Decking which side up

GripClad composite anti-slip products have proven to be the ultimate slip resistance solutions for decking boards. It is the most hardwearing long-term solution on all walking surfaces. We have many customers who have had our product down on boards for 10 years and they look as new as the day they were installed.

No sign of any wear or tear! You can cover the whole or part of decking, or even in a staggered fashion — either way, using this product WILL reduce slip accidents dramatically and permanently.

To find out more about our retrofit solution which is extremely durable, lighter, stronger, longer-lasting, and easier to fit, click here. For more information on the variety of decking strip products we provide, give us a call on To keep up to date with our latest products and to receive anti-slip help advice and guidance sign up to receive our regular updates here.

What product are you interested in? Tell us more about your project What product dimensions do you require? Tell us more about yourself What is your name? What is your email? You can unsubscribe at any time. Both softwoods and hardwoods can be oiled to prevent the timber from weathering. This will also prevent the timber from natural weathering to a silvery grey.

Even composite decking fades in colour after about three months and will need painting or staining with specialist composite paint to restore its original colour. Timber is a natural material that originates from a renewable source. More sustainable timber is coming from managed forests in Europe and Russia every year. Pine is a very popular choice of timber for softwood decking, and more sustainably-sourced hardwoods are available too.

You can learn more about sustainably sourced timber and search for FSC certified products and suppliers here. Some composite decking manufacturers use recycled materials, such as plastics and wood chippings. Others use virgin polymer materials, which are not environmentally friendly.

Unlike wood plastic composite decking, where plastic wood and additives are bound together and difficult to separate, wood is fully biodegradable. That means that when you remove a timber deck you can recycle it. Durability should not be confused with strength. The durability of timber decking refers to the ability of wood to resist rot. It is rated using a durability class:. You can choose from naturally durable hardwoods, naturally durable softwoods, pressure-treated softwoods, thermally modified timber or chemically modified timber.

The best choice will be dependent on where the decking will be used — a good decking manufacturer can advise on this. The strength of timber is measured by strength grading, which depends on the species and grade of timber. The higher the number, the stronger the timber. Hardwoods range from D18 to D70, and C16, C18 and C24 are the most commonly available strength classes for softwood. C16 is considered the minimum standard for softwood decks above mm in height. Or they may be installed facing down, the orientation recommended by manufacturers as the correct way to install them.

The reeded side of the timber boards make for interesting patterns that look sleek and pleasing, thus begging the builders to install them face up. Like racing stripes that run across the side of a sports car, the timber ridges impart a sleek and sexy look that evokes energy and balance.

People also lay the decking timber ridge side up because they think that the ridges help increase traction and make the deck less slippery. And there are those who appreciate the feel of the textured surface on their bare feet, and harp on the therapeutic effects this provides, as well. However, every decking timber manufacturer will tell you: the proper way to install a board is ridge side down. The ridges, they say, were designed to let air circulate underneath the boards.

This, according to them, prevents the buildup of moisture and, consequently, of mould. The ridges are not there to keep you from slipping and sliding around your deck.