Bamboo Decking: The Sustainable Non-Slip Choice for Your Garden

Posted on 14 July 2022 in Industry News

If you’re looking to make garden improvements that aren’t at the expense of the world’s forests, bamboo decking is the answer.

Bamboo decking is a great, sustainable choice for your garden. It’s got just as many qualities as both softwood and hardwood decking. More people are looking to make sustainable choices as they consider their impact on the planet. You don’t need to settle for composite decking and suffer in slippery silence. If you’re looking to make improvements that aren’t at the expense of the world’s forests, bamboo decking is the answer.

But what exactly is it about bamboo that makes it so good for garden decking?

Just how sustainable is it?

Technically, bamboo is not a tree. It’s a type of grass. There are over 1600 different types of it on the planet. These can often be found in tropical, sub-tropical and mild climates. Depending on the variety, bamboo is native to Asia, Africa, South America, and parts of Australia. Just like hardwood and softwood, there are different ways you can categorise bamboo with each having its own traits.

Bamboo is also renowned for its incredible rate of growth. The Moso species of bamboo, for example, can grow up to one metre every day. Native to Asia, it can reach a maximum growth height of up to 20 metres.
Compared to most trees, bamboo can also release 35% more oxygen and absorb five times more CO2. This can help to offset the carbon output of the world to reduce the effects of climate change.

Moso bamboo has an underground system of roots that can connect a whole host of other bamboo plants. When one strand of bamboo is cut down, it will quickly grow back on its own. This reduces the demand on the farmers as its fast replenishing not fast depleting.

Bamboo is also naturally pest-resistant thanks to its tough outer layer which means there is no need to use harmful chemical pesticides.

Moso bamboo decking

Whilst bamboo doesn’t look as robust as a typical hardwood tree, it actually has a strength level higher than steel. This durable, strong material sees uses within the construction industry and is often used to make floors, furniture and even helmets.

Aside from that, it can be eaten, turned into clothing, used for your garden decking and more. Whilst hardwoods typically take 50 years to mature, Moso bamboo matures in just four to five.

Look at it like this. Bamboo decking has an expected service life of between 30 and 50 years. During this lifetime, the same bamboo used to make your decking has already regrown itself five-plus times.

Whilst the cost of bamboo decking is higher than both softwood and hardwood decking, it’s more durable, it lasts longer and it’s kinder to the planet. It has all of the elements and aesthetics of hardwood. One just comes from a tree and the other from grass.

If you’re looking for a long-term, sustainable decking solution for your garden, then bamboo is worth the investment.

MOSO® Bamboo with Gripsure

MOSO^® are a global brand supplier of both interior and exterior bamboo products. Their decking takes the bamboo and puts it through a process of Thermo-Density^®. This increases the density and hardness significantly. By this point, the bamboo has all the same qualities as hardwood decking. This makes it an ideal solution to finding the most sustainable decking.

With the addition of Gripsure’s non-slip inserts it also becomes safe non-slip decking allowing you to enjoy your garden all year round.

MOSO^® are also focused on sustainability and so all their bamboo products are CO2 negative throughout their lifespan. This makes them a great sustainable decking alternative to tropical hardwoods and composite products.

This decking has a long life span and requires little upkeep. It will start with a dark brown look that can be maintained with oil or you can let it turn to a rich silver grey. The surface can be smooth or grooved with no visible fastening points making for a streamlined look. MOSO^® Bamboo non slip decking is also extremely stable so won’t shrink, swell, warp or split.

If you’re conscious of leading a zero-waste lifestyle, bamboo in the wild can naturally be broken down and left to decompose. So, once your decking reaches the end of its lifespan, it is easily recycled. It can be turned into chipboard or burnt to generate energy. This contributes towards the production of green electricity—all thanks to your well-loved garden decking.

At Gripsure we are all for responsible forestry, so our bamboo products are FSC^® certified. Whilst bamboo’s fast-growing nature doesn’t cause forest depletion, we certify our bamboo decking nonetheless.

