anti-slip companionway step pad ideas

[gathem]

I've done some research on this topic, and the prices are really high for the ones offered.

I own a laser cutter, and have had no problem in the past cutting EVA and other types of foam. I want to buy a roll of foam and just cut my own anti-slip step pads.

The question is what type of foam and where to get it?

Yoga mats are a good source as they are relatively cheap, and one mat can make a whole bunch of stair treads.

It needs to be a non-absorbant type of foam. Paddle boards use EVA foam. I can pick up an EVA foam yoga mat on amazon for ~ $10. I'm not convinced this is the best material though.

There are other yoga mats which claim to be better anti-slip properties, but I don't know too much about yoga mats so i'm not sure if they are better suited for stair treads.

Anyone have any ideas on this topic?

[Cheechako]

I think the foam will wear and crumble fast. Those Lafitte ladders are steep! I’d use Treadmaster.

[gathem]

I think your right. Im going to buy a roll of treadmaster material and cut that on the laser cutter to save a few bucks. @ $60 shipped its not bad for ~16 steps

[Greg4cocokai]

Tread masters great, especially the tan color on varnished teak. Best to router down 1/16 to 3/32" so that the edge of the pattern (round or diamond) doesn't break off.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[barnakiel]

We use TESA (same as TBS) non-slip tape. It comes in black, white and trans. I think TBS makes more colors. About USD 10 for a 20 ft roll.

b.

[gathem]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

We use TESA (same as TBS) non-slip tape. It comes in black, white and trans. I think TBS makes more colors. About USD 10 for a 20 ft roll.

b.

I'm not finding anything online about TESA or TBS. Is it the same type of foam as double sided foam tape?

[CarstenWL]

... TBS: TBS 21 non-slip flooring • Passage sécurité

... TESA: Anti Slip Tapes - General Applications - tesa SE

Google "xyz antislip" for instance

Carsten

[Hartleycruiser]

Maybe try this .Buy Anti Slip | Non Slip Tape

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by gathem

I'm not finding anything online about TESA or TBS. Is it the same type of foam as double sided foam tape?

Anti Slip Tapes - General Applications - tesa SE

TBS as per another poster above.

Cheers,
b.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Yoga Mat foam? No.

Treadmaster? YES!

[onestepcsy37]

I bought some rubber step tread material at home depot and cut it with heavy scissors. it was about $15.

[hellosailor]

There's always cork floor tile and cork floor covering. Available all over in a variety of colors & patterns.

[Roy M]

Too simple: 3M Safety Walk Non-Skid Tread | West Marine

If you want to make this stuff bomb-proof, first brush a thin coat of West System epoxy (or other), then lay tread on tacky surface. The clear and black colors are greater tread than the white.

[UNCIVILIZED]

You can go the Ultra Cheap option.
- Buy a bag of Silica Sand, & I say Silica, as said type of sand contains no iron & thus wont bleed rust in the marine environment, as will some other types.
- Tape of on your steps where you need the non-skid to be
- Lay down a coat of; Paint, Varnish, or Epoxy as an undercoat
- Sprinkle on sand, & wait for undercoat to dry
- Brush off excess/loose sand, & pull off tape
- Roll on 2-3 layers of topcoat
- Done!
And if you want to get fancy, you could get a Sign Shop to make you some custom masking templates for each tread with whatever pattern or design you desire. Although likely you could use your laser to do the same thing.


Or, if you want to get Trick, & are really good with that laser cutter. As in good enough to use it to inscribe, do designs & art work, etc. Then use it to put a diamond checkering (or other) pattern into each ladder tread, & re-varnish afterwards.

[wrwakefield]

I agree with others about using purpose specific products/materials. [From personal experience having 'trialled and errored' my way to this conclusion over the years... Sometimes situations don't allow us the flexibility of choosing what we might prefer, but force us to make do with what we have/can obtain at the moment of need...]

Another approach would be to use a soft non-skid paint- like KiwiGrip.

Sorry, if this approach obviates your laser cutter... unless you make your own masking templates...

Cheers!