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 >

Making changes to your property can often cause concern, especially when you’re not sure what needs planning permission and what doesn’t. While some modifications are permitted developments that don’t need official permission, what category does decking fall under?

As leading providers of timber and bamboo non-slip decking, the team at Gripsure are here to help you navigate the regulations, understand the application of planning permission relative to your decking, and offer some insight on how to obtain retrospective planning permission.

Find out more about our decking by getting in touch!

In many cases decking falls under permitted development, meaning you wouldn’t need to get planning permission to install it. However, depending on the specification of your decking, you this might change. The biggest factors involved here are the height and size of your decking.

In general, a common residential decking probably won’t need planning permission. It’s a perfect choice for:

• Outdoor parties
• Barbeques
• Lounging
• Dining
• Using as a decorative feature

Decking is a popular feature for homeowners everywhere. If they planning permission was needed every time someone wanted to install one, the local authorities would probably do nothing except managing applications, so some allowances are typically made.

Where you live is also a factor – permitted development allowances change between houses and flats or maisonettes, so you’ll need to pay attention to what the specific regulations are before you think about installing any decking.

If you find that you need planning permission, you’ll want to get in touch with your local authority to get it sorted. This might be worth doing anyway, since sometimes buildings can have their permitted development rights removed, meaning the normal regulations wouldn’t apply in the same way.

Planning permission is just one part of building regulations around decking – find out more >

You’re unlikely to need planning permission for your decking unless it is raised up to 30cm above the ground or if it covers more than 50% of your garden in combination with extensions and outbuildings. That latter measurement is a bit vague, and may change depending on the size of your garden and the subsequent magnitude of the decking you install.

Another factor is the facing – if you want to add decking to your front garden, you’re more likely to require planning permission as it will impact the image of your street and therefore have an effect on other residents.

To determine the height of the decking, measure from the lowest point on the ground to the highest point of the decking. This includes any height added by a slope, which is worth bearing in mind when you’re planning your installation.

Plan your next installation right with a decking quote from us.

While looking for information about planning permission for your decking, you may have come across the term “retrospective planning permission”. This refers to planning permission being granted after modifications are in the construction phase or have already been completed.

Retrospective planning permission is often sought in times when permitted development allowance was assumed incorrectly due to various circumstances, or when local authorities request a planning permission application for property modifications after they’ve begun.

Having to apply for retrospective planning permission doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t comply with normal planning consent – in many cases, factors that occur down the line can impact the level of permission required to install decking and make changes to your property.

Does it have a time limit?

If requested to apply for retrospective planning permission, you’ll want to do it as quickly as possible so that your local authority doesn’t think you’re not complying.

However, if a feature hasn’t been requested to apply for planning permission, then there isn’t any real time limit at all. In fact, the colloquially termed “4-year rule” means that after a feature has been in place for at least four years, it may not need planning permission even if it otherwise would. This isn’t a sure thing, but the logic behind it is that if something hasn’t caused a problem for an extended period of time then there isn’t any real reason not to leave it be.

Can it be refused?

While requests for retrospective planning permission are often accepted, especially in the case of something as innocuous as decking, they can still be rejected. This might occur for a myriad of reasons, such as if the feature is not in-keeping with the visuals of the neighbourhood.

In the event that your retrospective planning permission application is rejected, you will either need to revert the changes to your property or submit an appeal.

However, the chances of needing to submit a planning permission application for your decking are slim, and the chances of it being rejected even more so. Decking is a great addition to any garden, helping you provide a sturdy space to engage in outdoor activities and spend time with your family and friends.

If you’ve already got decking, you might be interested making it non-slip – find out how >

Whether or not your decking needs planning permission, you’ll want something that looks great and goes the distance. With decking from Gripsure you get a beautiful product with a sleek finish, alongside added grip from our non-slip technology that keeps you safe in your new outdoor space.

To get started, check out our collection of decking options or get in touch. Otherwise, feel free to read on with some related articles below!

Keep safe and compliant with our guide to fire-rated decking and cladding materials >

Further your knowledge in our article on what makes decking slippery and how to avoid it >

Whether you’re planning a residential deck, a commercial terrace, or incorporating cladding into your architectural design, understanding the principles and options of fire-rated materials is crucial for ensuring the longevity, safety, and compliance of your project.

In the following guide, we delve into the fundamentals of fire-rated materials, exploring the various types of decking and cladding options available on the market. By the end of this, we aim to empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions based on your specific project requirements.

Understanding Fire Ratings

Fire-rated decking and fire-rated cladding materials play a pivotal role in mitigating the risk of fire incidents in outdoor spaces. To make informed decisions about materials suitable for specific applications, it’s essential to understand the Euroclass system — a European standard that categorises the fire performance of construction products, including decking materials.