Browse our bamboo

As exclusive distributors of MOSO^® Bamboo decking, Gripsure is confident in its benefits towards sustainability. This highly stable decking is durable, safe, and fire-resistant. MOSO^® also has a 25-year warranty on its outdoor decking. So, you can relax in your garden knowing you made a sustainable decision to enjoy for years to come. Browse our bamboo decking range or get in touch with us today.

View MOSO® Bamboo X-treme® with Gripsure

Non-Slip Decking: What Is The Best Timber To Use?

Posted on 16 June 2022 in Decking Tips

We’ve compiled a comprehensive timber analysis to help guide your decision when choosing anti-slip decking.

Non-slip decking is a great way to make use of your garden all year round. Not only can it be customised and personalised, but it also allows you to create alluring and safe outdoor spaces. Many people choose garden decking to create functional areas for families whilst some just prefer it to a traditional garden.

Softwood and hardwood have their own individual qualities so it’s important to consider what the space will be used for when it comes to choosing the best timber for decking. We’ve compiled a comprehensive analysis between the two, to help guide your decision.

Softwood and hardwood

Hardwood timber comes from trees which are slower to mature. Oak and Beech are just two examples of hardwood trees you might find in the UK. They’re made up of a more complex structure, will lose their leaves in autumn and regrow them in the warmer months. They’re more often found in temperate countries where they will only shed occasionally.

Softwood trees are much faster growing and in great supply. They’re coniferous and retain their needles all year round. Some examples are Pine, Redwood, and Cedar.

Price difference

Price will most likely be one of the biggest deciding factors when it comes to choosing the timber for your non-slip decking. Due to its fast-growing nature, softwood is widely available meaning it has a lower price than hardwood. Hardwood’s complex structure makes it more difficult to process. When combined with how long it can take a hardwood tree to grow, you can justify the higher price.

Other pricing factors may also influence your decision. For example, softwood decking will need treating or staining. It will also depend on where you are building your garden decking and on what type of surface. Will you need to prepare your ground? There are extra costs to consider but, ultimately, adding non-slip decking to your home can add value to a property.

Durability and ease of maintenance

In terms of their durability, softwoods are generally less dense which makes them more susceptible to moisture and rot. However, if the wood is treated and sealed before the decking installation, you can improve its resistance to bad weather. Bear in mind that softwood decking will need annual maintenance to ensure it keeps its look and durability. Most softwood timber decking boards will have a 15-to-20-year lifespan.

Whilst hardwood decking boards require less maintenance than that of their softwood counterparts, it’s still advisable to do so. Softwood or hardwood decking boards are still timber. This natural material is likely to weather and age naturally, so staining, oiling, and cleaning your deck as needed will help to keep it looking fresh.

Hardwood decking is known for its longevity. Woods like Yellow Balau and Cumaru are renowned for their water resistance and their stability and can last for up to 50 years. For the most part, it can be left alone and will uphold its robustness. The average life span for a piece of hardwood decking is from 30 to 50 years.

Look and feel

Look will no doubt be a priority when choosing the best non-slip decking. A garden is an extension of a person’s home. So, the look and feel of it needs to reflect that. As well as coming in a variety of different shapes, sizes and heights, the wood you choose will have the most noticeable difference.

Hardwood decking is more comparable to having an indoor floor outside. It’s typically smoother due to its more complex structure. The shades tend to be dark with a much warmer tone. These can be anything from a brown tone to a darker, golden brown. Hardwood decking is also unlikely to need staining unless you’re after a different look for your garden.

Softwoods are typically a much lighter shade of timber decking. When treated it has a pale green tinge to the wood. Just like a tan, after a few weeks outdoors, it will turn more golden. If you choose to use a stain, then you can make the wood much darker, even closer to a hardwood shade. With softwood, you have more options to customise it.

When you should use each

It’s good to think about what you will be using your garden for when considering the best timber for decking. Will it be exposed to the elements? Will it be a high-traffic area? For example, if you have a swimming pool or a hot tub, hardwood generally has a better moisture resistance.

How heavily will your deck be used? For the average household, softwood decking is perfectly suitable and durable for an average amount of use. If your deck will need to withstand heavy foot traffic and will see lots of use, then consider hardwood.

