Millboard Installation Guide

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to installing Millboard decking, ensuring you have all the necessary steps and tips for a successful installation. Whether you're a landscape professional or a DIY enthusiast, following these instructions will help you achieve a durable and visually appealing outdoor space.

Step 1: Preparing for Installation

• Storage: Store Millboard on a flat surface or level bearers spaced no more than 400 mm apart.
• Handling: Stack the boards face to face to avoid abrasion. Avoid dragging boards off pallets or over one another.
• Climate Adjustment: Lay boards out a day before installation to adjust to the project's climate and to account for tonal variations in color.

Step 2: Assessing the Boards

• Quality Check: Inspect for any issues with the boards before installation. Contact Millboard for resolution if needed.
• Dimensions Tolerance: Acceptable variances in dimensions include:
  • Length: ±5 mm
  • Width: ±3 mm (top)
  • Thickness: ±2 mm (middle)

Step 3: Setting the Joists

• Spacing Guidelines:
  • For residential use, space joists 400 mm apart.
  • For commercial use, use 300 mm spacing.
• Minimum Joists: Use at least three joists for any cut boards.
• Drainage: Ensure boards are laid with a slight fall away from the building for proper drainage.

Step 4: Cutting the Boards

• Tools Needed: Use standard wood cutting tools; a carbon-tipped saw blade is recommended.
• Safety Gear: Always wear an FFP3 dust mask, safety glasses, long sleeves, and protective gloves.

Step 5: Fixing the Boards

• Durafix Screws:
  • No pre-drilling needed; screw directly into the boards.
  • Use a standard driver with the provided bit, not an impact driver.
  • Apply silicon spray to fixings before use.
• Screw Placement:
  • Fix screws 5 mm below the last stained surface for minimal visibility.
  • Use two fixings per board where it crosses a joist and three at the ends. Place screws 20-25 mm from the ends and at least 20 mm from the sides.
• Board Ends: Support board ends by a minimum of 20 mm and square off ends with a slight back cut of 2-3 degrees.

Step 6: Installing the First Row

• Starting Position: Begin by installing the first row of boards to a string line.
• Fixing Process:
  • Fix one end first, then the middle, adjusting spacing with Millboard multi spacers.
  • Fix to remaining joists and check alignment with the string line every fourth to fifth row.

Step 7: Managing Board Gaps

• Spacing Recommendations:
  • Leave a 4 mm gap between the sides of boards.
  • For butt joints, leave a 1 mm gap at the ends and a 10 mm gap between boards and any solid surfaces.

Step 8: Installing Edgings and Fascias

• Purpose-Made Edgings: Fit these to all steps and perimeters of the deck.
• Cutting and Gluing:
  • For miters, cut from the center of the board to account for grain variations.
  • Use PU wood glue for core and super glue for final touches.
• Angle Cuts: For joining edges, cut at a 20-degree angle and avoid gluing pieces together.

Step 9: Working with Flexible Edgings

• Temperature Consideration: Ensure flexible profiles are around room temperature (20°C) to bend correctly.
• Fixing Method: Start at the end with double fixings, securing at 200-300 mm intervals.
• Support: Ensure all edging and fascia profiles are fully supported and fixed at 300 mm centers.

Step 10: Cleaning and Maintenance

• Immediate Cleaning: Clean any dirt during installation with warm soapy water and a brush.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Regularly clean the decking to remove leaves and dirt. Protect the boards from nearby construction work.
• Stain Removal: Use appropriate cleaners for stubborn marks.

Conclusion

By following these detailed steps, you can successfully install Millboard decking while ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal. Remember to check your alignment frequently, maintain proper spacing, and take care of the boards during and after installation. For further resources and ideas, visit the Millboard Outdoor Design Hub. Happy decking!