2012 London Olympic Park

The new CitiDeck® product was created after extensive testing and project development with the Principle Access Officer for the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), Margaret Hickesh. 

The development of CitiDeck® combines all the benefits of the bestselling AntiSlip Plus® timber decking board, but with a host of other benefits deigned to improve the performance of the deck board in urban environments.

The smooth board and less abrasive grit give a more comfortable surface for urban footwear, wheelchair users and pushchairs, whilst still exceeding the slip resistance requirements of the HSE guidelines.

“I just wish people knew just how uncomfortable it feels to travel over the grooved deck boards”, says Margaret who is now Access and Inclusion Officer at Network Rail. “The new CitiDeck® board developed for the park was so much better, not just for wheelchair users, but for a wide range of visitors, from children to the elderly and less able. It wasn’t just the grooves in the deck board that were a problem; the aggregate used was very coarse and could present a trip hazard when moving from one surface to another. It was important that the decking solution didn’t become a trip hazard for children or those with mobility impairments.”

Key areas of product development...

Deck profile

Smooth deck boards to provide a more even surface, to aid ease of travel across the deck area. This is particularly beneficial for wheelchair users, pushchairs, children and the less able, providing a smoother, less bumpy surface to travel over. Deck boards with a smooth profile also provide greater walking comfort for urban footwear as grooved boards can be difficult to walk on.

Anti-slip aggregate

A less abrasive grit provides less resistance than a standard non-slip insert in a castellated deck board and so makes for an easier walking surface. This is beneficial for children, the less able and areas with high pedestrian traffic. 

Smooth decking is frequently specified for outdoor urban areas where people congregate, food is served, or hygiene is of high priority. Smooth boards prevent food, dirt or litter becoming trapped, making it much easier to clean and removing any further slip risk from trapped debris.

Use of colour

Coloured non-slip inserts can be used for aesthetic purposes such as decking for schools or hospitals or to help with inclusivity. For the visually impaired, coloured inserts or wider non slip strips can be used to indicate stairs or changes in level such as doorways, steps, and ramp entrances.

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.

To read more about non-slip decking within the hospitality sector, view our dedicated landing page.