Frequently Asked Questions

We look to answer your frequently asked questions. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

General

  • How safe is Gripsure non-slip decking?

    Very! Our boards anti-slip deck boards comfortable exceed both wet and dry anti-slip standards set by the UK Slip Resistance Guidelines, described in the British Standards BS 7976 (part1-3,2002). Our Classic profile achieves the highest rating on the UK market – nearly 300% higher than the minimum safety requirement specified by the standard.

  • Can I walk on non-slip deck boards barefoot?

    Absolutely! The aggregate is highly textured to give a good slip rating, but the human foot is very tough and walking on the board gives no discomfort.

  • Are anti-slip decking boards safe for pets?

    Our four-legged friends love Gripsure just as much as we do! The non-slip aggregate strips provide no harm or discomfort to animals.

  • What quality of timber can I expect?

    We predominantly use Scandinavian Redwood, which is a high-quality commercial grade timber, most often Redwood Vths grade. It is important to remember, however, that timber is a natural product and will therefore naturally have knots, splits and shakes that are not uniform in size. More information about this can be found in our here.

  • Do you have any local stockists or showrooms?

    Gripsure non-slip decking is currently stocked in a number of merchants and retailers across the UK and Ireland, including Travis Perkins, Jewson, MKM, Arnold Laver, Covers, Sydenhams, Homebase and McMahons.

    Please bear in mind that not every branch will stock our products, or each Gripsure profile, so we recommend calling ahead to your local branch first to check stock. Alternatively, you can give us a call on 01726 844616 or email info@gripsure.co.uk and we will be more than happy to give you this information.

  • Do you offer samples?

    We do indeed! There is nothing quite like seeing and feeling our boards for real. We invite you to order a free sample here to consider for your next project.

  • Is there a minimum order value?

    No! You are welcome to order as much or as little as you need. We will always do our best to fulfill any order requirement.

  • Do you have a returns policy?

    We understand that sometimes you can order too much or change your mind. If that happens, we happily accept returns of goods, providing they are still in the same condition as when they were sent to you. We will provide a full refund of the value of the goods that are being returned, less any delivery cost that is incurred in returning the goods. For more information, view our returns policy.

  • Who can buy Gripsure non-slip decking?

    Anyone! We sell through a network of distributors, as well as direct to the public and trade.

Planning & Design

  • How much decking do I need?

    This is a difficult one! Every deck is different, but a rough rule of thumb is to work out the size of the deck in square metres, add 10-15% for cutting and trimming, and then give us a call and we can work out the rest. Try out our Decking Calculator for a bit more guidance.

  • Do you supply other decking components such as posts, rails and balustrading?

    At this time, we only specialise in decking and cladding products. Other outdoor items can be bought through your local timber merchant.

  • What lengths do you supply your boards in?

    Our standard lengths are 3.6m and 4.8m but we occasionally have other lengths in stock, all of which will represent the best value for money. We also offer a bespoke cutting service to supply lengths to your requirements, the cost of which will include an element of wastage and cutting time. Give us a call on 01726 844616 to discuss your needs.

  • Will I need planning permission for my decking?

    Generally, traditional standard decking doesn’t usually require planning permission if it’s no higher than 30cm from the ground and doesn’t cover more than 50% of your garden. However, if you are unsure we suggest you contact your Local Authority for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

  • Why should I choose timber over composite decking?

    Timber is a renewable product with a beautifully natural finish. In comparison to composite decking, timber swells to a much lesser extent, reducing any structural damage that might occur from swelling. Composite decking also becomes slippery very quickly in wet conditions!

  • What is the difference between hardwood and softwood?

    The main advantage that hardwood holds over softwood is its longevity. While most softwood timber decking boards have up to a 15-year expected service life, hardwoods, such as Yellow Balau, can be expected to last for up to 50 years, and in some cases longer. They are far more durable and hard wearing than softwood products, so consequently come at a higher cost.

  • Which is the best way to lay deck boards?

    It is best to lay non-slip decking boards in the opposite direction of travel to maximise grip.

  • Are the non-slip inserts available in different colours?

    Our standard inserts are grey bauxite aggregate, however we can produce inserts in a variety of other colours on request. To learn more, please get in touch.

  • What non-slip decking is the best?

    We have a wide range of anti-slip deck boards and understand it can be difficult to make a choice! If you are unsure about which of our products is best suited to your next project, give us a call and we’d be more than happy to have a chat. We’re here to answer any questions you may have and can help advise you with which product is best for you. You can reach us on 01726 844616.

Delivery

  • When can I expect my decking?

