Specifying Non Slip Timber Decking for Hospitality

With the trend of people choosing to dine outside, establishments in the hospitality sector need to ensure there is a safe, inclusive outdoor space for their customers to enjoy. Achieving a desirable aesthetic and creating an inviting atmosphere should also be considerations.

When specifying decking for outdoor areas, consideration must be given to aesthetics, maintenance and safety. Choosing the right products, which are inclusive and safe, ensures areas are accessible and usable all year round; this prevents venues from missing out on increased capacity and revenue opportunities during the winter months.

The right choice of deck board can have a big impact on the day-to-day use of outdoor space and ease of maintenance; therefore, choosing between smooth or grooved decking can make a big difference.

Resources 

Technical Sheets

Download our latest technical sheets for more information on:

• SuDS 

• Raised Decks

• Metal Fixing

• How to keep your Timber Deck looking good

• Builder's Guide to Timber Deck

• Span Table

• Statutory Requirements

• Decking NBS

Traditional castellated decking can be problematic for restaurants and pubs where food and debris can easily get caught in the grooves of the decking, making the surface hard to maintain and a clear slip risk. The grooves can also be tricky to walk on in heels and can damage both the deck boards and the heeled shoes.

A smooth profile offers a different feel and appearance to the deck when compared to the traditional look of a castellated board and offers many benefits. The smooth, flatter profile offers a comfortable surface for all users of the decking including pedestrians and wheelchair users etc. The profile also provides an easier surface to keep clean as there is no accumulation of dirt and debris.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) reports that slips and trips are the most common cause of injury. On average, they cause over a third of all major injuries and over 40% of all reported injuries to members of the public. Statistics suggest that most of these accidents are slips, most of which happen when floor surfaces are contaminated (water, grease, etc.). With the average cost of a slip, trip, or fall being around £15,000, it is a risk not worth taking.

Initially developed to meet the inclusivity requirements of the London 2012 Olympics, Marley’s CitiDeck is often specified for this type of project such as the Hilton Hotel Garden Inn in Glasgow and at Nandos in Aberdeen.

CitiDeck has been independently tested by the Health & Safety Laboratory using a Stanley Pendulum test in accordance with BS 7976 and exceeds the minimum Pendulum Test Value (PTV) required for low slip.

All our decking is structurally graded to a minimum of C16 and is preservative treated to achieve a 30-year service life, providing complete peace of mind and a cost-effective solution in the long term.

Timber decking has the lowest embodied energy when compared to other hard landscaping materials and with all of Marley’s anti-slip decking sourced sustainably with full PEFC accreditation, timber decking really is the natural choice.

Marley can provide technical support throughout the project, from specification to advice on installation. As every project has different challenges and objectives, our experienced technical support team can work with you to discuss your requirements and help you find the best solution.