Composite Decking Made Easy: Installing in Simple Steps

Composite decking made muc4r

If you’re a landscaper, builder, or retailer looking for a decking solution that’s low-maintenance, long-lasting, and easy to install—composite decking is the way to go. At Chandler Materials, we supply both Millboard and NewTechWood, two of the most popular brands in the market, each offering a stylish and durable finish with straightforward installation processes.

Let’s break it down with a quick guide on how to lay each, and what makes them slightly different from one another.

What is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is made from a blend of materials (usually recycled wood fibres and plastics), making it more resistant to weathering, warping, or rot than traditional timber decking. It also looks great—available in a range of natural tones and textures.

Quick Guide to Laying Composite Decking

Here’s a simplified step-by-step to get your deck laid fast:

  1. Plan Your Deck Area
    Measure out your space and mark where your joists will go. Good airflow underneath is essential.
  2. Prepare Your Base
    Use a solid, level subframe. Either timber or composite joists work, depending on the product spec.
  3. Fix Your Joists in Place
    Joists should be spaced according to the brand’s requirements—Millboard and NewTechWood vary slightly here (see below).
  4. Lay the Deck Boards
    Start from one side and use the correct fixings. Boards are typically fixed using hidden clips or stainless screws (no visible screws = sleek finish).
  5. Leave Expansion Gaps
    Always allow for a small gap between boards to handle expansion and drainage.
  6. Add Edging and Finishing Touches
    Use edging trims or fascia boards for a tidy, professional finish.

Millboard vs. NewTechWood – What’s Different?

Millboard is hand-moulded from real oak and features a unique polyurethane resin core. It’s fixed directly through the board using Durafix® screws, which leave virtually no visible marks—no clips needed. Joist spacing is typically 400mm centres. Click here to see how simple installing with Millboard really is!

NewTechWood uses a fully capped composite system and is installed using a hidden clip system. The clip design allows for a consistent gap between boards and quick, even installation. Joist centres should be 300–350mm depending on the direction of the board. Click here to watch a video on NewTechWood’s easy installation set-up.

Both are easy to work with, require no staining or sealing, and are backed by strong manufacturer warranties.

Want to See the Colours in Real Life?

Visit our walk-on landscaping display at Chandler Materials and see the full range of Millboard and NewTechWood decking colours and finishes. It’s the best way to visualise the finished product—and you can collect a free product sample while you’re there!

Whether you’re quoting for a garden makeover, fitting a patio for a customer, or looking to stock a premium product in your store, Millboard and NewTechWood composite decking make the job easy from start to finish.