Specifying Non Slip Decking for Boardwalks, Bridges & Cycle Paths

Specifying decking in high slip risk areas such as boardwalks and bridges, where safety and performance is key, brings its own set of challenges.

Boardwalks are installed to create a seamless flow across landscapes and enable areas that may have been unreachable or dangerous to be accessible such as over water, marshland and rough terrain. This helps to maximise the space available and allows visitors to access these areas safely.

Viewing platforms, bridges and jetties can be incorporated into the design of a boardwalk to allow visitors to pause and take in the surroundings and areas of interest.

Boardwalks and bridges are typically constructed from timber; it is a natural material that blends in well with its surroundings. Choosing a timber deck is the natural choice when specifying a product for the surface of this construction.

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

• Builders Guide to Timber Deck 

• Span Table

• Statutory Requirements

• Decking NBS

When specifying decking for these types of projects, key considerations are aesthetics, maintenance, and safety.

Marley’s antislip decking range is often specified for this type of project, as was the case with Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre and Burton Marsh Cycle path.  

Choosing the right deck board can have a big impact on users of the boardwalk and ease of maintenance, particularly as boardwalks and bridges are often in quite rural and open areas; therefore, choosing between a smooth or grooved deck board can make a big difference.

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 and cyclists etc. The profile also provides an easier surface to keep clean as there is no accumulation and build up of dirt and debris.

Marley’s Antislip decking boards are specifically designed to provide a durable and effective external anti-slip surface to minimise any risk of slipping – even in adverse weather conditions. The slip-resistant qualities have been independently tested by the Health & Safety Laboratory (HSL). This resulted in a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) score of between 61 and 81, which is significantly above the minimum required score of 36.

All our decking is structurally graded to either C16 or C24 and is preservative treated to achieve a 30-year service life, providing complete piece of mind and a cost-effective solution in the long term.

Natural decking has the lowest embodied energy of any mainstream building material and is a managed material to deliver a more sustainable product, enhancing the environmental credentials of the project.

Technical support is provided by Marley throughout the lifecycle of the project, from specification with the client or landscape architect to advice for the contractor on correct 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.

To find out more about specifying Marley Antislip Plus® for your decking project contact the technical team on 01283 722222, or request a sample.