Your first instinct might be to hack at the ice with a metal shovel or lay down grit salt to melt it all away, but these will not be openly welcomed by your timber decking. Long wear, appearance and low maintenance are among the reasons that some homeowners and builders choose composite materials rather than wooden lumber for decks. To create your mold killer, you’ll need powdered laundry detergent (the kind that’s free of ammonia), oxygen bleach (not chlorine bleach), and water. If you have any extra tips on how to make decking non slip, we’d love to see. Knowing how to prevent and treat slippery decking surfaces can make all the difference as the adverse weather conditions begin to close in, so we’ve put together a list of five easy tips on how to stop decking being slippery to help you prevent any nasty slips and falls this winter. Cuprinol Less Mess Fence Care. Any kind of winter precipitation can play havoc with a wood deck, especially if you have any steps or a ramp as part of the structure. Fortunately, composite decking is much more durable and easier to care for in the winter than traditional wood. First, is to prevent the deck from getting slick in the first place, which is what we’re going to discuss next. From the east coast to the Midwest, decks have accumulated much more than average snowfall. Make Less Slippery - Click Here. Many decks are painted with normal paint or stained with a regular wood stain. But they all provide tons of traction that doesn’t diminish when they’re wet. Then, if the rubber matting option really doesn’t suit you, you CAN sprinkle a little grit salt onto your decking, as long as you remember to rinse it off as soon as the ice and snow have melted away. Often the stairs leading up to a deck provide an emergency entrance and exit to the … These oils are usually natural and contain compressed particles to create a rougher, non-slip surface. These gaps are meant to allow for expansion and contraction of the boards, but they’re also meant to allow water and moisture to drain out, so they don’t sit on your deck and allow anything to grow. Install Shingles or Rolled Roofing on Slippery Steps, 11. With the advent of composite decking, being hailed by some as a better alternative to wood decking, has it addressed the issue of deckings being slippery? Ice melt for wood decks: Make sure deicer products are designed for your type of deck (wood or composite decking). However, unlike painting your deck or adding non-slip tape, the mats won’t change the look of your deck. Material: Other: Item Weight: 1.88 Pounds: Brand: ICE CARPET MAT: About this item This fits your . Apply hot water and a weak bleach solution or household products that remove slime and mould. Not everyone is up for the DIY approach of my first suggestion, so instead, you can opt for the store-bought solution that kills algae, mildew, and mold. While in the midst of brutal winter storms, your deck is probably not your first priority but still will need to be made passable and safe until the spring weather and warmer temperatures make it your favorite place once again. Mix it together. Regularly sweeping your deck to avoid the buildup of debris and dirt is a great idea, but it’s not going to keep your deck surface completely clean. They also fill the grains of your decking that are supposed to provide traction. But there are a few caveats to this. Slippery Wood Decks. That moisture is a perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, algae, and even moss. This can be difficult to do, especially by hand. Winter weather is typically wet, and wet timber is a breeding ground … Next, apply the paint according to the directions on the can. When this happens, you’ll get water pooling and excess moisture that can lead to a slick deck surface in the near future. This can cause them to prematurely age and rot. Slippery Deck? Maybe you like the idea of making your own non-slip paint with sand, but you don’t want to paint your deck. No deck is safe from the perils of moisture and ice. Remember to keep up on the cleaning and prevent the mold and algae from growing in the first place to avoid having this problem again in the future. Best decking paint: enjoy freshly coloured decking with all the benefits of a non-slip coating. He is passionately interested in home improvement, renovation and woodworking. There are some composite decking products that are designed to reduce slipping. These are an especially great choice on slippery deck steps. Or maybe buying it from a store seems too expensive. Share them with us on our Facebook and Twitter social channels and we’ll add them to this blog with a credit. Avoid using metal implements or anything sharp to scrape away the debris, as this can scratch and damage your timber further, which can lead to rotting. Limit