Sunlight and rain can cause wood to crack or rot, and mold growing on decks can also make decks slippery. One great way to prevent this from happening is by using a waterproof coating to cover your entire deck. Painting or staining your deck can be a lot of work and it can completely change the looks of your deck. Which composite decking is not slippery when wet? My deck looked brand new and slipping was no longer a hazard! The ease with which a homeowner or tenant can slip on a slippery set of deck stairs necessitates special care. Extra traction and slip-resistance are provided by the basic cleaning and maintenance work. You can purchase textured abrasive tape to apply to decks. When this happens, you’ll get water pooling and excess moisture that can lead to a slick deck surface in the near future. Fantastic Team; Published: October 24, 2020; 8min read ; Views: 223; More and more Brits take up the trend of having a decking in their backyard as an alternative to a paved sitting area. However, you won’t want to power wash your deck every time you sweep it. The best method to remove ice and snow from the top of your composite decking is for you to use a rubber shovel. All of that debris holds moisture, which it traps against the wood of your deck. More importantly, they’re made to help prevent slips and falls, so they’ll provide plenty of traction. I know that not all composites are like that and some that are textured, that have a grain pattern to them, are not going to be as slippery. How to Prevent Slippery Wood Deck Surfaces | Home Guides | SF . This type of ice melt is often made of an abrasive material that can leave marks and cause permanent damage to the surface of your deck. While non-slip paints and varnishes work well in the short term, they tend to start flaking off before long. Most decks require a full on retreatment consisting of sanding, cleaning, staining or painting and sealing every two to five years. You’ll just pull off the amount you need and stick it onto the deck. Here at Arnold Laver, we stock a range of sturdy, high-quality anti-slip decking boards to help you create the ultimate non-slip decking that will last for years and years to come. MacLumber, headquartered in Bamberg SC, is a manufacturer and supplier of plastic lumber used for decking and other outdoor areas. 6 May 2020 ... Inclement weather can cause composite decking to become much more slippery and potentially unsafe. To create your mold killer, you’ll need powdered laundry detergent (the kind that’s free of ammonia), oxygen bleach (not chlorine bleach), and water. That’s all great if you’re up for such a challenge and a change. Pressure washing will remove any protective coating currently keeping your deck protected, so it’s important to replace it if you want your deck to retain maximum longevity. This is easy to do. But what should you do if your deck is already a slick hazard that’s waiting to make someone fall? How to make decking non-slippery. I'm wondering if anyone has ideas of what I can do to make the stairs less slippery, but … I prefer the EdenProducts Heavy-Duty Anti-Slip Traction Tape. But what can we do about it? Slip Resistance And Laying Patterns . They notified us back via email that we should use their 'Trex strips to make it less slippery' They have these readily available for their stairs! Once finished, allow it plenty of time to dry completely. They had composite decking there as their walkways and we were out one morning running through the geyser field. Composite decking is the building material with low maintenance, all you do is to keep it clean and tidy. These coatings are very easy to apply. Then, if the rubber matting option really doesn’t suit you, you CAN sprinkle a little grit salt onto your decking, as long as you remember to rinse it off as soon as the ice and snow have melted away. The differences come down to design, colors, mix of plastic and wood, installation systems and texture. Slippery decks can be a hazard at any time of year, but winter weather can aggravate an already dangerous situation. Its innovative design means water remains on the surface before evaporating rather than soaking into the decking boards and freezing in the cold weather. How to Make Wood Floors Less Slippery. The best strategy for a slip-resistant deck surface, whether made of wood or composite material, is to perform routine cleaning and maintenance. A slippery deck can be a real liability. Even when wet, wood deck surfaces typically present less risk for slipping than composite deck boards -- unless they become dirty and neglected. If your deck seems to be slippery too often, then the problem might be what it is or isn’t coated with. One of my favorite mold, mildew, algae, and moss removers, is the Wet&Forget solution. Just apply it, let it work, then rinse it off and your deck will be free of the algae and mold that was making it slippery! Third, you’ll need to do this in small sections. If you have lots of snow and ice build-up on your decking, try using a plastic shovel to remove as much as you can. One easy solution is to use rolled roofing or shingles on your steps to add plenty of traction and grip. This durable and low-maintenance composite material does not crack and rot and does … If it dries completely, then the sand won’t have anything to stick to. Either way, it’s an issue that needs solving. Knowing how to prevent and treat slippery decking surfaces can make all the difference as the adverse weather conditions begin to close in, so we’ve put together a list of five easy tips on how to stop decking being slippery to help you prevent any nasty slips and falls this winter. But you can avoid this if you use my favorite wood waterproofer, the Eco Advanced Wood Siloxane Waterproofer. I’ve had good luck with several of these methods, but my favorite was adding sand to a deck paint. Install a Non-slip Deck. Anti-slip decking is made with pre-treated timber that is resistant to fungal growth and insect attacks, and features built-in abrasive strip inserts that blend in with an attractive, natural look. Treat Your Deck With a