Should I use composite decking in my garden?

Posted on 15 July 2017 in Outdoor Living

You know you would like to invest in new decking for your garden but which should you go for: composite or timber decking? There are a number of differences between them, from the material used to how safe they are to walk on when wet.

Composite vs timber

So what is the difference? Composite decking is usually composed of wood from sawdust mixed with plastic and moulded to resemble a deck board. The Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA) has received a number of reports of poor composite performance, though these appear to be limited to a particular type of ‘cheaper’ hollow form board. Concerns have also been raised about new decking boards being fitted over existing substructures which are often unsuitable for wood plastic composite. Manufacturing composite decking is complex, so results will vary. If you decide to go ahead and use composite decking, make sure you are going for the best product you can find.

Timber decking is made from a solid, natural, renewable product: wood. Gripsure non-slip decking is made using high-quality, commercial-grade Redwood timber. And this is just the first of many differences:

Safety

One of the most important differences is that composite becomes slippery when wet whereas Gripsure anti-slip timber does not. Our innovative decking includes a non-slip treatment. This means they stay safe even when the decking is covered with surface water, algae, fallen leaves or even ice. All our products are independently tested with Gripsure also offering a 15-year non-slip guarantee, giving you peace of mind that your family are safe from the risk of accidents in poor weather.

Value for money

Many people assume that composite decking will be cheaper than solid timber decking. In fact, to get a reasonable quality composite decking you would need to pay about the same as for a hardwood timber deck. Cheaper composite options are likely to be very poor quality and are unlikely to last, so would not be good value in the long run. If you are on a budget, a softwood timber decking would be a better choice than a cheaper composite. If you have a bigger budget, you could get hardwood timber decking for the same price as the most expensive composite.

Long-lasting look and structure

Many people go for composite decking as they believe it will be a low-maintenance addition to their outdoor space. You may be surprised to hear that this wood and plastic blend needs more regular pressure washing than timber. We recommend a pressure wash to our catalogue of Gripsure products every 12 months. With composite, moisture can seep through the outer plastic layer down to the wood fibre causing it to swell, which over time can lead to holes forming in the surface of the boards. In comparison timber swells much less, reducing any structural damage that might occur. If you are determined to go for composite, do your homework and make sure you are confident you are getting the best decking you can find. We would always recommend timber as the best option for any garden. If you want safety without compromise, value for money and stunning decking in your outdoor space, then anti-slip timber is the answer.

Get in touch

If you have any questions or would like more information, get in touch with on of our friendly team.

Choosing the right aggregate for your non-slip decking

Posted on 14 July 2017 in Decking Tips

If you are considering anti-slip decking for a home or commercial project, it is helpful to understand a bit more about the different types of aggregate and how they work.

Small particles of stone, called aggregate, are what give Gripsure decking its non-slip properties. We add aggregate to inserts in our timber boards so that when you step on Gripsure decking you can be sure you won’t slip – even if it’s wet or icy underfoot. If you are considering anti-slip decking for a home or commercial project, it is helpful to understand a bit more about the different types of aggregate and how they work.

Why is choosing the right aggregate important?

When you buy non-slip decking you are making a long-term investment for decking that is safe all year round with minimal maintenance. The type, and size (known as ‘grading’) of aggregate used will determine how your non-slip decking will perform initially and in the long-term.

What does the aggregate do?

There are many different types of non-slip aggregate, which all have slightly different properties and therefore perform differently. The overall goal of the non-slip aggregate is to increase the amount of friction between the timber decking and the person walking on it. For maximum friction you need to increase the amount of surface area available for your feet to grip. This is best achieved by using an angular stone that won’t polish up.

The best way to ensure you have good non-slip aggregate is to look at some key features, which we in the industry call Polished Stone Value (PSV), Aggregate Abrasion Value (AAV) and Hardness. PSV indicates how easily the aggregate will polish during use and the higher the value, the longer the aggregate will continue to perform. AAV is a measure of how the aggregate will wear down when exposed to a hard material. Aggregates with a low AAV will wear down slower and will therefore last longer.

A stone called bauxite is considered to be the ‘Gold Standard’ when it comes to non-slip aggregates. With a PSV of 72, AAV of 1.6, and Hardness of 9 you are guaranteed to have a long lasting high performance anti-slip aggregate.

Aesthetics and colouring: getting the right look for your outdoor project

We are often asked if we can provide decking with different coloured aggregates to match a design or to create a contrast. It is possible to pigment aggregates like bauxite but there are a couple of drawbacks. The first is the extra cost involved in changing the colour of the aggregate. The second is that through normal use the pigmented coating on the aggregate will wear off, revealing the natural colour of the stone.

Making outdoor spaces safer to comply with DDA regulations

For some commercial projects the colour may be needed to comply with DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) regulations, by making ramps and steps more visible. Once the pigment has worn off the product will no longer be DDA compliant.

The best way to comply with DDA legislation is to select two naturally contrasting coloured aggregates, which both have good non-slip properties. An obvious choice would be to use buff bauxite alongside grey bauxite. There are other aggregate types such as Emery, Silicone Carbide and Quartz, but they all have different PSV, AAV and Hardness values to bear in mind.

Get advice from your non-slip decking manufacturer

The non-slip decking manufacturer should be able to advise you on the different properties of the aggregates they use. At Gripsure we are always very happy to give advice and assist you in making an informed choice. Getting advice at the outset when you are planning your project will help ensure your non-slip decking looks great and that it lasts.