Non-slip Decking: How to Keep it safe and stylish

Non-slip Decking: How to Keep it safe and stylish

Having an outdoor deck or patio at your home or workplace can have many benefits. They provide a stylish and stable base for outdoor furniture, create new spaces, and introduce interesting levels. However, outdoor decks and patios tend to get very slippery, especially in rainy conditions. If left untreated, these slippery areas can pose serious slip-and-fall risks to you, your family, staff or guests.

Why is our deck or patio so slippery?

Before we discuss solutions to your slippery deck or patio problems, it’s essential to understand why your outdoor area is slippery in the first place. There are many reasons for this, and they can even work with each other to make your deck even slicker.

First, debris such as pollen and leaves from trees, plants and more falls onto your deck or patio. All the debris holds moisture that can get trapped against the material of your deck or patio. The moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for mould, mildew, and even moss, creating a slick layer on your decking material.

Rainy weather, water features and swimming pools can also cause moisture to build up against your deck or patio material. During the colder seasons, this moisture can freeze and create a very slippery icy layer on top of your deck. This creates a high risk for slips and falls.

So, how do you increase traction on the surfaces of your outdoor areas? Let's explore:

Non-slip decking solutions for all outdoor areas

Ideally, you want to keep the rich look of your wood deck or the beautiful features of your natural stone patio. Luckily, there are several anti-slip solutions you can use on different surfaces that won't change the appearance of your chosen material. 

Wood decks

When it comes to wood decks, we often spend a lot of time and money, investing in something aesthetically beautiful. However, we rarely consider the risk that wood decks hold – especially when wet! If you have decking installed, safeguarding the surface with anti-slip decking paintis a necessity. This type of paint is specially designed to increase traction on outdoor wood surfaces, even in wet conditions.

At SlipDoctors, we recommend Alpha Grip. This anti-slip paint can drastically increase the traction of wood surfaces. It has a barefoot and paw-friendly textured finish and is resistant to chemicals. Alpha Grip can also be used both indoors and outdoors and is available in a variety of colours, including clear. It is truly a versatile product.  

Concrete, tiles and stone

While outdoor patios look great with natural stone, tiles and treated concrete finishes, these surfaces can be incredibly slippery, both in dry and wet conditions. Therefore, it is so important to invest in an anti-slip solution such as non-slip paint for paving slabs to increase the traction immediately after installation.

At SlipDoctors, we recommend Dura Grip. This anti-slip Epoxy floor paint is ideal for concrete, tiles and stone. It is easy to maintain and can be used on both indoor and outdoor floors. Dura Grip has a barefoot and paw-friendly semi-gloss textured finish, making it perfect for areas around swimming pools.

Ready to safeguard your deck or patio?

If you've decided to safeguard your slippery outdoor surfaces, the next step is to find the right solution. If you have questions, talk to the team at SlipDoctors about our 

anti-slip paint for wood and other non-slip solutions. We will help you find the right product for your needs.