When it's moist outside, timber decking traps algae, moss, fungi and other mildew, creating a slippery film.
The most effective solution is to clean the decking to remove this slippery buildup.
Once the deck is clean, be sure to sweep regularly and consider applying a quality wood stain. This can help to seal the deck and help to prevent regrowth of slippy mildew and algae.
Some other solutions can include anti-slip tape and rubber mats. For a more drastic solution, anti-slip strips or an oak covering might be useful.
1. Clean the decking
The aim of cleaning your timber decking is to remove the slippery biofilm of moss and algae.
Start by sweeping away obvious debris and then apply a deck cleaner. There are many great options available at home improvement stores.
Let the solution sit for the recommended time on the product instructions and then lightly scrub with a stiff brush.
Finally, rinse the deck with a garden rose or low-pressure washer and allow it to completely dry. In winter, this can take a lot longer than anticipated.
2. Brush the decking regularly
Not only are they they a slip risk in their own right, but pooling water and organic material like leaves, mud, and other debris can feed moss and algae. As mentioned, these create the slippery film on top of the decking.
This ‘tip’ is disappointingly obvious, but a regular once-over sweep of your decking is the easiest way to prevent buildup and ensure you stay on your feet all year round.
Use a stiff bristle brush (be sure to avoid metal as this can cause small amounts of damage to your decking, opening it up to risk of rot).
3. Treat your deck with a quality woodcare finish
Bare and weathered wood is more porous and absorbs moisture more readily.
By treating your deck with a quality finish, you can seal it and create a surface that’s more resistant to water absorption (and therefore the growth of algae and moss).
There are many products out there for this job; some are even marketed as ‘anti-slip oils’.
We’d recommend something like Owatrol Textrol HES. Available in a range of tints, it penetrates the wood with a protective coating that shields it from those destructive outdoor elements like moisture and UV.
Be sure to choose something non-film forming; a quality product can even enhance the beauty of the wood’s grain.
To prevent coating failure, it's important to only treat dry decking. This treatment process is best done on dry, mild day in spring, summer or autumn, rather than the middle of winter. Of course, be sure to follow the product manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Apply some anti-slip decking tape
Whilst this is only a temporary solution, it can immediately make your decking much safer space to walk on.
Adhesive anti-slip tape can be picked up from home improvement stores and is relatively cheap and simple to add where needed.
This tape is best applied to clean decking on a clear day.
5. Use rubber outdoor grip mats
Whilst you'll be concealing the natural beauty of your decking, these can be a quick, effective solution if you’re hosting guests, have kids or need to provide a clear path across your decking.
Available in a range of sizes from most home improvement stores, they provide plenty of traction.
6. Install anti-slip strips
For a more permanent solution, consider anti-slip decking strips. These strips have a gritted surface that promotes traction underfoot.
They are available in a range of sizes and are fixed to the decking boards at strategic points.
One common gripe is that these strips can detract from the clean, natural beauty of a timber decking. If you’re planning a new project, decking can be supplied ready with anti-slip strips that are specially selected to blend in with the wood and your surroundings.
You'll typically see them in commercial settings where health and safety is a paramount consideration.
7. Choose a slip-resistant profile and species
Timber decking is available in a range of profiles, including smooth, fluted, castellated and even flat & fluted. Naturally, the grooves in the fluted and castellated profiles profile greater traction underfoot.
Additionally, a deck that is made out of a quality species will naturally be much more adept at withstanding moisture and fungal growth.
Good decking woods include iroko, European oak, and Thermo-pine. All are naturally resistant to insect attack and decay, with the latter actually being thermally modified to boost its outdoor performance.
8. Add some oak-framed cover
This is rather a more drastic solution, but adding a covering to your outdoor space (with a can not only make it more practical year round, but reduces your deck’s exposure to the elements.
Oak-framed structures like pergolas or gazebos naturally complement timber decking and can blend seamlessly into outdoor surroundings, adding value to your property.
9. In case of ice, use a plastic shovel (and avoid grit salt)
Sub-zero temperatures are a hallmark of the winter months, and it’s not uncommon to wake up to a thin layer of frost, ice or even snow.
Remove as much of it as you can from the areas you’ll be walking across using a plastic (rather than metal) shovel. This will prevent potential damage and reduce the likelihood of a slippery icy layer forming underneath.
Avoid using grit salt, if you can. Not only can it stain the wood, but the chloride in the salt absorbs moisture from the timber, affecting its natural expansion and contraction process.
Take your outdoor space to the next level
At Duffield Timber, we supply timber decking in a range of beautiful, high-performance timbers, all sustainably sourced from across the world.
Available in an array of profiles and patterns, our decking can be provided with factory treatments and anti-slip strips to guard against algae-induced slips.
Contact our team
