At GripDeck, we’re proud to support projects that prioritise both safety and visitor experience. Our latest partnership is with Colchester Zoo, one of the UK’s most beloved family attractions.

Over the coming months, the zoo is upgrading its walkways and viewing areas to make sure guests can enjoy the animals in comfort and safety. To achieve this, they’ve chosen our 34mm and 45mm softwood non-slip decking boards—market-leading products designed to prevent slips and withstand heavy footfall.

Why Non-Slip Decking is Essential for Zoos

Public spaces such as zoos, theme parks, and outdoor attractions face constant challenges:

  • High foot traffic: Thousands of visitors each day.
  • Exposure to weather: Rain, ice, and mud make surfaces slippery.
  • Accessibility needs: Families with pushchairs and wheelchair users require safe access.

With over half a million visitors each year, Colchester Zoo cannot take chances on safety. Our non-slip timber decking provides the ideal solution. Each board is manufactured with anti-slip inserts using durable bauxite aggregate, offering industry-leading grip performance even in wet or muddy conditions.

The Decking Supplied: 34mm and 45mm Profiles

Colchester Zoo selected a combination of GripDeck’s 34mm and 45mm non-slip softwood decking:

  • 34mm Softwood Decking – perfect for standard pedestrian walkways, providing strength, FSC® certified sustainability, and long-term safety.
  • 45mm Softwood Decking – a heavy-duty option for raised platforms and high-load areas, offering superior strength with the same proven anti-slip technology.

Both ranges are treated for outdoor durability, machined to length to reduce waste, and finished at our Colchester facility for consistent quality.

non-slip decking
non-slip decking
non-slip decking

Supporting Safety and Sustainability

This partnership goes beyond supplying timber—it’s about shared values:

  • ✅ Safety First: Slip resistance helps protect visitors of all ages.
  • 🌱 Sustainable Timber: All decking is FSC® certified, aligning with Colchester Zoo’s conservation ethos.
  • 💷 Value and Longevity: Less maintenance and fewer replacements mean more resources can go toward animal care and visitor facilities.

Our commitment to sustainability also reflects UK standards, including the Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA) guidelines for safe decking construction.

Enhancing the Visitor Experience

Safe, non-slip walkways do more than prevent accidents—they transform the visitor experience:

  • Families can move confidently between enclosures.
  • Wheelchair and pushchair access is improved.
  • Viewing platforms remain stable and secure in all weather.

From elephants and rhinos to penguins and lemurs, visitors will enjoy uninterrupted views without worrying about their footing.

Why Colchester Zoo Chose GripDeck

Colchester Zoo selected GripDeck because of:

  1. Proven expertise: Over 20 years of supplying non-slip decking to councils, schools, and leisure attractions.
  2. Local supply: Our factory in Colchester ensures quick turnaround and reduced carbon footprint.
  3. Tailored profiles: The 34mm and 45mm boards meet different structural requirements across the zoo.
  4. In-house quality control: Anti-slip inserts are applied with precision using our state-of-the-art resin technology.

A Safer Future for Zoo Visitors

As upgrades roll out, visitors will soon experience the benefits of GripDeck’s non-slip decking first-hand. Walkways and viewing areas will be safer, more durable, and ready to handle the demands of millions of footsteps in the years ahead.

For us, it’s a privilege to support such a landmark attraction and to play a part in ensuring that future generations can enjoy the magic of Colchester Zoo in complete safety.

About GripDeck

GripDeck is the UK’s leading supplier of anti-slip decking solutions, trusted by architects, contractors, and public organisations nationwide. From our base in Essex, we manufacture timber decking boards, RetroGrip® decking inserts, and bespoke anti-slip products for projects of all scales.

Our mission is simple: to help people enjoy the outdoors in complete confidence, whatever the weather.

📞 Call us on 01206 242494 or visit www.gripdeck.co.uk to discuss your next project.

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