Glass Reinforced Plastic, commonly known as GRP decking, is a fibreglass material designed to provide strength, durability, and slip resistance in outdoor environments. In winter conditions, when snow, ice, and frost increase the risk of slips and falls, surface choice becomes a safety decision rather than a design preference.

This article explains how GRP decking works in snow and ice, why it is considered the optimal decking material for winter, how it compares with other common decking materials, and how SlipsAway non-slip GRP decking strips help improve winter safety in a fast and cost-effective way.

What Is GRP Decking?

GRP decking is a composite material made from glass fibres bonded with resin to form a strong and weather-resistant surface. It is manufactured with a built-in anti-slip grit, which provides grip under foot.

Unlike paints, tapes, or surface coatings, the anti-slip texture on GRP decking is part of the material itself. This means it does not peel, crack, or wear away when exposed to rain, frost, or freezing temperatures. Because of this, GRP decking is widely used on walkways, steps, ramps, and outdoor platforms where safety is important all year round.

Why GRP Is the Optimal Material During Winter

GRP decking is considered one of the best materials for winter because it directly reduces the main causes of cold-weather slips.

• Rain freezes into ice

• Snow compresses and becomes slippery

• Frost forms on smooth surfaces

Many materials struggle in these conditions, but GRP is designed to perform safely when temperatures drop.

Key Winter Benefits of GRP Decking

• The textured surface maintains grip when wet or icy

• GRP does not absorb water, reducing ice formation

• The material remains stable during freeze-thaw cycles

• It does not rot, warp, or crack in cold weather

• Slip resistance stays consistent throughout winter

These properties make GRP especially suitable for outdoor decking exposed to snow and ice.

How GRP Decking Works in Snow and Ice

GRP decking performs well in winter due to a combination of surface grip, moisture resistance, and material stability.

Permanent Anti-Slip Surface

The anti-slip grit on GRP decking is moulded into the surface during manufacturing. This creates a rough texture that increases friction between footwear and the deck.

When snow melts or frost forms, the textured surface continues to provide grip. This is very different from smooth decking boards, where ice creates a slippery layer with little resistance.

Low Moisture Absorption

Timber decking absorbs water, which freezes and creates a smooth ice film. GRP does not absorb moisture, so ice is less likely to bond strongly to the surface.

This helps maintain safer walking conditions even during prolonged cold spells.

Stability in Freezing Temperatures

GRP remains dimensionally stable in low temperatures. It does not crack like concrete or swell like wood. This helps keep the surface even and predictable under foot during winter.

Safety assessments and real-world installations, including the Watco Godalming case study, demonstrate that GRP anti-slip surfaces maintain reliable performance in cold and wet environments, reinforcing their suitability for winter conditions.

The Best Decking Material for Snow and Ice

The best decking material for winter must provide reliable grip, resist moisture, and remain strong in cold weather. GRP meets all of these requirements more effectively than most alternatives.

Winter Decking Material Comparison

Materials That Become Slippery in Winter

Timber Decking

Timber absorbs rain and snow. When temperatures fall, this moisture freezes and creates a smooth, icy surface. Moss and algae growth also increase in damp conditions, further reducing grip.

Composite Decking

Composite boards often have smoother finishes. Frost and meltwater can reduce traction, especially on shaded decks that receive little direct sunlight.

Concrete Surfaces

Concrete becomes extremely slippery when icy unless treated with additional anti-slip products. Without surface texture, winter safety is difficult to maintain.

How to Stop GRP Decking from Being Slippery in Winter

Keep the Surface Clear

Leaves, dirt, and moss trap moisture. Clearing debris before winter helps prevent water from freezing on the surface.

Improve Grip in High-Risk Areas

Steps, slopes, and walkways are more likely to cause slips. Installing SlipsAway non-slip GRP decking strips adds extra traction in these areas without replacing the entire deck.

Check Drainage

Standing water is more likely to freeze. Making sure water can drain away helps reduce ice build-up during cold weather. This reflects best practice across the safety flooring sector.

Faster, Easier Projects with SlipsAway's In-House Cutting Team

One key advantage of choosing SlipsAway non-slip GRP decking is access to an experienced in-house cutting team. This service makes projects faster, easier, and more cost-effective.

• Accurate, customised cuts ensure GRP decking strips fit correctly the first time

• Faster turnaround times

• Reduced labour and material waste

• Lower overall project costs

• Flexibility to make real-time changes as projects develop

So What's the Best Decking Material for Winter?

GRP decking is the best decking material for winter because it provides reliable grip, resists moisture, and remains stable in cold conditions.

For existing decks, SlipsAway non-slip GRP decking strips offer a practical upgrade that improves safety in snow and ice without full deck replacement.

Conclusion

Winter conditions expose the weaknesses of many decking materials. Timber absorbs water and freezes, composite boards lose grip, and concrete becomes dangerously slippery when icy. GRP decking avoids these problems through permanent surface texture and weather-resistant design.

With strong winter performance and low maintenance requirements, GRP is a dependable choice for outdoor safety. When combined with SlipsAway's non-slip GRP decking strips and in-house cutting service, it provides a long-term solution for reducing slip risks in snow and ice.