Static Free Decking: The Smart Choice for Modern Outdoor Spaces
Imagine stepping onto your outdoor decking, ready to enjoy a beautiful day, only to be met with an unexpected and unpleasant static shock. This is a common problem with traditional WPC (wood-plastic composite) decking, especially in dry climates or low-humidity environments. But what if we told you there was a solution that could transform your outdoor space and eliminate those pesky static shocks? Enter Millboard decking, the static free decking solution chosen by OpraProjects for their stunning One William development.
The Problem with Traditional WPC Decking
WPC decking is known for its tendency to cause static electricity build-up. This can lead to uncomfortable shocks when walking barefoot or touching nearby metal features like handrails or door handles. These static issues can significantly detract from the comfort and overall user experience, particularly in hospitality, residential, or commercial spaces where people expect a relaxing and enjoyable outdoor environment.
Why Static Happens in WPC
So, why does static occur in WPC decking? It’s all about the materials. WPC typically contains a significant amount of plastic, which is prone to generating static charges. These materials behave more like synthetics than natural products, especially under dry conditions. Unfortunately, most composite boards on the market don’t offer a built-in solution to this problem.
Unlike natural wood, which tends to dissipate static charges, WPC behaves more like plastic retaining and amplifying the charge rather than grounding it. Unfortunately, most WPC products on the market today do not include any anti-static properties or mitigation technologies, leaving designers, builders, and users to deal with the discomfort.
In commercial or residential settings where user experience matters like spas, cafés, luxury rooftops, or pool areas this recurring problem can detract from the overall ambiance and comfort of the space. That’s why finding a static free decking solution is so important for high-performance projects.
Millboard’s Unique Material Advantage
This is where Millboard stands out from the crowd. Unlike traditional WPC, Millboard is made with a wood-free, polyurethane resin base reinforced with mineral fibres plus a unique Lastane® coating. This unique composition effectively eliminates the static electricity issues associated with WPC, providing a more comfortable static free decking that’s ideal for barefoot traffic, relaxing spaces, or high-end environments.
Benefits of Static Free Decking for Different Audiences
The advantages of static-free decking extend to various stakeholders:
- Comfort is key when it comes to enjoying outdoor spaces. With static free decking, homeowners can walk barefoot, entertain guests, or relax on their decks without the risk of unpleasant shocks. This is especially important for families with children or pets, where safety and comfort go hand in hand. The material also stays cool and inviting underfoot, making it perfect for poolside areas, balconies, and private gardens.
- Architects & Designers are constantly seeking materials that balance aesthetics, performance, and reliability. With Millboard’s static free decking, architects and designers can specify a product that not only looks like natural timber but also enhances user comfort. This leads to higher client satisfaction and helps professionals maintain their reputations for delivering premium, thoughtful designs.
- From a construction standpoint from Builders & Installers, static issues can quickly become a source of client dissatisfaction or warranty calls especially in commercial and hospitality settings. By choosing a static free decking product like Millboard, builders and installers can reduce the likelihood of callbacks or complaints, saving time and resources. Installation is also simplified, as there’s no need for grounding solutions, anti-static treatments, or special site preparations.
Static-Free Decking for High-Performance Projects
Millboard’s static-free decking is the perfect choice for rooftops, pool decks, balconies, cafés, spas, or any place where comfort and tactile experience are paramount. It supports both commercial and residential projects that demand the perfect combination of beauty and performance.
Broader Advantages of Millboard
Beyond its static-free properties, Millboard offers a range of additional benefits. It looks and feels like natural timber but without the drawbacks. It’s slip-resistant, even in wet conditions, and highly durable; it won’t rot, warp, split, or fade. Plus, it requires minimal maintenance, with no sanding, staining, or sealing needed. Millboard is also part of a full product ecosystem, including the Modello and Envello ranges for wall cladding and detailing, allowing for seamless design integration and static free decking.
Experience the Millboard Effect
Ready to discover a decking solution that performs beautifully, without the static? Explore the Millboard difference today and see how it can transform your outdoor space, just like it did at One William. Say goodbye to static shocks and hello to a more comfortable, enjoyable outdoor experience. Order your free sample today and experience the Millboard difference.
