I have attached three pictures of my deck walkway. When the deck is wet (which often here in Portland, OR), it’s very slippery. As you can see, we’ve tried to mitigate this with some 3M strips, but they don’t stay attached very well and placing them on every other board isn’t really enough traction.
I need to improve the traction on the deck, but I also don’t want to give up the visual appeal of having a wooden deck. I think “Grit paint” would reduce the asthetics quite a bit.
I would be happy putting the 3M strips on every board if I could get them to stay down. As it is, they last about one year and then have to be replaced.
Suggestions?
Thanks!
–MATT
Replies
If you don't mind the strips...
Clean everything up. Mask. And make your strips out of the paint instead.
Is there any gap at all between those boards ?
A good heart embiggins even the smallest person.
Quittin' Time
Hi,
No, there aren't any gaps between the boards. "Mask and paint" sounds like a good idea. The 3M strips are about $1/foot for a strip that's 2" wide. I think grit paint is typically between $40 - $50/gallon and that's considerably less expensive.
One concern I've heard about grit paint is that the grit particles will scuff out quickly, leaving the paint looking shabby. Any recommendations on a good grit paint?
Thanks.
--MATT
CORKS! Just buy some of these and put them at both ends of the ramp. One size fits all and they will definitely keep you from slipping. Corks will also over time perforate the wood so traction will no longer be a problem. :-)
Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Just funnin w/you Matt- I tell people not to pressure wash their decks because it lifts the grain. In your case this may be what you want to do, making the surface more porous thus giving beter traction.
In any case you have to maintain a clean deck which may take two cleanings per year depending on how much tree pollen you are getting.
Simply buy a pump sprayer and pour in a deck cleaner "30 second is my favorite" you can find it at Lowes for $8.97
Spray the cleaner scrub lightly and hose off.
There you have it!
Bob
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
I nailed cleats on the chickenhouse ramp so the chickens would quit skidding off in icy or wet conditions. Actually that was entertaining to watch and listen to when they let out a war whoop while sliding down. True america's funniest video material! You could apply some thin hardwood cleats instead of the grit strips. There are also some grit strips made for boats that screw down, but they cost too much for a cheapskate like me.