Stone Deck Innovations

When creating the perfect outdoor living space, one of the most important things to consider is the materials you use for your backyard patio. Durability and style should go hand in hand when selecting the right materials for your patio, and there are a variety of options that can make your outdoor space both beautiful and long-lasting. Let’s explore some of the best materials for creating a durable and stylish backyard patio.

Concrete

Concrete is one of the most popular and durable materials you can use when constructing a backyard patio that will last for years. Not only is it cost-effective, but it’s also easy to maintain and has a clean, minimalist look that works well with a variety of different design styles.

One of the biggest advantages of using concrete is that it can be poured into any shape or size, creating a truly unique outdoor space. Plus, it can be stamped or textured to mimic other materials, such as natural stone or wood, giving you even more options when it comes to the final look of your patio. Concrete can still seem outdated and cold, despite modern stamping trends.

In terms of maintenance, concrete is relatively easy to clean and doesn’t require much upkeep. Simply sweep it regularly to remove debris and dirt, and hose it down periodically to keep it looking fresh.

However, one thing to keep in mind when using concrete is that it can crack over time due to fluctuations in temperature and weather conditions. To prevent this, make sure to have it sealed and use expansion joints to allow for any movement.

A concrete patio can also be a little tricky if you don’t have truck access to your backyard. If you’re in a tight subdivision, there are better and more accessible options.

Interlock

Interlock is a good option for a backyard patio due to its durability and style. Interlocking pavers are made from concrete or clay and can withstand heavy foot traffic and extreme weather conditions. They also come in a variety of shapes, colours, and patterns, making them a versatile option for any backyard design.

One of the biggest advantages of interlock is that it is easy to install. Interlocking pavers can be easily fitted together, making it possible to create unique and intricate designs. Additionally, if one paver becomes damaged, it can be easily replaced without disrupting the rest of the patio.

Interlock is also low maintenance. Since the pavers are tightly fitted together, there is little room for weeds or grass to grow in between. 

In terms of style, interlock offers endless possibilities. The variety of colours and patterns available allows you to create a unique design that fits your personal taste. From a modern geometric pattern to a more traditional cobblestone look, interlock can help bring your backyard patio to life.

On the con side of things, interlock can shift during Canadian winter’s freeze & thaw cycles. You’ll need a professional to install it to have the best chances of your patio not heaving come spring. Even then, there are no guarantees that it will remain level year after year. 

Concrete Pavers

If you’re looking for a cost-effective yet stylish option for your backyard patio, then concrete pavers might be just what you need. These pavers are made by pouring concrete into a mould and then allowing it to cure. They come in a range of sizes, shapes, and colours, allowing you to choose the perfect design for your outdoor space.

One of the biggest advantages of using concrete pavers is their durability. They are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, heavy foot traffic, and other outdoor elements, which means they will last for years to come. Concrete pavers are also easy to maintain, requiring only occasional cleaning and sealing.

Concrete pavers offer many design options when it comes to style. They can be arranged in different patterns, colours, and textures, allowing you to create a unique and stylish patio. Whether you want a classic, contemporary, or rustic look, concrete pavers can deliver.

However, just like interlock, concrete pavers tend to shift or settle over time, which can create an uneven surface. This problem can be prevented by installing a sturdy base and ensuring proper drainage.

Porcelain Pavers

Porcelain pavers are quickly becoming a popular choice for backyard patios because of their durability, low maintenance, and modern style. These pavers are made from a blend of clay, sand, and other natural materials that are compressed under high pressure and baked at extremely high temperatures. This results in a highly durable and hard-wearing material that withstands harsh outdoor elements, including rain, heat, and cold.

One of the benefits of porcelain pavers is that they come in a variety of styles, colours, and patterns, allowing you to choose the perfect look for your backyard patio. They can mimic the look of natural stone, wood, or concrete, and they have a sleek and contemporary look that works well in modern outdoor spaces. Additionally, because they are manufactured, they have a uniform size and shape, which makes installation quick and easy.

Porcelain pavers are also low maintenance, making them an ideal choice for busy homeowners. They are highly resistant to stains and mould growth and don’t require sealing or regular cleaning like some other materials. To clean porcelain pavers, simply give them a quick power wash to restore them to their freshly installed good looks.