Another more sustainable alternative is bamboo decking. Bamboo is in plentiful supply so it’s great for the planet. It’s also durable, low maintenance and can last for 30 to 50 years. If you’re trying to make more environmentally conscious choices, then definitely consider bamboo decking as it also absorbs carbon over its lifetime.

Should you choose hardwood or softwood, it can still be done sustainably if you buy from Gripsure. All of our timber is certified under the industry flagship standards of FSC and PEFC and we plant one tree for every order placed with the help of Plant One Cornwall.

Round-up

As the price of softwood decking is lower, if you’re on a budget and are more interested in having a great-looking deck for the near future go for softwood
If you’re willing to spend a bit more money on your decking and want it to withstand the test of time, hardwood is a great long-term investment
Consider bamboo decking for a more sustainable choice or buy soft and hard woods directly from Gripsure where the timber is FSC and PEFC certified
Both softwood and hardwood require maintenance – it’s inescapable if you want to preserve your decking
We can guarantee a minimum of a 15-year lifespan for softwood and 30 for hardwood and bamboo as well as our 15-year non-slip guarantee

So what is the best timber for decking?

There is no definitive answer to what the best timber for decking is as it all comes down to an individual’s needs, budgets and wants. Both softwood and hardwood have their own unique qualities that make them great for garden decking—it’s all just a matter of preference.

We hope this information has guided your decision. However, if you’re still looking for answers as to which non-slip decking will be the best for your home, have a read through our FAQ or get in touch.

Gripsure Boosts Performance Warranty on Non-Slip Decking to 15 years

Posted on 22 April 2022 in Gripsure News

We're excited to announce we now offer our customers a 15-year performance warranty on our non-slip decking.

First manufactured in 2005, we are one of the most popular decking suppliers in Europe. Handcrafted by our team in Cornwall, we have years of expertise in designing decking boards that can guarantee non-slip performance. We are so confident in this pledge that we have recently boosted our warranty from 10 to 15 years. If you’ve been considering installing garden decking, here are some of the reasons to consider non-slip over anything else.

A thorn in the side

After putting the graft into your garden to extend your home and create a relaxing outdoor space in the summer, it is a shame that many become inhospitable once winter arrives. With rain falling on average 156 days a year in the UK, it’s easy for lawns to become waterlogged or muddy.

For many, the logical solution is to install a decking area that creates space to be enjoyed all year round. However, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. You don’t have to tiptoe your way across a sludgy lawn anymore, but you do have to contend with slippery garden decking.

January puts deck users at the greatest risk of accident reaching ‘peak slippiness’ due to a combination of contributing factors. It’s because of this that we renamed 29 January 2022 ‘Slippery Decking Day 2022’.

The benefits of non-slip decking

Many are sold the mistruth that their non-slip decking will last. However, after the initial slip resistance wears off, where does your investment stand for the future? With any decking that promises anti-slip properties there is only one question you should be asking: “how long will my decking really remain non-slip?”

With the knowledge that Gripsure’s performance warranty guarantees non-slip qualities for 15 years, you can focus on the benefits of having anti-slip decking rather than the slippery grievances.

Putting the performance warranty to the test

With the ethos that gardens should be enjoyed all year round and not just within the summer months, we have our products rigorously tested to ensure their safety. Gripsure non-slip decking is tested using the pendulum test according to the UK Slip Resistance Group’s (UKSRG) guidelines. A score of 65 out of 100 is required for a non-slip surface to achieve a slip potential of ‘extremely low risk of slipping’. As well as this, the Health and Safety Executive gives three categories of risk for Pendulum Test Values (PTV) to measure up against.

All Gripsure’s decking achieves the extremely low risk of slipping category, and you can see how our PTV scores faired against the scores of an average dry and wet PTV here. Our performance warranty lets you, our customers, know that we are confident in how our decking will perform so that you can feel confident in choosing us.

For the ultimate peace of mind

For safety without compromise, choose Gripsure. Find out more information about our warranty and how to register.

View warranty information

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.

Non-slip Decking