There’s a lot to love about aluminium decking. To start with, it’s non-combustible, making it a clear choice for high-rise buildings and increasingly, commercial settings. It’s also highly durable, comes complete with a sleek aesthetic, and doesn’t take much to maintain. In fact, it’s so easy to clean that many holiday parks, event spaces, and hospitality and leisure venues are choosing the material to create seating areas, walkways, and terraces.
You name the sector, and there’s bound to be a use for aluminium decking. So, let’s get into the growing number of commercial applications opting for this fire-resistant material.
Commercial applications of aluminium decking
1. High-rise buildings
We’ll start with the obvious use: balconies of high-rise buildings. Following the Building Safety Act of 2022, a number of new and reviewed building standards are now in – or due to come into – play. Specifiers must now look at alternative materials to those traditionally used, particularly for higher-risk buildings such as student accommodation and apartment blocks.
High-risk buildings are defined as those at least 18m high or with seven or more storeys and two or more residential units.
Under the act, Fire safety: Approved Document B (building regulation in England covering fire safety matters within and around buildings) has been updated. One of the more recent amendments (which came into effect in March 2025) is a ban on using combustible materials for balconies on buildings over 11 metres tall. Any materials used on these buildings must now be Class A fire-rated to comply with this regulation. For more information about the Building Safety Act and other considerations when specifying high-rise decking, please read: An overview of specifying high-rise balcony decking.
Aluminium decks are non-combustible, making them the ideal solution for balconies and decks on these higher-risk buildings. At Ecodek, we take it a step further – our aluminium boards, ‘Adek’, are compliant with A2fl-s1 and A2-s1, d0 fire-ratings, two of the highest fire safety levels that materials can have. You can see what the Adek system looks like in action by checking out our case study: Taylor Wimpey’s mixed use development.
2. Refurbishment projects
Whether you’re needing to refurbish high-rise balconies to meet stringent regulations or are looking to replace a timber deck that’s reached the end of its life, aluminium is a top contender. The material is one of the lightest on the market, making it easier to move, carry, and install. Its lightweight nature also tends to make it less expensive to transport than alternatives (like timber or plastic).
When upgrading a decked area with aluminium boards, installation time is reduced, too. (Bearing in mind you have the right instructions, tools and components for the job.) Like our Adek boards, all of our aluminium fixtures and accessories are simple to install, long-lasting and non-combustible. So, whether you’re refurbishing a high-rise roof garden or an outdoor dining area, it’ll be ready to walk on and enjoy in no time.
3. Balconies
High-rise balconies are one of the most popular homes for aluminium boards, but they can be used to put a sharp, modern spin on other raised outdoor areas, too. Balconies of all shapes, sizes, and heights look trendy with this alternative material, particularly given the dark grey hues and premium finishes we offer. All of the other properties we’ve touched on already (durability, low-maintenance, fire-resistance) are simply bonuses!
Order your free sample to see what all the fuss is about – and how you could transform a balcony into a safe, sleek space.
4. Terraces
There’s not a lot that beats sitting in a pub garden on a warm summer’s day. But for the staff, preparing for some of the busiest months of the year involves spending hours cleaning a decked dining area so it’s ready for guests.
Aluminium takes away the need to scrub, paint, or remove mould from a traditional deck (made from plastic or wood). It’s one of the lowest-maintenance materials out there, needing only a quick sweep and mop to look as good as new (and be ready for service). What’s more, it won’t warp, rot, or splinter, so hospitality staff can feel confident the deck will look lovely and last for years to come.
5. Walkways
There’s not a lot worse than having to hop along a beach boardwalk barefoot because the boards are too hot to comfortably walk on. Yet with aluminium, that’s not the case. Due to its high thermal conductivity, the material can dissipate heat at a fast rate. With the heat spread out evenly, the boards stay cooler than other types of decking – even in direct sunlight.
And whether the walkway is leading to the sea or between pool areas, the non-slip nature of our aluminium boards is ideal for high footfall traffic in water-prone areas. While all Adek boards have low slip potential, the Enhanced Grip boards have an additional 20% slip resistance in wet conditions (when compared to the standard Comfort Grip boards).
Five reasons aluminium is a clear choice for commercial decking applications
You’re now aware of five different uses that one of our most versatile materials can be put to. It’s no wonder the material is growing in popularity – and fast. It’s a trend we only expect to continue upwards, so let’s wrap up the key reasons why so many hospitality, leisure, and high-rise projects are looking to aluminium decking solutions.
- It’s resistant to high levels of traffic and won’t warp, rot, or splinter underfoot.
- The aesthetic is modern and sleek, and won’t fade over time.
- Non-combustability is an essential area of building safety and compliance with new and changing regulations.
- The wider fittings, fixtures, and components needed to install and complete the deck are available in aluminium, too, for a completely fire-resistant solution.
- Last but by no means least, its sustainability credentials. Our Adek systems are made from 100% recycled aluminium, which only uses around 5% of the energy that is needed for primary production of the material. In fact, it’s the UK’s first fire-rated decking system made entirely from recycled products, with the same high quality and performance as its virgin counterparts.
Kickstart your commercial project
For additional details on our Comfort Grip and Enhanced Grip aluminium boards, please head to our aluminium decking page. Here, you can learn more about the key features of the solution, as well as download useful resources like specification and data sheets.
You can also speak to one of our decking specialists about commercial applications of aluminium decking by completing our contact form.