Anti-Slip Strips for Smooth Timber Decking | RetroGrip® Tread
RetroGrip® Tread is a surface-mounted anti-slip strip for smooth or flat timber decking where standard RetroGrip® decking inserts cannot be fitted. Ideal for creating a non-slip, slip-resistant walking surface on smooth decking, boardwalks, ramps, bridges, platforms and access routes.
Anti-Slip Strips for Smooth & Flat Timber Decking
RetroGrip® Tread is a surface-mounted aluminium anti-slip strip designed for smooth or flat timber decking that cannot accept standard RetroGrip® decking inserts. It improves grip on slippery decking, timber walkways, ramps, bridges, platforms and access routes.
It is the ideal solution where standard RetroGrip® decking inserts cannot be used because the decking is smooth rather than grooved, or where a wider visible non-slip strip is required. It is commonly specified for smooth decking boards, timber boardwalks, access ramps and commercial walkways.
Why Choose RetroGrip® Tread?
For Smooth Decking
Suitable where existing decking boards do not have grooves suitable for standard RetroGrip® inserts.
Surface-Mounted
Designed to be fixed directly to the surface of suitable timber decking, ramps, walkways and platforms.
Two Width Options
Available as Tread 20 and Tread 50, allowing the right level of coverage and visibility for the project.
Walkways, Ramps & Bridges
A practical anti-slip option for pedestrian routes, bridges, boardwalks and access ramps.
Durable Anti-Slip Surface
Manufactured with aluminium profile and resin/aggregate anti-slip surface for long-term performance.
Project Advice Available
Send photos, dimensions and application details and GripDeck® can advise on product suitability.
Get AdviceAvailable Sizes – Tread 20 & Tread 50
RetroGrip® Tread is available in two standard widths. Tread 20 provides a narrower anti-slip strip, while Tread 50 provides a wider and more visible anti-slip surface.
RetroGrip® Tread 20
A compact anti-slip strip for smooth decking, walkways and access areas where a discreet surface-mounted solution is required.
- 20mm anti-slip surface width
- Suitable for smooth timber decking
- Useful for walkways, ramps and platforms
- More discreet appearance
- Retrofit surface-mounted installation
RetroGrip® Tread 50
A wider anti-slip strip offering greater coverage and visibility for higher-footfall or higher-risk access routes.
- 50mm anti-slip surface width
- Larger visible anti-slip area
- Suitable for public access routes
- Useful on bridges, ramps and commercial walkways
- Retrofit surface-mounted installation
Tread 20 vs Tread 50
| Feature | Tread 20 | Tread 50 |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-slip surface width | 20mm | 50mm |
| Best for | Discreet surface-mounted grip improvement | Higher visibility and wider anti-slip coverage |
| Typical applications | Smooth decking, light-use walkways and access routes | Walkways, ramps, bridges, platforms and public access routes |
| Visual impact | More subtle appearance | More visible anti-slip strip |
| Installation | Surface fixed | Surface fixed |
RetroGrip® Tread Gallery
Anti-Slip Strip for Smooth Decking
Surface-mounted anti-slip strip designed for smooth timber decking and flat decking boards.
Retrofit Anti-Slip Solution
Designed for smooth decking, walkways and access routes.
Durable Tread Surface
Hard-wearing resin and aggregate surface for pedestrian access.
Tread Profile Detail
RetroGrip® Tread profile designed for retrofit installation.
External Access Route
Improved grip for exposed outdoor timber access areas.
RetroGrip® Tread 20
Compact surface-mounted anti-slip strip.
Where Can RetroGrip® Tread Be Used?
Smooth Timber Decking
Ideal for decking boards without suitable grooves for standard RetroGrip® inserts.
Walkways
Surface-mounted anti-slip strips for timber pedestrian routes and access areas.
Ramps
Useful where improved grip is needed on sloping timber access routes.
Bridges
Suitable for timber bridge decks where surface-mounted anti-slip strips are required.
Platforms
Can be used on timber platforms, staging and raised access areas.
Steps as Secondary Use
Can be used on some steps, but for step edges and stair nosings we normally recommend RetroGrip® Stair Nosing.
View Stair NosingRetroGrip® Tread Specification
| Product | RetroGrip® Tread |
| Available Sizes | Tread 20 and Tread 50 |
| Profile Material | 6063 T6 Aluminium |
| Anti-Slip Surface | Epoxy resin and aggregate |
| Aggregate | RASC Guyanan Bauxite / Dynagrip |
| Slip Resistance | LOW slip risk potential |
| Primary Applications | Smooth decking, walkways, ramps, bridges, platforms and access routes |
| Secondary Applications | Some step applications, where stair nosing is not required |
| Installation | Mechanical fixing and/or adhesive fixing depending on substrate and project requirements |
| Substrates | Suitable timber, steel and concrete surfaces, subject to fixing method and application |
RetroGrip® Tread vs Other Anti-Slip Products
| Product | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| RetroGrip® Tread | Smooth decking, walkways, ramps, bridges and platforms | Surface-mounted anti-slip strip. |
| RetroGrip® Inserts | Existing grooved timber decking | Fits into suitable decking board grooves. |
| RetroGrip® Stair Nosing | Step edges and stair visibility | More suitable for stairs and step nosings. |
| GRP Stair Treads | Full step cover applications | Wider GRP tread cover for stair refurbishment. |
Information Needed for a Quote
When requesting a quote for RetroGrip® Tread, please provide as much information as possible so we can recommend the most suitable size, fixing method and quantity.
| Information | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Application type | Decking, walkway, ramp, bridge, platform or step application. |
| Area size or strip lengths | Helps confirm quantities and cutting requirements. |
| Preferred tread size | Tread 20 or Tread 50 depending on desired coverage and visibility. |
| Surface type | Timber, concrete or steel affects fixing advice and suitability. |
| Photos of the area | Allows GripDeck® to advise on the most suitable product. |
| Delivery postcode | Required for delivery costs and lead time estimates. |
Related Products
RetroGrip® Stair Nosing
Anti-slip stair nosing for improving grip and visibility at step edges.
View Stair NosingGRP Products
GRP stair treads, floor sheets and decking strips for retrofit anti-slip applications.
View GRP ProductsNeed Surface-Mounted Anti-Slip Strips?
Send photos, dimensions, application details and delivery postcode and GripDeck® can advise whether Tread 20 or Tread 50 is the best option.
Request a Quote Ask for AdviceFrequently Asked Questions
What is RetroGrip® Tread?
RetroGrip® Tread is a surface-mounted retrofit anti-slip strip designed mainly for smooth decking, walkways, ramps, bridges, platforms and access routes.
What is the difference between Tread 20 and Tread 50?
Tread 20 has a 20mm anti-slip surface width and gives a more discreet finish. Tread 50 has a 50mm anti-slip surface width and provides greater visible anti-slip coverage.
Can RetroGrip® Tread be used on smooth decking?
Yes. This is one of its main uses. RetroGrip® Tread is suitable where smooth boards do not have grooves for standard RetroGrip® inserts.
Can RetroGrip® Tread be used on steps?
It can be used on some step applications, but for step edges and stair nosings, RetroGrip® Stair Nosing is usually the better product.
Which size should I choose?
Tread 20 is more discreet and suitable for lighter-duty or lower-visibility applications. Tread 50 provides a wider anti-slip surface and is often preferred for walkways, ramps, bridges and public access areas.