What is the slip resistance and classification of our Elegance deck boards?
Tests have been run to determine the slip resistance of our deck boards using the XP CEN/TS 16165 (European Technical Specification) assessment method.
The slip classification is established based on the German standards DIN 51130 (with shoes on) and DIN 51097 (barefoot), or the equivalent French standard NF P 05 011.
(DIN 51097 (barefoot): class C, equivalent to class PN 24 under French standard NF P 05 011).
The results confirm that our boards offer excellent slip resistance when used barefoot and with shoes on.
- R11 classification: attests to good grip (suitable for communal use, e.g. decking on garden floors, landings with access to outdoor parts of public-access areas, etc.).
- R12 classification: attests to strong grip (suitable for use on forecourts, outdoor access ramps with a maximum slope of 5% for persons with reduced mobility, outdoor access areas in shopping arcades, or floors of refectories, restaurants and canteens, etc.).
- R13 classification: attests to extremely good grip (suitable for abattoir or fish market floors).
Slip resistance of Silvadec decking boards: safety and performance for your outdoor spaces
Beyond aesthetics and durability, safety is an essential criterion when choosing your decking surface. At Silvadec, we place the utmost importance on the slip resistance of our composite decking boards – a decisive factor for user safety, particularly when the surface is wet.
Slip resistance ratings: understanding the standards
The slip resistance of floor coverings is assessed according to a standardised scale ranging from R9 (low resistance) to R13 (maximum resistance). These ratings are defined by European standards, specifically DIN 51130 for shod feet and DIN 51097 for bare feet.
R13: the benchmark for grip
Silvadec boards stand out on the market for their exceptional slip resistance. The majority of our products achieve a rating of R12 or even R13 – a very high level of grip rarely attained in the composite decking industry.
Understanding the different slip resistance levels
Here is what each rating level means and its recommended applications:
R9 : Standard grip
- Ideal applications : Dry indoor areas only
- Characteristics : Minimal resistance, not recommended for outdoor use
R10 : Enhanced grip
- Ideal applications : Residential areas only
- Characteristics : Moderate slip resistance
R11 : High grip
- Ideal applications : Outdoor terraces
- Characteristics : Good slip resistance
- Silvadec advantage : All our products meet a minimum R11 rating
R12 : Strong grip
- Ideal applications : Outdoor terraces, access ramps, commercial spaces
- Characteristics : Very good slip resistance in wet conditions
- Silvadec advantage : The majority of our boards offer this level of performance
R13 : Very strong grip
- Ideal applications : Pool surrounds, heavily weather-exposed areas, professional kitchens
- Characteristics : Maximum safety even in very wet or greasy conditions
- Silvadec advantage : Atmosphère boards achieve R13 in the transverse walking direction. Grooved Élégance boards reach this level along the length.
Comparison of market alternatives
|
Surface type |
Average rating |
Performance in wet conditions |
|---|---|---|
|
Silvadec boards |
R12-R13 |
Performance maintained even in heavy rain |
|
Standard composite decking |
R9-R11 |
Performance sometimes insufficient for outdoor use |
|
Natural wood |
R9-R11 |
Varies depending on the wood species |
|
Entry-level composite |
R9-R10 |
Deteriorates with UV exposure |
While many manufacturers settle for meeting the minimum requirements (generally R10), Silvadec goes beyond the standards, achieving performance levels required in high-risk professional environments. Furthermore, unlike natural wood which loses its grip over time and requires regular treatment, Silvadec boards maintain their performance throughout their entire service life.
This level of excellence enables safe use in virtually any context, including:
- Pool surrounds, where the risk of slipping is particularly high
- Weather-exposed terraces, even during heavy rainfall
- High-humidity areas such as spas, saunas or shaded terraces
- High-traffic spaces such as public or commercial areas
- Sloped installations or access ramps where grip is crucial
Factors influencing the grip quality of Silvadec boards
Board orientation
It is important to note that slip resistance performance varies slightly depending on orientation:
- Transverse walking direction : Better resistance (generally R13)
- Longitudinal walking direction : Very good resistance (generally R12)
This difference is normal and present in all directional floor coverings.
Surface finish
At Silvadec, we offer different finishes that influence slip resistance:
- Brushed finish (Atmosphère range) : Offers the best balance between aesthetics and optimised grip (R13 in the transverse direction and R12 in the longitudinal direction)
- Structured finish (Élégance range) : Wood grain reproduction with very good resistance
- Grooved finish (Élégance range) : Longitudinal grooves that enhance grip
- Smooth finish (Élégance range) : Uniform surface offering excellent resistance nonetheless (R12)
Material composition
Silvadec composite decking is composed of approximately 2/3 PEFC-certified wood and 1/3 polymers. This unique formulation gives the boards their exceptional slip resistance properties, even in wet conditions.
