Short answer. Fibreglass decking and grating decks do not rot, splinter or need staining, and are light and slip-resistant when the right surface is chosen. Timber is cheaper and warmer underfoot. Decide by exposure (wet, coastal, commercial), maintenance appetite and budget.
| Fibreglass decking | Timber decking | Wood-plastic composite (WPC) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rot, insects, splinters | None | Treatment and replacement | Resists rot; can swell or fade |
| Maintenance | Washing; no staining | Staining or sealing | Washing |
| Slip resistance | Good with grit or textured surface | Fair when wet or mossy | Varies |
| Weight | Light | Medium | Medium to heavy |
| Heat in sun | Surface can warm; light colours help | Moderate | Can get hot |
| Look | Industrial to refined, colour through | Natural | Wood-like |
| Cost | Higher than timber | Lowest | Mid |
When fibreglass is a good fit
- boardwalks, jetties, pool surrounds, balconies and roof terraces where wet and slip risk is high;
- chemical or coastal areas where timber and steel deteriorate;
- places with weight limits (roofs, bridges).
What to check
- Surface: grit or textured for wet areas; ask for slip-resistance test results.
- Span between joists for the deck loads; use the supplier’s table.
- Fire class if the deck is near a building.
- Colour and UV protection for the exposed face.
- Fixings: stainless steel or recommended clips; do not over-tighten.
Open-grid decks use grating: FRP grating types and specification. Where tubes and profiles are used for the frame: FRP square tube.
Installation and care
- Keep joist spacing within the supplier’s table for the deck load; fibreglass decking is less stiff than timber of the same depth.
- Leave expansion gaps at ends and between boards; fit with recommended clips or stainless fixings.
- Cut with carbide tools; seal cut edges; wear a mask and gloves when cutting.
- Clean with water and a soft brush; avoid harsh abrasives that dull the surface layer.
- In hot climates choose lighter colours and a textured surface.
Frequently asked questions
Is fibreglass decking fire resistant?
Standard resin burns. Ask for a flame-retardant version and the test class if the deck is near a building.
Is it slippery when wet?
A grit or textured surface gives good grip; a smooth surface does not. Ask for slip-resistance test data.
Send us your requirement
Guangdong Haikuo Composite Materials Co., Ltd. (Huizhou, Guangdong) designs pultrusion moulds in-house and produces custom FRP profiles. Send a drawing, a sample or just the application and the environment, and we will tell you what is feasible.
Email: helena@frphk.cn | Phone: +86 189 5198 8522