In architecture and design, every small detail contributes to the creation of structures that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and sustainable. The use of external cladding is one of the most effective ways to achieve this. 

At Gripsure, Europe’s leading supplier of non-slip decking and quality cladding, we understand the significance of choosing the right materials to enhance the visual and structural integrity of a building. In this article, we explore how commercial cladding can transform a build, focusing on design options, sustainability, energy and cost efficiency, and the best materials for large projects. 

Contact us today to find out how we can help you incorporate beautiful, bespoke cladding into your next project. 

Commercial Cladding Designs

When it comes to commercial cladding designs, architects and designers have a variety of options to create distinctive and stunning exteriors. 

Depending on the material you choose, you can completely transform the character and ambiance of your space. For example, modern cladding solutions allow for innovative and dynamic façades that can set a building apart. From sleek, minimalist designs using metal panels to the textured, natural look of timber cladding, the possibilities are endless. 

Metal cladding, including aluminium and steel, offers a contemporary look with clean lines and a polished finish, ideal for commercial buildings aiming for a modern aesthetic. On the other hand, timber cladding provides a warm and inviting feel, making it perfect for projects where a more natural appearance is desired. Additionally, composite materials, which combine the properties of various elements, can deliver both aesthetic versatility and durability. 

An emerging top choice for cladding is bamboo cladding. Able to obtain a fire-class B or even A rating, it is the perfect choice for commercial buildings with stringent regulations around fire safety. Not only that, but it offers a net carbon sink over its lifespan, helping to build towards your sustainability goals. 

Find out more about architectural designs > 

Benefits of Cladding: Sustainability, Cost and Energy Efficiency

One of the primary benefits of external cladding is its contribution to sustainability and energy efficiency in commercial buildings. High-quality cladding systems can significantly improve a building’s thermal insulation, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. This not only lowers energy consumption but also minimises the building’s carbon footprint, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally friendly construction practices. 

Moreover, sustainable cladding materials such as bamboo or sustainable timber can further enhance the eco-friendliness of a project. These materials not only provide excellent durability and weather resistance but also contribute to the conservation of natural resources. Implementing such solutions reflects a commitment to sustainability, a key consideration for the conscious buyer. 

Another important benefit of external cladding is cost efficiency. High-quality cladding systems reduce maintenance and repair costs over the building’s lifetime by protecting the structure from harsh weather conditions and environmental damage. Additionally, the improved insulation provided by cladding can lead to significant savings on energy bills. Choosing durable and low-maintenance materials like MOSO Bamboo ensures long-term cost savings, making cladding a financially wise investment for large-scale commercial projects. 

Best Cladding Materials for Large Projects

When choosing the right materials for your project, factors such as durability, maintenance, and overall cost-effectiveness must be considered alongside aesthetic preferences. Some of the best cladding materials for large-scale builds include: 

Fire-Rated Cladding

Safety is paramount in any commercial build, and fire-rated cladding offers an ideal solution for ensuring fire resistance without compromising on aesthetics. This type of cladding is designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of fire, providing peace of mind for building owners and occupants.  

Fire rated cladding is available in various finishes and styles, making it a versatile choice for modern commercial projects. Some solutions are: 

Composite Cladding:

Combining materials like wood fibres and plastic, composite cladding provides superior weather resistance and a variety of design options. It’s particularly suitable for projects requiring both visual appeal and durability. 

Stone and Brick Cladding:

For a timeless and classic appearance, stone and brick cladding are unparalleled. These materials provide exceptional durability and a sense of permanence, suitable for prestigious commercial buildings. 

Bamboo Cladding:

Reaching fire-class B without chemical impregnation, bamboo offers an eco-friendly way to protect your building against fire. Not only that, but it is incredibly durable, low maintenance, and offers a range of visuals – from silver-grey weathering which evolves with your business, to the original beautiful finish being preserved through the application of oils. 

Read our full guide to fire-rated decking and cladding materials > 

Timber Cladding

Ideal for projects aiming for a natural look, timber cladding is not only aesthetically pleasing but also offers good insulation properties. Treated timber can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for exterior applications. 

Bamboo Cladding

For projects that prioritise sustainability and a natural look, bamboo cladding is an excellent choice. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource, known for its strength and durability. It offers a unique, warm appearance that can enhance the visual appeal of any commercial building. Additionally, bamboo cladding provides excellent resistance to weather conditions and requires minimal maintenance, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. 