• Euroclass A1 and A2: These classifications represent the highest level of fire resistance. Materials falling under A1 and A2 have minimal to no contribution to fire and no production of flaming droplets or particles. They are suitable for areas with stringent fire safety requirements.
• Euroclass B, C, D, E, and F: Materials in these categories exhibit varying degrees of fire performance, with B being the most fire-resistant within this group, and F indicating materials with little or no performance. The classification helps users select materials based on their specific fire safety needs.

Pressure-Treated Wood:

• Traditional decking material, such as pressure-treated wood, can be rendered fire-resistant through chemical treatments. These treatments penetrate the wood, creating a barrier against ignition. Understanding the treatment process and the longevity of fire resistance is essential for effective use.

Composite Decking:

• Comprised of a blend of wood fibres and recycled plastics, composite decking offers a fire-resistant alternative to traditional wood. The materials are inherently less combustible, making them a popular choice for those seeking a balance between aesthetics and safety.

Aluminium Decking:

• Aluminium decking is known for its durability and resistance to fire. Its non-combustible nature makes it an attractive option for areas where fire safety is a primary concern. Additionally, aluminium decks are resistant to moisture, reducing the risk of mould or decay.

Fire-Rated Non-Combustible Fibre Cement Decking:

• Fibre cement decking materials are non-combustible and offer excellent fire resistance. These materials are composed of cement, sand, and cellulose fibres, providing a durable and fire-safe option for decking applications. This hardwearing and low-maintenance profile is Euroclass A2 fire-rated. Check out our SHERA Fire Rated Decking range for a top-quality option.

Bamboo Deck Boards:

• Bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource, is gaining popularity as a decking material. A sustainable substitute for tropical hardwoods and composite products, this option excels in environmental sustainability, strength, stability, and longevity. It proudly holds a Euroclass B fire rating without requiring additional external treatment, making it a top performer in both durability and eco-friendliness. At Gripsure, we are proud to be the UK’s exclusive distributor of MOSO® Bamboo Decking – a safe and stylish solution for eco-projects.

Fire-Resistant Coatings:

• Some decking materials can be coated with fire-resistant substances to enhance their ability to withstand flames. These coatings act as an additional layer of protection, contributing to the overall fire performance of the decking.

Composite Cladding:

• Similar to composite decking, composite cladding offers fire-resistant properties. It consists of a mix of materials that contribute to its ability to withstand flames and heat, providing an aesthetically pleasing and safe option for exterior walls.

Bamboo Strips:

• Compressed and thermally modified bamboo strips offer a unique and fire-resistant option for cladding. Subjected to high temperatures (around 200°C), these bamboo strips gain enhanced fire resistance while maintaining their natural beauty, providing both sustainability and safety.

High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) Cladding:

• HPL cladding is made by layering resin-impregnated sheets onto a core material. It is known for its versatility, durability, and fire-resistant properties. HPL cladding is often used in both residential and commercial buildings for its aesthetic appeal and performance.

Metal Cladding:

• Metal cladding, particularly using materials such as aluminium or steel, is inherently non-combustible. Metal cladding systems are known for their durability, resistance to fire, and low maintenance requirements. They are often used in high-rise buildings and other structures where fire safety is a critical consideration.

Brick Cladding:

• Traditional brick cladding is inherently fire-resistant due to the nature of the material. Bricks do not burn, and their use in cladding provides a robust barrier against fire spread. Brick cladding is not only fire-resistant but also offers a classic and timeless aesthetic.

Stone Cladding:

• Similar to brick, stone cladding provides excellent fire resistance. Natural stone materials are non-combustible and can be used for both functional and decorative purposes. Stone cladding is often chosen for its durability and ability to withstand external elements.

Choosing the right fire-rated materials for your project is critical for ensuring safety and compliance with building regulations. Start by assessing the local fire safety codes and regulations applicable to your region. Consider the specific requirements of your project, such as the type of structure, its intended use, and the environmental conditions it will face.

Next, you’ll want to evaluate the fire ratings of materials based on recognised standards such as Euroclass classifications or local equivalents. Understand the material’s composition, whether it’s pressure-treated wood, composite decking, or cladding made of fibre cement or metal. Look for certifications from reputable testing agencies, ensuring that the chosen materials meet or exceed fire safety standards.

You’ll also want to consider the aesthetic and functional aspects of the materials, keeping in mind your design preferences and project goals. Seek materials that strike a balance between fire resistance, durability, and visual appeal.

Finally, engage with knowledgeable suppliers and consult with professionals in the field to make informed decisions tailored to your project’s unique requirements.

Here at Gripsure, we have almost 20 years of experience helping our customers create beautiful and safe spaces using decking and cladding materials. 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, feel free to drop our team a message – we’d love to help!

Adding decking to your design project or property is a great way to add value with a practical asset with visual impact. Timber is a common material for this, but bamboo is a great alternative with a striking appearance and a whole host of other benefits.

At Gripsure, we supply a range of bamboo decking options and are the largest manufacturer of non-slip decking in Europe. In this article we’ll discuss why bamboo is good for decking, what its benefits are, and offer insight on its sustainability and environmental impact.