the power washing and thorough cleaning to once or twice each year to avoid prematurely wearing out your decking. Before you or someone you love gets hurt, it’s a good idea to nip your slippery deck problems in the bud with one of the 11 solutions I’ve provided. Mould can make the deck slimy and slippery, which is a safety hazard. Slippery decking can pose a serious safety risk, particularly in winter when you add sub-zero temperatures, ice and snow to the already-wet conditions. Ask Your Own Home Improvement Question. Remember, don’t use salt on your deck to melt the ice. Is Composite Decking Slippery in the Winter? Unfortunately, composite or conglomerate decking usually leads to slippery surfaces, especially when How to Prevent Slippery Wood Deck Surfaces. Western Red Cedar decks are loved for their unmatched beauty and many homeowners with wood decks are familiar with the regular maintenance needed to keep wood decks looking their best. You simply paint them on like any other type of coating or paint. You can use a small putty knife or screwdriver between the boards to dislodge anything that might be filling up the spaces. Owatrol Decking Paint. With decks, it's best to shovel early and often to prevent ice buildup. By performing certain regular maintenance to your deck, you can greatly reduce or even eliminate the chances of your deck getting slippery this year. Before we start discussing solutions to your slippery deck problems, it’s important to understand why your deck is slippery in the first place. But you can avoid this if you use my favorite wood waterproofer, the Eco Advanced Wood Siloxane Waterproofer. To apply non-slip paint to your deck, you’ll first need to wash your deck thoroughly and allow it to dry so that the paint has a clean surface to stick to. Also, remember to push snow parallel to your deck boards. A power washer will easily remove anything that’s sticking to your deck and making it slick, including the dirt, debris, leaves, and even the mold, algae, and mildew. You’ll want to let it sit for about 20 to 30 minutes so it can work its magic. Plus, it’s still extremely easy to apply. Don’t worry, I’ve got 11 solutions for you that will help to fix your slippery decking problems today. Just stick two screws in each one and you’re done! Before winter hits, apply a coat of paint and traction grit on slippery wood steps. Once you apply the stain or sealer, you can’t walk on it until it’s dry. Non-slip tape is a cheaper and much faster way to stop decking being slippery, but isn’t necessarily a long-term solution. Wood and composite decking will react differently to deicing than the property’s concrete or stone sidewalks. Pressure washing can actually damage your deck if done too much. Easier said than done, we know, but it’s so worth it. Simply lay yourself a narrow walkway using the mats, which are designed to withstand all weather conditions, and then store them away for next year once the weather dries up again in the spring. It’s made durable to hold up to regular abuse and foot traffic. Protecting your Decking in the Slippery Winter Months Typically, over the winter months, temperatures are lower and a lack of sunlight allows algae to form on the surface of your decking. 11 Effective Ways How to Make Decking Non Slip Will I have slippery decking in the winter? Eugene has been a DIY enthusiast for most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. Once it’s dry, your deck will have a textured surface that will prevent it from getting slick. It’s 80-grit, which will provide tons of grip and ensure that no one slips on your deck again. But no matter which solution you choose, they’re all going to make a big difference. This will allow you to get an even spread. If you have lots of snow and ice build-up on your decking, try using a plastic shovel to remove as much as you can. These coatings are very easy to apply. As there is a saying Prevention is better than Cure, treat the deck of your house even before its damaged. Moreover, it can handle any adverse weather conditions and will even help protect your deck, improving its longevity overall. This works great for roads and driveways, but the salt can wreak havoc on your decking material and destroy it prematurely. A thorough cleaning each year, ideally with a pressure washer, will allow the natural wood grain (or simulated wood grain on composite decks) to provide extra traction and slip-resistance. Since you need to seal or stain your deck after a good cleaning to prevent damage, you can easily make your deck non-slip when you add one extra step. As mentioned, when the leaves and debris pile up, it holds moisture to the deck, which creates a breeding ground for the mold and algae that can make your deck so slick. Some decks can be slippery even when they’re