Anti-Slip Decking FAQs | GripDeck® Help & Advice
Find answers to common questions about anti-slip decking, non-slip decking, RetroGrip® inserts, delivery, installation, warranties, samples, timber choices and product suitability.
GripDeck® Help & Advice FAQ Hub
Below you will find answers to the questions we are asked most often about GripDeck® anti-slip decking, non-slip decking, retrofit inserts, delivery, installation, maintenance, warranties, technical information and product suitability.
Quick FAQ Navigation
Use this page to find practical answers about choosing, buying, installing and maintaining GripDeck® products. These FAQs are written to help homeowners, contractors, architects, specifiers, timber merchants, schools, local authorities and commercial customers.
Product Choice
Compare anti-slip decking, RetroGrip® inserts, GRP, safety matting, panels and composite decking.
Installation & Maintenance
Find guidance on board gaps, cutting, cleaning, treatment, retrofit installation and product care.
Ordering & Delivery
Understand samples, quotes, online orders, delivery arrangements, unloading and returns.
Anti-Slip Decking & Non-Slip Decking Questions
What is anti-slip decking?
Anti-slip decking, sometimes searched for as non-slip decking or slip-resistant decking, is timber decking designed to provide improved grip underfoot. GripDeck® anti-slip decking uses resin and aggregate inserts applied into the board surface to help reduce slip risk in wet and dry conditions.
Is timber decking slippery when wet?
Standard timber decking can become slippery when wet, especially if moss, algae, leaves or dirt build up on the surface. GripDeck® anti-slip products are designed to improve slip resistance on decking used in wet, shaded, exposed or high-footfall areas.
Is GripDeck® anti-slip decking tested?
GripDeck® products are independently tested for wet and dry slip resistance. You can view the results on our anti-slip test results page.
View Test ResultsHow many anti-slip inserts do I need?
For around 90% of applications, 2 anti-slip inserts are suitable. Where the main direction of travel is along the length of the board, such as on long walkways, bridges, ramps or boardwalks, a 3-insert layout may be preferred.
Can you fill every groove with anti-slip insert?
Yes, it may be possible to fill every groove, but we would normally recommend 2 or 3 anti-slip inserts on standard grooved decking. Filling every groove will increase cost and often adds little extra anti-slip benefit compared with a suitable 2 or 3 insert layout.
Are anti-slip inserts available in different colours?
Our standard insert uses grey bauxite aggregate. Coloured pigmented quartz aggregate options may be available on request, although alternative aggregates may not offer the same durability as standard bauxite.
Is anti-slip decking the same as non-slip decking?
Many customers search for non-slip decking, but no outdoor decking can be guaranteed never to become slippery in every condition. GripDeck® uses the more accurate term anti-slip or slip-resistant decking because the products are designed and tested to improve grip and reduce slip risk.
What is the best decking for wet weather?
For wet, shaded or public access areas, timber decking with independently tested anti-slip inserts is usually a better choice than untreated standard timber decking. View our test results for wet PTV performance.
View Test ResultsIs composite decking non-slip?
Composite decking can still become slippery in wet, shaded or contaminated conditions. For slip-critical bridges, ramps, boardwalks and public access routes, GripDeck® anti-slip timber decking should be considered.
Which GripDeck® Product Should I Choose?
The best product depends on whether you are installing new decking, upgrading existing decking, improving steps, covering ramps, or specifying a specialist access surface.
| Project or Problem | Likely Product | Useful Link |
|---|---|---|
| New timber decking with long-term slip resistance | GripDeck® softwood, hardwood or ThermoDeck® | View Decking |
| Existing grooved decking that has become slippery | RetroGrip® anti-slip decking inserts | View RetroGrip® |
| Smooth or flat decking with no grooves | RetroGrip® Tread or GRP decking strips | View Tread |
| Outdoor steps or stair edges | RetroGrip® stair nosings or GRP stair treads | View Stair Nosing |
| Wet areas, ramps, entrances or temporary surface covering | Safety matting | View Safety Matting |
Product Questions
What GripDeck® products are available?
GripDeck® supplies softwood anti-slip decking, hardwood anti-slip decking, ThermoDeck®, composite decking, RetroGrip® inserts, RetroGrip® Tread, stair nosings, StadiaStrip®, GRP products, safety matting, anti-slip panels and an insert service for suitable timber boards.
Which anti-slip product is right for my project?
