You might want to give a close read to the install instrustions as well as the warenty. J.

I have installed both and much prefer the look of stonedeck vs. deckstone. Real rock vs. concrete.

Both install easily, though completely different.

Deckstone is heavier and bulkier.

We had to return bad tiles of both brands.

Mark

Mark, I was leaning toward the Stonedeck. What kind of maintenance is required? Do you use a sealer? Do you happen to have any pictures? Thanks.

John, what are your thoughts on using the Stonedeck? I am wondering if you see a problem with the warranty and the installation? Thanks

Yes, a sealer is a good thing. Other then cleaning, that is probably the only maintenance. I have pics, but I don't know how to post them here. You can check my web site.

www.creative-redwood-designs.com

Have you looked at gratedex system? Are they affiliated with the Dexstone?

http://www.gratedex.com/
Im also considering a stone deck for my rooftop deck and their system is different in that it allows you to use tiles that are different size tiles and arrange them is different patterns. They dont sell the stone anymore, just the undersystem.

I am in need to a similar solution. About 1400 sq ft of existing deck 3 ft off the ground. It has 2x10 joists on 24" ctrs and 2x6 decking with 1/4" gaps. I hate the maintenance. It is structurally sound, just ugly.

I was considering screwing down plywood, then hardibacker and using tile (all with waterproof adhesives,...) but can find no-one that recommends doing this. We live in a humid climate with seldom a freeze.

Would the gratedex be a good alternative to put over the existing deck? I would rather not take up the decking.

If not, what are my options.

If you checkout the Gratedex web site, they do not recommend using it over decking. Frame only or a waterproof surface.

Yeh, I saw that. They indicate the gratedex will outlast the surface underneath. In this case, the surface is pressure treated 2x6 in good condition. By the time it deteriorates, I will be pushing up daisies.

I think I will contact them and see if there is more to it...

Does the tile glue to the grate or just sit on it? They indicate to leave a 1/8" gap between tile. Use spacers?

Mark, I checked out your website and was very impressed with the decks, etc. you have posted. They are beautiful. Can you give me the pros and cons of wood decking (redwood or cedar) and composite decking such as Trex? I think this decking dilemna is the hardest choice we have made yet on this home. I sent an e-mail to Stonedeck to try to find the nearest dealer so we could look at it. We would love the stone look, but any feedback you can give me on the wood or Trex would also be appreciated. Thanks, Jeanie

Jeanie, I am a old time carpenter and therefore have a bias towards real wood.

Unfortunately, real wood is just not the same as it was 10 years ago. Redwood is not nearly as decay resistant as it used to be. The quality is not there anymore. But in my area, it is the cheapest decking used.

We haven't used cedar on a deck for many years, but my next deck will be 1800 sq. ft. of it, so I will know more in a month or so. But that won't tell me the longevity for a while. They all look good when they are new.

Our decking of choice has been ipe, but pricing and availability have gotten out of hand.

I am not a fan of Trex for all of the reasons that have been stated elsewhere. Their product may have improved, but I will not give them another chance til history proves that they got it right.

We have used Timbertech a few times and I think that it is fine as far as composites go.

The Stonedeck is beautiful, but very costly. We have only used it to highlight a area, like a room.

Sorry I haven't been too much help. It would be easier to know a budget and where you live.

Mark

Thanks again, Mark.
This is our retirement home so we are building it the way we want it. Now I'm leaning toward the Stonedeck or Ipe.
Any thoughts on the cost and maintenance differences on these two choices? Jeanie

Terry,

The tiles are "glued" to the grate. You can either use a trowled adhesive or a peel and stick sheet adhesive. They supply both. Yes, I think they recommend spacers to get the spacing right on. The adhesive is the only part I am worried about, given that Im in Cleveland and we can have some rough winters.
Our deck has Fiberon on it now (composite). Its molded after 2 years. There are other issues, too, so we're ripping it off. I thought of Ipe, but it seems to have some upkeep too, so that's why Im leaning toward the stone.
If you email any questions you have to the address on the Gratedex website and they get back same or next day. As far as pricing, they have a calculator on their website, but Im not sure if its up yet. They just redid their site.
I hope i dont sound like I work there or anything, Ive just been doing A LOT of research!
Goodluck!

I'm not sure of the current pricing of Stone Deck, but using the pricing of 2 years ago, it is double the current cost of ipe.

Ipe requires as much maintenance as you want to give it. If you don't mind it going to a driftwood grey, don't do anything but clean it like any other outdoor flooring surface. If you want to preserve the rich color, you need to maintain it yearly.

Mark.

Mark, thanks again for all your information. I think you've answered my questions and now we just have to make decisions.
Jeanie

Okay all, now I have one more question.
I went to a building supply today and picked up samples of Ipe decking. They had a sample of a decking called Bangkiral. Anyone familiar with it? On the sample it says: naturally durable hardwood, clear all heart, 3rd party certified sustainable.
In looking at the two samples (Ipe and Bangkirai), they seem alike except the Bangkirai is lighter in color.
(The store is also trying to order me samples of the Stonedeck,but I think I have given up that idea because of cost).

Paverdeck offers a maintenance free galvanized steel structure that can support natural stone or concrete pavers, or stamped concrete. Its the most affordable stone deck system and is cost competitive to composite decking. It doesn't use any wood, so the existing strutcure needs to be torn down.

Here is a link that might be useful: PAVERDECK

How does standing water drain off the deck !

If the tanzite product is applied over existing wood deck how do you conpensate for the spacing already present . this project is located near an active creek withba waterfall, so therebis a lot of moisture, and mist at times . reference the question above