How To Prevent Slippery Wood Deck Surfaces

I have a firend with the same problem and who isplanning to replace her decking with stone paving slabs. Not sure how that will work as on my shady terrace made from recycled granite pavers it always gets slippery in wet weather and all through winter. The recently settled legal matter focused on the propensity of the first generation, uncapped Trex boards to grow mold, mildew, and discolor over time.

We purchased our current home, as new, nearly 18 years ago. It came with a deck that was made with early type (uncapped?) composite decking. The spindles and posts were also made of the same material. The home builder was so impressed by the product he wished that he had used it for the large deck, he had recently built, on his own home. I was excited about having something touted as being “maintenance free.” Over the years I have power washed it to keep the vegetation (moss? algae?) at bay. For the most part it has held up well and we have enjoyed the deck.

How To Prevent Slippery Wood Deck Surfaces

This durable and low-maintenance composite material does not crack and rot and does not need paint after long-term use. This does not only apply with composite decking but also for other outdoor surfaces as well. During winter, when composite decking becomes wet, water can get into the crevices and grooves of the surface which hardens into ice.

Another strategy is to hammer the bumps flat, or to simply use self-tapping deck screws that limit mushrooming and eliminate the need for pilot holes. But the fastest way to eliminate mushrooming may be to use a new screw made specifically for nonwood decking.

Decking & Railing Duos

Pressure washing your decking, the use of wood cleaners, gritted paint or tape offer only a short-term solution to the problem, and need to be repeated at regular intervals. Wooden decking is an attractive addition to many homes and gardens in the UK. However, rain and the build-up of algae or moss on the timber can make your decking extremely slippery and dangerous. Autumn leaves, rain, damp and frosty weather only compound the problem. If a power washer is not available, a wet-mop or pump sprayer will also get the job done. Apply the cleaning solution and allow it to sit for 15 minutes.

Clear Leaves And Debris From Your Deck:

Find your way to remove the possibilities of increasing the composite decking smooth. Nobody can ensure that all the building materials aren’t slippery at all, but we do believe that we can find a better way to make composite decking less slippery. It’s important for us to keep you safe and healthy while walking on the surface of composite decking. Once it’s dry, your deck will have a textured surface that will prevent it from getting slick.

The 2012 Trex recommendation of painting first-generation Trex decks with enamel paint with grit additive makes sense to us. However, if you want a longer-lasting, more resilient traction paint, we recommend the Slip Doctor product line of epoxy grit pain. The use and application can vary from product to product so always read and follow the manufacturers instructions on the tin.

One of the most common reasons your deck may become slippery is algae and moss growth. As we’ve previously discussed, your decking is outside and exposed to the elements which can lead to moisture, collecting on your deck. This moisture when combined with temperatures and lack of sunlight create the perfect conditions for algae and moss to grow. And while there’s not much anyone can do about the sun or the temperature, there’s a lot you can do to protect your decking any time of the year. We’ll discuss common reasons your deck may become slippery in the winter and what you can do to protect it. I jet wash mine in spring and autumn, just done the autumn one now and unless its wet (wet floor is always slippery right?) its not slippery.

Don’t forget to sweep away the falling leaves and other large garbage, creating a clean composite decking board. You can click this article to know how to clean composite decking. Totally, clean composite decking is less slippery, with natural wood texture surface. Ideally, you can use the pressure washer to brush the decking floor. Extra traction and slip-resistance are provided by the basic cleaning and maintenance work. All types of decking will get slippery when icy, but composite decking seems to worsen in winter than natural wood.

This is perhaps the most important step in preventing a slippery deck surface. A thorough cleaning each year, ideally with a pressure washer, will allow the natural wood grain to provide extra traction and slip-resistance. Promptly sweeping leaves from your deck – particularly after storms and rain – will prevent the buildup of moisture on the deck surface and the growth of mold, mildew, and algae. You can also clear debris from cracks and gaps between boards with a putty knife or similar flat edge to halt moisture and organism growth. Over the changing seasons, leaves and debris will accumulate on your deck. If you’ve founds some winners here then share them with us. For me, I’m not comfortable trusting the same companies who told us 20 years ago that their product was foolproof and failed that now they’ve REALLY made it foolproof.

Scrub Away The Algae With A Homemade Solution

• This does not only apply with composite decking but also for other outdoor surfaces as well.
• There are some composite decking products that are designed to reduce slipping.
• However, there’s still no 100% anti-slip composite decking.
• During winter, when composite decking becomes wet, water can get into the crevices and grooves of the surface which hardens into ice.
• Uneven surfaces caused by a bad installation work can collect water at some portions of the decking which can harden into a big chunk of ice.

One of the cheapest ways of making your deck surface less slippery is sprinkling sand onto a wet sealer. It will help you to keep your deck in good condition for up to 24 months, depending on how much you use the deck.

Ice melt is the ideal choice, since sand is naturally abrasive and could easily damage the surface of the deck boards. Look for phrases such as “safe for concrete”, “safe for flagstone”, and “will not kill grass” in the ice melt product description. If you’ve been struggling with a slippery deck, trying to figure out how to make decking non slip, then I’ve got some excellent slippery deck solutions for you. From non-slip coatings and paints to effective methods to clean algae off a wood deck, one of these methods is sure to be your slippery decking cure. There are also anti-slip rugs or mats you can buy and place over a bigger surface of your composite decking. This, of course, wouldn’t be visually appealing but it would do its job of keeping the floor safe to walk on.

Don’t be fooled by the contractors on here saying it’s not what it used to be. New names every year and ground breaking technology every year. Inside is wood fillers and recycled milk jugs, garbage bags etc. outside is a cheap “vinyl” capstock. These are the only products most contractors can get so of course they’re going to say they’re good.