Finnforest’s WalkSure timber decking has been installed at the Bluewater shopping complex in Essex, where it must withstand wear and tear from millions of pairs of feet each year.
Over 300sq m of the treated PEFC-certified softwood deck board has been used to make outdoor pedestrian walkways from the car park areas into the main shopping centre, which attracts up to 28 million people a year.
WalkSure has a low slip textured rubber coating and is DeckMark Plus-approved, which meant it had to be independently slip tested to BS7976 Part 2.
Finnforest product manager Paul Maw said the product was specified on looks as well as technical performance.
“Managers of retail and visitor attractions have to achieve a balance,” he said. “They must adhere to health and safety requirements, but also ensure their facilities maintain a professional, inviting appearance.”