Overall, porcelain pavers are an excellent choice for a durable and stylish backyard patio. With their modern look, low maintenance, and ability to withstand outdoor elements, they are an investment that will last for years to come.Building a new patio? Stonedeck Innovations offers a variety of durable, innovative patio building materials to help you get the most from your outdoor living space. 

If you’ve ever wished for a bit more privacy in your outdoor space, you know just how difficult it can be to find the right solution. Whether you’re trying to keep nosy neighbours at bay or just want to feel more comfortable in your own backyard, you’ll want to find a way to create a secluded oasis without sacrificing style. Luckily, there are plenty of creative deck and patio privacy ideas that can help you achieve just that. 

Fencing

If you’re looking for a straightforward and effective way to create privacy on your deck or patio, fencing is a great option. Fencing comes in a variety of materials, colours, and styles, so you can customize it to fit the look of your space. Whether you opt for a traditional white picket fence, bamboo slats, or metal panels, fencing provides an instant privacy solution and can even keep out unwanted pests.

For ultimate privacy and soundproofing, solid board fences are your best bet. They provide complete coverage letting only minimal pass through. Plus, they come in a variety of colours and materials, so you can find the perfect match for your outdoor space.

Fencing can also provide shade and protection from the wind, making it a great way to extend the hours you can spend on your deck or patio. Just be sure to check local regulations before installing any type of fence, as some areas may have restrictions.

Outdoor Curtains & Awnings

If you’re looking for a stylish way to add privacy to your deck or patio, consider adding outdoor curtains or awnings. A significant advantage of outdoor curtains is that they allow you to block out light and create a more comfortable space. They also add an elegant touch to your patio area. You can choose from a variety of fabrics and colours to match your existing décor.

Awnings are another great option for deck and patio privacy. These structures provide protection from sun, wind, rain, and even snow. Awnings come in a variety of styles, so you can find the perfect fit for your space. Plus, some awnings come with side screens to help increase the level of privacy on your patio or deck. With the right fabric and design, you can create a space that’s both stylish and private.

Trellises

Adding a trellis to your deck or patio is a great way to create a cozy, private spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors. A trellis is an open framework usually made of interwoven wood, metal, or vinyl. It can be used as a wall or roof to provide shade and protection from the elements. The trellis also adds an attractive architectural element to the outdoor space. It’s a great way to grow plants, such as climbing vines and flowering shrubs, to create even more privacy. You can purchase a trellis or make one yourself using wood and other materials. Be sure to secure it well to the ground so it won’t topple over in strong winds.

Living Wall

Living walls, or vertical gardens, offer a unique and aesthetically pleasing way to provide privacy on your deck or patio. With various plants, flowers, and herbs to choose from, you can create a beautiful living wall that will block out unwanted views while adding a natural touch to your outdoor space. To create a living wall, you’ll need plants, soil, and some form of structure. You can either hang planters directly on your wall or build trellises to hold them in place. As you choose the plants for your living wall, select those that thrive in your climate and have the potential to grow tall enough to provide privacy. Once you’ve set up your living wall, make sure to water it regularly and care for it as needed throughout the growing season.

Roll-Up Blinds & Sun Shades

Roll-up blinds and sun shades are excellent options for providing privacy to your outdoor space. They come in various styles and colours, allowing you to choose one that matches the style of your deck or patio. They also provide additional protection from the sun and wind, can be mounted easily, and require minimal maintenance. If you’re looking for an easy-to-install, low-maintenance solution to your outdoor privacy needs, roll-up blinds and sun shades are an excellent option.

Backyard Privacy

Creating a private outdoor space can be a great way to enjoy your deck or patio without worrying about nosy neighbours. With the right privacy ideas, you can easily create an intimate and cozy atmosphere in your own backyard. Fencing, outdoor curtains and awnings, trellis, living walls, roll-up blinds and sun shades are just some of the many options for keeping your outdoor space private. No matter which option you choose, your deck or patio will feel much more inviting and personal when shielded from prying eyes.