Get inspired for your next project – request a free sample or contact us today!

The most common option for decking is timber, but bamboo decking is becoming increasingly popular as its unique benefits and performance have come into light.

It has a durability which outlasts softwood timber, achieving Class 1 EN350. It is both stable and hard, being thermally treated, and it is certified to Class B fire rating without any chemical impregnation.

Much like hardwoods and softwoods, bamboo will weather naturally into a sleek finish that shows the growth and evolution of your building and business. Due to its sustainability, bamboo is a much more eco-friendly option than hardwood for achieving this aesthetic result.

Improve the Safety of Your Bamboo Decking with Non-Slip Grip

Already a stable and durable option, the benefits of bamboo decking can be enhanced further with non-slip grip from Gripsure. Our products are designed to work all year round, giving safe access to your project’s decking whenever the need or want arises.

Find out more about the importance of non-slip grip with our article highlighting the slipperiest time of the year >

Other Architectural Uses for Bamboo

While a great choice for decking, bamboo also has other potential applications. Similar to timber, it can be used for cladding – such as the MOSO® X-Treme® Bamboo cladding from Gripsure. This allows you to implement an overarching theme into your design covering all accents on the building.

So what makes bamboo a good material to use for decking? In this section we’ll go over the various benefits of bamboo as a material, and for decking in particular, to give it a unique place in decking and architecture.

We’ve listed the top six benefits of bamboo for your decking project:

1.     Added Value

Due to the combination of the other elements on this list, bamboo decking is a desirable feature to have in your projects. A more attractive design means a more lucrative result, and bamboo decking achieves this while offering practical benefits and aesthetic beauty.

2.     Visual Impact

Bamboo is a beautiful material, and the MOSO® bamboo decking offered by Gripsure has great impact and can make your design stand out.

Sleek and elegant, our bamboo decking evolves over time, weathering in a similar way to expensive hardwood timber from its rich dark brown to a sophisticated silvery-grey.

3.     Stability

Bamboo is a stable resource that can provide great grip to a deck. It also has great durability and hardness, comparable to steel. Combined with a 25-year guarantee and an expected lifespan of 30-50 years, our MOSO® bamboo decking offers stability with longevity.

You can further enhance the natural stability of bamboo decking with non-slip from Gripsure, available for both the X-Treme® and N-Durance® versions. This gives your bamboo decking further grip, enabling its use during any season.

4.     Versatility

The durability and resistance of bamboo enables it to have a variety of applications. From decking to cladding, bamboo is an excellent material which can provide impact and benefits to many facets of your design while offering freedom and design creativity.

The stability and shape of our MOSO® Bamboo X-Treme® decking and non-slip variant also allows for versatility with an end-match system that allows for unlimited lengthways connections, and its symmetrical sides offer a smooth or grooved option.

5.     Discrete Fasteners

Made from the same bamboo material as the decking, our MOSO® bamboo clips provide a way to further increase the stability of your decking while blending in with the visuals. These clips prevent metal screws from hindering your design’s potential and make our decking even quicker and easier to install.

6.     Sustainability

Along with the range of advantages when using bamboo for your decking, it also has environmental benefits that can improve the overall ecological impact of your project. These include great sustainability when harvesting and a net-negative carbon footprint over the product’s lifespan.

Improve your project with bamboo decking from Gripsure by getting in touch or browse our products!

The impact of bamboo on the environment is typically much better than traditional timber alternatives.

Carbon Offset. The main environmental benefit bamboo decking has is a net-negative carbon footprint over its lifespan. This means it offsets more CO₂ than it takes to grow, manufacture, and transport.

Rate of Growth. Due to its incredible rate of growth, bamboo is able to offer these benefits to your carbon footprint in a sustainable fashion. Some species of bamboo can grow up to a metre a day, to a maximum height of twenty metres within 4-5 years. This is much more sustainable than most timber options, with comparable hardwoods often taking decades or longer to reach maturity.

Reductions in Chemicals. Bamboo naturally has anti-pest properties, meaning pesticides aren’t needed to protect it while it’s growing. Additionally, it can reach Class B fire rating without chemical impregnation which further reduces the overall chemicals needed to treat it for commercial use.

Long Lifespan. A durable, long-lasting product like bamboo will function for longer without needing a replacement. This contributes to the rest of its sustainability as you won’t have to replace your decking for up to 50 years – meaning less materials will be used over time.

Get ready to install your decking with our article on preparing the ground space >

With a range of benefits to your project’s look, durability, and sustainability, bamboo is a great choice to consider for your next deck. Reduce your carbon footprint and elevate your project’s potential with versatile bamboo materials.

Start making use of bamboo decking and cladding from Gripsure today by getting in touch. See our architect resources for help and advice or request a free sample. Find out more about what we do with some related articles below.

Read our full article on the sustainability of bamboo to discover more details >

Make the most of your new bamboo decking with a guide on autumn evening activities >