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Summer Heat: Best Millboard Composite Decking For Cool Surfaces

Table of Contents

Millboard Decking Boards Swansea - DG Heath

Article-at-a-Glance

  • Understanding how Millboard decking can create cooler outdoor spaces in the UK summer heat.
  • Choosing the right Millboard decking colours and materials for sun-reflective properties.
  • Design and installation strategies to enhance the coolness of your deck.
  • Top Millboard decking picks for maintaining cooler surfaces underfoot.
  • Answers to common questions about composite decking and heat performance.

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Why Millboard Decking Keeps Your Feet Happy in the Heat

When the sun's out and the flip-flops are on, there's nothing quite like stepping out onto your deck. But you don't want to be hopping around like you're on hot coals. That's where Millboard decking comes into play. With its innovative design, Millboard decking is a top choice for keeping your outdoor space comfortably cool, even during those scorching summer days.

So, what makes Millboard stand out? For starters, it's crafted to emulate the natural beauty of wood while sidestepping the common pitfalls of traditional timber decking. Unlike wood, which can split and warp, Millboard maintains its integrity and appearance with minimal upkeep. But more importantly, when it comes to heat, Millboard's composite construction is designed to absorb less of it, ensuring that barefoot-friendly surface we all crave in the summer.

Picking the Perfect Millboard Shade for Sun-Reflective Qualities

Now, let's talk colour. It's not just about matching your deck to your garden furniture or the exterior of your house. The shade of your decking can significantly affect how hot it gets. Lighter colours reflect more sunlight and stay cooler, while darker tones absorb more heat. Millboard offers a range of shades, so you can find the perfect balance between aesthetics and practicality. Aim for lighter tones to enhance the coolness underfoot.

Maximize Your Outdoor Comfort

Design Considerations for a Cooler Deck Experience

Designing your deck for cool comfort goes beyond picking the right colour. You'll want to consider the orientation of your decking. If it's facing the sun at the hottest part of the day, strategic placement of shade elements like pergolas or awnings can make a world of difference. Combining these features with Millboard's cooler decking options sets the stage for a summer-ready outdoor space.

Strategic Installation for Enhanced Coolness

When installing your Millboard decking, keep in mind that proper gapping is essential for airflow and temperature control. The right spacing allows for expansion on those hotter days and facilitates air circulation, which helps to dissipate heat. Follow Millboard's installation guidelines to ensure your deck not only looks fantastic but also provides a cooler surface to enjoy all summer long.

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Beat the Heat with These Top Millboard Picks

Choosing the right decking can be the difference between an inviting cool retreat and an unbearable hot surface. With Millboard decking, you can trust that even during the warmest months, your outdoor space will remain a haven of comfort.

Best Millboard Decking Options for Lowering Temperature

Millboard offers a range of decking options that are ideal for keeping your outdoor living area cool. The key is in the material's ability to reflect sunlight and dissipate heat. Millboard's Enhanced Grain and Weathered Oak collections, for example, are not only aesthetically pleasing but are also designed to be less heat-absorbent than traditional decking materials.

These collections boast a unique Lastane® surface layer that is highly resistant to UV rays, helping to prevent the excessive heat build-up that can make some decks uncomfortable in direct sunlight. Moreover, the lighter colour options within these ranges can further improve the surface's coolness by reflecting more of the sun's rays.

Enhanced Grain Collection: A Closer Look

The Enhanced Grain collection by Millboard mimics the natural look and feel of real wood grain while providing superior performance in hot weather. Available in a variety of shades, from the cool driftwood tones of 'Limed Oak' to the subtle warmth of 'Coppered Oak', there's a colour to suit every style and preference.

Each board is crafted to be as authentic to natural wood as possible, not just in appearance but also in texture. The result is a deck that combines the traditional charm of wood with modern technology to stay cool to the touch.

Weathered Oak Collection: Vintage Look, Modern Cool

For those who prefer a more rustic charm, the Weathered Oak collection is perfect. It features a distressed look that emulates the character of aged wood while benefiting from Millboard's cool surface technology. 'Vintage' and 'Driftwood' are two options within this range that offer lighter hues, ideal for reducing heat absorption.

The hand-moulded boards from antique wood samples showcase the true-to-life detail of weather-worn boards, making each deck uniquely beautiful and pleasantly cool underfoot.

