Check it Out: The StoneDeks System
Updated: Mar. 17, 2021
Tired of building the same old deck and covering it in wood or composite deck boards? Check out the StoneDeks system.
What is the StoneDeks System?
When most people picture a deck, it’s probably one covered in wood or composite decking, not stone or tile. But just because wood or composite deck boards are a very popular choice for decking materials does not mean they do not have any downsides. Wood decks are hard to maintain and keep looking new, while composite decking is expensive and can get ridiculously hot after long days in the sun.
The StoneDeks system is an alternative to wood and composite decking. It allows builders and deck designers to ditch traditional decking material and dream up decks covered in stone pavers, bricks or tile. Stone-covered decks are much easier to maintain than wooden decks and offer a distinct, unique look.
How does it work?
The StoneDeks System works by covering either pre-existing or newly built deck joists in a grate system called the SilcaGrate. The SilcaGrate is a subflooring grate that looks something like the side of a plastic crate. Made from durable, recycled material, each SilcaGrate sits either on top of the space between deck joists or in-between that space, held up by cleats attached 1-1/2 inches below the top of the joist. Once in place, SilcaGrates are screwed down to either the joist or the new cleats. Together, the SilcaCrates create a grid of plastic across the deck that the flooring material will eventually sit on top of.
Once the SilcaCrates have been installed, a rubber underlayment called the SilcaMat is laid down across the surface of the SilcaCrates. The SilcaMat is pervious, allowing water and moisture to filter through to the ground below the deck. It’s also resistant to mold, bacteria, and fungi and helps reduce the movement of the pavers or stone laid on top of it.
After the plastic grid has been covered by the SilcaMat, the bricks, pavers, or tiles can be laid. Irregularly shaped decks will require some stones to be cut using a concrete saw with a diamond blade. If necessary, the space between pavers can be filled with polymeric sand, which will not be able to pass through the SilcaMat.
There have been a lot of advancements in modern deck building over the last few years. StoneDeks opens up an entire world of design possibilities for any landscapers, contractors and architects looking to move away from traditional decking in favor of new, fresh looks.
To find out more about the StoneDeks system and for more resources on how to build stone-covered decks, click here.
Check out this story to learn how to build a faux-stone accent wall.
