The Contour Garden

Blending beauty and ease of maintenance with Millboard’s Modello Contour, Linear and Enhanced Grain decking in Limed Oak and Antique Oak.

Setting the Scene: A Family Garden Reimagined

Nestled in a leafy suburb of Buckinghamshire, this contemporary family home is the picture of refined living – sleek architecture, crisp lines, and now, a newly transformed outdoor space that echoes the same premium finish. For the homeowners, the garden wasn’t just an afterthought. It was an extension of the home. A space to unwind, entertain, and create memories with their friends and young family.

When it came to choosing decking, they wanted something that would enhance the overall look of their property while standing up to the demands of daily life. Their choice? Millboard’s Modello Contour, Linear and Enhanced Grain decking in Limed Oak and Antique Oak – a fusion of style and substance that turned their vision into a reality.

Why Millboard? A Considered Choice

The homeowners were drawn to Millboard decking for multiple reasons, but one factor led the way: its ease of maintenance. With two young children and a busy lifestyle, the homeowners didn’t want the added maintenance associated with natural wood. They needed a surface that looked good without the constant upkeep – and Millboard decking delivered.

But performance wasn’t the only deciding factor. The beauty of Millboard decking was another major draw. Limed Oak – a rich, natural tone with a refined finish, perfectly complemented their existing materials and garden planting. Where cheaper composites might fall short, Millboard’s hand-moulded, hand-coloured boards added undeniable authenticity and a sophisticated appearance.
The couple described the final look as "understated elegance" – a garden that radiates quality without shouting for attention.

The Design: Zoning for Style and Function

To make the most of the space, the garden was designed with distinct zones – a sociable dining area, an outdoor kitchen, peaceful reading nook, and a safe play space for the children. While the main area features Enhanced Grain in Limed Oak, a special element was added at the heart of the design: an inset Modello Contour area in the same Limed Oak tone and Modello Linear in Antique Oak.

This intricate design detail adds subtle visual interest and breaks up the space beautifully. It is the perfect local point for a sculptural bench and coffee table, creating a lounge-like feel outdoors.

Modello Contour and Linear’s clean lines and modern profile added an architectural edge to the design. Not only did it deliver visual impact, but it also highlghted the homeowner’s desire for something distinctive – a bespoke finish with a designer's touch.

Safe, Exceptionally Slip-Resistant and Family Friendly

With two young children constantly on the move, safety was non-negotiable. The homeowners were aware of the risks that timber or stone can present – slippery when wet, prone to moss or algae. Millboard’s boards, with their highly slip-resistant Lastane® surface, gives them peace of mind.

The enhanced slip resistance made the deck ideal for year-round use – from summer evenings in the hot tub to crisp autumn evenings under festoon lights. Even after rain, the boards remain highly slip resistant.

For this family, the garden wasn’t just about looking good – it needed to work hard, feel safe, and go the distance.

A Wise Investment

By choosing Millboard decking, the homeowners invested in a surface that won’t warp, rot or splinter and requires no sanding, oiling, staining, or other special treatments. The hidden Durafix® fixings keep the surface clean and uninterrupted, while the resin mineral core ensures long-lasting stability.

In the homeowner’s words:

“We didn’t want to choose something that looked good now, only to regret it later. Millboard gave us the best of both worlds – beauty and reliability. It’s a choice we’re proud of.”

Beyond the Practical

What’s most striking about this garden isn’t just how it performs – it’s how it feels. There’s a sense of flow from inside to out. A space that mirrors the family’s style, enhances their daily routine, and gives them a new kind of freedom.

For the homeowners, the transformation has sparked a renewed pride in their property. Guests always comment on the decking – its warmth, its tactile quality, its natural look. But more than that, it has become the backdrop for birthday parties, morning coffees, and impromptu barbeques.