Now that you know some great ways to make sure your deck and patio are private spaces, it’s time to get started! Whether you decide to add a living wall or sun shades, there are a variety of options out there that can help you customize the perfect look for your outdoor space. Don’t forget to check with local ordinances and regulations when making changes to your outdoor space. If you need help, contact a professional deck and patio builder to help you create a beautiful outdoor living space with the perfect amount of privacy.

For people with wood decks, deck maintenance is never fun. However, because wood rots, warps and fades, it requires a lot of attention. You need to sand and restain every couple of years, and you can expect to replace wood deck boards every 7-10 years. 

An existing deck that is structurally sound is worth its weight in gold, in both your personal enjoyment and ROI. Still, it often means a great deal of work and tedious maintenance to keep it structurally sound. Most of the tasks related to deck maintenance fall under two categories – deck resurfacing and deck restoration. Here’s a quick guide to what they are, what the difference is and when you should consider one over the other.

Deck Restoration – When you Google “deck restoration,” you’re likely to come across a bunch of products for sale. These products are used to restore your deck’s finish temporarily but should not be confused with a proper deck restoration.

Deck restoration refers to the heavy lifting involved in keeping your deck structurally sound. It could mean replacing the framing, warped or rotted boards sanding & staining or other tedious tasks. At this point, you may ask yourself whether it’s better to continue fixing your deck or to build something new. If this is something on your mind, consider the modern options available these days, like metal decking materials designed to last a lifetime, meaning this will be the last time you need to rebuild your deck.

Deck Resurfacing –  A deck resurfacing project involves replacing the deck boards, railings, and/or stairs of an existing deck frame and foundation. This process can be undertaken for various reasons, such as when the deck isn’t that old. Yet, the surface boards have become worn due to lack of proper maintenance or when the deck surface itself is still sound, but the railings and/or stairs need to be fixed or are otherwise deemed unsafe. Additionally, if you recently bought a home with a deck that you don’t care for, you may want to consider resurfacing it with different materials.

There are some great reasons to consider resurfacing your deck or patio, but there are some things to consider before making the final decision.

• The Age of the Deck – Typically, the framing of a wood deck should last about 20 or 25 years. If your deck is getting older, putting new boards on an aging deck frame may not make sense.
• Your Existing Deck’s Condition – Regardless of age, a deck that has been poorly maintained or has suffered damage from insects or the elements may not be in ideal condition for resurfacing. It is essential that the deck’s framing and foundation be in good condition. Resurfacing a decaying deck is simply not a good investment, and it may be a better idea to replace the entire structure.

Resurfacing your deck is now easier than ever, thanks to a variety of innovative products available. You can resurface your deck with longer-lasting, more durable materials like IPE wood tiles or consider porcelain pavers for a more upscale look. Installing your new deck surface with the help of a pedestal system amps up the convenience factor while making installation a breeze.

Resurfacing your deck can be an effective and affordable way to refresh your outdoor area. Consider resurfacing that weathered, grey deck and rejuvenating your outdoor living space while adding to your home’s value. Stonedeck Innovations offers a variety of durable, innovative deck resurfacing materials to help you get the most from your outdoor living spaces. 

Shopping for outdoor porcelain tile for your project can be a daunting task due to the sheer variety of textures, sizes, patterns, colours, and price ranges available. Even if you already know what you’re looking for, you may become confused after encountering a tile more aesthetically pleasing than what you had in mind. Making a selection is further complicated as there is no consistent standard set. As a result, customers may be disappointed to discover that their choice is unsuitable for their landscaping project.

To aid in selecting the highest quality outdoor porcelain tile, we’ve created this guide. By rating systems, following manufacturing standards, and keeping tight tolerances in mind, this guide helps identify the best porcelain pavers in the market.

To select the most suitable tile, it is essential to consider the following qualities.

Anti Slip Ratings

In North America, the tile industry relies on DCOF (Dynamic Coefficient of Friction) to evaluate the quality of flooring products. It primarily establishes which applications are suitable for a given tile. Additionally, DCOF can be used to assess the slip resistance of porcelain tile; a rating of 0.8 is recommended for sloped or ramp surfaces, while 0.6 is suitable for level surfaces.

