How to Make Your Decking Less Slippery

If you have experienced slippery decking, you will know how hazardous it can be. A well-maintained deck is no trouble, but one which gets slippery can lead to a lot of problems! Luckily there are many ways to prevent your deck from becoming slick, even in the rain, and prevent you and your guests from sliding all over it. Read on for all the tips you need from our EcoChoice experts.

Make the Right Choice at the Start

One of the best ways to avoid a slippery deck is to back the right choice at the start. By opting for a grooved deck you can instantly add more grip, and installing your boards at a gentle slope will allow water to run off, meaning that algae and fungal growth will be less of a problem. Proper installation which accounts for shrinkage and swelling will remove the chance of large gaps between the boards, making it more easy to walk on.

Brush Away Leaves and Fungi

Sometimes you don’t need an oil to prevent your deck from becoming a slipping hazard, all it needs is a regular sweep. If you have chosen a good timber species, you might find that simply sweeping away debris which falls onto your deck, and maybe takes root, is enough. This is especially true for wet wood, a hotspot for slippery algae and fungi growth which a regular  sweeping can prevent. It is also a must to remove any leaves which can create a slippery layer all on their own as they slowly rot away.

Use a Non-Slip Treatment

If your deck is a little on the slippier side, there are treatments you can apply to make it easier to walk on. Paints and varnishes are common and work well, but they will flake after time. If you want a solution that is more long-term, we recommend an anti-slip decking oil. Oils won’t crack or peel off over time, and are easy to top up when needed. Find a natural oil to create a rough surface that will add grip to your decking.

Keep Your Decking Clear of Ice

It is no secret that ice will make any surface more slippery. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can prevent your decking from becoming an ice rink that won’t damage your timber. First of all, it is important to know that you should not chip away at the ice with a metal tool, nor should you lay down grit. Neither of these are going to make your timber very happy! Instead, use a wooden or plastic shovel to remove as much ice as you can, using hot water to make the job easier.

Use Non-Slip Strips or Tape

If you’re looking for a super quick, budget-friendly method to make your decking less slippery, you could try non-slip tape or strips. Rough strips can be screwed straight into your deck for a more permanent solution and are common on decking steps. Non-slip tape is cheaper and fast to apply but is less permanent. Whichever you choose, both will provide a better grip when moving around your decking.

Get More Help With Your Decking at EcoChoice

At EcoChoice, we are timber decking experts. From helping you prevent a slippery deck to matching your project with the right timber species, we are here to help with all your questions! Keep reading our blogs for more information or get in touch with us with any specific questions you may have.