Fire-Safe & High-Performance Decking for Public Spaces

When designing public walkways, plazas, and high-traffic pedestrian areas, fire safety is just as critical as it is for high-rise balconies and terraces. Wallbarn’s ExaDeck fire-rated decking system delivers Class A non-combustibility, high durability, and exceptional resistance to wear, making it the ideal solution for civic spaces, infrastructure projects, and public realm developments.

THE CHALLENGE

Public spaces which are being refurbished to meet fire-proof Class A specification, often come with tight access restrictions, requiring materials that are not only fire-rated but also easy to transport and install. Our latest Central London project was a 100m² terrace refurbishment, replacing an old WPC (composite) decking system with a fully non-combustible solution.

The site posed multiple restrictions:

• No cranes or scaffolding allowed
• Only access was via the public lifts through the basement
• The building was occupied throughout the project

Public walkways and pedestrian areas requiring refurbishment often face similar limitations, making it essential to choose a fire-safe decking system that is practical to install in challenging environments.

THE SOLUTION

Wallbarn’s ExaDeck fire-rated decking system provided the perfect solution, meeting both fire safety and logistical requirements.

• ExaDeck extruded porcelain boards – 20x the structural integrity of standard 20mm porcelain tiles
• MetalPad Ex pedestals – Adjustable & non-combustible, with a 5-tonne weight tolerance
• I-Plus aluminium joists – High-grade but lightweight for easy manual transport and installation

With boards measuring just 1.2 metres in length, lightweight aluminium joists and boxed fire-proof adjustable pedestals, the system was easily hand-carried by contractors to the terrace, avoiding major disruption to the occupied building. Public walkways and infrastructure projects requiring refurbishment will face similar access restrictions, making ExaDeck the ideal choice for such environments.

HIGH PERFORMANCE: Designed for Public Spaces

ExaDeck is designed to enhance safety, durability and aesthetics, making it the ideal choice for public walkways, civic spaces and high traffic areas. Unlike other systems, ExaDeck’s double rectification process ensures every board is perfectly straight and flat, eliminating rocking, movement or potential trip hazards.

All components have been specifically designed to work together seamlessly, creating a strong, sturdy and long lasting system that can withstand:

• All elements of UK weather including harsh frost/thaw cycles and summer heat waves.
• Heavy foot traffic in busy public spaces.
• Dramatic temperature changes without warping or deformation.

The specially designed side-milling profile connects securely to the aluminium joist using the W Clip, ensuring the boards are firmly secured in place over time. This prevents loosening or failure, significantly improving health and safety standards for public works.

Wallbarn’s ExaDeck decking system is built to last and is engineered to provide long term performance:

• R11 slip resistance – Ideal for wet conditions and high-footfall commercial areas.
• Excellent stain resistance – Perfect for public spaces with heavy use and easily maintained by cleaning with water and mild detergents (No need for sealing or protective coating).
• Frost & water resistant – Next to zero water absorption, preventing degradation from multiple freeze/thaw cycles.
• Quiet underfoot – Unlike other non-combustible decking options, the ceramic board is not noisy when walked on.

 The system is built to withstand high performance environments with:

• Class A Fire Rated – The system and all of it’s components all non-combustible and meet Class A specification, ensuring compliance with UK’s latest fire safety rules.
• High mechanical and abrasion resistance – Built to endure regular heavy foot traffic.
• Superior weight tolerance & break strength – Far exceeds industry standards, achieving a load of 450kgs of a direct force over 400mm joist centres in independent testing.
• Independent wind uplift tested – achieves an upwards force of 7.46kN/m², equivalent to wind speeds of more than 200mph.

The ceramic ExaDeck board is also a leader in sustainable manufacturing:  

• It is manufactured partly from recycled clay.
• The factory is powered by solar energy.
• Uses recycled water in the extrusion process.
• The board is a fully recyclable product at end of life.

As a sustainability award winner, ExaDeck is the perfect solution for projects that prioritise environmental and sustainable practices without having to compromise on a quality finish or high functionality. 

THE OUTCOME

With Wallbarn’s fire-rated decking system, public spaces can achieve luxury aesthetics with uncompromising safety and durability. Whether for civic infrastructure, public realm projects, or pedestrian zones, ExaDeck provides a high-performance, fire-safe, and visually stunning solution.

Unlike industrial-looking alternatives, This system offers a natural, high-end appearance, creating an elegant public space that stands the test of time.

For more information, contact us today to discuss your project requirements.