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What to Look for in Finding the Best Anti-Slip Outdoor Decking Material

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When you build a deck, the right material can be absolutely crucial. Even the most well-designed space matters little if it doesn’t look or function right. And that statement is nowhere more true than at times that call for slip resistance.

Outdoor decks get wet. Rain or splash over from a pool can make sure to test the quality of your materials. When that happens, you need to not just make sure it holds and doesn’t deteriorate, but also provide safe passage to anyone who happens to step foot on it. That is true for both residential and commercial use cases.

In other words, you need to find the best possible anti-slip decking material for your needs. Fortunately, you can get to that point using a methodical process that eliminates any potential weak spots. First, though, you’ll have to answer a simple question: what are you using your deck for?

Potential Needs for Non-Slip Outdoor Decking

If you don’t know your exact situation, you cannot find material that suits that situation. That much is true for any construction project, and certainly remains true for your deck. The fact that it’s an outdoor deck should only be your first point of emphasis. The use case comes in a close second.

Chances are, if you are looking for non-slip decking, that you are considering an outdoor area that tends to get wet. That’s an important first point. Next, it makes sense to understand just why that happens. For instance, is the deck constantly exposed to the elements in a rainy climate? Or does it simply attach to an outdoor pool that could lead to this wetness? Both might require different types and strengths of materials.

Moving from personal to commercial application also makes a difference. An aged care facility, for instance, has to take special care in making sure that none of its residents can potentially slip on outdoor decking or ramps. The same is true for any facility or public building that seeks to accommodate disabled visitors or employees.

That’s not to say domestic and residential use cases don’t matter. In each case, you need to make sure that your core goal is covered: no one should be able to slip on your decking. Accomplishing that goal, of course, requires very careful consideration of the right decking material for your needs and situation.

How to Find the Best Possible Anti-Slip Outdoor Decking Material

Based on the situation in which you need and will use the deck, it’s time to find out exactly what type of material actually suits your needs. Here, your first step is to evaluate your options.

First, eliminate all options that are not composite. That’s because metal can quickly become slippery, while pure wood will not hold up well against the elements over time and will need constant treatment just to stand a chance. Only composite options make sense for a low-maintenance, reliable, long-term solution.

Second, it makes sense to evaluate actual slip resistance. Even if you choose composite, not all elements are the same. In Australia, a number of slip resistance codes have been developed specifically to help you understand where the materials you’re evaluating rank. One important test leads to Ramp Slip Ratings, which determine how much of an incline you can still walk without slipping depending on the material.

Within this context, the most common rating is R10, which means you can walk up an oil wet platform at an incline of 10, but less than 19 degrees using specialized boots without worry. Naturally, this incline is generally positive, but might not be enough if you’re considering a ramp or handicap accessible deck. In that case, look for higher-rated decking materials.

Finally, price is an important consideration. Slip resistance matters little if you cannot afford the materials. Learn about your options, then set a specific price that helps you stay within your budget and still find an outdoor, anti-slip deck you need.

Introducing NexGEN Xtreme Capped Composite

Three components make up the best anti-slip outdoor decking: the purpose for which you need it, the type and quality of material, and its price. We’re proud to introduce an option that helps you navigate all three of these variables to get the deck you need to protect yourself and others.

NexGEN offers Xtreme Capped Composite Decking, a material specifically designed for slip resistance. The material is capped on three sides with our innovative PermaTech surface technology, which means it can withstand even harsh outside conditions, wear and tear, and sun rays. That, in turn, increases the durability of this material. But its benefits don’t end there.

In fact, Xtreme is our most slip-resistant decking material yet. In fact, it features a special embossing that enables it to resistant slipping and falling even at a steep incline. Its R12 slip rating is far beyond the average for comparable materials, and enables inclines between 27 and 35 degrees without worry. For public or private use, it’s perfect for areas that frequently get wet and slippery.

Like our other composite options, Xtreme materials are resistant to staining, fading, termintes, warping, and other types of decay. That’s why they require minimal maintenance, treatments, or paint. A 20-year residential and 10-year commercial warranty protect your decking from structural damage, splintering, and more.

These features make NexGEN’s Xtreme Capped Composite Decking the perfect option any time you are looking for a product that helps you minimize potential slips during wet conditions. Depending on your location, that might be permanent and throughout the year. Finding a decking choice to protect you from falls, liabilities, and insurance claims is absolutely crucial for the health and well-being of anyone walking on it.

Contact Us

Of course, you might still wonder just how this and other decking materials options might fit with your needs. In that case, it might be best to chat about potential use and installation possibilities. Contact us to get the process started, and to make sure that the decking material you choose are your best possible choices for the environment and to prevent falls.

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