So, after all the recent rain we’ve had, I’m going to get straight to the point and debunk one big falsehood I hear all the time – “Decking is slippery!”

No, it’s not! It’s fake news – providing you do things the right way!

So, here is the science. Hardwood decking has close compact fibres. This means that when it rains minimal moisture is absorbed. Any moisture that IS absorbed only penetrates the outer layer -  so the timber dries rapidly and without deteriorating the surface (unlike with softwood). 

Another surprise for people worried about the slipperiness of decking is that they can opt for the  current fashion for smooth surface installations in the knowledge that it actually offers better grip and avoids dirt collecting in the grooves of conventional castle or reeded type profiles. That’s because, like a good tyre, it provides more contact patch and therefore more resistance and grip with the soles of your shoes.

As for the practicalities, hardwood decking, such as this Yellow Balau, requires little to no maintenance – although you might want to give it an occasional scrub with a stiff broom in areas that get little sunlight.

If you are oiling your decking to bring out the rich tones of the wood, I recommend using a decking brush kit to apply  Osmo 006 Decking Oil followed by Osmo 430 Anti-Slip Decking Oil as a top coat. It provides a microporous satin finish similar to 320 grit sandpaper and is based on natural vegetable oils to allow the wood to breathe. It also helps regulate the moisture content, reducing swelling and shrinkage – so it won’t crack, flake, peel or blister and is extremely water resistant and dirt repellent. For more details please download our free Osmo Treatment Guide.

Regular decking is more than adequate for commercial applications, but if you require it, Southgate Timber can offer a grip insert strip as a special service. This is usually two strips across a 145mm board about 30mm from each outer edge.

So, now you know that you can enjoy your decking throughout the year and without fear of slipping – and, to help you along, we’ll be having a number of special offers on Yellow Belau decking during November.

That’s got to be good news!

Stay safe…
Mark