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Trex and other composite decks like TimberTech, Azek, and Fiberon can become dangerously slippery in winter when snow, ice, or frost covers their smooth plastic-capped surface. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make Trex decking less slippery with permanent non-slip solutions that work in every climate. We’ll compare common fixes like mats and grit tape against HandiTreads aluminum traction treads, the lifetime solution that keeps your deck safe and beautiful year-round.
Trex decking, a popular choice for its resistance to rot, mold, and insects, can become treacherous when exposed to winter conditions. The composite material’s plastic surface, combined with snow or moisture, creates a slippery environment that poses a risk of slips and falls. Before delving into solutions, let’s address the common questions many Trex deck owners have: “Is Trex slippery?” and “Is Trex slippery when wet?” The answer to both is a resounding yes, and this slipperiness can be especially pronounced in winter when water hardens into its dangerous counterpart: ice.
Countless studies show that slips, trips, and falls increase dramatically in the winter months, a danger that becomes particularly more pronounced based on the ground material. For a surface as prone to slipperiness as Trex decking, one can only imagine the extent to which that risk increases. We aren’t telling you to start stripping your Trex decking and scramble to replace it before the winter months, especially when you consider the advantages had by Trex decking. It may prove vital, however, to take necessary precautions so that your holiday season isn’t spent in a hospital room.
Before we dive into an innovative solution, it’s crucial to understand why traditional remedies such as mats or grit tape may not be effective in winter conditions. Mats can become waterlogged and freeze, rendering them ineffective and potentially causing a tripping hazard. Grit tape, while providing some traction initially, can wear out quickly and may not withstand the harsh elements of winter, requiring frequent replacement – especially if you plan on shoveling any amount of snow off your porch. Both mats and grit tape fail to provide necessary traction in outdoor conditions, even more so when they are separated from your feet by a layer of snow, frost, or ice
Solution | Winter Traction | Durability | Maintenance | Shovel-Safe | Longevity | Best For |
HandiTreads Deck Treads | Excellent | Lifetime | None | ✅ Yes | A+ | Permanent fix for all-season use |
Grit Tape | Poor | 6-12 mo | High | ❌ No | D | Temporary low-budget solution |
Heavy Rubber or Fiber Mats | Moderate | 2-4 yrs | Medium | ⚠️ Caution | C | Temporary traction near doors |
Grit Paint | Good | 3-5 yrs | Medium | ⚠️ Caution | B | Low-traffic decks |
One standout solution to combat the slipperiness of Trex decking is the HandiTreads Non-Slip Ramp and Deck Treads. These treads are specifically designed to enhance the safety of outdoor spaces, providing a reliable and permanent solution to slip and fall hazards. Available in four refined powder-coated shades – Chestnut Brown, Java Brown, New England Gray, and Obsidian Black – these treads seamlessly complement and enhance the beauty of any natural or composite wood deck. It doesn’t matter what’s on top of them; they will provide traction.
Make Your Composite Deck Safe this Winter
The magic behind HandiTreads lies in their patented raised-button traction surface. This innovative design ensures that your shoes or feet grip the surface instantly, providing the traction needed to navigate your Trex deck safely. Their design makes them perfect for combatting winter-time slipperiness given their capability for robust traction. It would take layers of ice and snow unlikely for even the harshest Minnesotan winter to make HandiTreads ineffective.
Installing HandiTreads on your Trex deck is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. The package includes color-matched screws, ensuring a seamless integration with your deck’s aesthetic. The lightweight nature of the treads makes them easy to handle during installation, and you’ll have your non-slip solution in place within minutes.
HandiTreads are available for purchase in various quantities, including single treads, 4-pack, and 10-pack options. The flexibility in quantity ensures that you can customize the coverage based on your deck’s size and layout. Whether you need treads for a small landing or to cover the entire expanse of your Trex deck, HandiTreads has you covered.
Trex and other capped composites have a smooth, non-porous plastic surface. When covered with moisture, frost, or algae, it creates a slick layer that reduces traction — especially below freezing.
Install HandiTreads aluminum Deck Treads, which use raised traction buttons to push away water, snow, and frost. They’re permanent, weather-proof, and color-matched for Trex and other brands.
Only temporarily. Tape and mats can peel, trap water, or freeze in place. They also can’t handle snow shoveling and often void deck warranties due to trapped moisture.
Yes, but only with proper prep. Use a high-quality epoxy-based paint like Slip Doctor Tuff Grip and expect to repaint every 3–5 years for best results.
Absolutely. The aluminum traction buttons resist damage from plastic or metal shovels, so you can clear snow without scraping or peeling your deck surface.
Each HandiTreads Deck Tread is 48 inches long. Use 4-packs or 10-packs to customize coverage based on your deck layout. A tread should be added to every plank or every other plank in high-traffic zones.
Yes — they’re available in four powder-coated shades: Chestnut Brown, Java Brown, New England Gray, and Obsidian Black — all designed to blend seamlessly with popular Trex tones.
As a proud owner of a Trex deck, you understand the importance of maintaining its beauty and safety throughout the year. The winter season shouldn’t compromise your outdoor enjoyment. By investing in HandiTreads Non-Slip Ramp and Deck Treads, you’re not only addressing the slipperiness issue effectively but also adding a stylish and durable solution to your outdoor space.
Say goodbye to the limitations of traditional remedies like mats and grit tape, and welcome a permanent, weather-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing solution. HandiTreads not only make your Trex decking less slippery in winter but also ensure that your outdoor haven remains a safe and inviting space, no matter the weather conditions. Enjoy the beauty of winter without compromising on safety with HandiTreads – the ultimate choice for Trex deck owners looking for a reliable and long-lasting non-slip solution.
Prevent slips this winter.
Keep your Trex or composite deck safe and slip-free with HandiTreads aluminum Deck Treads — the lifetime traction solution that stands up to snow, ice, and time.