    If it’s a stock item and it’s ordered before 11am you can expect it the next day! Non-standard boards will take a little longer, but tell us your target date for delivery and we will be honest about whether we can meet it or not.

  • How will my decking be delivered?

    We use a national carrier to deliver all our boards. This allows us to make the majority of our deliveries on a ‘next day’ basis and crucially keep costs down.

    Please note, someone will be required to be at the delivery address to accept the delivery. Decking is bulky, so expect a large vehicle, but one without a tail lift. To protect the decking boards in transit they are banded to custom pallets. If you don’t have access to a forklift then it will have to be offloaded by hand so please make sure you have arranged for the manpower or equipment to do this. The driver will not assist with unloading and you must be able to off load within 20 minutes.

    Please let us know if you have any access/offloading restrictions or if you would rather your decking came without a pallet and we will find a way to help!

  • How will my decking be packaged?

    To protect your boards during transport we send our orders out on custom built timber pallets. Unfortunately, our hauliers will not remove this after the boards have been offloaded. If you don’t have any way to dispose of the pallet we can send the pack on timber bearers, however, this will give the boards far less protection during transit.

  • Do you have any restrictions on your deliveries?

    If you have any size or weight restrictions, either on site or on route, please let us know as we need to ensure we request an appropriate vehicle ranging from a 7.5 Tonne Rigid to a 40 Tonne Arctic.

Installation

  • What is the easiest way to cut decking with anti-slip strips?

    For best practice on cutting non-slip decking boards please read through our cutting information page.

  • What spacing is recommended between boards?

    Normally a gap of between 4-6mm is adequate to allow for seasonal shrinkage and expansion.

  • Do I need particular fixings?

    No you don’t, our product is essentially timber and fits exactly the same as conventional decking.

  • Do you install decking?

    Unfortunately, we do not offer an installation service, however we have a number of downloadable resources to assist you with design and installation.

Maintenance

  • Can I pressure wash my non-slip decking?

    Yes! It’s not essential as the non-slip finish just keeps on working, but if you would like to re-fresh the deck we recommend using a pressure washer of no more than 3 bar pressure working from a height of 150mm, with a fan nozzle, so as not to damage the timber surface.

  • Why should I treat cut ends, notches or drill holes with preservative treatment?

    This is essential in order to ensure the treatment ‘envelope’ stays intact. All cuts and holes made into the board must be treated with brush-applied preservative.

  • Does decking change colour over time?

    All timber decking will weather over time, fading to a light silvery grey, as a result of UV rays and exposure to elements. This is completely normal, however, whereas many prefer this natural appearance, if it’s not for you then you can always stain your decking to the colour of your choice without impacting the performance of the anti-slip strips.

  • Where can I use Gripsure decking?

    Gripsure decking can be used anywhere to create safe outdoor spaces for all to enjoy. Our decking has previously been used for the following applications: steps, access ramps, footbridges, platforms, residential decks, boardwalks, jetties and marines, hot tubs, and commercial decks.

    Gripsure deck boards are the trusted choice for applications within the following sectors: leisure and tourism, hospitality and accommodation, education, health and social care, residential housing, and public spaces.

  • Does Gripsure decking come with a warranty?

    Yes, and we are so confident in the performance of our products that we have recently increased our performance warranty from 10 to 15 years, offering you the ultimate peace of mind. Visit our warranty page for more information.

  • Can I use a fire pit/bowl or patio heater on my deck?

    This is a very sensible question. It is difficult to give a definitive answer as firepits, heaters and BBQs come in all shapes and sizes. Generally, these items are designed so that they can be used safely on a range of surfaces with limited risk of causing a fire, but it is important to assess the safety of using such items on your deck. Here are some helpful points to consider when you assess the situation you have at home:

    • Containment – does your fire pit or BBQ effectively contain any ash or burning embers which may fall from it. These could be a potential fire hazard especially if they fall between the decking boards onto dry tinder under the decking.
    • Contact with the deck – Does the outside or underneath of the item get hot and does it make contact with the decking, or does it have legs? Do the legs lift it clear enough of the decking?
    • Stability – is the item stable of is there a danger it could be knocked over?
    • Familiarity – are you familiar with the item? Do you know how it should be operated safely? Do you know how to extinguish it in an emergency?

    Although timber decking will burn if it gets hot enough, it is in fact quite difficult to set on fire. The first signs of decking getting towards the point of ignition is a noticeable change in colour, in serious cases this can be charring on the surface of the timber. If you notice this change in colour it is important to take action quickly to remove the source of heat, either by extinguishing it or safely removing the item from the deck.

    As with any source of heat being used around the home, it is important that you remain in attendance of it while it is hot.