How to Install an Alternative to a Wood Deck

Decks and porches are a common outdoor addition to homes around the world, allowing enjoyment of the outdoors as well as panoramic views in specific locations. Decks are usually built out of wood, but the evolution of the industry over time has seen scientific advancements, such as composite materials, take the place of wood, which will eventually rot over time. In addition, you could also opt for outdoor carpet or natural stone and tile installations for a more unique deck surface.

Composite Wood

Composite woods are available in a wide variety of styles and colors, and the majority install just the same way that wood planks are put down. You screw them or nail them into the joists of the deck and stagger the installation rows as you see fit if the length of your deck is longer than a single board. Leave at least 1/8-inch of a joint between any pieces that are adjacent to each other because although it isn’t natural material, it will still breathe with hot and cold weather.

Undermount Panels

Some composite materials are meant to be installed with a seamless planking surface, which means no screws or nails can penetrate the upper surface. The various manufacturers will have different methods to mount their panels, but as a general rule, it will some form of an adjustable bracket that attaches to the side of a joist and pulls the plank material down securely on to the top of the joist. If the manufacturer says to use a urethane-based mounting adhesive and caulk, you need to apply this to the tops of the joists as you install the material.

Tile Installations

If you are working against a remodel where an existing wood deck is already in place, or you just want something different, you can use tile or natural stone. However, the additional weight will require the advice of a structural engineer to ensure proper joist size, spacing, post spacing, diameter and other weight-related/support issues. A double-layer of 3/4-inch thick exterior grade plywood has to be installed on top of the joists or existing deck material for a total thickness of 1 1/2 inches, then a layer of concrete board is mortared and nailed down in place, waterproofed, and then the tile or natural stone installed on top and grouted. Finally, the installation should be sealed to further protect the surface.

Outdoor Carpet

Outdoor carpets can be installed the same way they are installed in an indoor setting; either glued down to the surface of the deck or pulled tight onto the top of tack strips or mounts set at the perimeter of the deck. Before the carpet is installed, a subfloor needs to exist so that you have a mounting surface for any padding and other layers required by the carpet manufacturer. Two layers of 5/8-inch thick exterior grade plywood is sufficient as a base for carpet installations, and they can be screwed or nailed down directly into the joists through the deck material (if any exists).