Set beside the River Thames and surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens, this property in Bray provided an exceptional setting for a bespoke Millboard decking terrace.
The brief called for something much more considered than simply replacing an existing deck. The new terrace needed to complement the architecture of the property, work with the sweeping staircase leading into the garden and create a strong visual contrast against the surrounding planting and landscape.
With its deep charcoal tones, crisp detailing and convincing timber character, Millboard Burnt Cedar proved an ideal choice.
A bespoke Millboard decking design for a Thames-side garden
The existing raised terrace occupies an important position within the garden, overlooking the Thames and forming a natural transition between the house and the landscape beyond.
Our design approach was therefore deliberately restrained. Rather than competing with the garden, the decking needed to frame the view and provide a clean, sophisticated surface beneath the furniture and planting.
Dark decking was selected to contrast with the lighter architectural finishes and surrounding greenery, while the orientation and detailing of the boards were carefully considered to produce a precise, uncluttered appearance.
Attention to detail was particularly important throughout this project because the terrace incorporated curved steps, changes in level and numerous visible edges.
Why we specified Millboard Burnt Cedar
For this project, durability, appearance and long-term performance were equally important.
Millboard Burnt Cedar from the Enhanced Grain collection provides the appearance and texture of timber without many of the maintenance requirements associated with conventional timber decking.
Its dark, charred appearance is influenced by the traditional Japanese technique of preserving timber through charring, producing a finish that works particularly well within contemporary gardens and against natural planting.
For a riverside garden such as this, where exposure to moisture and changing weather conditions is inevitable, the stability and low-maintenance characteristics of Millboard made it particularly suitable.
The result is a decking surface that delivers the warmth and character of timber while providing the consistency expected from a premium composite decking product.
A low-profile Plas-Pro substructure
One of the principal technical challenges was the extremely restricted construction depth beneath the finished decking.
A traditional timber framework would have increased the overall build-up and compromised the required finished level, so the terrace was constructed using a low-profile Plas-Pro recycled plastic substructure.
At approximately 50mm deep, this allowed us to create the necessary structural framework while retaining the required finished height.
Using a plastic substructure also removes the risk of timber joists deteriorating through prolonged exposure to moisture beneath the deck, helping to provide a durable foundation beneath the Millboard boards.
As with any premium decking installation, the surface is only as reliable as the structure beneath it. Correct support, ventilation, drainage, fixing centres and detailing all contribute to how the deck performs over the years that follow.
Bespoke curved Millboard steps
Perhaps the most distinctive part of this project was the staircase.
The existing curved steps had previously been clad with cherry timber, a material that was not performing well within this exposed external environment and required replacement.
Rather than simplifying the staircase or introducing a different material, we developed a method of continuing the Millboard decking across the curved step arrangement.
Every step first had to be individually templated so that the geometry could be reproduced accurately.
The Millboard boards were then carefully machined and combined with flexible bullnose edging and matching fascia material to form each curved tread and riser.
This required considerably more fabrication than a conventional straight decking step, but retaining the original sweeping shape was fundamental to the overall design.
The completed staircase now appears as an integral part of the terrace rather than an addition to it.
Experienced Millboard decking installers serving Bray and the surrounding area
Steve and Rees have extensive experience designing and constructing high-quality decking, landscaping and outdoor living projects, with more than 40 years of combined practical experience.
Based near Amersham, we undertake carefully designed residential projects throughout Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and the surrounding areas, including Bray, Maidenhead and the Thames Valley.
Our work includes:
- Millboard decking and composite decking
- Bespoke raised decking terraces
- Low-profile decking installations
- Curved decking and specialist step construction
- Timber and composite substructures
- Balustrades and screening
- Garden lighting
- Integrated landscaping and planting
- Complete garden design and construction
We place particular emphasis on the details that are often hidden once a project is complete: structural support, water management, ventilation, board spacing, edge detailing and suitable materials beneath the finished surface.
Those decisions determine whether a deck simply looks good when it is finished or continues to perform properly for many years afterwards.
Looking for a Millboard decking installer in Bray?
If you are considering a new Millboard deck, replacing an older timber terrace or planning a larger garden transformation in Bray, Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire or the surrounding Thames Valley, we would be pleased to discuss your project.
Whether your garden requires a straightforward terrace or a more complicated solution involving raised areas, curved steps, balustrades, lighting or integrated landscaping, Steve and Rees can advise on the design, materials and construction approach from the outset.
Call us to discuss your garden or decking project, or use our contact page to arrange an initial conversation.
We can then talk through the space, what you would like to achieve and the most appropriate way to create a long-lasting deck that looks as though it was always intended to be part of the garden.
