Choosing the right type of deck boards –
5 ways to get it right first time
T
imber decking is an increasingly
popular surface used within many
public spaces from walkways and
bridal ways to bars and restaurants.
But selecting the right type of decking
depends on many different things;
treatment, strength grade, profile, and
slip risk. Below are some of the common
considerations and how to make the right
product choice. Play it safe… Play it safe…
Country rural = JB AntiSlip Plus® a
castellated board with strips of coarse
aggregate for the Anti-Slip strips (see slip
risk for number of inserts). Standard commercial slip risk = 2 Anti-Slip
inserts.
Urban = JB CitiDeck® a smooth board
with a less abrasive aggregate for Anti-slip
strips. Treatment and Performance
Location, location, location Slips and Trips Where will the deck boards be used?
Country rural applications have very
different requirements to deck boards
for urban environments. Waterways and
wetlands suit castellated boards with
a high level of antislip however, these
boards can be difficult to walk on in
urban footwear. For urban areas where
consideration is required for pushchairs,
wheelchairs high heeled shoes and trip
risk with changes of level a smooth non-
slip board is more suitable. What level of slip resistance is required?
Will standard deck boards without
any non slip performance perform in
application? It’s safe to say that any
commercial decking project requires
some slip resistance, but how do you
get the optimum performance without
paying for extra protection you may
not need. If you install standard boards
you run the risk of having to fit antislip
protection retrospectively (which is
never as effective) or replace the boards
completely.
44 Landscape & Urban Design
High slip risk = 3 Anti-Slip inserts.
Timber decking is preservative treated
as standard but some applications
require additional performance. For
most applications Use Class 3 is ideal.
This specification is for exterior use
applications, out of ground contact. In
marine environments, marinas or where
there is likelihood of regular contact with
water (even a hot tub would be included)
it is recommended to specify Use Class 4,
in ground contact.
It is also essential to check the other
elements of the deck. Posts are invariably
in ground contact and Use Class 4 is
necessary. Care must be taken with joists.