What to Use on a Wood Ramp to Prevent Slipping

Anti-Slip Paint Additives

• Paint additives may be mixed with paint or stain to create a skid-resistant surface. These additives are available in a liquid and a solid form. The additives are designed for use on a variety of surfaces including concrete, asphalt and wood. Solid additives are small bits of aggregate that may be mixed into your paint or stain or spread on top of a freshly painted surface to create a gritty, non-slip surface when it dries.

Anti-Slip Tape

• Anti-slip tape is a self-adhesive product coated with a gritty surface to provide a slip-resistant surface where applied. The tapes are available in a variety of textures and colors for various applications. Individual tapes are designed for interior and exterior use and may be used on a variety of surfaces. Refer to the manufacturer's recommendations prior to installation to ensure the tape is compatible with an exterior application on a wood surface. Colored and glow-in-the-dark anti-slip tape is available to make surfaces more visible in the dark.

Rolled Roofing

• Rolled roofing is a product made of asphalt that is primarily used in roofing. However, the roofing product is frequently re-purposed as an anti-slip surface. Because there are several types of rolled roofing, be sure to use one that is compatible with a ramp application. A mineral-surfaced roofing roll offers a gritty, anti-slip surface that is relatively inexpensive and easy to apply. The roofing properties of the material provide protection from weather elements such as snow and ice.

Rubber Matting

• The same rubber matting that is used in gyms, playgrounds and day care centers may be used to provide an anti-slip surface on a wheelchair ramp. Rubber matting is commonly available in a self-adhesive or connecting tile applications. Adhesive matting is fairly permanent while the connecting mats may be easily removed and transferred to a different location. The material is quick-drying and easily cleaned with a broom or hose. Rubber matting used for a ramp should be designed for exterior and wheelchair use. Wheels may sink in a soft matting, prohibiting or making independent transport difficult.