Softwood anti-slip decking is a cost-effective option for many projects. Hardwood decking is suited to premium, commercial and long-term applications. ThermoDeck® offers a stable modified timber option. RetroGrip® is ideal for upgrading suitable existing grooved decking.
Does SmartBoard® composite decking have anti-slip inserts?
No. SmartBoard® composite decking does not have GripDeck® anti-slip inserts applied.
What lengths are composite decking boards supplied in?
SmartBoard® composite decking is normally supplied in 3.6m lengths.
Can you supply GripDeck® decking in different timber species?
Yes, we can source many softwood and hardwood species, subject to suitability and availability. Some timber species are better suited to decking than others, especially in high-footfall areas or where anti-slip inserts are required.
View Timber Species GuideCan I order custom board sizes?
Yes, within reason. Timber availability, board size, profile and project suitability will determine what can be supplied. Contact us with your required size and quantity.
RetroGrip® & Retrofit Product Questions
Can existing decking be made anti-slip or non-slip?
Yes. If your existing grooved timber decking is sound and suitable, RetroGrip® anti-slip decking inserts can be used to improve grip and slip resistance without replacing the boards.
Can I cut RetroGrip® to length?
Yes. RetroGrip® products can be cut to length using an angle grinder with a suitable metal cutting disc or diamond blade. Always follow the correct installation instructions.
Are retrofit anti-slip products easy to install?
Many retrofit anti-slip products are designed for straightforward installation. Each product has its own installation guide, which can be downloaded from our downloads section.
View DownloadsHow long will RetroGrip® products last?
RetroGrip® and StadiaStrip® products are covered by a 5 Year Warranty. Expected life will depend on installation, use, environment and maintenance.
View 5 Year WarrantyCan I apply GripDeck® factory anti-slip inserts myself on site?
No. GripDeck® inserts are factory applied under controlled manufacturing conditions. If you need to upgrade existing decking on site, RetroGrip® or StadiaStrip® may be suitable.
What is the difference between RetroGrip® and RetroGrip® Tread?
RetroGrip® inserts are designed for suitable existing grooved timber decking. RetroGrip® Tread is surface-mounted and is better suited to smooth or flat decking where there are no grooves to accept a standard insert.
What is StadiaStrip®?
StadiaStrip® is a separate heavy-duty routed-in anti-slip insert product. It normally requires a channel to be routed into the timber before installation and is more project-specific than standard RetroGrip® inserts.
Can I make smooth decking anti-slip?
Yes. If there are no grooves for RetroGrip® inserts, surface-mounted products such as RetroGrip® Tread or GRP decking strips may be more suitable, depending on the surface and application.
Warranty Questions
What warranty do GripDeck® products come with?
GripDeck® factory-applied anti-slip decking products are covered by a 10 Year Anti-Slip Technology Warranty. RetroGrip® and StadiaStrip retrofit products are covered by a separate 5 Year Warranty.
View 10 Year Warranty View 5 Year WarrantyDo I need to register my warranty?
Yes. Warranty registration should be completed within 60 days of purchase to activate your warranty and make any future claims easier to process.
Register WarrantyHow long will the timber and inserts last?
Timber life expectancy depends on species, treatment, installation, environment and maintenance. As a general guide, treated softwood can last 15 years or more and suitable hardwoods can last 25 years or more. GripDeck® factory-applied inserts are supported by a 10 Year Anti-Slip Warranty.
Delivery & Lead Time Questions
When can I expect my delivery?
For decking and larger items, we will liaise with you to arrange a suitable delivery date. Smaller boxed deliveries are normally sent by courier and are often delivered within a 48-hour time frame, subject to service availability.
Will I need to be there to accept delivery?
Yes. For decking and larger quantity deliveries, someone must be at the delivery address to accept and offload the goods.
Will the driver help unload my decking delivery?
No. For decking and pallet deliveries, the customer must provide suitable manpower or equipment to unload. Drivers cannot assist with unloading and unloading must usually be completed quickly and safely.
Who will deliver my order?
Decking and larger quantities are normally delivered by pallet carrier. Smaller RetroGrip®, StadiaStrip and boxed product orders are normally dispatched by courier, depending on quantity and location.
How will my delivery be packaged?
Decking orders and larger quantities of retrofit products are usually delivered on pallets. Smaller retrofit product orders are normally delivered in boxes.
Can you deliver nationwide?
