Is Composite Decking Slippery When Wet?

Whenever we want to build something in our house where kids run around all day, the main concern is always safety. For example, people might picture their kids falling over on a slippery deck. Is composite deck slippery when wet like other counterparts? The short answer is no. However, there are some unusual situations where it can be slippery. Let’s dig into it and find out!

Composite decking is a material designed to be slip-resistant. Our composite boards have a deep, embossed wood grain combined with a co-extruded surface that provides traction even when wet. The grooved or sanded pattern gives you a better grip on the surface when walking on it, so you can always opt to install the boards with the grooved or sanded side up if you’re really concerned about it.

Cases Where Your Deck Might Be Slippery

Excessive debris and dirt. In daily life, it’s inevitable that we get some leaves and other organic substances on the deck. Contrary to what people might think, it’s not only a matter of uncleanliness but also contributes to the slipperiness on the deck surface. Composite decking won’t go moldy while it can’t stop the object on it from growing moldy. Debris and organic substances will aid the growth of mold and fungus that can cause a slippery surface. It’s of natural occurrence on almost any object on the earth.

Ice and snow. When winter comes, everything becomes slippery no matter what material is used to make them. A composite deck can be rather slippery when it’s covered with ice and water. 

How to Prevent It

Clean your deck periodically. Frequent cleaning will get rid of fallen leaves, pollen, dirt, and debris, thus preventing mold and fungus from settling on your deck. If you see any mold about to develop on your deck, just scrub the surface with a soft bristle brush and rinse it thoroughly with water. At the beginning of spring or fall, clean your deck thoroughly with a pressure washer to prevent the buildup of mildew and moss. When using a pressure washer, be sure to keep a safe distance between the fan-tip nozzle and the deck surface. Be careful not to use a power washer more than twice a year to avoid prematurely wearing down the surface.

Keep the Deck Dry. Although composite decking is highly resistant to moisture, keeping deck surfaces wet can still increase the risk of mold growth. Keeping your deck dry is also rather important in the winter.

Use non-slip rugs. You can use some rubber rugs and mats on your deck if that looks appealing to you. It’s greatly helpful in the winter and rainy seasons. 

Make sure there’s enough space between the deck surface and the ground. The reserved space is mostly for ventilation, helping keep the deck dry the whole time. If debris accumulates and blocks the gaps between decking boards, the decking surface would appear more slippery. To clean the inside space, use a small tool to remove any clogged dirt once or twice a year.

Pay attention to weather conditions. If you live in a place where it’s wet and rainy, you should clean the deck more often.