What are GRP Non-Slip Strips?

GRP (glass reinforced plastic) non-slip strips are the permanent, long-life alternative to adhesive anti-slip tape. Where tape can last 2–5 years before the adhesive fails or the grit surface wears down, GRP strips provide reliable anti-slip protection for 10 years or more with virtually no maintenance. They are manufactured from fibreglass-reinforced resin with an impregnated quartz grit anti-slip surface — the grit is part of the material itself, not a coating on top of it, so it cannot wear away, wash off or shed aggregate.

At 50mm wide and 1 metre long, each strip is sized to run across a decking board width, across a ramp surface, along a step edge or down a walkway in the direction of travel. Multiple strips installed in parallel create full-coverage anti-slip zoning across decking, ramps and platforms. The bond or screw-fix installation method provides a permanent mechanical or adhesive bond that is dramatically more secure than tape on the outdoor and wet-area substrates where these strips are most commonly used.

Technical Specifications

GRP Strips vs Anti-Slip Tape — When to Choose GRP

Key Features and Benefits

• Impregnated grit — permanent anti-slip surface — unlike tape where grit is coated onto the backing, GRP strips have quartz aggregate fused into the fibreglass matrix during manufacture. The surface cannot wear away or shed particles regardless of footfall, cleaning or weather exposure.
• Fully corrosion-proof — GRP contains no metal components and cannot rust or corrode. This makes it uniquely suitable for marine environments, coastal locations, swimming pool surrounds, food processing areas and any substrate where metal fixings would corrode and tape adhesive would fail.
• Pressure washable — the impregnated surface withstands high-pressure cleaning without degrading the anti-slip performance. Ideal for decking, ramps and food production areas requiring regular deep cleaning.
• Black or yellow — black suits decking and surfaces where the strip should blend in. Yellow provides the high-visibility DDA contrast required on ramps, step edges and accessible routes.
• Flame retardant material — suitable for fire-risk environments including care homes, schools and public buildings.

Where to Use

• Garden decking — timber and composite boards where permanent, maintenance-free anti-slip grip is required
• External ramps — permanent anti-slip and hazard marking strips on bonded or screwed into concrete/metal ramps
• Marine — boat decks, pontoons, marina walkways, dock edges
• Offshore and industrial — platforms, gantries, walkways, plant room floors
• Swimming pool surrounds — permanent grip on wet pool-edge surfaces
• Steps and stair treads — permanent anti-slip strips run across the step tread surface
• Sports and leisure facilities — permanent wet-area grip on changing room floors, poolside

How to Install

1. Cut to length if needed. Use an angle grinder or jigsaw to cut to any required length. Wear eye protection and a dust mask.
2. Clean the substrate. Remove all dust, grease and loose material from the installation surface.
3. Adhesive fix: Apply structural polyurethane or epoxy adhesive to the back of the strip, press firmly onto the surface and clamp or support until cured (typically 24 hours).
4. Screw fix: Mark screw positions at 200–300mm centres, drill pilot holes, and fix with stainless steel countersunk screws for external/marine use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strips do I need for decking?

For decking, strips are typically installed at 100–150mm spacing across the direction of travel, one strip per decking board or every other board depending on risk level. For a standard 3m × 4m deck, approximately 20–30 strips provides comprehensive coverage. Each strip is 1m long, so they can be laid across boards or cut down to match board widths.

Can the strips be cut shorter?

Yes. GRP cuts with an angle grinder and diamond disc or a jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade. Mark the cut line clearly. Wear eye protection and respiratory protection — GRP dust is a glass fibre irritant.

What adhesive should I use?

A two-part polyurethane structural adhesive provides the most reliable long-term bond for GRP to wood, concrete and metal. Ensure both surfaces are clean and dry. Allow full cure time per the adhesive manufacturer's instructions before the surface is returned to use.

Why choose GRP over anti-slip tape for decking?

Anti-slip tape on external decking typically lasts 1–3 years before the adhesive fails due to sustained water exposure, UV degradation and thermal cycling. GRP strips bonded to decking last in excess of 10 years with no maintenance. The higher initial cost is recovered within 2–3 replacement cycles of tape.

Why Buy From Stair Nosings UK?

• Safety and stair accessories specialist with products across all anti-slip performance tiers
• GRP specification — permanent, maintenance-free protection where tape is insufficient
• Both colours available from one supplier
• UK stock for fast dispatch

Select your colour above — black for decking and surfaces where grip is needed without visual contrast, yellow for DDA-compliant high-visibility marking on ramps and accessible routes.