Grimes Graves Restoration with Accoya® Anti-Slip Decking
GripDeck® supplied Accoya® decking with factory-applied anti-slip inserts for visitor pathways and viewing platforms at Grimes Graves, a historic English Heritage site in Norfolk.
Project Overview
Grimes Graves, located near Thetford in Norfolk, is a significant Neolithic flint mine site managed by English Heritage. The site required a sensitive decking solution for visitor pathways and viewing platforms that could improve safety and accessibility while respecting the historic landscape.
GripDeck® supplied Accoya® decking boards with factory-applied anti-slip inserts. This combination provided a durable, stable and visually appropriate timber surface for a heritage environment exposed to changing weather conditions and regular visitor foot traffic.
Protecting a Historic Visitor Environment
Heritage sites require materials that perform well while remaining visually sympathetic to the surroundings. At Grimes Graves, the decking needed to support visitor access without detracting from the natural and historic character of the site.
The project called for decking that was durable, low maintenance, sustainable, slip resistant and suitable for a public visitor attraction. Accoya® timber and GripDeck® anti-slip inserts provided an effective solution for these requirements.
Project Gallery
Accoya® Walkway
GripDeck® anti-slip decking used for visitor access at Grimes Graves.
Heritage Site Decking
Natural-looking timber decking suited to a sensitive historic environment.
Visitor Platform
Anti-slip inserts help improve grip on exposed visitor routes.
Access Route
Accoya® boards installed to improve public access around the site.
Viewing Area
Durable anti-slip timber decking for visitor viewing platforms.
Boardwalk Detail
Factory-applied GripDeck® inserts integrated into Accoya® boards.
The Challenge
The existing pathways and viewing areas at Grimes Graves needed to be improved to provide safer and more reliable access for visitors. Because the site is historically significant and exposed to outdoor conditions, the replacement decking needed to balance performance, durability and appearance.
Weather Exposure
The decking needed to perform in wet, shaded and exposed outdoor conditions throughout the year.
Visitor Safety
Public access routes required improved slip resistance to support visitors moving around the site.
Heritage Sensitivity
The material needed to complement the natural surroundings and preserve the character of the historic site.
The GripDeck® Solution
GripDeck® supplied Accoya® decking boards with factory-applied resin and aggregate anti-slip inserts. Accoya® was selected for its stability, durability and suitability for external timber applications, while the GripDeck® inserts provided enhanced slip resistance for visitor pathways and viewing platforms.
The anti-slip inserts were applied under controlled factory conditions, creating a consistent and long-lasting finish that is more durable than surface-applied paints, tapes or coatings.
Accoya® Timber
A stable, durable and long-lasting modified timber option suitable for external decking and heritage environments.
Factory-Applied Inserts
GripDeck® anti-slip inserts are bonded into the timber surface during manufacture for reliable quality.
Natural Appearance
The finished decking provides improved grip while retaining a timber look appropriate for a historic landscape.
Why Accoya® Was Suitable for Grimes Graves
Dimensional Stability
Accoya® offers excellent stability, helping reduce movement compared with many conventional timber options.
Durability
Accoya® is well suited to external environments where long-term performance is important.
Conservation-Led Appearance
The natural timber finish works well within heritage, rural and visitor attraction settings.
Supporting Visitor Access and Safety
Visitor attractions and heritage sites must provide routes that feel safe, practical and accessible in all seasons. Wet timber surfaces, moss, algae and changing weather conditions can increase the risk of slips on standard decking.
GripDeck® anti-slip inserts help improve grip while allowing the project to retain the appearance and character of timber. This made the system a strong fit for the restoration of walkways and viewing areas at Grimes Graves.
Results
Improved Visitor Safety
Anti-slip inserts provide enhanced grip for visitors using the site’s pathways and platforms.
Durable Timber Surface
Accoya® provides a stable and long-lasting decking material suitable for exposed environments.
Respectful Appearance
The decking blends into the natural surroundings and supports the character of the heritage site.
Reduced Maintenance
The combination of Accoya® and factory-applied inserts provides a long-term alternative to short-life anti-slip coatings.
Improved Accessibility
New decking helps provide clearer and more reliable routes for visitors moving around the site.
Sustainable Specification
Accoya® supports projects where durability, stability and responsible material selection are important.
Product Used
Accoya® Decking with GripDeck® Anti-Slip Inserts
Durable modified timber decking with factory-applied resin and aggregate anti-slip inserts, suitable for visitor attractions, heritage sites, walkways and public access projects.
Request a QuoteWhy GripDeck® Was Suitable
Tested Slip Resistance
GripDeck® anti-slip products are tested for wet and dry slip resistance performance.
View Test ResultsDeckMark Plus Accredited
GripDeck® products are supported by recognised product accreditation for added specification confidence.
Learn MoreHeritage Project Support
GripDeck® can advise on timber species, board profiles, insert layouts and suitability for sensitive sites.
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View Case StudyNeed Anti-Slip Decking for a Heritage or Visitor Site?
GripDeck® can supply anti-slip decking for heritage sites, visitor attractions, boardwalks, viewing platforms, bridges and public access routes.
Request a Quote Request SamplesFrequently Asked Questions
What decking was supplied for Grimes Graves?
Accoya® decking boards with GripDeck® anti-slip inserts were supplied for visitor pathways and viewing platforms.
Why is Accoya® suitable for heritage sites?
Accoya® is stable, durable and visually appropriate for many sensitive external environments, making it a strong option for heritage and visitor attraction projects.
Why are anti-slip inserts important on visitor walkways?
Visitor walkways are exposed to wet weather, dirt and organic debris. Anti-slip inserts help improve grip while retaining the appearance of timber decking.
Can GripDeck® advise on heritage decking projects?
Yes. GripDeck® can advise on timber species, insert layout, board profiles, samples and product suitability for heritage and public access environments.