GripDeck® can arrange delivery across the UK for most products. Delivery method and cost depend on product type, quantity, length, weight and postcode.
Can I collect from GripDeck®?
Collection may be possible by prior arrangement for selected products. Please contact us before travelling so we can confirm stock, timing and collection details.
Installation & Maintenance Questions
Do you offer an installation service?
No. GripDeck® does not offer an installation service. However, we provide product information, downloadable guides and technical advice to help customers and contractors install products correctly.
How do I cut decking with anti-slip inserts?
Full cutting instructions can be supplied. You can also use our cut-to-length service to reduce cutting on site.
Download Cutting GuideWhat gap is needed between decking boards?
We normally recommend a gap of 5mm to 8mm between decking boards to allow for timber movement, drainage and ventilation.
Do I need to treat GripDeck® decking?
Softwood GripDeck® decking is supplied pressure treated. Some hardwoods and modified timbers do not require preservative treatment, although oils or stains can be used for aesthetic purposes where suitable. Applying an oil or stain should not damage the anti-slip inserts when used correctly.
How do I clean anti-slip or non-slip decking?
Clean GripDeck® anti-slip decking as you would normal timber decking using a stiff broom and suitable cleaning solution. A pressure washer can be used carefully on a low setting, keeping the nozzle away from the surface. Avoid aggressive cleaning that may damage timber fibres or inserts.
Should I use grooved or smooth decking?
This depends on appearance, cleaning preference and project use. Smooth boards are often easier to clean, while grooved boards give a more traditional decking appearance. GripDeck® anti-slip inserts can be supplied in both smooth and grooved board profiles.
Can GripDeck® decking be cut to length?
Yes. GripDeck® can offer cut-to-length decking on suitable projects, helping reduce site cutting, waste and installation time.
Can I pressure wash GripDeck® decking?
A pressure washer can be used carefully on a low setting, keeping the nozzle away from the surface. Aggressive pressure washing may damage timber fibres or affect the anti-slip inserts.
Ordering, Samples & Payments
Are samples available?
Yes. We can provide small samples of our decking and retrofit products so you can review the timber, insert layout and finish before ordering.
Request SamplesHow do I order anti-slip decking?
You can order by phone, email, quotation request or through our online store for selected products. Payment can usually be made by bank transfer or debit/credit card.
Request a Quote Shop OnlineIs there a minimum order value?
No. You can order the quantity that suits your needs, although delivery costs and product availability may affect the most economical option.
Who can buy GripDeck® anti-slip decking?
GripDeck® sells direct to the public, contractors, timber merchants, architects, specifiers, local authorities and trade customers.
Do you have a returns policy?
It is our general policy not to accept returns of goods. In exceptional circumstances, standard products may be returned within 14 days of delivery only with written agreement from GripDeck®. Bespoke, cut-to-length or made-to-order products are generally not returnable.
View Returns PolicySpecification & Technical Questions
Is GripDeck® anti-slip decking structurally graded?
Deck structures such as posts, beams and joists should be made from structurally graded timber suitable for the expected imposed loads. Deck boards are generally used flatwise, and established UK structural grading rules relate to timber used on edge. The supporting substructure should always be designed correctly for the application.
What lengths are GripDeck® anti-slip decking boards available in?
Stock lengths vary by timber species and availability. European Redwood is commonly supplied in 3.6m and 4.8m lengths. Other species and lengths may be available, and GripDeck® can offer cut-to-length options for suitable projects.
Can GripDeck® help with specification?
Yes. GripDeck® can help with board size, timber species, profile, insert layout, test data, warranty information, samples and product suitability.
Get Product AdviceWhere can I download specification sheets and certificates?
Specification sheets, certificates, test reports, installation guides and technical documents can be downloaded from the GripDeck® downloads page.
View DownloadsUseful Help & Advice Links
Slippery Decking Guide
Learn why decking becomes slippery and how to choose the right anti-slip solution.
Read GuideTechnical Downloads
Download specification sheets, certificates and installation guides.
View DownloadsPopular Product Pages
Softwood Anti-Slip Decking
Cost-effective non-slip timber decking for gardens, schools, walkways and commercial projects.
View SoftwoodRetroGrip® Inserts
Anti-slip decking inserts for suitable existing grooved timber decking.
View RetroGrip®Still Have a Question About Anti-Slip Decking?
Contact GripDeck® for help with anti-slip decking, RetroGrip® inserts, samples, quotations, delivery and technical support.
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