A Thoughtful Blend of Beauty, Texture, and Functionality
Nestled in the coastal enclave of Spyglass in Corona del Mar, this thoughtfully designed outdoor space captures the essence of refined, modern living with a harmonious balance of comfort, nature, and texture. Designed by Emily Martin of @emilymartindesign, the project showcases a layered approach to outdoor living—featuring distinct zones for relaxation and entertaining. As part of the larger project, the poolside lounging area became a focal point—brought to life with Millboard’s Enhanced Grain Limed Oak decking.
This space showcases how Millboard products can enhance and complement a broader design scheme, offering high quality, high-performance materials that blend effortlessly with natural elements while delivering a sleek, sophisticated finish. Every detail, from texture to tone, was curated with care to create a serene and cohesive outdoor retreat.
Why Millboard Decking? Elegance Meets Durability
The poolside deck is finished in Millboard’s Enhanced Grain Limed Oak, a choice that strikes the perfect balance between high-end design and everyday practicality. Each board is hand-molded from real oak, capturing the intricate texture and grain of natural timber with remarkable authenticity. The result is a crisp, refined finish that pairs effortlessly with natural stone, vibrant greenery, and sophisticated outdoor furnishings—adding depth and cohesion to the overall design.
From the start, aesthetics were a priority—but they weren’t the only factor. The design required a material that could endure the challenges of a coastal, high-moisture environment. Millboard decking was a natural fit thanks to its combination of beauty and resilience.
Key performance benefits of Millboard decking include:
- Exceptional slip resistance – Its wood-free, resin-mineral composition provides a safer surface underfoot, even when wet.
- Fade resistance – Designed to withstand prolonged sun exposure, Millboard maintains its color with minimal fading, even in California’s intense UV conditions.
- Warp and moisture resistance – Millboard is highly resistant to swelling, warping, and mold—making it ideal for poolside use.
- Hidden fixings for a seamless finish – Millboard’s unique Durafix® fixings remain concealed beneath the surface, creating a smooth, uninterrupted aesthetic that enhances the overall sophistication of the space.
Harmonizing with the Design Palette
One of the defining strengths of this outdoor retreat is the effortless way each material harmonizes with the next. The Enhanced Grain Limed Oak finish serves as a versatile base tone that allows the surrounding textures and hues to shine. Soft beige planter walls, golden-toned fencing, and layered green landscaping create a serene, coastal palette—all beautifully grounded by the light, warm hue of the Millboard decking.
Rather than competing for attention, the decking complements the environment. It frames the pool loungers and side tables with subtle elegance, enhancing the space without overwhelming it. This ability to integrate seamlessly with various materials—from stone and wood to fabric and foliage—is a key benefit of Millboard decking.
Designed for Wet Zones
Pool areas require materials that deliver more than visual appeal—they need to be practical, safe, and built to last. Millboard excels in wet environments, ticking all the boxes for a high-performance pool deck:
- Slip Resistance: Millboard’s textured surface, made from a resin-mineral composite, significantly reduces the risk of slipping.
- Rot and Mold Resistance: Unlike traditional timber, Millboard decking is made from a resin mineral composite material and contains no wood, making it highly resistant to swelling, decay, and mold.
- Dimensional Stability: Even under the fluctuating temperatures and humidity typical of coastal climates, Millboard is highly resistant to warping and swelling, retaining its structural integrity.
- UV and Fade Protection: With strong resistance to ultraviolet rays, Millboard decking holds its color beautifully, providing lasting visual impact.
Low Maintenance, High Reward
For homeowners and professionals alike, one of the standout features of Millboard decking is its ease of maintenance. While traditional wood decking often demands regular upkeep—sanding, sealing, and staining—Millboard decking stays beautiful with very little effort.
A simple sweep and occasional wash with a mild detergent are all that’s required to maintain its appearance year after year. This ease of care was a major advantage for the homeowner, who sought a space that would remain pristine without constant attention.
This durability and simplicity make Millboard decking ideal for modern lifestyles where enjoying the outdoors shouldn’t mean hours of upkeep.
Creating a Lifestyle Space, Not Just a Deck
The final poolside scene is one of quiet luxury. The Millboard decking plays a quiet but essential role in this visual story. It’s the foundation upon which the entire experience is built. Its presence allows the other design features to flourish, all while offering the comfort, safety, and endurance expected in a high-end outdoor living area.
This project underscores the value of thoughtful material selection. For designer Emily Martin and the build team, Millboard decking offered more than just a surface to walk on—it provided peace of mind and a design-friendly solution that enhanced both form and function.
The hidden screws, refined wood-look texture, and dependable performance of Millboard decking give designers the creative flexibility they need, while delivering an experience that homeowners can enjoy for years.
Whether you're creating a cozy patio or a sprawling poolside haven, Millboard decking offers a sophisticated, low-maintenance solution that enhances outdoor living.
Product Used: Millboard Enhanced Grain decking in Limed Oak
Project Location: Spyglass, Corona del Mar, California
Design: Emily Martin, @emilymartindesign
Contractor: Carlos Junior Perez, Modern Element Pools, @modernelementpools
Photography: Mike Radford, @mikeradfordphoto