Quality Commercial Cladding from Gripsure

External cladding is a transformative element in commercial construction, offering myriad benefits from aesthetic enhancement to improved sustainability and energy efficiency. By carefully selecting the right cladding design and materials, architects and specifiers can create commercial buildings that are not only visually remarkable but also environmentally responsible and cost-effective in the long run. 

At Gripsure, we champion the use of high-quality materials that meet the needs of conscious buyers. We have almost 20 years of experience and are always seeking to achieve the highest environmental, ethical and safety standards. Whether you are working on a commercial or residential project, our industry-leading products provide unmatched performance and durability.  Get in touch today to enhance your next build with the right cladding solutions and ensure it stands the test of time.  

Find out how decking and cladding can modernise an architectural build > 

Learn about SHERA: the regulatory choice for high-rise cladding > 

Net-zero designs are all the rage, with government incentives, public awareness, and our planet’s needs all pushing for more sustainable construction practices. What is typically considered one of the most environmentally impactful industries, construction can benefit greatly from eco-friendlier building materials – such as bamboo. 

At Gripsure, we supply non-slip decking of all shapes and sizes to support your project and environmental goals. In this article, we’ll discuss the sustainability of bamboo against alternatives and why it’s such a good choice when protecting the environment.  

Get in touch today to secure beautiful bamboo decking for your next project. 

The Sustainability of Bamboo vs Alternatives

Decking can be made, and made well, from a variety of different materials – each with their own benefits. Bamboo is a modern super-resource that’s being used across a variety of products and industries, but how well does it hold a candle to the garden and project accents that are already in use? 

At least in terms of sustainability, bamboo is no worse for wear. In fact, it can be seen to surpass every other common building material in terms of environmental impact. Here is a breakdown of other materials, regarding how they compare with bamboo, including composite, timber, and tile. 

Find out why bamboo decking is the sustainable, non-slip choice for your garden > 

Bamboo vs Composite

Composite is made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibres, mixed together with bonding agents, additives, and colouring. All of these chemicals, along with the composite itself, require harmful manufacturing processes which generate emissions and byproducts. 

Additionally, composite doesn’t act as much of a carbon sink, using plastics alongside wood fibre. While it is good to make use of recycled plastics, they won’t be gone forever, as the composite will eventually break down and need replacing. 

At End of Life, composite has the detriment of being a blend of materials; this makes it harder to recycle. Unlike bamboo, which can either biodegrade naturally, be recycled, or have its energy reclaimed via controlled burning (if untreated), composite has a very limited set of final destinations – with only 15% being reused or recycled in the UK. 

Bamboo vs Timber

When grown sustainably, timber can be an incredibly versatile, durable, and eco-friendly construction material. It acts as a carbon sink, much like bamboo, absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it. It can last for many decades, and comes in a number of colours, textures, and styles to suit your build. 

However, timber takes a long time to grow – from 40 to 150 years depending on the type and species. Controlled harvesting and replanting limits environmental impacts, creating a net positive effect, but it can take a long time to get going. 

Bamboo offers many of the benefits of timber without requiring a 40-year advance on growth, making it easier to achieve sustainability through this material. Between the two, the one you choose should depend on your project requirements and personal preferences. 

Explore our timber decking > 

Learn more about timber vs bamboo decking > 

Bamboo vs Stone Tiling

A popular alternative to traditional decking, stone tiles are an incredibly robust – if less versatile – form of outdoor flooring. They are one of the least sustainable options on this list, using a lot of energy to mine the raw material, transport the heavy goods, and carve it into shape. It is also often held together with concrete – another component that is harmful to the environment. 

Tiling does have its place, and many projects benefit from its visual appearance. But if sustainability and beauty in a single package is your goal, then bamboo is the way to go. 

Find out more about the sustainability of bamboo decking > 

Why is Bamboo Production Sustainable?

Unlike other construction materials, the production of bamboo is sustainable. Despite the energy and fuel used in transportation and processing, the material itself is so environmentally beneficial that the impact of these steps can largely be overridden. 

