The Benefits of Composite Decking vs Concrete Pavers

• Discover how composite decking and concrete pavers can improve your outdoor living space.
• Compare the design options for composite decking and concrete pavers.
• Learn about the strength, care needs, and environmental effects of both material choices.
• Compare the long-term costs of composite decking vs concrete pavers.

When you want to improve your outdoor living space, picking the right materials is crucial. Composite decking and concrete pavers both have their benefits and limitations. Knowing about these will help you decide on the best option. This guide looks at the pros and cons of each choice. It will support you in making a smart decision that suits your needs, preferences and budget.

Composite decking is changing how outdoor spaces are used. It offers a durable and low material. Typically made from recycled plastic and wood fibres called Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) composite boards provide lasting strength and withstand harsh weather conditions.

Millboard does things a bit differently, their wood-free composite resin boards are hand-moulded from high quality oak to mimic natural wood grain without its downsides.

Resin mineral decking boards require very little maintenance. You don’t have to treat, stain, paint or seal it. It stands up against fading, stains, and resists insect damage. This keeps your deck looking good and staying functional for years. You can find composite decking boards in various colours, textures, and finishes. This makes it easy for homeowners to create their dream outdoor living space.

Concrete pavers are popular for creating a functional, low maintenance outdoor space. They are strong and versatile – they can be used for patios, driveways, garden paths and pavements.

To keep concrete pavers stable and lasting a long time, a solid base is needed. They come in different shapes, sizes, colours, and textures, which lets you create unique patterns. Even though they are tough, concrete pavers do need regular maintenance, like cleaning, sealing, and some repairs now and then. People often pick concrete pavers because they can handle heavy use but their appeal may be less wide-ranging, compared to the appearance of wood.

 

The Appeal and Versatility of Composite Decking

Composite decking is great because it makes any outdoor living area more appealing. Millboard can offer the beauty of a natural wood deck without issues like warping cracking or rotting.

Homeowners have many options for colours, styles and finishes, allowing them to design their outdoor space just how they like it. No matter if you want a clean, modern look or a cosy, traditional feel, reinforced resin mineral decking can meet your needs and style preferences.

Explore wood effect Enhanced Grain decking in ten beautiful colours

Or select from three tones of Weathered Oak Decking, moulded from real antique oak boards

A beautiful deck is the perfect way to create more usable space on your property and they’re also great for entertaining, relaxing and encouraging outdoor living.

Design Limitations of Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are available in a range of shapes, patterns, and textures, making them a popular choice for outdoor spaces. However, their colour options may be more limited compared to resin-mineral composite decking, which offer a variety of pre-finished shades.

Our new Modello decking can be configured into up to 50 different patterns so your summer decking is as unique as your style. Discover your dream space.

Configuration Options: Concrete Pavers vs Decking

Composite decking offers exceptional versatility, making it easy to design an outdoor living space that complements your home. With a wide range of colours, styles, and patterns available, you can create a look that suits your personal taste and architectural style. Millboard’s flexible edging allows for elegant curved designs, while approved installers can construct elevated decks to accommodate sloped gardens or uneven terrain.

You can choose from four distinctive finishes: Enhanced Grain, Weathered Oak, Modello or Lasta-Grip. If you are looking for design flexibility we would recommend our Enhanced Grain collection as it is available in ten colour options and two board widths, giving you even greater choice. Lastly if you are looking for a striking visual impact, consider customising your layout with herringbone or tessellating board patterns.

Concrete patios offer a clean, minimalist look, but can present practical challenges—particularly when working on sloped or uneven terrain. Shaping concrete or sourcing the correct pavers for curved designs may also add complexity to installation.

Mineral resin decking, by contrast, provides greater flexibility in accommodating various site conditions and design requirements. Its lightweight structure and ease of handling make it a practical choice for more intricate or elevated layouts.

Ultimately, the best choice will depend on factors such as the intended design, site conditions, and budget. However, for projects that call for adaptability and a refined finish, mineral resin decking is a compelling option to consider.

You can use the link to use our free decking configurator to help you to Configure your dream deck.

Both concrete pavers and resin mieral boards can last a long time, resist moisture damage, warping, fading and rotting but composite decking outperforms concrete in many ways.

Millboard’s patented Lastane® surface, a rubber-like layer, offers outstanding resistance to fading from sunlight, slipping, and mould growth. It requires minimal maintenance to keep your deck looking like new. Designed for comfort, the elastomer finish won’t splinter and feels soft underfoot, even when barefoot. Beneath the surface, the composite boards are exceptionally resilient and highly resistant to damage, making them a durable and long-lasting choice for outdoor living.

Concrete, on the other hand, can crack, chip, or stain depending on factors like material quality, installation, and upkeep. Exposure to harsh weather and freeze-thaw cycles can wear it down over time. Without regular scrubbing or pressure washing, lichen growth can leave a concrete patio looking dull and unappealing. In contrast, Millboard decking stays looking its best all year round with only minimal seasonal cleaning.

