If you are continuously getting rain in your area accompanied by sun, the decking you opt for should be very critical about your deck’s safety. The presence of water on the surface maximises the possibility of tripping and falling. Decking is no different. However, while determining whether to buy wood or composite decking, their ability to be slippery is very important. Upon comparing the wooden and composite decking, the composite decking turned out to be more slippery. The presence of a polymer cap in the decking resists water, increasing the possibility of slipping on it. There might be a few notable exceptions of composite decking, if done by excellent executioners like Brite Decking which would offer excellent traction whenever dry and wet.While purchasing the composite deck, people wonder if the deck’s slippery when it’s wet. Read further to find out the truth.
What is the reason why composite decking is slippery?
Friction can be considered as another term for traction. The more extensive the range of friction among the floor and your shoes, the less possibility of you slipping and falling during the rain or whenever the deck is wet. The more grip on the deck by your shoes, the possibility of falling decreases.
What are the factors which lead to falling on the composite decks?
There are two methods of increasing the grip on the decking: material finish and texture. This can be considered as one of the magics of the polymer caps. The latest composite deckings possess a tough polymer cap that lets the deckings look a little superior along with the growing decking texture.
Several high-end decking boards have a “wood grain finish” carved on them, with at least two advantages. First, copying the look of hardwoods, which is very attractive.
However, in the situation of decking being prone to slipping. The wood-like texture also offers a required grip. The tiny grooves in the boards, which might grip your feet whenever you walk on the decks. Remember, the more significant the amount of texture, the more extensive the range of grip by your feet.
How to find the perfect composite deck?
Finding decks that do not have a slippery texture is pretty straightforward. Whenever you are present in the store, make sure you touch the sample. If it is pretty smooth and your hand glides on the boards quickly, you must keep walking and look for the other decking materials. On the other hand, if there are tiny grooves and the decking can be uneven and rough, then it might be the best for you as it offers excellent grip whenever it’s wet.
There are several kinds of composite deck boards available in the market these days, but they will be differentiated based on how slippery they are. Many of them will excel the usual set of wood decking, but several of them would not.
This is a little unfortunate because it does not let any individual decking boards perform slightly better than the other ones. Instead, the decking companies pull down every deck board to increase their rating. This is kinda true for composite decking companies which work on the principle of “budget decking.”
Conclusion
As this article is coming to an end, it is safe to say that composite decks are slippery depending on their texture rather than quality. If the texture is smooth, it is more likely to be slippery. However, if it is a bit rough, it might be good for you as it helps maintain a firm grip by your feet on the deck, even if it is raining.