There are a few different factors of bamboo that makes production sustainable, including: 

Bamboo Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

There are six key parts to a bamboo LCA: 

1. Growth and Plantation. This is the period where the bamboo absorbs carbon in the atmosphere, using it to form its attractive, durable exterior. 
2. Transportation. From harvest to processing, then to manufacturing, then to the end user. Due to the fuel involved, transportation is one of the more environmentally taxing parts of the process, so using a good local decking supplier can help cut down on emissions. 
3. Processing. Turning the bamboo into a more malleable form and applying any treatments it needs is often a short process, mostly involving cutting and shaping. 
4. Product Manufacturing. The next step is to turn the raw material into the end product. In our case, it means forming the bamboo into decking boards, fixings, and other components of our non-slip bamboo decking. 
5. Use. While in use, the bamboo is still continuing its lifecycle – holding the carbon it has taken from the atmosphere. This is the part where you can enjoy the benefits of your bamboo decking for many years to come. 
6. End of Life. When the bamboo eventually reaches the end of its life, it returns to the production cycle. This allows it to continue holding its carbon, acting as a sustainable and recyclable material for many other uses. 

Net-Zero Carbon Production

Over its lifetime, bamboo actually takes carbon out of the atmosphere. It absorbs it rapidly during its growth, storing it while the bamboo is in use. The longevity of the bamboo means this carbon will be gone for a long time, and the recyclability of the material means it will still continue to contribute to carbon sinking even after the decking is long gone. 

No Uprooting

Technically a grass, bamboo boasts incredible regenerative properties. Since it regrows from the same source after each harvest, you won’t need to constantly replant it. Land clearing takes a lot of energy to do, so avoiding that step boosts the sustainability of bamboo. 

Furthermore, bamboo is also good for myriad other uses like food, clothing, stationary, and more, meaning one plant will be able to serve many purposes for many years. 

Discover the environmental impact of bamboo decking boards > 

How Does Bamboo Protect the Environment?

Renewability

Bamboo grows incredibly fast, with a growth speed of up to a metre a day and maximum heights reaching around 20 metres. You can harvest multiple times from the same plant, and it offers a relative yield far greater than any other natural building material including timber, which acts as a viable, varied alternative. 

Carbon Reduction

With high CO2 absorption, bamboo acts as a carbon sink, helping you meet your carbon and net-zero goals. Nearly 70% of carbon stored in bamboo forests remains sunk, even when the bamboo is harvested, and bamboo is net-carbon-negative over its lifetime – which is a net-positive for your project. 

Longevity

Most bamboo decking has an expected lifespan of up to 50 years, and we offer a warranty of up to 25 years. Certain varieties can weather naturally and attractively over time, while our non-slip versions maintain UK law compliant grip throughout their warranty. 

Treatments

Bamboo can reach Fire Class B rating without harmful chemical treatments, and is low maintenance – only requiring treatment after installation to preserve its original appearance when the natural weathering effect isn’t desired. 

Versatility

As well as for decking, bamboo has a range of other uses like in cladding, meaning its benefits can be harnessed in even more aspects of your project. 

Sustainable Bamboo Decking from Gripsure

The sustainability of bamboo goes beyond the material itself. Since it is a carbon sink, it takes more CO2 out of the atmosphere than its use produces – meaning adding it to your design could result in a net-zero across all project elements. 

The best bamboo decking is safe to walk on in any weather, like the non-slip grip from Gripsure. All our decking is compliant with UK safety standards, and guaranteed to go the distance. Get in touch to find out more, request a sample today, or read on with some related articles! 

Learn how to design accessible commercial areas with timber and bamboo > 

Find out why you should choose bamboo decking for your next design > 

In every construction project, whether commercial or residential, stairs are a vital component. In the process of creating stairs, both accurate engineering calculations for measurement procedure, and the right material are equally important. One of the most critical elements is tread. Also, creating safe transition between different level of deck stairs is as essential as functionality and aesthetics. Among the various materials available in market, non-slip decking is recommended by our experts at Gripsure due to its many advantages.

In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons behind our suggestions and enable you to choose the best materials for stair treads. Additionally, we will explain the most important factors in deck stairs design.

What Are the Best Materials for Stair Treads?

Choosing the right material for stair treads can be challenging for customers. Finding the real needs and suitable product can save time and avoid extra expenses. Professionals offer three factors including, durability, aesthetics and safety to analyse them.

Here are some top options with their advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision for projects:

Hardwood

Hardwood is a primary choice for most people because of its timeless appeal and robustness. In high traffic areas, there are many benefits from wood species like oak, maple and cherry as they are renowned for their strength and durability. They can be stained in a variety of colours to match any interior design.

