Service
Composite decking
Low-maintenance composite decking, including Millboard, laid on a properly ventilated substructure.
In short
What does Gardenscape mean by composite decking?
Low-maintenance composite decking, including Millboard, laid on a properly ventilated substructure.
Composite decking, almost no upkeep
Composite decking gives you a level, comfortable timber-look surface with almost none of the maintenance of real wood. It does not rot or splinter, holds its colour, resists slip, and lasts far longer than timber, so over its life it often works out cheaper rather than dearer. For a busy family terrace or a deck near water, it is usually the right call.
The substructure does the work
A deck is only as good as the frame beneath it. We build the substructure from properly treated, correctly spaced timber, ventilated so air moves underneath and damp cannot sit and rot it, and fixed to a stable base. The boards then go down on fixings for a clean surface with no screw heads. The frame is the part you never see and the part that decides how solid the deck feels and how long it lasts.
Millboard and the premium boards
The old objection to composite was that it looked plasticky, and cheap composite still can. Premium boards such as Millboard are moulded from real timber, so they are genuinely hard to tell from wood while keeping the low maintenance. We work in quality composite and will talk you through the boards and grades.
Built level and drained right
We set the falls and the levels so water runs off and the deck sits true, with the balustrade and steps detailed to match. Arrange a consultation and we will help you choose between composite and timber for your garden.
Sibling disciplines
Also within this craft
- 01
Timber decking
Hardwood and softwood timber decking, built level and detailed to weather well.
Read - 02
Raised decking
Raised and multi-level decking that turns a sloping or awkward garden into usable space.
Read - 03
Waterside decking, Cotswold Water Park
Waterside and lakeside decking around the Cotswold Water Park lakes, built for the setting and the conditions.
Read
Related services
You may also want
- 01
Decking
Composite and timber decking, including raised and waterside decks, built level and built to last.
Read - 02
Timber decking
Hardwood and softwood timber decking, built level and detailed to weather well.
Read - 03
Waterside decking, Cotswold Water Park
Waterside and lakeside decking around the Cotswold Water Park lakes, built for the setting and the conditions.
Read
Cost context
Indicative ranges
Figures are relative, not quotations. Each scheme is priced after a survey of access, levels, drainage and finish standard.
| What changes the cost |
|---|
| board brand and grade |
| substructure and ventilation |
| hidden fixings |
| falls and drainage |
Source: Gardenscape. Figures as of 2026-06-03.
Common questions
Common questions
Over its life, usually yes. You pay more up front than timber but save the annual oiling and cleaning and replace it far less often. Near water or for a low-fuss owner it is the clear choice.
Premium composite such as Millboard is moulded from real timber boards and is very hard to tell apart. Cheaper composite looks more uniform and plasticky, which is why the board you choose matters.
The substructure. A deck built on an under-built or poorly ventilated frame flexes and traps damp. We build the frame properly, treated, spaced and ventilated, which is what keeps a deck solid and lasting.
Quality composite is made with a slip-resistant finish and generally grips better than wet timber, which is one reason it suits decks near water.
Arrange a consultation
Send a few photographs and a sentence about the site. We will reply personally.