All Stondeck outdoor porcelain tiles provide exceptional grip and anti-slip features, making them ideal for outdoor use, such as pool decks, patios, pathways, and driveways. Our products feature anti-slip ratings of ≥0.60 for ultimate safety. Generally speaking, the higher the rating, the higher the tile’s slip resistance. Our Del Conca outdoor porcelain tiles have a slip resistance rating of  ≥0.60, while our Kronos Ceramiche is rated at  ≥0.62, and our Landmark Ceramics outdoor porcelain tiles have a DCOF rating of  ≥0.7

MOHS Scale

MOHS measures the resilience of flooring and its ability to resist scratches. It has a range from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond), with porcelain tiles usually having a rating of 7 to 9. Seven is an ideal rating; however, higher is better when it comes to scratch resistance. Our Kronos Ceramiche and Del Conca outdoor tiles boast a MOHS score of ≥7. You can test the strength of porcelain yourself. Take a key or other metal object and attempt to scratch the porcelain tile. It’ll take a great effort to do; if you manage it, we’d be seriously impressed!

Water Absorption

Without any doubt, outdoor porcelain tiles are undoubtedly more waterproof than any other kind of flooring material. However, all tiles are not created equal. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has a system to evaluate the water absorption and density of flooring.

Tiles with low-density ranking have a water absorption rate of more than 7%. This is why they are only appropriate for indoor use. Meanwhile, a medium-density ranking tile has a water absorption rate of 3%-7%. This rate and density level suggest that the tile is ideal for indoor use only.

When it comes to outdoor porcelain tiles with a high-density ranking, their water absorption rate is between 0.5%-0.3%. As a result, these tiles are suitable for both indoor and outdoor purposes. 

This also indicates that you can use our products on multiple applications without worrying about water absorption. Also, the high-density structure gives our product resistance to different weather conditions, including the freezing-thawing cycles in Canada, making them highly unlikely to crack or flake.

Conclusion

Outdoor porcelain tiles stand out among the many outdoor surfaces available on the market due to our commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. We take great pride in our vast selection, the constant pursuit of new ideas, and our single-minded dedication to offering the finest outdoor porcelain pavers. Our commitment to excellence is unrivalled, and it is easy to find a suitable paver for your project – visit StoneDeck.ca to get in touch with us today

If you are a contractor, builder, or professional landscaper, then you’re familiar with the saying ‘time is money.’ The effort that goes into prepping an area for installing outdoor porcelain tiles for residential or commercial landscaping can often take longer than actually laying the tile. This leaves contractors like yourself looking for solutions to speed up the installation process. With adjustable pedestals, you’ll be able to cut down on installation time and make all your hardscaping projects run much more efficiently!

Here are four ways adjustable pedestals reduce your installation time:

1. Pedestals Eliminate the Need to Level Existing Groundwork

Installing deck pavers onto uneven terrain, a sloping rooftop, or even a hilly area can be incredibly challenging and may eat up the budget for a project. To avoid needing to level out the existing groundwork and its related expenses, contractors can take advantage of adjustable pedestals that will support the pavers regardless of any pre-existing slopes or elevations. Adjustable pedestals can adjust in height and for slope corrections as well. This makes it possible to accommodate any natural inclines without worrying about needing expensive equipment for levelling beforehand.

2. Pedestals Eliminate the Need to Build Subframes

Instead of wasting valuable time building a wood sub-frame, why not use adjustable pedestals? Pedestal systems make it effortless to evenly space out the pavers, making installation quick. Pedestals can be easily adjusted to even out any uneven ground, forming an efficient sub-base with their included spacer tabs and joist holders. Topped with porcelain pavers that fit together without needing grouting or additional time for installation, contractors have the ability to get projects done in just a few hours. It’s the perfect combination of easy installation and strong performance!

3. Pedestals Can Easily Accommodate Difficult Areas

Installations can often present contractors with difficulties when working in less-than-ideal areas, especially those which are irregularly shaped. Thankfully, Adjustable pedestal systems simplify the process by offering custom components to give you the ultimate level of installation versatility. Adjustable pedestals are equipped with spacer tabs that allow you to easily remove or adjust them as necessary to accommodate curved edges and other challenging sections – so your work is guaranteed a professional finish.

