Selecting decking material to replace an unsatisfactory composite

6 years ago

We have signed with a trusted contractor, Sweeney Construction, to repair our leaking garage roof, replace the deck above it, and repair and rebuild the railing around the deck. The work will commence in September. The railing colors will remain the same. The contract includes an allowance for the decking materials, but we have yet to decide on a material/product/system above the new foam underlayment and Mulehide TPO membrane which will waterproof the plywood garage roof. I like the solid composite that was used on the steps to the deck. The hollow planks that were used for the decking proper have never been satisfactory since they were installed 18 years ago, and the whole system has to be removed to make even modest repairs to the garage roof. Sweeney Construction would like to install a modular product that would allow easy access to the garage roof. At this point we're leaning toward solid composite and Ipe or another Brazilian hardwood for the decking material. Please let me know your experiences/observations/recommendations. We favor sustainable, environmentally-friendly solutions.

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PRO

AdvantageLumber.com

6 years ago

If you choose a Brazilian hardwood like ipe (which I highly recommend), you should probably use modular deck tiles. Traditional long boards need good ventilation in order to prevent cupping and other moisture-related problems, and this particular application just doesn't allow for that. Wood deck tiles naturally resist cupping because they are made of narrow boards and securely assembled in order to resist movement.

Remodel with Advantage Deck Tiles™ · More Info

Miami Ipe Deck Tiles · More Info

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Comments (8)

houssaon
6 years ago
Here is another modular deck tiles made out of ipe lumber.
Modular Deck Tiles · More Info

I like this pattern.
Using Wood Deck Tiles · More Info
Doris Dubielzig thanked houssaon
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PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
6 years ago
www.plideck is perfect for this application. I got a sample at a trade show.

Rebuild your stair stringers to eliminate the deviant top riser please. You need a hand rail there too.
Doris Dubielzig thanked Joseph Corlett, LLC
Doris Dubielzig
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks, Joseph Corlett. Are you suggesting Pli-Dek in place of the foam underlayment and Mulehide TPO?
suezbell
6 years ago
Is your deck literally a part of your garage roof -- attached to and atop your garage?

Not a pro qualified to recommend this ... just asking if you've asked:

Would your garage framing support a concrete roof (with waterproofing) with stamped concrete design or stone or brick or tile floor?

https://www.westcoat.com/areas/roof-deck/
Doris Dubielzig thanked suezbell
Doris Dubielzig
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks for asking. Yes, the decking is on top of and attached to the garage roof. I have not been interested in concrete or stone, because I think they'd be too heavy for the existing support. On the other hand, the contractor's designer referred us to a couple of websites with tile and concrete pavers. My husband and I passed on those options.
suezbell
6 years ago
I like the squares of wood boards pattern ( houssaon ) likes ... as long as you can be sure it will shed water as it should.

Like the owl by the steps.

Something you might want to consider:

With that drop-off beside the steps, have you considered creating a landing one step down with railing around the landing and turning your steps away from that drop-off? If you were considering doing, you'd likely want the same decking material at least for the landing and for new steps as well. While you're at it, you might consider where your steps will be landing (?current or future patio?) and if you want more than just basic steps there and if they could be of the same decking material.

A small second deck as the landing, perhaps with railing as seating and interesting steps to ground level.

https://jekyllandhydemusical.com/multi-level-decks/

https://foter.com/deck-benches

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/224968943863269469/
Doris Dubielzig thanked suezbell
Doris Dubielzig
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks for these suggestions, Suezbell. The owl is to deter downy woodpeckers from drilling holes into the cedar shakes. While it's not a perfect solution, the owl does help. I'll discuss a railing with the contractor, as you're the second to suggest it. I think the generous decking allowance in the contract would cover a railing. The steps lead to the sidewalk -- we don't envision a patio there -- that leads to the drive on the left and the front door on the right.