Marley’s AntiSlip decking is perfect fit for Forest Holidays

Forest Holidays create holiday cabin locations across the UK in unique and stunning forest locations, providing people with an opportunity to connect with nature. Delamere Forest is the latest addition, which opened in April 2021, and includes Marley AntiSlip Plus® timber decking.

Set amongst a 2,400 acre mixed broadleaf and evergreen forest, 66 spacious woodland cabins, each with their own outdoor decking area and hot tub are accessed by walkways and bridges, to offer guests a tranquil rural escape.

Talking to Marley, Forest Holidays explain the specification of anti-slip timber decking.

Natural choice

In keeping with the woodland surroundings, Forest Holidays were looking to use natural timber products, choosing to specify a treated timber decking that would reinforce the organic sense of place between the forest, timber cabins and walkways.

Natural timber products can be one of the most sustainable choices when specifying building materials. Marley timber decking is made using sustainably sourced European Redwood timber, with full chain of custody and supplied with PEFC™ certification to meet the Forest Holidays specification.

Safety as a priority

It goes without saying that safety for visitors is the utmost priority, so specifying anti-slip products, both indoors and out is a necessity. Each of the holiday cabins contain a hot tub on their outdoor decking area, providing a unique space for guests to wind down in the open air. For Forest Holidays, they also needed to ensure the decking specification met the anti-slip criteria.

Mark Sheppard, Head of Procurement at Forest Holidays, comments: “We took the decision to use anti-slip decking back in 2021 after running a series of small trials across our sites.

“With hot tubs included in our decks, as well as decking used in our raised walkways, bridges and central areas, we couldn’t afford not to. Now we start with the ultimate spec, so we can ensure the safety of our guests whist reducing the risks associated with wet floors.”

AntiSlip Plus® utilises our anti-slip technology which comprises of two grey bauxite inserts. These inserts enable the deck boards to be used when wet and score very highly, using the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) test method, in both wet and dry conditions.

Preparing for high occupancy

With cabins and walkways sited beneath the forest canopy, the site presents a unique set of environmental conditions, which can cause the build-up of mosses and algae from overhanging branches and dampness.

Additional wetting from the daily use of hot tubs by customers, together with the weekly cleaning cycle, has meant choosing a product with the appropriate level of treatment was also essential.

AntiSlip Plus® has been treated to Use Class 3, giving suitable protection for use above ground in areas exposed to frequent wetting and to prevent fungal decay.

Durability and maintenance

By making changes to site practice as well as moving to an anti-slip decking product, Forest Holidays have been able to extend the life of their deck boards by a number of years, prompting them to roll it out across their 11 UK locations.

Handmade in the UK, Marley check the quality at every stage of the process, and for extra reassurance, AntiSlip Plus® comes complete with DeckMark® and DeckMark® Plus certification, so you can be sure that it is made to last.

To learn more about our decking range, speak to Marley expert Laura Qualters on 07775 543709 or email [email protected]

To register for Marley’s Timber Decking CPD, visit: www.marley.co.uk/cpd/timber-decking