Karstan Smith and Maxine Stokes-Smith, known for appearing on The Block in 2014, embarked on a significant renovation journey to transform their three-bedroom townhouse in the high-end suburb of Merewether, Newcastle.
Originally intending to turn the renovated home into a high-end Airbnb, the couple decided to sell the property after seeing the exceptional results. Their efforts paid off when they sold the house for a nice profit.
With a background in design, carpentry, and renovation, the couple has always loved creating and building. Maxine shared, “The project we just did with Concept Materials was our biggest and best one yet and the one we’re most proud of.“
Choosing the Perfect Decking Solution
For their renovation, Karstan and Maxine chose Millboard’s Golden Oak composite decking—a product known for its realistic timber appearance, durability, and low maintenance.
“We needed a solid decking solution that looked perfect from day one and would stand up to the wear and tear of a high-traffic area like a pool deck,” Karstan explained.
Built to Last in Any Environment
The decision to use Millboard was heavily influenced by the challenging environment of their Newcastle home, particularly around the pool area.
Karstan emphasised, “We had low-lying decks and high moisture areas. Timber looks good initially, but it rots quickly from underneath. Millboard, on the other hand, is designed to withstand the elements, especially in damp and wet conditions.”
He also pointed out that many composite decking options, often made from recycled materials like milk bottle lids, can look cheap and unappealing.
The couple was impressed with how the product, moulded from natural oak, maintained its look and durability over time.
Safety and Family-Friendly Features
Safety was a top priority for Karstan and Maxine, especially with young children around.
“The non-slip feature of Millboard is fantastic, especially around the pool where the kids are constantly running with wet feet,” Karstan mentioned.
Despite Newcastle’s hot summers, they found that the decking material doesn’t get any hotter than regular timber.
Karstan noted, “Millboard gets hot, but no hotter than normal timber. And it looks better than normal timber, so I don’t think that’s a reason for people not to use it.”
Aesthetically Pleasing and Easy to Work With
Maxine, with her designer’s eye, was thrilled with the aesthetic appeal of Millboard.
“The look of it is 100% perfect. The colour is spot on and looks and feels just like real timber,” she said.
The couple also found the product easy to work with, even on challenging curved areas, which added to the deck’s unique appeal.
Maxine highlighted, “When we put it on social media, people were just blown away. They hadn’t seen anything like it before. And how easy it was for Karstan to work with as well — that was great to see.“
High Praise from Reno Professionals
As seasoned renovators, the couple understand the importance of using high-quality materials that deliver long-term value.
Maxine shared candidly:
“You have to use this product. You will regret it if you don’t. Because if you use real timber or the cheaper products out there, they’re just not as good. Your future self will thank you. It’s worth every penny.”
Karstan added, “Since using Millboard, it’ll be very hard to use anything else in future projects.“
For more information about Millboard products and how they can enhance your next project, contact Concept Materials today.
