Been working on a dock for the last month plus. It is a combination fixed and floating. My water level moves 3 to 4 feet so needed to take this into account with the design. Need to finish building the benches and it is roughly complete.

Looking for suggestions on how to make the ramp between the fixed and floating sections non slip. Right now thinking of getting some 4" wide non slip tape and put it on every other deck board, any other ideas?

http://s290.photobucket.com/user/lassig/Dock/story

Looks really good! I have the same issue on my big pond, large fluctuations in water level.

They sell non-skid stick on sections - I got mine from Grainger:

http://www.grainger.com/product/JESSUP-MANUFACTURING-Antislip-Tread-12E827?functionCode=P2IDP2PCP

we have used roll roofing on our wrap around porches for years. Just tack it down with roofing tacks. It works great and lasts many years.If you didn't want to buy a whole roll try picking up a few regular shingels from someone.That should work also.

Another option is tacking down some small aluminum expanded metal on the planks. Dock looks good but I'd get some stain on it after the wood weathers a bit.

I like the aluminum expanded metal suggestion.

Thanks for the suggestions, I am getting samples of the non slip tape sent to me and one option is a clear version that may work nicely and not show as much as the typical black. One consideration here is it needs to be bare foot friendly, which they claim this is.

Yes I plan on staining it next year, along with the deck and most of the house, never ending projects.

On a good note the pond came up 14" in our flash flood event yesterday. I missed it as I was driving to see Nate and pickup fish food and herbicide. The story on photobucket has been updated with new pics to show the current water level

We (my wife) mixes sand into clear marine varnish. Needs redoing every couple years. Not my idea though. I think we bought a special sand for this. Figured this out after slipping off a narrow bridge over a stream in January. I'll bet you never saw an old fat man run so fast!

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Seal-Krete-3-2-oz-Clear-Grip-Anti-Skid-Additive-402002/203002764

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/prevent-slippery-wood-deck-surfaces-27930.html

https://www.google.com/search?as_q=sand+...ll&tbm=shop

Mark, I would make sure that the wood was stained and sealed before applying the tape, and that if clear was used, will it affect how the wood looks in that area over time? Make sure that any tape that is used is rated for outside use in the sun.

I was told by the company (Wooster Products Inc.) that I asking to about the tape to let the deck boards season before applying the tape. Yes it is outdoor rated. Thanks for the additional ideas.

That's a very nice looking ramp and float! What did you end up using for anti-skid material on your ramp? I applied 3M Safety-Walk™ tape to our painted pressure-treated front steps a few years ago, and the tape held up amazingly well. In fact, it's now time to repaint the steps, and the tape is still in good condition and well adhered. I think that it would be 'barefoot friendly,' too. I don't remember which specific model of tape I used, and there are several different variations on this line of tapes, but here's a link to a brochure:
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/22433...ds-brochure.pdf

That looks really nice lassig. The benches are a nice touch.

lassig,
...very nice...got yourself a showplace there....lots of relaxing evenings sitting with an ice cold beverage there.....I can see it....

Awesome! A cooler full of brewskies and you are good to go!

FWIW on all the factory floors in my companie's plantsites around the world a paint with abrasive is used to prevent slipping on oil. I would think that would work in your situation as well.

Thanks for the nice comments about the dock. I thought about this project for years before finally pulling the trigger, really glad I did.

I haven't done anything yet with applying the non slip tape to the ramp. The company that I plan on buing it from said to let the pressure treated wood season a year before applying it. I do plan on using the Wooster product.

As far as the paint with sand in it, I used that on the stairs in the garage that come into the house. I have two sets of stairs in the garage, one into the main level of the house and one the goes into the basement. The basement set works out great as you can get into the basement without going through the house.

How well does the non slip tape hold up outdoors?

I've thought about mixing paint and sand. Anyone ever done that?

I use a mineral-surface non-slip tape for heavy-duty applications like the step to my backhoe cab or for stair treads. However, for a tub or pool area, or on a boat deck, I prefer a non-mineral anti-skid surface that is easier on bare feet. I'm not familiar with the Wooster products. They might be just fine.

One suggestion: Call the tape manufacturer and find out how stretchable the tape is...not just its flexibility. Pressure-treated wood will expand and contract considerably over its lifetime with changes in moisture content, and if the tape will not expand and contract easily along with the wood, then it may be advisable to use narrower strips of tape rather than wider strips in order to avoid wrinkling or detached adhesive. You could just use twice as many strips that are half as wide.

Some non-skid tapes are considered 'conformable' to uneven surfaces. I think that these would be better able to move with the wood as it expands and contracts. That said, I've used two-inch-wide strips of standard non-skid tape on PT wood with no problem.

Keep up the good work.

Not sand, but this:
Shark Grip

It works pretty durn good when mixed with a sealer for garage floors.

I use shark grip for a no skid surface on slick bathtub and shower bottoms.I buy it at my local Sherwin Williams.

I would use these and cut them in half or even three. They are the foam rubber used on Jet Skis and jet boats. Great stuff and never gets really hot.

Cheers Don.

I'd use Durabak. It's a roll on bed lining type, use the textured, and your decking will last forever. Great stuff. I built a box for in my truck, I put the dog kennels on top of the box. The box is completely coated in durabak, and it has never allowed water in.

http://www.durabakcompany.com/

Doug

I have nonskid strips on mine. Don't just depend on the backside adhesive. Invest in a can of spray adhesive and spray both the dock area and the back of the tape to insure it won't come loose. Ours is working great. Just my 2 cents worth. Good luck