I have been tasked with finding a solution in a children’s camp of slip proofing 2 sets of treated lumber steps. One set has 109 steps, the other 148 steps. Both sets go through the woods so no sunlight reaches them to dry out after rains (except in the spring, before the leaves come). The steps are only 4-5 years old and in excellent condition.
I have came up with the following ideas:
1. Paint with a Sharkgrip type additive.
Cons- Wearability
2. Non slip tape
Cons- Expense With that many steps @40″ each would run over $1500 Not a bad price, but I don’t think it would be a permanent solution.
3. Screw on fiberglass non slip stair tread overlay
Cons- Expense $24. each step = $6,200
– Cosmetics not conducive to an natural camping atmosphere.
4. Some type of nail in type of metal grip, pounded directly into the front part of the step. I like this idea the best however I have not been able to find a supplier.
Any other ideas or suggestions?
Thanks
Replies
Simplest I can think of that would hold up would be to cut up "expanded metal" into strips and nail/screw that to the steps. Would be a bit hazardous if someone fell on it, however.
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That was I was thinking about figuring how to drive into the wood so just a 1/16th of the expanded metal was actually exposed. Just enough to give a grip.
Cheapest would be to get a couple rolls of Polyglas roofing. This has a mineral surface like asphalt shingles. The back side is a peel'N'Stick like the ice and water shield is.
You can cut the materials to about 6" wide or so, and stick it to the tread. Fix it in place with some roofing nails at the edges unless the day is so hot and the tread so clean that it sticks right well by itself.
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pt lumber by itself generally provides enough traction. the problem here is green growth- lichens, moss etc. the simplest solution, though with higher maintenance is to apply bleach or set up an autofed bleach dispenser.
Expert since 10 am.
We have treated with bleach in the past, but with that many steps and in the locations they are at along nature trails. That type of maintenance I'm wanting to get away from. I have money in the budget this year to find a feasible solution.
Stainless steel diamond mesh expanded metal, about $10 or less per sq ft in 4' by 8' sheets from Mcmaster http://www.mcmaster.com/ page 3592This could be cut into narrow strips so the raised pattern is cupped away from the nosing for sake of traction. Fasten to treads with ss tapping screws. Materials would cost about $10 a step.For a lot less money up front mild steel can be used, but the wet plus treated treads spell RUST. I have seen it used a lot, however, and it does work for awhile.Bill
You may consider using fiberglass grating fasteners.
https://www.fiberglass-profiles.com/products/fiberglass-grating-fasteners/
The grating you mention would seem to hold all forms of crap (debris) that eventually fill up on a treated tread.
That and it’s rated poor in sunlight, low and high temps.
Made in China.
That and this post you replied to is from 2007.