Whether you choose the Enhanced Grain or Weathered Oak collections, here are some additional tips to keep your deck cool:

  • Position umbrellas or shade sails above the deck to provide temporary shade, especially during the peak sun hours.
  • Incorporate plants and greenery around the deck to absorb some of the sunlight and provide natural cooling.
  • Use outdoor rugs in seating areas to add a layer of insulation against the heat.

Remember, it's not just about the material; it's also about how you integrate these elements into your overall outdoor design.

Building Your Cool Deck Oasis

Creating a deck that stays cool in the summer heat is about combining the right materials with smart design choices. Let's dive into the essentials of building a deck that's as comfortable as it is stylish.

Installation Essentials for Optimal Coolness

Proper installation is crucial to maximize the coolness of your Millboard deck. The manufacturer's guidelines will provide the best practices for spacing and securing the boards to ensure adequate ventilation and prevent heat retention. Here are some key points to consider:

Firstly, ensure that the joists are spaced correctly to allow for air movement between the boards. This not only helps with temperature regulation but also prolongs the life of your deck by preventing moisture buildup.

Finishing Touches to Enhance Deck Cooling

After installing your Millboard decking, you can add features to further reduce heat. Pergolas not only provide shade but also add a vertical dimension to your garden, allowing for climbing plants that can offer additional cooling and greenery. Water features can also help lower the temperature while adding a tranquil atmosphere to your outdoor space.

Lighting is another aspect to consider. Opt for LED lights which emit less heat compared to traditional bulbs, ensuring your deck remains a cool nighttime retreat.

Finally, maintenance plays a part in keeping your deck cool. Regular cleaning will ensure the reflective surfaces of your decking remain effective at bouncing back the sun's rays. A simple wash down with soap and water is all it takes to keep your Millboard decking looking and feeling cool.

For example, a homeowner used 'Limed Oak' from the Enhanced Grain collection to revamp their south-facing deck. Not only did the deck transform aesthetically, but the homeowner also noticed a significant difference in the surface temperature, making their outdoor space more enjoyable throughout the summer.

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FAQs

How Does Color Impact Deck Surface Temperature?

The colour of your deck plays a significant role in how hot it gets. Dark colours absorb more sunlight, which can make the deck uncomfortably warm underfoot. Lighter colours, on the other hand, reflect more of the sun's rays, which helps to keep the deck surface cooler. This is why choosing a lighter shade of Millboard decking can contribute to a more comfortable outdoor experience in the summer.

Can Decking Material Make a Difference in Heat?

Absolutely! The material of your decking is just as important as the colour when it comes to heat. Traditional wood decks can retain a lot of heat, while composite decking, like Millboard, is designed to be more heat-resistant. The unique construction of Millboard decking, with its Lastane® surface, is specifically formulated to minimize heat absorption, providing a cooler surface compared to conventional materials.

Will These Options Work for High-Traffic Areas?

Yes, Millboard decking is not only cooler but also incredibly durable, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. It's designed to withstand heavy foot traffic without showing signs of wear and tear. This means you can confidently use Millboard decking in areas like pool surrounds, patios, and outdoor dining areas, knowing it will stay cool and look great for years to come.

What's the Best Way to Maintain a Cool Deck?

Maintaining a cool deck involves a combination of material choice, design, and regular upkeep. Choose a light-coloured Millboard decking, design your outdoor space with shade structures, and keep your deck clean to maintain its reflective properties. Additionally, consider accessories like outdoor rugs in areas where you'll be walking barefoot to provide an extra layer of insulation against the heat.

Are There Eco-Friendly Cool Decking Options?

Millboard decking is not only cooler but also eco-friendly. The materials used in Millboard decking are carefully selected for their sustainability and low environmental impact. Unlike traditional wood decking, no trees are cut down to produce Millboard, and the boards themselves are made from a blend of recycled materials. This makes Millboard a conscientious choice for homeowners who are looking to reduce their ecological footprint while keeping their decks cool.

In conclusion, when the UK summer turns up the heat, it's essential to have a deck that provides a cool refuge. Millboard composite decking offers a solution with its range of lighter colours and innovative materials designed to reflect sunlight and dissipate heat. By considering the colour, material, and design of your deck, you can create a comfortable outdoor living space that stays cool all summer long. Whether you're hosting a barbecue, lounging by the pool, or simply enjoying the outdoors, Millboard decking ensures that your deck remains a welcoming extension of your home.

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