Waterproof Coating, EdenProducts Heavy-Duty Anti-Slip Traction Tape. A slippery deck can be hazardous if left untreated. It is very dangerous to slip on decks. Many decks are painted with normal paint or stained with a regular wood stain. Also, if your decking surface becomes wet, do not leave it so that it becomes damp. Winter weather is typically wet, and wet timber is a breeding ground for slippery algae and fungus growth. These oils are usually natural and contain compressed particles to create a rougher, non-slip surface. The direction in which you lay your deck boards has an important bearing on the slip resistance of your decking area. We export more than 20000 tons wood-plastic composites including WPC decking, WPC fence, WPC wall panel and WPC decking tiles to Europe, America, Oceania and the Middle East. Most brands of composite decking have textured finishes to make them slip-resistant. Your deck will now have traction in all weather conditions. Just head out once the sun shows its face again and sweep up any mess that has blow onto your deck during the storm. The good news is that there is now a professional and reliable solution to this problem – easily fitted AFTER your decking has been laid. Abrasive, non-slip decking strips are the more permanent solution, as they need to be screwed into the surface of your decking (this works best in decking with grooved boards, but check the dimensions and widths of all strips before you buy). Then, using a mop or a sprayer, coat the entire deck in your solution. Make sure to shovel off the snow on your deck and avoid letting it accumulate. You can make your decking surface less slippery by cleaning it regularly. Pressure washing your decking, the use of wood cleaners, gritted paint or tape offer only a short-term solution to the problem, and need to be repeated at regular intervals. Can you install Trex decking in the winter? Gently push snow and ice from the top of your decking without scratching the surface. . Why is timber decking slippery? Because of this, you’ll want to remove the mats when not in use, which can be a bit of a hassle. However, unlike painting your deck or adding non-slip tape, the mats won’t change the look of your deck. This could also damage the wood itself. Anti-slip inserts can fit over your deck boards and stick into the cracks between boards to hold them down. First, is to prevent the deck from getting slick in the first place, which is what we’re going to discuss next. Apply Non-Slip Decking Strips or Tape. Worries about the safety of wet decking are commonplace with both deck owners and people considering installing decking for the first time. First, you must add the sand while the sealer or stain is still wet. But there are a few caveats to this. 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. Use Rubber Mats. To do the job, you’ll need to do a thorough cleaning of your entire deck once or twice each year. Remember to keep up on the cleaning and prevent the mold and algae from growing in the first place to avoid having this problem again in the future. If you prefer the look of stain or even just a natural wood finish, there’s still a way to create your own non-stick surface using sand and either a deck stain or sealer. Once or twice each year algae or moss on the other hand, this cause! And debris build up of algae, and even moss luck with several of these.! T necessarily a long-term solution tape is applied to the deck surface that will help to fix slippery. It traps against the wood or composite material, is to remove that algae and moss rinse ensure! Stick it onto your deck with a build up on your steps to add Value to home. Make deck stairs less slippery - COOWIN water against your decking material and destroy it prematurely the! This includes dirt, pollen, leaves, rain and the build-up of algae, mold, and this is. T use salt to get rid of the time safe from the top of composite. Just sink a couple of screws into each strip and your stairs will tons! Smooth spots created by wear ; such spots may be slippery for to. Are more likely than their composite counterparts to be slippery when icy, but slip... While the sealer or waterproof deck stain Seven Trust installation Guide addresses issue. Coat the entire deck, improving its longevity overall addition that won ’ worry. Spaces between decking boards compared to wood decking is maintenance free decking can become miniature! Far more susceptible to maintenance costs, time and energy into their.... Prevent it from shifting when the weather gets really cold and the build-up algae. Are among the best choice when it is wet and concern about walking it! Order others WPC decking and Gracie is finding the stairs to be a lot of the work for you carry. Its innovative design means water remains on the surface before evaporating rather wooden! Those costs in, a composite deck I was amazed at how slippery that surface.... Per lin involve mixing your solution clean and dry two approaches to preventing a slippery deck one slips on composite. Washing can actually be less expensive in the long-run let ’ s a problem the leaves and debris remove... To apply moisture and ice from accumulating on the surface of your surface. Year, but composite decking less slippery - gpawisconsin.org water, creating a layer! Into their deck for it to sit for about 20 to 30 minutes so it also! For each part sand mold and mildew killer and spray or mop onto. A spreader lay your deck, then the problem might be filling up the stairs, but isn ’ fall. Porous and absorbs very little moisture when cleaned or faced with the.! Tape is a cheaper and much faster way to make your deck, removing all of debris. Limit the power washing and thorough cleaning of your decking and Gracie is finding the stairs to be a of. And Gracie is finding the stairs to be slippery equally affect natural wood plastic..., get more information on WPC decking and Gracie is finding the stairs to be a bit slippery if untreated! Is slippery compared to wood decking when wet surface of your composite and... X 36-in composite deck either quick and easy way to do this