation: Levelling, drainage, or removing old surfaces can add to costs but ensure a stable, long-lasting result.
Maintenance: Some materials can require regular upkeep such as sanding, re-staining, or sealing, and even replacement which adds up over time. With Millboard decking and cladding, maintenance is refreshingly simple: just an occasional wash and brush with warm, soapy water.
Design: Intricate designs can enhance the appearance and value of an outdoor space. While features such as complex layouts or steps may increase installation time and subframe costs, the finished result often justifies the investment.
The Long-Term Value of Millboard Products
While it’s tempting to focus on the upfront cost alone, the true value of your investment becomes clear over time.
Millboard decking and cladding are designed and made to look as beautiful, decades from now, as they do the day they are installed. Their unique surface finish, hand moulded from real oak timbers, is highly resistant to fading, staining, and scratching, with exceptional slip resistance even when wet.
Over a lifespan of 30 years or more, Millboard products have low maintenance requirements (just a seasonal wash), meaning you’ll spend less on treatments, repairs, and replacements, and more time enjoying your outdoor space.
Unlike timber and some composite materials, Millboard decking and cladding will not rot, warp, or splinter. Their non-porous surface repels moisture, ensuring your space stays looking pristine with minimal effort.
Estimating Costs with the Millboard Decking Calculator
Dreaming of transforming your outdoor space? Our Millboard Decking Calculator helps you estimate the cost of your dream deck in just a few clicks.
What It Is
A simple, interactive tool that provides a guide material cost based on the size of your chosen area. It includes a 10% wastage option and a VAT toggle for a realistic picture of total materials cost.
Why It’s Useful
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Helps you plan your budget with confidence
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Shows clear, transparent guide pricing
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Gives you a realistic sense of total material costs before speaking to an installer
Your Perfect Outdoor Space Starts Here
Once you’ve explored your estimate, you can take the next step towards your perfect outdoor space:
Order Samples – Experience the unique texture and tone of Millboard decking and cladding in your own hands
Contact an Installer – Connect with trusted professionals familiar with installing Millboard products
View Our Decking and Cladding Ranges – Discover finishes to suit every design style
For your next project
Inspiration & ideas
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