Product Used: Millboard Enhanced Grain decking in Coppered Oak
Location: Île d'Oléron, west coast of France
Sector: Residential / Holiday Home
Where Natural Beauty Meets Coastal Character
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of France’s largest Atlantic island, this beautiful installation on Île d’Oléron strikes a perfect balance between design and nature. With panoramic sea views, whispering pines, and the soft salt-tinged breeze of the Bay of Biscay, the setting demanded an outdoor surface as robust as it is refined.
Millboard’s Coppered Oak, from our Enhanced Grain collection, was the natural choice.
Why Millboard?
When the homeowner began renovating this coastal retreat, they sought materials that would uphold both visual impact and long-term durability. The deck would not only be a gathering space for family and guests but also a stage for sunsets, stargazing, and slow evenings with wine and conversation.
Timber, while traditional, posed too many challenges in such an exposed location: moisture, warping, splintering, and relentless UV exposure from the open skies. The customer needed a product that captured the character of real wood but stood resilient against the elements.
Product in Focus | Enhanced Grain Decking in Coppered Oak
The choice of Enhanced Grain decking in Coppered Oak was as intentional. Its warm, reddish-brown tones beautifully complement the surrounding garden and backdrop. Meanwhile, the distinctive grain texture – hand-moulded from real oak boards – lends authenticity that feels as grounded and rich as the surrounding woodland.
Whether under bright summer sun or cloaked in coastal mist, the deck surface radiates a soft warmth, ageing gracefully without greying or staining. Unlike real timber, it won’t warp, crack or attract algae and it’s exceptionally slip- and fade-resistant.
Installation Highlights
Poolside Finish: The Coppered Oak boards have been laid right up to the pool’s edge, creating a clean, modern surround that complements the pale stone coping and crystal-clear water.
Board Direction: Boards are installed lengthways to draw the eye across the space, making the garden feel open and expansive while highlighting the symmetry of the home.
Built to Last: Exposed to full sun and coastal conditions, the deck needed to be resilient. The highly fade- and slip-resistant surface of Millboard decking means it looks good year after year with no warping, splintering or greying.
Low Maintenance Living: With no need for sanding, oiling or staining, this low-maintenance deck suits the relaxed pace of holiday home living – beautiful, practical, and ready to enjoy.
Whether in full sunshine or soft twilight, the surface reflects a warm, organic character that enhances the overall look and feel of the garden - a true blend of practicality and style.
Year-Round Outdoor Living
Millboard’s Enhanced Grain Coppered Oak decking has not only enhanced the home’s look and feel but meant that it can now be used year-round. Whether it’s brunch under parasols, children playing around the pool, or sunset dinners, the decking can be enjoyed and will stay looking great for years to come.
As the island’s light shifts and seasons change, the deck remains a constant - rich in tone, reassuring underfoot, and always inviting.
Inspired? Bring the Warmth of Coppered Oak to Your Own Project
If you’re dreaming of a space that marries beauty with performance, our Enhanced Grain Decking in Coppered Oak might just be your perfect match. With Millboard products, you don’t have to choose between form and function.
Explore the Enhanced Grain collection or request a free sample to experience the texture, colour and confidence for yourself.
