Slippery Deck? 11 Effective Ways How To Make Decking Non Slip

Choosing Deck Materials

Although there are several measures you can take to increase traction on wood decking, there are also several things that could go wrong and make it dangerously slippery. Wood decking and composite decking have always been compared with each other in terms of performance, looks, maintenance, and others. There are of course traits of one that is better than the other. But in terms of slip resistance, in my opinion, composite decking would be a better choice. There are also anti-slip inserts that can easily be installed in between the grooves of the composite decking. They are less visible than anti-slip strips and become almost part of the decking but they also increase the traction of the surface and much safer to walk on.

Composite Decking Vs Wood

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Winter weather is typically wet, and wet timber is a breeding ground for slippery algae and fungus growth. Large decking areas are also prone to collecting rotting leaves left over from the autumn months, which create a super-slippery layer of their own. A stiff-bristle yard brush is usually all you need to scrape away any unwanted growth and leaves, and won’t damage your timber boards.

Is Trex Decking Slippery In Winter?

If you’ve recently installed some timber decking and made the discovery that it can be a very slippery decking area when wet, rest assured, you’re not alone. The good news is that there is now a professional and reliable solution to this problem – easily fitted AFTER your decking has been laid. Plastic or plastic composite lumber is a low-maintenance and higher-priced alternative to pressure-treated wood. This deck in Highlands, Washington, is built with composite planks and railings made from recycled plastic and oak sawdust.

• Most of them though perform better than conventional wood decking in terms of slip resistance.
• And there are things you can do to increase the surface traction.
• However, there’s still no 100% anti-slip composite decking.
• There are some composite decking products that are designed to reduce slipping.

Grit tape will definitely improve traction, but it’s obviously going to be very visible because it is black. Both are imperfect solutions, but they just might save a slip or fall that sends a loved one to the hospital.

Wood is still the most common choice for deck material,1 but it doesn't last forever. Composites may be more durable, but they might lack the natural look and color you are looking for. The best composite, plastic, and aluminum decking in our tests still looked good after a year outdoors without the usual refinishing. Non-wood decking still looked good after a year outdoors without refinishing. Fiberon Sanctuary composite decking offers enhanced slip resistance and rich . It's is the perfect blend of good looks, great performance, and easy-on-you.

Snow And Ice Removal On Composite Decks

Because they’re just as strong as screws but provide a much nicer finish, hidden fastening systems are a superior product to traditional decking installation methods. The cost is slightly more than most screws, however, depending on the hidden deck fastener you buy, can be faster and easier to install, so you’ll save money on installation.

They also fill the grains of your decking that are supposed to provide traction. Calcium chloride or rock salt also can be used to melt the snow and ice from the deck surface. If you own one of the older generation Trex composite decks, such as Accents®, calcium chloride or rock salt may be used but should be rinsed off as soon as possible. In what direction should decking boards be placed (horizontal / vertical) compared to the deck? The boards are usually placed horizontally perpendicular to the adjacent wall. This choice is above all aesthetic, but it also important to be sure that the direction of the boards does not hinder water drainage.