What surfaces can anti-skate studs be installed on?

Surfaces suitable for anti-skate stud installation

Anti-skate studs can be installed on a wide range of architectural surfaces and substrates including stone, concrete, brick, timber and metal, provided that the fixing method and surface are suitable. The substrate itself will determine what type of fixing is required.

Can anti-skate studs be installed on stone?

Anti-skate studs can be installed on many types of stone, including:

• Natural stone
• Cast stone and concrete mixes
• Granite
• Sandstone
• Coping stones
• Stone ledges

For these materials, a drilled and epoxy resin installation is one of the most commonly used fixing methods.

Several factors still need to be considered to ensure a successful installation in stone, including the thickness of the material, proximity to an exposed edge and the general condition of the surface.

For more information on establishing the available material depth and edge profile, see What measurements do I need for anti-skate studs?

Can anti-skate studs be installed on concrete?

Concrete is one of the most common substrates that anti-skate studs are fixed into and is an ideal material for their installation. Installations involving concrete typically use a drilled and epoxy resin fixing method.

For more information on this fixing method, see How to use epoxy resin to install architectural studs.

The primary considerations when installing into concrete are whether there is sufficient material depth and whether the surface has previously been repaired or patched in a way that could affect the fixing.

Can anti-skate studs be installed on brickwork?

Anti-skate studs can be installed on brickwork, brick coping and wall caps. The main considerations when installing into brick are the general condition of the wall, whether the structure is likely to be disrupted by the installation work, and how likely the individual bricks are to splinter or crack when drilled.

A key consideration when installing into brickwork is to avoid fixing directly into mortar joints, as these may not provide the same secure fixing as the brick itself.

Can anti-skate studs be installed on timber?

Anti-skate studs can be installed on timber and are often used on timber benches, planters and other timber street furniture.

They can generally be installed using one of two methods, depending on the depth of timber available. Where there is sufficient depth, a drilled and epoxy resin fixing can be suitable. For shallower sections, screw-in anti-skate studs are usually the better option.

The main factor in determining whether an anti-skate installation is viable is the condition of the timber, particularly where there is a risk of splintering or excessive damage during installation. It is also important to install into dry timber, as wet timber can swell and create problems with the fixing.

Can anti-skate studs be installed on metal?

Installing anti-skate studs on metal generally requires a specific stud design, as is the case with handrail anti-skate studs. With a hollow handrail, for example, a security fixing pin can pass through the rail before being tightened from underneath.

Anti-skate studs are primarily designed for masonry structures; however, bespoke studs that can be welded directly to a metal surface can be supplied for projects where the material is too thick to drill through, or where the underside of the surface is not accessible for a fixing such as a security pin.

Where the underside of the surface can be accessed, a bolt-and-nut fixing may also be possible. However, this can leave the fixing more vulnerable to removal or tampering through vandalism.

Can anti-skate studs be installed on handrails?

Handrails require specific handrail anti-skate studs that are designed for set rail diameters to suit the curvature and thickness of the handrail. They sit on top of the rail and are typically fixed using a bolt that passes through the rail to a security fixing underneath.

Although handrail anti-skate studs are designed to be relatively low profile, it is important to consider the suitability of the location before installation. This is particularly relevant in areas used by people with mobility impairments, where the studs could interfere with the intended use of the handrail or create an additional barrier.

There is no specific guidance that applies directly to handrail anti-skate studs. Instead, consideration should be given to the wider guidance and requirements that apply to handrails and their use within the public realm.

For more information, see How does Part K of the Building Regulations apply to Handrail Anti-Skate Studs?

Can anti-skate studs be installed on coping stones and wall tops?

Yes. Anti-skate studs are primarily designed for use on masonry units such as coping stones and wall tops. They feature specific design elements tailored to this application, including a radiused form that can overhang the coping or wall to protect both the top and front face, as well as two M8 stud pins that provide a secure, long-lasting fixing deep into the surface.

Anti-skate studs are suitable for multiple forms of coping, including flat coping, sloping coping, rounded coping and profiled coping. Where the surface features a profile, a range of radiused anti-skate studs is available. Where the profile is unusual, a radius-less anti-skate stud can be used to sit on top of the surface and achieve the same goal.

The main factors that determine which anti-skate stud is suitable are the width of the surface, the edge profile and the available fixing depth.

For more information on establishing these dimensions, see What measurements do I need for anti-skate studs?.

Can anti-skate studs be installed on seating and street furniture?

They certainly can. Anti-skate studs are commonly used on a wide range of street furniture, including:

• Benches – They are occasionally used on the seat element itself but are more commonly installed across armrests and backrests.
• Low walls used as seating – Some low walls are adapted with timber or masonry tops to create a bench or seating unit. Anti-skate studs can be used to prevent these surfaces from being used for grinding.
• Planters – Large planters with thick walls and overhanging elements can also be protected using anti-skate studs.
• Raised beds – Raised planting beds that feature timber or sheet metal framing can also be suitable for anti-skate stud installation.
• General public realm furniture – Anti-skate studs can be applied to a wide range of street furniture found throughout the public realm.

The key factors when selecting anti-skate studs for use on street furniture are the material of the surface and the profile or shape of the edge that needs protecting.

Are there surfaces where anti-skate studs should not be installed?

There are circumstances where an anti-skate stud is not appropriate, or where installation could damage the substrate. Examples include:

• Thin materials – A reasonable amount of fixing depth is required for drilled and resin-fixed studs, and even screw-fixed studs need sufficient material to achieve a secure installation.
• Crumbling, brittle or deteriorated masonry – Where masonry is already badly damaged, installing an anti-skate stud is likely to cause further deterioration. Repair or replacement may be required before the surface is suitable for installation.
• Fragile stone – Stone that is prone to cracking, splintering or breaking is generally not a suitable substrate for anti-skate studs.
• Porcelain or thin stone tiles – Wall tops finished with thin stone or porcelain tiles can be difficult to install anti-skate studs into because of their thin and fragile nature, and are generally best avoided.
• Surfaces without sufficient fixing depth – Where there is not enough material to accommodate the fixing, a secure installation may not be possible.
• Locations where drilling could damage waterproofing – Care should be taken where drilling may penetrate or compromise a waterproof coating, membrane or other protective layer.
• Surfaces where an anti-skate blade or alternative deterrent may be more appropriate – Where a wall or masonry unit is too thin to accommodate a stud, an anti-skate blade may be a more suitable option, provided there is a suitable fixing point available.

For more information on when an alternative deterrent might be more appropriate, see Anti-skate studs vs anti-skate blades: which should I use?

The suitability of any surface should be assessed before installation, taking into account the material, its condition, available fixing depth and the fixing method required.

How do I know which anti-skate stud is suitable for my surface?

The installation surface is normally the first thing to establish when selecting an anti-skate stud. From there, the dimensions of the surface, required coverage, fixing method and appearance can be considered.

See How do I choose the right anti-skate stud? for more information on selecting a suitable design for a particular surface or application.

Once the stud type has been established, How far apart should anti-skate studs be installed? provides more information on the amount of coverage required and how to determine suitable spacing.