Wooden decking can be a great feature for any garden. It’s tidy, flexible, and often makes an outdoor space feel more inviting for everything from barbecues and birthday parties to quiet afternoon reading. But when wet or covered in algae, those same planks can turn dangerously slippery. It only takes one unexpected slip to realise that standard decking can pose a hidden risk, especially during unpredictable weather.

That’s where non-slip decking strips come in. These strips fit directly over or between your deck boards and provide extra grip underfoot. Whether you’re stepping out barefoot with a cuppa or your kids are running across the boards with muddy shoes, these strips add safety without needing a full deck overhaul. If you're preparing for wet seasons, or just want more peace of mind for your family, these strips offer a quick, practical upgrade.

Understanding Non-Slip Decking Strips

Non-slip decking strips are slim, durable pieces that attach to key areas of your decking—mainly where people walk the most. Their core purpose is simple: to give shoes, bare feet, or paws more grip. When decking gets wet from rain or slippery from moss, these strips help cut down the chance of anyone slipping or sliding.

You’ll find several types on the market, from heavy-duty industrial-grade strips to softer-tread options better suited to family gardens. Some of the most common materials used include:

- GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) for high durability and foot traffic
- Rubber-based grips for a softer touch underfoot
- Aluminium-backed strips for specific metal or mixed-material surfaces

The choices depend on your needs. Want something subtle that your pets can walk on comfortably? Soft rubber might fit best. Need more grip in a high-use area like steps or access to a garage? GRP with a coarse finish could be the right call.

The main appeal of these strips is that you don’t need to replace your decking or make major changes. They fit right on top and are built to withstand outdoor wear—rain, sun, frost, and general use included.

Reasons To Use Non-Slip Decking Strips

Adding non-slip strips is one of the easiest ways to make an outdoor area safer. They blend into your existing garden layout and work well year-round, no matter the weather. Once they’re in place, they require very little attention but provide a big boost in confidence when walking across your deck.

Here are some practical reasons to fit them:

1. They improve safety year-round

Rain, leaves, early frost, or morning dew can turn decking into a slipping hazard. Non-slip strips stay grippy in all kinds of conditions without breaking down or warping.

2. They help prevent slips and falls

Whether you’re walking the dog or carrying laundry out, having extra grip matters. These strips reduce that uneasy feeling of your feet sliding out beneath you.

3. They don’t require big changes

There’s no need to rip up or repaint your existing deck. Most strips screw or glue into place and come in colours that blend right in.

4. They're low maintenance and long-lasting

Tough weather won’t wear them down quickly. Once installed, most users do little more than give them the occasional clean to keep them working smoothly.

5. They make paths and walkways safer

If there's a spot between the back door and the shed that sees frequent use, that’s probably one of the best places to start. Adding strips there makes each trip less risky.

It’s the small things—like offering guests a dry, safe surface to walk on during a BBQ or knowing your kids won’t slip running to feed the pets—that make these strips feel worth it.

Installation Tips For Non-Slip Decking Strips

Installing non-slip decking strips is a job most people can manage with a bit of focus and the right tools. The strips need to be placed in the right spots, secured well, and set flush with the surface below. This keeps them both safe and pleasant to look at.

Here’s a general step-by-step:

1. Clean your decking surface properly and let it dry.
2. Mark where each strip will go, prioritising regular walkways.
3. If you’re using screw-down strips, drill pilot holes to avoid damaging the wood.
4. Fix the strips in place with outdoor screws or adhesive, depending on the surface.
5. Press them down firmly and check that no corner is raised or loose.

Some of the tools you may need include a cordless drill, measuring tape, pencil or chalk, and weatherproof screws or suitable adhesive.

A common mistake is trying to attach a strip to wood that’s already starting to rot or buckle. If the surface isn’t secure, the strip won’t hold properly, and moisture might work its way underneath. Taking the time to clean and inspect the area first helps avoid issues that reduce the lifespan of your strips.

Maintaining Your Non-Slip Decking Strips

Once strips are installed, keeping them in good shape is straightforward. A bit of attention now and then makes sure they stay secure and continue doing their job.

Every week or two, give them a good sweep to keep debris like twigs, leaves, and dirt from collecting. This clears out any trapped moisture or build-up that can reduce traction.

When the seasons change, it’s worth doing a slightly deeper check:

- In spring and summer, look out for dust, pollen, or early signs of plant growth creeping underneath.
- In autumn, check for leaves collecting between the strips, which can become mulch.
- In winter, watch for ice or moss that may cling to edges.

A gentle scrub with warm water and a deck brush is usually all you need. Avoid using harsh cleaners or pressure washers too often, especially on rubber or fine-grit surfaces.

Once a season, inspect strip edges and fastenings. Loose screws, peeling adhesive, or thinning grip could all signal it’s time for a replacement or quick repair. Staying ahead of wear and tear means fewer surprises and a safer deck for everyone.

Choosing the Best Non-Slip Decking Strips for Your Garden

Choosing the right strip depends a lot on how you use your garden space. There’s more to it than just picking whatever's cheapest or looks the best on a website. Think about your needs and what kind of traffic moves across your decking each day.

Key factors to consider:

- Is it for a quiet family garden or a space people constantly walk through?
- Do kids or pets use the deck often?
- What type of material is it built from—timber, composite, metal framing?
- How exposed is it to rain, frost, or direct sunlight?

GRP strips are usually the go-to for year-round use because they’re strong and weather-resistant. If you want something softer underfoot for kids, a rubber-topped strip might be a better pick.

When it comes to looks, most options come in dark tones that blend into the deck. Some strips have a coloured edge for visibility, which could be very helpful if you have older relatives or younger children who need a clearer visual guide.

It might be tempting to skip placing strips in seldom-used areas, but those are often where trips and slips occur. The path you take to the compost bin or the stepping stones to a garden shed matter. Covering all walkways improves overall safety.

Feel Confident in Your Garden Again

Once you’ve fitted non-slip decking strips, you’ll likely notice how much more relaxed you feel stepping outside. Whether it’s damp in the morning or frosty in the evening, walking across your deck feels surer and steadier.

It’s a simple change that quietly protects the people you care about. You won’t need to keep reminding visitors to be careful or avoid a certain side of the deck. The strips just do their job, blending into the background while keeping everyone upright.

As with anything outdoors, they’ll need occasional checking and a bit of cleaning, but they don’t demand much more. By taking basic steps now, you create a safer space for yourself, your family, and any guests enjoying your garden come rain or shine.

Slip accidents don’t need to be part of everyday life. With just a bit of forward thinking and the right strips in the right places, your garden can be both beautiful and safer all year.

Enjoying your outdoor space safely can be simple with the right precautions. By adding non-slip decking strips, you make your garden a more secure haven for family and friends, all year round. To find the best fit for your space, explore the full range available from Slips Away today.