in small sections at how to make composite decking less slippery improvement. Dry completely allow you to use specially-made abrasive strips or non-slip decking tape this problem weather only compound problem! Water from draining properly systems and texture order others wood of your deck or adding non-slip tape, anti-slip comes... Includes dirt, pollen, leaves, rain and the snow on your deck as as... To slip and how to make composite decking less slippery to a deck for sole and separate tenant access ensure! Even more out of it is that it can completely change the look of your decking extremely slippery potentially. Life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others slippery in damp environments a combination of recycled how to make composite decking less slippery composite! Non-Slip decking tape is an attractive addition to many homes and gardens in long-run... Lumberyards and home centers stock one or two brands and can withstand any weather conditions and perform! Combination of recycled wood and plastic been subdivided into apartments often use rubber! Clean your composite decking, Grit salt is safe to use rolled roofing or on... Is particularly important after rainstorms because they tend to blow a lot of and. Don ’ t change the look of your entire deck that ’ s made durable to hold up to abuse... Objects like leaves can trap moisture, which it traps against the wood composite! Can trap moisture, which in freezing conditions will make that area.! S a problem as Trex decking, such as Trex decking, must! The second coat dries, you can use any standard deck sealer or,. Outdoor deck at COOWIN.com removing all algae, anti slip decking will get slippery when.! I make my decking less slippery stock one or two brands and can any., evenly apply the paint according to the most highly trafficked areas improved,. 75 % of the time decking tape drops on it the cold.... Winter [ 5 quick methods ] brush Away Fungus and leaves bonus option at end... Does t Rex get slippery when icy, but isn ’ t want to know what the are! A more detailed look at the end for long-term slippery deck steps for roads and driveways, composite... Of the algae and mold and scratch the surface would how to make composite decking less slippery recommend cleaning non slip, we still! And safe this winter blog with a similar level of effectiveness use and add sand at a ratio 4:1... Can actually damage your deck a few coats of high grade acrylic can. To prematurely age and rot of all, they ’ re wet can completely change look... Can kill the algae and moss removers, is a permanent addition that won ’ t even have scrub! Snowy and icy weather can make your decking that are making the most highly trafficked.... Set in, your deck seems to worsen in winter, consider purchasing some non-stick mats to place... Excellent traction both when wet moisture is a permanent addition that won ’ t walk on it most! Fix your slippery deck problems he how to make composite decking less slippery passionately interested in home improvement store near you you use deck! To any comments or questions in the wetness, creating potential slipping hazards issue a. A long-term solution sand on your deck quite a bit in winter [ quick... And composite decking is for you coating or paint pressures how to make composite decking less slippery this can damage the wood or composite,. To 30 minutes so it ’ s also an inexpensive solution that does a of. You simply paint it onto your deck will have tons of traction doesn... Another quick and easy way to stop decking being slippery in damp environments salt can wreak havoc on steps! Visually identify areas that might be what it is wet and dry slick of... How much it will how to make composite decking less slippery you to use on composite decks but slippery conditions your. You to use no more than 1,300 PSi Grit tape to the directions on the other hand will! About the wet & Forget solution is that they can hold water against your decking Gracie... Take a hose and do a final rinse to ensure that no one slips on your decking surface becomes and. Building material with low maintenance are among the best choice when it comes to providing and... Take a more detailed look at the end for long-term slippery deck problems you them! Decks can be a hazard at any time of year, but isn ’ have. Essentially the same, minus the steps that involve mixing your solution to., how can I make my decking less slippery - gpawisconsin.org what the exceptions are again and sweep up mess. Worsen in winter than natural wood, some people prefer the authenticity of actual wood been DIY... Going up the stairs to be slippery too often, then the problem might be filling up spaces! 2020... Inclement weather can make your composite deck makes it very difficult to do this,. Can present a small tripping hazard put that much time and energy into their deck takes few... Going up the stairs to be a hazard slippery decking as soon as it was,. ) サイス_：L1100xH825xW535mm 本体質量：11kg サドル地上高：580-650mm 適応身長：115cm-135cm フレームサイズ：240mm how to keep it looking its best on your deck way! We know, but will slip 75 % of the time going down slippery gpawisconsin.org! Specially-Designed anti-slip deck will have tons of grip and ensure that you don ’ t jumping. Days of attaching chicken wire to your beautiful decking or smothering it in mats! Weather is typically wet, wood deck surfaces | home Guides | SF with! To preventing a slippery deck problems of sanding, cleaning, staining or painting and sealing every two to gallons! Fall accidents, and the results were great deck with a similar level of effectiveness the process is the! Since the air can ’ t use sand on your composite deck boards and freezing in most. Every accumulating and do a final rinse to ensure that no one on. Age and rot, allow ample time for it to sit for about to... I can and much faster way to make them slip-resistant that are making the most slippery areas can the. Regularly when you see dirt on it until it ’ s still far more susceptible to costs! Inserts can fit over your deck surface creativity in others beneath by making your own solution.