You ask yourself “Is it even possible to convert an older wood deck that requires regular maintenance to a maintenance-free stone deck?” Can you convert a wood deck to a stone deck? Can any of the original deck be salvaged? Thanks to some pretty cool products out on the market this is not only possible but can be done quite cost effectively.
For those who have asked how can you convert a wood deck to a stone deck, you were most likely initially told no. Reasons given would have been the weight of the stone would be too much, the wood framing would not last and it was not cost effective. Those who did find a way would typically cover the deck with plywood and lay the stones on top. This is an outdated technique and is problematic as it causes the wood framing to rot.
So how can you convert a wood deck to a stone deck, both cost effectively and ensuring it lasts for years to come? You will find several products on the market that will allow you to convert a wood deck to a stone deck, thanks tothe evolution of technology and companies creating new innovative products. Paverdeck Plank, manufactured in Canada, and SilcaGrate, manufactured in the USA, both prove you can convert a wood deck to a stone deck.
When using either of these products, you remove the existing decking boards and attach the product to the framing. The Paverdeck Plank or SilcaGrate become a sturdy all-weather subfloor on which you can then lay the stone. These products have been specifically designed for this type of application and engineered not only to support the stone, but to firm up the deck framing, mitigating any rotting of the wood framing.
But how can you convert a wood deck to a stone deck if your framing is not adequate to support the load of the stones you have selected? This has been considered, and these companies offer some excellent options. For example, SilcaGrate has a specific design and load tables that will explain in detail how the deck should be framed or reinforced depending on the stones you select. There are various stone manufacturers out on the market, but you will find that the stones have a pretty consistent foot pound load based on the thickness of the stones. So, once you have chosen your stone, you can determine if your deck can support the load or if it needs to be reinforced.
Also, adding an additional footing can be quick and easy with the utilization of mechanical screw piles, if this is necessary. One or two extra screw piles can be driven in between the framing joists without having to take much or any of the deck framing apart.
So can you convert a wood deck to a stone deck, the answer is yes! But why would you do that you ask? Besides the aesthetic appeal, a stone deck is virtually maintenance free. If you have a current wood deck and were to replace it with a traditional interlock build, you would need to demolish the existing structure and send it to a landfill. By converting a wood deck to a stone deck, you are being environmentally conscious as you are reusing the majority of the materials. Both SilcaGrate and Paverdeck Plank are manufactured from recycled materials. There is no excavation or backfill needed, saving both time and money.
It not only makes sense but is cost effective and environmentally friendly to convert a wood deck to a stone deck. As a bonus, utilizing these innovative products are a perfect choice for the do-it-yourselfer, as they are very easy to work with.