Slip resistance rating table for Silvadec boards
All Silvadec decking boards have been awarded Class C, the highest level of slip resistance for bare foot use in accordance with DIN 51097. This indicates optimal grip in very wet areas such as pool surrounds, showers and other zones where people walk barefoot in contact with water.
|
Range |
Finish |
Longitudinal direction |
Transverse direction |
Bare feet |
Technical datasheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Atmosphère |
Brushed |
R12 |
R13 |
Class C |
|
|
Nuances |
Brushed |
R12 |
R13 |
Class C |
|
|
Élégance |
Grooved |
R13/R11* |
R12 |
Class C |
|
|
Élégance |
Smooth |
R12 |
R12/R11* |
Class C |
|
|
Élégance |
Structured |
R11 |
R12 |
Class C |
*Depending on dimensions (138 mm / 180 mm)
Recommended applications according to safety requirements
For high-risk areas (pool surrounds, heavily exposed terraces)
We recommend Atmosphère boards with a brushed finish or Élégance boards with a grooved finish, offering the best grip properties (R13/R12).
For standard residential areas
All our ranges fully meet the safety standards required for residential use, with a minimum grip level of R11.
For commercial or public spaces
As stricter standards apply in these spaces, we recommend Atmosphère boards or grooved Élégance boards, which meet the usual requirements.
FAQ: Your questions about the grip properties of Silvadec boards
Which Silvadec range offers the highest grip?
The Atmosphère range with a brushed finish and the Élégance range with a grooved finish offer the best grip properties with an R13 rating in the transverse direction. All our ranges nevertheless deliver excellent performance with a minimum of R11, which is more than sufficient for standard residential use.
Do Silvadec boards retain their slip resistance properties over time?
Yes, unlike natural wood which can become slippery over time due to ageing and the growth of moss or algae, Silvadec composite decking maintains its slip resistance properties in the long term. The specific material composition and the surface treatments applied guarantee lasting slip resistance. Simple regular cleaning is sufficient to preserve these qualities.
What is the difference between the "shod feet" and "bare feet" ratings?
Slip resistance tests are carried out according to two distinct standards:
- DIN 51130 for "shod feet" (rating R9 to R13)
- DIN 51097 for "bare feet" (rating A, B or C)
All Silvadec boards achieve Class C (the highest) for bare foot slip resistance, making them particularly suited to pool surrounds and areas where people frequently walk barefoot.
Is an R13 board uncomfortable to walk on barefoot?
No, contrary to popular belief, a board with high slip resistance does not have to be rough or uncomfortable. Silvadec boards, even with an R13 rating, remain pleasant to the touch and comfortable for barefoot walking. Our technology combines high slip resistance with ease of use.
Are Silvadec boards suitable for access ramps or sloped areas?
Absolutely. With a rating of up to R13, Silvadec boards are perfectly suited to sloped areas such as access ramps, including in public-access buildings. The brushed finish of the Atmosphère range or the grooved finish of the Élégance range are particularly recommended for these applications.
How should boards be maintained to preserve their slip resistance?
Regular scrubbing with a stiff brush is generally sufficient to maintain the high grip of Silvadec boards. For particularly exposed or soiled areas, cleaning with mild soapy water (pH-neutral soap) may be carried out. Avoid excessively powerful pressure washers, which could damage the surface over time. Consult our maintenance guides for range-specific advice.
Do Silvadec boards meet the standards for public-access buildings?
Yes, Silvadec boards, with their R12 and R13 ratings, meet the minimum requirements imposed on public-access buildings in terms of slip resistance. Our products are therefore perfectly suited to restaurant and hotel terraces, as well as other commercial or public spaces.
Conclusion
Slip resistance is an essential safety criterion when choosing a decking surface. With performance levels of up to R13, Silvadec decking boards rank among the safest solutions on the market, while preserving both aesthetics and user comfort.
By choosing Silvadec, you benefit not only from a durable and eco-friendly product, but also from a solution that guarantees user safety in all circumstances, including the most demanding conditions.
For further information about our products or personalised advice for your project, do not hesitate to contact our technical team or consult our detailed documentation.
Did you know?
For optimal fall prevention, particularly in public-access buildings, the ideal solution is to install an anti-slip insert between the decking boards. This configuration guarantees maximum safety across the entire walking surface. Please note, however, that due to its highly abrasive nature, this accessory is not recommended for barefoot use.