Most of us will have experienced that moment of hesitation as you set foot on a wet deck or terrace. Do you carry on as normal, slow your pace or find another route? It’s a small moment, but it says a lot about how confident a surface feels underfoot. Paying attention to slip resistance early on in your projects helps create spaces people actually enjoy using, not ones they tiptoe across.
Slips and trips are more likely in high footfall areas, but thoughtful design and the right material choices can significantly reduce the risk. Timber decking is often specified for its natural aesthetic, yet it can become slippery when wet or icy. Over time, general wear, as well as algae and moss build-up, can further reduce grip.
So, how do you balance visual appeal with dependable, slip resistant performance?
Decking with inherently high slip resistance is a good starting point. While textured composite decking is often perceived to perform well underfoot, slip resistance varies widely across the market.
A helpful benchmark when comparing products is the Pendulum Test Value (PTV), the UK’s most often used method of assessing slip risk and the approach referenced in BS EN ISO 16165:2021. The higher the PTV, the greater the slip resistance. For outdoor areas that may be exposed to water, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends a minimum PTV of 36 in the wet.
You may still encounter R ratings (R9–R13), which measure shod foot slip resistance on an oiled ramp. While still widely cited, this method doesn’t reflect real world wet conditions, so PTV testing is better suited to assessing slip resistance for outdoor surfaces.
Some composite boards have been independently tested to far exceed PTV 36, offering more reliable underfoot performance in year-round conditions and therefore particularly suited to ramps or other higher-risk zones.
There are also Class A fire rated options available that pair strong slip resistance with fire compliance.
Silvadec composite decking with high slip resistance (PTV over 50 in wet and dry conditions)
If the project calls for timber rather than a timber effect, you can still add overall slip resistance by increasing the surface grip.
‘Grip strips’ can be installed directly onto timber boards to introduce durable, slip resistant surfaces exactly where they’re needed. These strips are made from specialist resin and hard-wearing aggregates, bonded directly onto the timber. A minimum of two inserts per 145mm board is typically recommended to ensure consistent contact.
This approach has been used successfully on the marina boardwalk at Marine Deck, Wood Wharf, where safety is particularly important due to the nearby water.
Timber decking enhanced with grip strips for improved slip resistance.
Considering slip resistance from the outset doesn’t need to complicate your project. Whether you specify decking with naturally higher PTVs or add slip-resistance with grip strips, there are straightforward ways to build safety into your design.
If you’d like tailored advice on improving slip resistance in your project, contact our team today.