4. Pedestals Are Ideal in Tight Spots

Hired to do a project in a backyard, rooftop, or another tight spot? Instead of hauling concrete, aggregate or excavation waste by wheelbarrow, consider pedestals. Lightweight pedestals can not only be carried into the job site under your arm but can often significantly reduce the amount of excavation – saving you time, labour, and, yes, money. Stonedeck Innovations is the industry leader when it comes to adjustable pedestals and porcelain pavers, with a range of easy-to-use systems available, all tailored to meet the needs of contractors like you. Our products make it easy for any contractor to assemble and install quality decks in no time. If you’d like more information or want to obtain a quote for your upcoming project, reach out to Stonedeck Innovations – Canada’s deck life experts.

It’s that time of year again when many of us have just put our garden to bed and are eagerly making a list of ideas for next year. Whether you’re just rearranging things or planning a full-scale backyard landscape overhaul, you want to keep current trends in mind to maximize your ROI. These key backyard trends for 2023 will help you enjoy your outdoor living space all season long while adding to your home’s resale value.

As we spend more time at home for both work and leisure, it is more important than ever to enjoy our home, including outdoor spaces. As with our indoor living areas, 2023 promises to lean into making our yards a sanctuary where we can connect with nature, and sustainable gardening is a recurring, important theme. Colour trends are all about earthy neutrals to create a warm and relaxed atmosphere. To give you a little style inspiration for outdoor living, here’s what’s trending for 2023.

Cutting Gardens – Forget about store-bought cut flowers; 2023 will encourage you to exercise your green thumb with a cutting garden. You can grow your own flowers in even the smallest of outdoor spaces, even on a balcony, and growing flowers from seed is inexpensive. Try your hand at growing cosmos, a beautiful daisy-like annual pollinators love. Cosmos are easy to grow, even in poor soil conditions and make a great cut flower for indoor vases. 

Patterned Tiles – Personalize your deck or patio with patterned tiles. Porcelain tiles are a big trend in 2023 and are embraced by designers everywhere. Whether you’re resurfacing your deck, a small balcony or upgrading a firepit, distinctively patterned porcelain tiles add a strong design element. 

Sustainability – Sustainable living has never been so important. From hardy plants requiring minimal water to environmentally conscious building materials, 2023 is about putting the planet first. Consider building materials manufactured with recycled content and materials that won’t need to be replaced in 10 years. For example, outdoor porcelain pavers installed with a pedestal system will not need to be replaced and are constructed from eco-conscious materials. Unlike pressure-treated lumber, these innovative decking materials are not treated with chemicals that leach into the earth and require no adhesives, sanding or staining.

Terracotta Tones – The Garden Media Group’s 2023 Garden Trends Report has declared terracotta to be the colour of the year. Outdoor porcelain tiles are the easiest way to achieve this look, and you can easily design a surface that combines both the terracotta trend and patterned tiles together.

Drought-Friendly Gardens – As we all strive to use less water, drought-friendly gardens are a great solution for hotter summers. Consider plants like sage and rosemary with grey-green leaves which reflect the sun’s rays and are drought tolerant. Rounding out this trend is a rainwater collection system, which can be used to water plants, reduce the load on your city’s water systems and save you money.

Sanctuary – Your outdoor living space is not just a place to entertain but somewhere to enjoy moments of stillness to boost mindfulness and mental well-being. For 2023, transform your backyard into a place of calm and serenity to escape hectic days. Introduce a water element, use soothing colours and create an area where you can reconnect with nature. Think of it as a well-being garden. 

2023 is all about connection to the natural world, sustainability and well-being. If you’d like to learn more about deck and patio building materials that offer on-trend appeal while reducing environmental impact, reach out to Canada’s deck life experts, Stonedeck.ca.

Thanks to their durability, endless design options and a host of other advantages, outdoor porcelain tiles are becoming one of the most popular hardscaping materials around. Especially ideal for the harsh Canadian climate, hardscapers from coast to coast are recommending outdoor porcelain tiles to their clients regularly for decks, patios, rooftop environments and even driveways. 

