Outdoor spaces tend to change more than we realise as the year goes on. Autumn brings wet leaves, damp corners, and slow-drying paths. It doesn’t take much for a stone step or wooden deck to turn into something a bit more slippery than expected. Even small changes in the weather can make once-safe surfaces feel less secure.

That’s where putting the right anti slip steps in place can make a difference. You don’t need to change everything. You just need to make things more walkable again. As we head into the colder months, now’s a good time to look around and check which spots might need a bit of extra grip. A steady walk across your patio or a safer trip to the garden bin should be easy to sort before things freeze over.

Where Slips Commonly Happen Outdoors

Certain places catch water, leaves, or frost more than others. These are often the points where someone might lose their footing, especially as temperatures drop.

• Raised decking or wooden steps that sit in the shade stay damp longer
• Concrete paths collect leaves and moss, which can become slick quickly
• Driveways or walkways on a slope hold water and ice, especially if they don’t drain well
• Thresholds between house and garden become smooth over time and often get missed when checking for wear

We tend to walk over these spots without thinking, which only adds to the risk. Places we use every day deserve a bit of focus now, before the season makes them more difficult to walk on.

What Increases the Risk of Slipping

Several things can quietly raise the chance of a slip, especially when the ground stays damp for days at a time. Often, it’s not just one reason but a few that add up.

• Surfaces that don’t drain properly end up staying wet, or even forming thin layers of frost overnight
• Piles of leaves start to break down, leaving behind a soft layer that spreads across paving or decking
• Algae or grime grow slowly and go unnoticed, especially in places that don’t get much sunlight
• Patios and decking lose texture over time from use or weather, leaving less for shoes to grip

The mix of these elements tends to build as autumn turns to winter. By mid-November, most outdoor spaces could do with a bit of attention, especially those near daily paths like back doors, bin areas, and garden sheds.

Slips Away’s anti slip strips are built with rough resin grit and a strong, waterproof adhesive, making them a practical fix for slippery steps and decking in outdoor areas. Available in black, grey, yellow, and other finishes, these strips are designed to fit timber, stone, and composite surfaces, and can be trimmed to suit key spots like landings, step edges, and transitional walkways.

How to Spot Problem Areas Before They Cause Trouble

It’s not just about waiting until someone slips. Small signs usually appear first. The ground feels a bit less steady, or someone always walks around a corner rather than across it. Looking for these early signals is worth the time.

• Check for areas where your heel has slipped a little when turning or stepping down
• Watch for spots that hold water long after the rain has stopped
• Take note of shaded corners or under trees, where leaves stay damp longest
• Think about where people often rush or carry things, such as from a car to back door

We find it helpful to walk the common routes around the garden or side of house. Early in the morning is usually best, since it shows where frost or moisture might settle. Those signs can help decide where extra grip is needed most.

Easy Ways to Make Walking Safer This Season

You don’t have to do a major overhaul to feel steadier when walking outside. Small upgrades, if done right, can hold through winter and make everyday paths more reliable.

• Add anti slip strips or covers to steps, decking, and key walking areas
• Pick materials that match your surface, stone, wood, or composite, so they stay set
• Fit strips where they’re most useful rather than trying to cover too much at once
• Finish before the weather goes fully cold, as frozen ground makes fixing anything harder

Early November tends to give just enough decent days to get things sorted. Make sure surfaces are clean and dry, and secure any edges or loose boards before adding strips. If planned right, it's a quick weekend job with lasting impact.

Creating Safer Outdoor Spaces Before Winter Settles In

By looking now, we give ourselves a chance to stay ahead of the heavy frost and icy ground. Wet weather doesn’t have to mean stepping slower or avoiding areas altogether. A handful of targeted fixes, done before the cold hardens everything, can prevent those sharp slips that tend to catch us off guard.

The goal is simple: steady steps where people walk the most. Whether it’s heading to the bins or walking from the drive to the door, nobody wants to lose their balance. It doesn’t take much to make spaces feel safer again. A bit of time now clears your path through the winter ahead.

When parts of your home or garden still feel risky underfoot, now's a smart time to sort them properly before colder days settle in. Adding the right grip can turn a slippery step or damp board into something much more dependable. One quick upgrade is using anti slip strips where surfaces get slick in the cold or stay shaded all day. At Slips Away, we offer options made to stick well and last through the seasons. If you need help figuring out what fits best, send us a message.