Does Composite Decking Get More Slippery Than Wooden Decks?

Wood-Polymer composite decking is an excellent option when searching for the right decking material. Composite decking looks phenomenal and can be inexpensive to install. However, people are tentative about buying them because a commonly held belief is that composite decking gets more slippery than wooden decks do. 

We are not going to say that this is completely untrue, but we believe it is a little overstated. And for those facing this problem, there is an easier solution than you may have envisioned.

What is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is an environmentally friendly alternative to solid wood decking. It is by far the most popular non-wood material and looks just like wood. It is an affordable option because it requires less maintenance than solid wood. Moreover, the fiber inside composite decking helps to prevent it from shifting when the temperature changes.

While composite decks are resilient to weather, certain brands can be extremely slippery when it is wet and cold out. 

Why is Composite Decking Slippery?

Composite decking and its capping has evolved and is now as grippy as real wood. However, older generations of composite decking may be extremely slippery. For example, certain older generations will use a flat sheet of plastic capping over the wood base, this sheet lacks any semblance of traction.

Also, older generations were much more malleable. Rot, moss, rain, and mildew would all be trapped inside the plastic casing, slowly rotting away at the wood foundation until people were solely walking on a plastic capping.

Many manufacturers realized this as a big concern and have started adjusting. They are providing a textured finish to the panels which adds a slip-resistant feel and will help to slow down slippery algae from growing.

Newer composite decking provides much more traction as a result of recent changes. Also, newer designs provide a fiber encasing around the wood base which helps to keep it from rotting. Companies like Timbertech and Trex Decking are trusted brands for quality and safety.

How Can Someone Prevent Composite Decking from Being Slippery?

The most effective way to prevent your deck from being as slippery as a sheet of ice is to keep it clean. Most slips and falls on decks occur because of a mold or algae build-up, not just rain. These build-ups can happen when leaves or debris falls onto a composite deck. 

There are also ways to make any old composite deck a little safer to walk on. After a thorough cleaning, applying a product like “Floor Grip” will add a clear, anti-slip coating to any existing composite decking. 

Deck Experts, based in Surrey, BC, are professional deck builders with a long track record of success. We offer free estimates and long warranties, and can build or fix any deck around.

If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about decks, please call us at (604) 626-7100.