One of the easiest products to install, outdoor porcelain tile hardscapes are not just limited to contractors but are suitable for DIY’ers too. Still, as with any new hardscaping project or outdoor renovation, proper installation techniques must be followed to ensure the best results. We’ve put together the three most common mistakes people make when installing outdoor porcelain tiles. If you can avoid making these mistakes, you can be sure of high-quality, long-lasting results, getting you the most from your efforts. 

Mistake #1. Poor Surface Preparation

Proper preparation is key, whether you’re hardscaping, baking or undergoing any new project. You’ll benefit from having everything in its place when and where you need it, ensuring easy, straightforward progress and the best result. 

When preparing your outdoor porcelain tile hardscape project, clean the surface where your tiles will be laid. Clear away any debris, sweep and even mop if applicable. Make sure the surface below your new project is not uneven or sloping. While this can be the biggest hassle of your project, there are easy ways to overcome uneven surfaces and slopes. Consider using an adjustable pedestal system for mounting your outdoor porcelain tiles. Pedestals can help you create a level surface for your tiles hassle-free. They also offer a variety of other benefits to help you build your raised floor in a matter of hours. 

Mistake #2. Not Laying Out Your Tiles Beforehand

Outdoor porcelain tiles offer nearly unlimited design options, including the opportunity to rotate or arrange them to create unique patterns. If your tiles will be placed in a pattern or even have subtle details, they should be laid out prior to installation. This allows you to experiment with different arrangements and ensure things are oriented in the right direction ahead of time. Other issues you may circumvent by laying out your tiles beforehand include discovering colour graduations that work better than others or even some edges that line up better. You’ll reduce errors and avoid having to reinstall tiles once mistakes are discovered.

Laying out your tiles beforehand is a smart idea, regardless of how you install them. However, if you are using a pedestal system for your installation, you’ll have a much easier time rearranging or substituting tiles should you discover a mistake. Simply lift the tile and remove/replace it. Pedestal systems make things much easier than older, more traditional methods.

Mistake #3. Forgetting to Check for Loose Tiles

Once your installation has been completed, you must ensure everything is in its place. If your project involves replacing existing paver trays with new porcelain tiles, you will need to make sure none of the existing tiles are loose. Loose tiles may compromise the structural integrity of your new outdoor porcelain tiles. To test, gently hit them with any handy tool. If they give off a hollow sound, it indicates that your tiles have not adhered properly to the surface below. Unfortunately, this will require removing and re-levelling things. However, if you’re using a pedestal system, this is a quick and easy fix. Instead of hitting the tile, just walk across the entire surface of your completed project. Should a tile seem to wobble, simply lift the affected tile, and adjust the pedestal below. Whether you’re a DIY’er or a professional contractor, pedestal systems make installing outdoor porcelain tiles easier than you’d imagine. Regardless, preparing your surface, laying out your tiles beforehand and checking for loose tiles are critical things that must be addressed to ensure high-quality and long-lasting results. To learn more about the advantages of using a pedestal system with your outdoor porcelain tiles, visit StoneDeck.ca for expert advice for installers of all skill levels. 

Barbequing and entertaining on a deck is a big part of the Canadian experience. However, a deck is more than just some expensive lumber screwed together. We’ve got a few ideas to improve your deck without breaking the bank.

