If you’re planning to transform your outdoor area – whether it’s a garden patio, a poolside terrace or a balcony – decking is an excellent way to add character and functionality to your space. But aesthetics shouldn’t come at the expense of safety, especially in the unpredictable UK climate. That’s where non-slip decking steps in.
At Gripsure, we specialise in helping homeowners design outdoor spaces that are as safe as they are stunning. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose, lay and improve your decking with slip-resistant solutions that give you peace of mind all year round.
How to Choose Your Decking
Choosing the right decking is the first step to creating a long-lasting outdoor space that reflects your lifestyle and values. Key considerations include:
1. Purpose and Location
Is your decking going to be used for entertaining, relaxing or accessing another part of your garden? Is it exposed to moisture, near a pool or in a shaded area? These factors influence the type of material you’ll need.
2. Aesthetic Appeal
Natural timber has timeless charm, while composite decking offers a contemporary, low-maintenance look. Explore our non-slip decking options, each designed with safety and sustainability in mind, and choose the one that best fit your aesthetics.
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3. Safety
Standard decking can become dangerously slippery when wet. non-slip timber decking incorporates integrated aggregate strips for year-round grip, even in frosty, wet or algae-prone conditions. Our decking greatly exceeds the HSE’s minimum slip resistance standards for its full warantee, making it ideal for families with children, pets or elderly relatives.
4. Environmental Impact
If sustainability matters to you, look for products with FSC® or PEFC™ certification, these ensure that the timber is sourced from responsibly managed forests. We are proud to be the first UK decking company to offer carbon footprint-labelled decking boards, and even offer bamboo decking for even greater sustainability.
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The Benefits of Non-Slip Decking
Non-slip decking isn’t just a smart safety choice, it also brings added value to your outdoor space. Here’s why more homeowners are making the switch:
- Peace of Mind. Rain, frost and even morning dew can create hazards. Our decking is designed to keep you on your feet no matter the season.
- Made with durable materials, these products can perform well for many years with minimal maintenance. A well-installed non-slip deck can remain safe and attractive for over a decade, making it a smart long-term investment for your outdoor space. Gripsure decking comes with an industry-leading 15-year performance warranty, giving you confidence it will stand the test of time.
- Low Maintenance. Unlike standard decking, which may require frequent treatments to prevent algae build-up, non-slip decking reduces the need for constant upkeep.
- With a variety of styles, from classic softwood to sleek bamboo composite, you’ll find a finish that complements your garden design.
How to Lay Decking
Laying decking can add value to your home. However, it can be a skilled process that requires experience, precision, and the right materials. Here’s a general overview of the process:
Step 1: Plan Your Decking Area
We begin by assessing your space, listening to your needs and designing a tailored layout. Factors like drainage, light levels, access and intended use all inform the design. Our team ensures each plan is both functional and visually appealing, with careful consideration given to environmental impact and longevity.
Step 2: Prepare the Ground
Before any structure is installed, the area is cleared and properly prepared. Depending on the type of installation, ground-level or raised, our team uses professional methods such as applying weed control membranes, laying gravel or setting concrete footings to ensure a stable and well-drained foundation.
Step 3: Build the Frame
We construct a robust frame using high-quality, pressure-treated timber. Every element is measured, levelled and fixed in accordance with industry best practices and the specific requirements of the chosen decking system. Attention to detail at this stage is critical to the durability and appearance of the final structure.
Step 4: Lay the Decking Boards
Decking boards are laid with expert precision, ensuring proper alignment and consistent spacing to allow for drainage and natural expansion. Non-slip inserts are positioned with care for both safety and aesthetics. Our team uses corrosion-resistant fixings to ensure a long-lasting and professional finish.
Step 5: Finish and Protect
After installation, any required finishes or treatments are applied to protect the decking from weathering. Gripsure’s decking products are pre-treated for maximum durability, but we ensure all elements are sealed, clean and ready to enjoy. We also offer guidance on ongoing care to keep your decking performing at its best.
Add Anti-Slip to Your Deck with Deck Grip Strips
Already have decking installed? You don’t have to replace your boards to improve safety. Gripsure’s deck grip strips are a simple yet effective retrofit solution.
What are Deck Grip Strips?
Deck grip strips are anti-slip inserts made from high-quality resin and aggregate. They’re designed to be fixed onto existing timber decking, providing an instant slip-resistant surface.
Why choose grip strips?
- Quick to install – simply screw into place
- Cost-effective – upgrade your deck without a full replacement
- Long-lasting – weatherproof and UV-resistant
- Customisable – available in a range of widths and colours
Whether you want to enhance safety around stairs, walkways, or entrances, grip strips are a smart, low-disruption upgrade.
Choose Non-Slip Decking from Gripsure
With over 15 years of experience and more than 15 million metres of decking installed across Europe, Gripsure is the name behind some of the UK’s most iconic outdoor spaces – from the Eden Project to family homes across the country.
We’re proud to offer:
- Europe’s widest range of non-slip decking
- FSC® and PEFC™ certified sustainable products
- Industry-leading performance backed by a 15-year warranty
- Responsive support and expert advice
Whether you’re building a deck from scratch or improving an existing one, we’re here to help you make the most of your outdoor space with style, safety and sustainability in mind. Ready to create your perfect outdoor space? get in touch with our team for tailored advice.
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