Although, hardwoods are beautiful, popular and highly durable they can be more expensive. Apart from the price, susceptibility to moisture and its potential for noise are other elements to consider. In environments with fluctuating humidity levels, due to its tendency to warp or crack when wet, hardwood could be less suitable. Also, when walking on hardwood, you may hear creaking or squeaking sounds, which can be disruptive, especially in quiet place.

Pressure-Treated Wood

It is an affordable material and is treated to resist rot and insects. This product is widely available and easy to find. It is simple to cut or shape and can be installed using standard tools. However, it requires regular maintenance such as sealing, staining or painting. In terms of aesthetics, pressure-treated wood may not be beautiful as hardwood.

How to Design Decking Stairs

It is important to plan deck stairs carefully to ensure their safety. Here is how to do it:

1. The height should be measured: In the first stage, measure vertically from the ground to the deck surface. To know how many steps you will need; you must calculate the rise. After that, dividing the rise by desired riser (typically 6-8 inches), sometimes you should adjust slightly.
2. Measure the treads and risers: It is recommended to have a tread depth of 10-12 inches. In this way, a secure footing can be achieved. Then you should formulate treads and risers for a comfortable step.
3. The layout should be planned: To provide ample space, residential stairs should be at least 36 inches wide. It is even more comfortable to use wider stairs (such as, up to 48 inches). And at the bottom of the stairs, ensure there is sufficient landing space. For stair angle, the ideal size is between 30 and 45 degrees.
4. Stringers should be installed: The stringers are the structural supports for the stairs. At first, make sure the stringers are cut. Stringers should be spaced 16-24 inches apart to provide adequate support. Metal hangers or brackets should be used to secure to stringers to the deck frame. At the bottom, make sure they are firmly placed on the ground or a concrete pad.
5. Treads and risers should be attached: In this step, attach treads to stringers with screws or nails. You can use two fasteners per stringer to prevent wobbling. If you are using risers, attach them to the vertical faces of the stringers between the treads. It can improve the appearance and add stability. After that, choose non-slip materials or add non-slip strips to enhance safety. In wet or icy conditions, this is especially important.
6. The final touches: Ensure that everything is securely fastened and double check all measurements.  For safety, railings should be added. It is important to adjust them to a comfortable height (for example, 34-38 inches). Then, for nighttime visibility, install lighting along the stairs.

Following these detailed steps will allow you to design and build deck stairs that are both safe and functional.

Ensuring Safety with Railings and Maintenance

Building deck stairs requires a high level of safety. Specialists in this field suggest several tips to improve safety. To start, the installation of sturdy railings is essential for preventing falls. As mentioned, it is important to ensure that they are at a comfortable height and securely fastened. Using non-slip surfaces is another key tip, to avoid accidents in wet and icy conditions, this is especially important when installing treads. Slips and falls are significantly reduced with non-slip decking. Regular maintenance is vital for both safety and functionality check your stairs regularly for loose boards, nails and screws. Regarding lighting, in low-light conditions, proper lighting on and around stairs can be useful. For energy efficiency, solar powered lights are a good choice.

Case Study: The Story Museum Project

The Story Museum in Oxford has well-designed deck stairs. Both the deck and stairs were constructed with non-slip composite decking. The non-slip decking provides maximum safety and blends well with the design. Additionally, the space was enhanced with sturdy railings and proper lighting. This project illustrates how thoughtful material selection and design can make an outdoor area both practical and attractive.

Quality Boards for Your Decking Stairs from Gripsure

With these guidelines and the right materials, such as non-slip options, you can build deck stairs that are safe, durable and visually appealing. The key to a successful deck improvement is careful planning and attention to details.

Gripsure non-slip decking offers the highest safety ratings and beautiful designs that match any aesthetic. For more information about our products contact us today!

Find out how to ensure accessibility with non-slip decking >

Learn how to make your existing decking non-slip >

Decking and cladding installations can breathe a new lease of life into architectural builds of all varieties. The versatile, easily customisable nature of these materials make them well suited for use on a range of projects – including modernising ones. As the popularity of modern design continues to soar, how can cladding and decking help modernise a project or space?

In this blog from Gripsure, we explore how decking and cladding can modernise an architectural build – outlining a selection of ways in which cladding and decking can be incorporated into the design of a project to create a modern look and feel.

If you need decking or cladding for your architectural project, get a quote from our experts.