1. Skirting – The underside of your deck is unsightly. From weeds and animal nests to the less pleasant aesthetics of a deck, it should be kept hidden from sight. Some low-cost lattice is an excellent way to close that area and improve your yard’s aesthetics while creating additional storage space. 
2. Greenery – Add vibrancy to your deck or patio with some plants. Consider built-in planters, green plants and even some colourful flowers to upgrade your deck’s look and feel. 
3. Electronics – Get better use of your outdoor living space by bringing electronics outdoors. Have an outdoor outlet, hook-up speakers, and a video screen for big events or cozy movies under the stars. 
4. Fire Table – A gas or propane fire table will quickly become your deck’s focal point when entertaining, a feature all will enjoy.
5. Insect Control – Don’t let the bugs ruin evenings on your deck. Recent innovations in bug control technology offer a variety of products that get rid of mosquitoes electronically. 
6. Privacy – If you live a little too close to your neighbours, you might be craving a little privacy when out on your deck. Privacy walls can be purchased or easily built – think screens or vertical awnings. 
7. Furniture – If you really want to enjoy your outdoor living space, you will need some furniture. Find some chairs with comfy outdoor cushions, tables and maybe even an outdoor sofa and kick back & relax.
8. Lighting – With some good lighting, you’ll enjoy your outdoor time after dark. You’ll transform your outdoor space while making it more usable at night. Lighting will also increase safety while improving the ambience. 
9. Resurfacing – Tired of the traditional wood deck? Resurfacing your deck and transforming it into a gorgeous stone deck is easier than you’d imagine. Just imagine the possibilities and the instant uplift of your home’s value. 
10. Heating – A propane patio heater will help you extend the season. 
11. Deck Maintenance – Giving your deck a good scrub and stain and addressing any maintenance issues will breathe fresh life into it. Of course, if you have a stone deck, maintenance may be as simple as a quick powerwash to restore it to its freshly installed good looks. 
12. Pergola – A pergola makes your space multi-functional yet cozy. Relatively low-cost, it is like creating a second living area on your deck. 
13. Shade – Whether it’s an umbrella, awning or sun shade, a little protection from the heat and glare of the sun is sure to be appreciated by your guests. 
14. Barbeque or Smoker – Bring the kitchen outdoors and serve your guests right from your deck. After all, a smoker is an excellent place for people to gather and discuss techniques. 

 Sure, you can invest heavily into your deck by adding significant upgrades like an outdoor kitchen, but these inexpensive touches will go a long way without making a big dent in your wallet. Visit Stone Deck Innovations – Canada’s deck life experts, for more great decking ideas. 

You’ve planned out your deck, decided between pressure-treated lumber, composite and porcelain tile as a surface and even priced out your railings. You’re almost ready to get started, but you’ve just realized one very important thing about your upcoming build. What to use for your deck’s framing?

Well, we have a few reasons why you should choose steel framing for your deck. 

1. Resistance to Rot, Fire & Insects

There are lots of things that can cause your deck to deteriorate. While insects in certain climates can quickly destroy a wood structure, the biggest culprit in Canada is rot. Wood decks do rot and often need to be replaced every 10-15 years as a result. A steel-framed deck is not attractive to insects, is non-combustible & resistant to fire and will not rot.

2. Uniform, Straight Pieces

Forget about twisted, knotted lumber and warped boards. Steel framing arrives in straight, uniform pieces, free of twists, kinks, and imperfections. You’ll enjoy a perfectly flat surface that will not crown, warp or crack. Light-gauge steel builds flat and will remain flat for decades. 

3. Lumber Prices 

It’s no secret that lumber prices are ridiculous. Sure, steel can be pricy too, but it’s a one-time, front-loaded expense. When you choose steel framing for your deck, you’ll benefit over the long term, not only in lumber costs but also in the labour to replace rotted wood. Consider factors like maintenance, repair and replacement costs, none of which are a factor when choosing steel framing. 

4. Versatility

Sure, wood is easy. However, it won’t allow you the same design freedom that steel does. When you try to get fancy with wood, it will splinter and crack on you. Steel framing can be shaped any way you’d like and is compatible with a variety of surfacing materials. You can achieve a lot more with steel, things that are simply not possible with wood framing. Think of things like additional space between joists or even a rounded deck – just try that one with wood!

5. A Smarter Choice

Aside from the fact that steel will not rot or warp or sustain damage from insects, there are other advantages of steel deck framing that make it the smarter choice. Steel deck framing can be installed with up to 16-foot spans, creating incredible, unobstructed views. Steel framing means fewer other materials to purchase and less time to install, meaning greater savings – savings you’ll enjoy over a lifetime. 

6. The Greener Option –  A sustainable option, steel decking is often made of recycled steel and can be recycled once again should you take down your deck. In fact, steel is the most recycled material in the world, more than all other materials combined. Steel deck framing has a zero carbon footprint during its use. 

Are you looking for deck framing that is low-maintenance, durable and easy to install? Perhaps Paverdeck is right for you. Code approved, maintenance-free and backed by a 30-year structural warranty, it’s the framing that will last a lifetime.