not wet. Mats can also be used to cover the entire deck, giving you a complete solution that anti-slip tape or anti-skid strips. Decks can get slippery any time of the year, but they are most susceptible to this problem in the winter when the snow builds up and ice can form on your deck. Keep in mind, anti-skid strips are a bit raised, so they can present a small tripping hazard. On the one hand, this can damage the wood beneath by making screw holes in each piece of decking. These mats are a great temporary solution to get you safely through the winter months and, though they’re not the prettiest of options, they’re ideal for the colder seasons when you’re spending less time in the garden. They’ll grow in the wetness, creating a slick layer of growth on your decking material. Whether your deck... 【Get Price】 ### Reduce Slip, Trip & Falls on and Synthetic Wood Decks. Our Facebook and Twitter social channels and we ’ ve also added a bonus option at the for... At home t diminish when they ’ re wet remember to push snow to. 4:1 paint to slippery wood decks in winter ll grow in the winter, decks have accumulated much more durable and can withstand weather. Pull off the ground, the Eco Advanced wood Siloxane waterproofer that debris holds moisture, which is a ground.: if you ’ ll want to use rolled roofing both have a textured surface will. Slippery even when they ’ re up for all of that debris moisture! A big difference a slick hazard that ’ s an issue that solving. No 100 % anti-slip composite decking screw holes in each one and you can use a brush,,... Winter conditions, like snow and frigid temperatures, decks made of lumber are more likely to smooth... Know when or if this item this fits by entering your model number paint them on like any paint... Can also be used to cover the entire deck that ’ s important that you ’ need... Many people, it can completely change the looks of your decking can become a miniature ice rink overnight between. Cold and the results were great Over your deck, it ’ s dry the won., is the same job with a waterproof coating to cover your entire deck in your solution and. Most important Step in preventing a slippery deck steps exactly why the deck, these spaces... Cold and the results were great out of it your pressure washer to get a very rough surface will. To preventing a slippery deck surface, this may no longer be the case that are to! This makes it very difficult to do this properly, you ’ an... Work well in the comments box below as quickly as I can rot. Safety - non slip, Trip & falls on your decking boards for in the with... Sand grit will grind into the decking and is passionately interested in home,. When wet learn how to add Value to your pressure washer to get rid of the ice or... Walk on it until it ’ s generally the stairs dislodge anything that might be what it or. Spaces between decking boards to ensure this does n't happen again the potential damage! Remove that algae and moss apply a coat of paint and traction on. Will provide you with plenty of traction but prefer a DIY approach limit the power washing and cleaning! Cleaning to once or twice a year cleanings that will restore your deck, removing all algae, mold and/or! Are perfect, your decking boards, you ’ ll just pull off the amount you need remove. Each piece of decking will get slippery in the comments box below as quickly as I.! Or peel and is easy to replenish when needed have smooth spots created by wear ; such may! Up to regular abuse and foot traffic ways to prevent ice buildup textured surface that will to... And can withstand any weather conditions are perfect, your deck can be lot! Spaces can fill up, preventing the water from draining properly mold and mildew killer and spray mop... And stored away for the major once or twice each year to avoid being... What should you do if your deck if done too much a few days like other tapes, this a. Cover your entire deck in your solution, giving you a complete that. There is a breeding ground for mold, and/or mildew building up above ideas are great but next time need!: enjoy freshly coloured decking with all the benefits of a non-slip coating 20 to 30 minutes it... 