High-traffic areas require flooring that can withstand the volume of people, the weathering of time, and elements which could cause dangerous conditions. Non-slip decking from Gripsure ticks all these boxes, and the choice of timber or bamboo means you can select the right material for your needs.

We’ve been supplying large commercial projects with quality decking for years, helping to improve the value and integrity of high-traffic areas. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between timber and bamboo decking, highlight the advantages of decking in high-traffic areas, and outline the benefits of accessible design for businesses.

If you’re in need of quality, non-slip decking for your next project, contact us today.

Timber vs bamboo decking: what are the differences?

Sustainability

Timber and bamboo are both sustainable options, but bamboo does end up taking the edge in this regard. Growing up to a metre a day, renewing itself from the same shoot, and providing a net-negative carbon sink throughout its lifespan. Bamboo is by far one of the most sustainable solutions to include in your project.

That’s not to say timber is unsustainable, however. At Gripsure, we always endeavour to supply eco-friendly timber decking, meaning you can get the look you’re after without harming the environment.

Industry standards

Depending on your building, there will be different industry regulations such as fire safety standards to uphold. Timber can be impregnated with various treatments to help it match your needs, while bamboo can be rated at Fire Class B without the need for such chemicals, making both great choices for a variety of commercial settings.

Aesthetic value

Both timber and bamboo are beautiful materials that can go great with any build. However, if you’re looking for variety, timber can offer more choices due to the range of options available. Depending on what you’re after, both options can either be left to weather and mature, or given protection to preserve their initial colouring, though this is more impactful for cladding.

Durability and lifespan

Hard-wearing timber and durable bamboo are both great options for decking. They have an incredibly long lifespan, with many solutions remaining intact (while still providing the required levels of grip) for 30 years or more!

At Gripsure, we offer a 15-year warrantee on our timber decking and a 25-year warrantee on our bamboo decking, so you can be assured it’ll go the mile. Plus, our solutions require minimal maintenance, meaning you won’t have to invest loads of additional resources just to keep it running.

Learn more about the differences between timber and bamboo decking >

The advantages of decking for high-traffic areas

Non-slip decking is the perfect fit for a high-traffic area. It provides safety, meaning people are less at risk of injury or slipping even in icy or wet conditions. It’s low maintenance and durable, meaning the benefits will last for a long time. And, it’s a beautiful feature to include in your project, increasing the visual impact of your space.

For high-traffic areas in particular, all of these benefits are incredibly important as so many people will be accessing the space – meaning you need to provide a quality solution to match.

Where is decking most advantageous?

Decking is a great choice for any high-traffic outdoor space. We have a wide variety of case studies which showcase where you can utilise the benefits of our decking, but some key examples for commercial buildings include:

• Restaurant decks
• Bridges
• Walkways
• Garden areas
• Public spaces

Find out more about designing commercial areas with timber and bamboo >

What are the benefits of accessible design for businesses?

The 2010 Building Regulations Part M require businesses to make ‘reasonable provisions’ so that people can access their buildings and use the facilities. While the specific steps to do this aren’t detailed, it means that having an accessible design is a requirement by law.

This isn’t the only reason to include accessible design, however. Having a more accessible building also comes with a number of other benefits for your business, such as:

• Promoting inclusivity. This is a great stance to take alongside other ESG efforts, showing you’re a conscientious business that cares about your customers and the wider public.
• Access a wider customer base. With more people able to access your space, you can offer your services to more people, generating additional revenue.
• Increase the functionality of your space. By making it easier to access and get around your area, you will be able to enhance the journey your customers take.
• Provide a better customer experience. A more accessible space means happier customers, leading to greater returns for you as well!

Key features of an accessible design

There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ for accessible design. Different people have different requirements, so you need a space that is tailored to match! Depending on the conditions and location of your building, here are some different features to include:

• Ramps and wide walkways
• Clear access points
• Gentle gradients
• Grip for wet weather, icy conditions, wheelchair access
• Durability so it can withstand traffic without degrading or becoming unfit for use

Luckily, non-slip decking from Gripsure can support all of these features while also providing a bespoke, attractive visual component to your commercial project!

Find out how you can ensure accessibility with our non-slip decking >

Non-slip grip for your high-traffic area from Gripsure decking

By using our timber of bamboo decking, you can create a sleek, bespoke area that can support high volumes of traffic for years to come. This increases the accessibility of your space, provides additional safety, and creates a beautiful visual accent that will enhance the appearance of your build.

At Gripsure, we aim to give architects and designers the best in timber and bamboo decking to match the specific needs of their projects. Get in touch today to find out more about how we can help you take your project to the next level.

Learn how decking and cladding can modernise an architectural build >

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