When it comes to modernising an indoor or outdoor space, it can be challenging to know where to start. With so many sources of inspiration, finding a design that suits your space can take some work. Depending on the demands of your project, settling on the right design for you can be tricky. Some particularly popular ways of using decking to modernise a space include:

Lighting

Outdoor decking boasts a variety of options when it comes to visually interesting design – one of which is the incorporation of lights. Depending on your desired look, warm or cool-toned lights can be incorporated into decking structures to produce a modern yet inviting appearance.

To improve the aesthetic of your project, coloured lights can also add a modern twist to an existing architectural build. Decking can also offer the opportunity for inbuilt lighting. Some options for inbuilt lighting conceal the light fixtures, allowing decking to feature a ‘lit from within’ appearance. The soft glow provided by inbuilt lighting offers a subtle but effective accentuation of the decking’s shape – resulting in a modernised look.

Railing

Another way in which decking can help modernise a space is though pairing with railings. The striking shapes created by both decking and railing when paired together create a clean and modernised appearance to a deck’s edge.

When looking to modernise an architectural project, such a design might offer a visually interesting contrast to any pre-existing structures too. In addition, both decking and the accompanying railing are available in a number of varieties – allowing for customisation according to the preferences of your project.

Tiered Decking

Another way in which decking can help generate a modern look and feel to a space is through structurally interesting design. For example, a modernising project may opt for tiered decking that offers both defined lines and maximal space.

Tiered decking may be especially suited to projects looking to create a modern multi-use space, whereby each tier of decking fulfils a different purpose. Using decking to segment a space in this way not only offers a modernising touch, but also diversifies the potential uses of a space.

Built-In Seating

Similarly, incorporating seating within decking also helps increase the usability of a space whilst adhering to a modern and minimalistic aesthetic. Again, such design choices will maximise the functionality of your decking without creating clutter or taking away from the sleekness of modern design. Decking with in-build seating also offers a space that is not only elegant – but a great for hosting too. Not to mention the money potentially saved by not needing to purchase additional outdoor seating.

Similar to decking, cladding offers an ideal solution for anyone looking to create a modern and stylish-looking space. Suitable for use indoors and outdoors, cladding (especially timber) combines sleekness with an indoor/outdoor feel reminiscent of eco-architecture – a trend continuing to gain popularity within the modern design space. But what are some ways in which cladding can be used to modernise architectural design?

Creating Contrast

The incorporation of cladding into indoor or outdoor design offers a host of opportunities for creating contrast. Depending on the existing features of your building, cladding varieties such as the bamboo cladding available with Gripsure can help offer structural contrast to otherwise softer spaces – generating multi-dimensionality within a project’s design. In addition, coloured cladding varieties could also assist in the creation of light and shade – this being a design principle often central to modern designs.

Accentuating Features

In addition to creating contrast, cladding can also be used to accentuate existing features in a property or space. For example, properties with interesting architectural features such as multi-story windows could be accompanied by cladding to generate maximum impact. Similar to decking, the addition of cladding around architectural features might also bring about an opportunity for creative and modernising lighting.

Feature Walls

Similarly, cladding also presents opportunities for feature walls within a space. Not only do feature walls add a visually interesting dimension to an architectural project, but cladding also brings a sleek and contemporary finish that cannot be achieved by feature wall created with paint, wallpaper or brick. Not to mention the way in which clad feature walls can break up a larger space, allowing for modernisation without a clinical feel.

Bring the Outdoors In

An increasingly popular use for cladding is within biophilic design. Incorporating outdoor features into inside spaces has been a popular design movement over recent decades.

While bamboo cladding such as that available from Gripsure offers an already natural addition to a space, the incorporation of cladding alongside features such as plant walls could generate a real sustainable or ‘eco’ style within a project. Our non-slip decking could also accentuate any new or existing water installations within an indoor or outdoor area.

Here at Gripsure, we have almost 2 decades of industry experience helping our customers create beautiful and safe spaces using decking and cladding materials. Our Range of non-slip decking includes softwood, hardwood, modified timber and bamboo decking – ideal for use on modernising projects.

We’re committed to continuously improving how we operate and are always seeking to achieve the highest environmental, ethical and safety standards. If you’re looking for guidance on fire-rated decking and cladding materials for your next building project, get in touch.

Already have decking? Find out how to make it non-slip >

Learn why you should consider bamboo decking for your next design >

Find out the differences between timber and bamboo decking >