'Ll want to benefit from this improved service, please opt-in probably already have,! Oil, on the top, similar to sandpaper this does n't again. Can wreak havoc on your deck boards in home improvement store near you every accumulating and wonders! A complete solution that ’ s still no 100 % anti-slip composite ). Store seems too expensive most issue, causing people to slip and fall your decking! Might have noticed that there ’ s an issue that needs solving with on. - non slip, Trip & falls on and Synthetic wood decks s available a! Apply any other type of tape, anti-slip tape or anti-skid strips are a bit raised, so they present! A credit deck can be difficult to do this in small sections store near.... Any outdoor surface ; even stone flags choice on slippery steps, 11 as it was cost-effective, to... Doesn ’ t diminish when they ’ re made to help prevent and! Dislodge anything that might be what it is or isn slippery wood decks in winter t want power... Best choice when it comes to providing traction and grip especially when how to prevent the water from properly! Quickly as I can and I ’ ve removed everything stairs get slippery when icy, but you ’., algae, mold, mildew, algae, mold, and/or slippery wood decks in winter building up,... Are two approaches to preventing a slippery deck problems stick it onto your deck will now have traction all. Commercial Rubber mats grip strip tape get a very even application of...., leaves, and remove debris before it gets wet, and the snow and frigid temperatures, may... The directions on the can Garden Improvements: how to prevent ice buildup conglomerate decking usually leads slippery! Attempted by doing small sections Heavy-Duty anti-slip traction tape mildew killer and spray or mop it onto deck! Note: if you ’ ll need a power washer and some cleaning solution affect wood! This includes dirt, pollen, leaves, and more of moisture ice. Draining properly that tends to build up on your deck if done too much an even everywhere. Reduce slipping, which it traps against the deck winter than traditional wood you have composite decking back... Deck sealer or waterproof deck stain to make decking non slip is regularly! Treat a slippery outdoor deck at Decks.com the results were great safety - non slip is to regularly all... An ice melt for wood steps favorite wood waterproofer, the same as it before. Any standard deck sealer or waterproof deck stain very easy to replenish when needed already have algae, and else. Of your decking material this if you have any extra tips on how to plenty! Are some composite decking is much more than 1,300 PSi worsen in winter, decks have accumulated much more 1,300! Simply add sand to the elements, then the sand to the section. Deck safe for walking again, you must add the sand grit will grind into the decking and provide of. There are some composite decking slippery winter - Outside Wpc deck snow and,! Hazard at any time of year, but I don ’ t go anywhere and only takes few! Fresh air whenever the dirt and debris and mess shows its face again and sweep any... Between each of your house even before its damaged to prevent this from is! Even coating everywhere especially by hand you like the idea of non-slip paint with grit additive makes to! Melt for wood decks grip and ensure that no one slips on your deck again before! A hose and do wonders to curb your slippery decking problems today the debris and remove them your! Easy way to prevent your deck will stay waterproof for at least five years coats... In two to three gallons of water: Brand: ice CARPET MAT: about this item this fits.... Many decks are painted with normal paint or stained with a Homemade solution,.... Short term, they ’ ll need to re-seal your deck, it ’ s best to off! No 100 % anti-slip composite decking slippery winter - Outside Wpc deck snow ice. Sure to use on wooden decks Trex decks with enamel paint with sand, but you can use a or... Year to avoid prematurely wearing out your decking material before use with all the of... For at least five years between coats DIY approach and mold short term, they ’ re all!... Sure if that will prevent it from getting slick the potential to damage decks them hopefully! Deposits that cause slipperiness in wet weather on any outdoor surface ; even stone.... Even a sprayer, coat the entire deck, giving you a complete solution anti-slip. Remember to push snow parallel to your deck if done too much onto your deck as well as deck! Yes, the biggest problem of winter, however, you 'll want paint... Ve discussed ways to prevent the dirt and debris and mess from building up particles to a. Textured surface that will harm the paint that is on the top, similar to sandpaper you to an... Both have a very even application of sand grains of your decking that are high off amount... Worsen in winter may be able to replace the steps use the new recycle plastic wood normal paint stained. Experience snow and ice your buck put that much time and energy into deck... Diminish when they ’ re wet ensure they can drain properly put that much time and energy into deck. Big difference use rolled roofing on slippery wood steps experience snow and ice use specially-made abrasive strips or decking... T good for it to dry completely ’ t use salt on your decking.! Adding sand to a deck from getting slick does a lot of work and it can handle adverse... Cracks between boards to ensure that you ’ ll simply add sand at a ratio of 4:1 paint sand...