• Composite, wood-free decking looks beautiful for years with minimal maintenance
• Concrete paving is durable and strong but requires more maintenance

Choose your favourite styles – order up to three free samples

Composite Decking Performs in a Range of Weather Conditions

Resin mineral composite boards are made to handle fluctuating UK weather conditions. Millboard rigorously test decking boards to withstand cold, hot and damp conditions without warping, melting or creating dangerous slip hazards. The paint is also UV-resistant to maintain its colour for much longer. You can rely on a Millboard decking to be a low-maintenance, long-lasting outdoor surface that looks good and stays safe throughout the year with minimal cleaning to prevent ice or dirt build-up.

• Composite decking resists moisture penetration, UV fading, impact damage, slipping, scratching, warping, expansion, rotting and insect damage
• Concrete paving resists rotting, impact damage, slipping, fading and expansion but can be prone to algae and lichen growth, cracking, chipping and loosening.

As sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration, selecting materials that help reduce environmental burden is key. Millboard composite decking is made using renewable biopolymers and includes up to 30% recycled plastic, helping to divert waste from landfill and reduce dependence on virgin materials.

While every material has its own footprint, composite decking may require fewer raw materials than traditional timber or concrete decking systems. Some studies also suggest that, depending on the production process, composite boards can be associated with lower carbon emissions than concrete.

With Millboard, you can create a beautiful, long-lasting outdoor space—without compromising your commitment to sustainability.

Making concrete pavers has a large environmental footprint. The process of making cement, a main part of concrete, can release a lot of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas). Cement is also very water-intensive, and limestone extraction causes habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and soil erosion. Concrete pavers are also difficult to recycle.

If you want to select the more eco-friendly material, consider their impact on the natural environment and assess the material recyclability. Consider the preservation of natural resources, minimal emissions, water usage and waste.

Explore Millboard Wood-Free Boards.

When creating your outdoor renovation budget, it’s important to consider the long-term costs. Composite decking may cost more to install at first. However, it requires less maintenance and can last longer.

if maintained properly with regular upkeep, resin mineral decks can last decades. This long lifespan adds to its overall worth. By choosing strong and low-maintenance materials, your outdoor space stays elegant and functional for a long time. Read about the Millboard Structural Warranty.

Resale Value: Which Adds More Value?

When considering the resale value of your home, investing in an appealing and functional outdoor living space is crucial. Both composite decking and concrete pavers can contribute positively, but understanding their perceived value to potential buyers is key.

With its diverse appeal, low-maintenance nature, and durability, A composite decking often commands a higher return on investment compared to concrete paving. Potential buyers are increasingly recognising the value of a well-designed outdoor decking area – appreciating its durability and low maintenance requirements.

Choosing between a concrete patio and Millboard decking can depend a lot on what you prefer and what you need for your project. Concrete is a budget-friendly and strong option. Composite decking is a stylish choice that is easy to take care of and looks elegant for decades.

Composite mineral resin decking doesn’t require staining, sanding, sealing or painting. This makes it a top pick for people wanting an easy outdoor space that looks stunning for years to come.

See it for yourself – Order a sample

If you have any questions or would like more advice on choosing a decking material, contact the Millboard experts today – call us at 020 7643 9943.

Why is Millboard considered the best composite decking on the market?

Millboard is one of the best offerings on the market. It stands out because of its great quality and durable materials. It gives a look almost identical to natural wood while being easy to maintain, comfortable and high-performance. Because of this, we’re a leader in decking products for outdoor living.

How do composite decks compare to concrete pavers with installation time?

Composite decking usually takes less time to install than concrete pavers. The time it takes can vary based on how complicated the project is. The relatively lightweight boards can be easily moved around and screwed in place, whereas concrete slabs are heavy and bulky. Try Millboard’s headless screw technology to speed up installation further. Order a sample.

Can composite decking be recycled?

Composite boards are made partially from recycled and renewable materials, making it a more eco-friendly choice. Millboard are developing options to recycle their boards after clients no longer have use for them and already recycle 75% of manufacturing waste.

How long does composite decking last compared to concrete pavers?

Both materials are durable. With proper maintenance, they can last a long time. Composite decking can last decades with minimal maintenance. Meanwhile, even with regular cleaning, concrete can start to discolour after just a few months when algae and lichen grow. Concrete pavers will remain structurally sound for decades.

What is the disadvantage of composite decking?

Millboard composite decking outperforms many other decking materials, but it comes at a higher price point which can understandably be off-putting for some homeowners and business owners.

Some people prefer the appearance of natural materials such as natural stone, porcelain or wood. Millboard deck boards are made from synthetic materials, even though they’re the most realistic composite boards on the market.

What do you need to consider before laying composite decking on concrete?

You can install self-levelling pedestals on a concrete surface to create a level decking. Read how to install the DuoSpan Framework or DuoSpan + DuoLift pedestals. Trust a Millboard Approved Installer to create your dream decking on a concrete surface.