Stone decking is becoming more and more popular as people across Canada strive to create low-maintenance outdoor living spaces for their homes. And thankfully, though it is a relatively new concept, they are becoming more and more affordable. A stone deck provides homeowners alternatives to traditional decking material options and competes directly with the composite decking market. Surprisingly, a stone deck cost is actually less on average to a composite deck!
A stone deck is more or less a structure clad in stone, contrasted to traditional interlock installation methods that rely on excavation and backfill materials. When comparing a stone deck to an interlock deck, particularly above grade decks – you will find that a stone deck cost less. Not only is the stone deck cost less, but construction is easier and faster, and it will not move, shift or settle over the years. The simplicity and ease of construction make a stone deck a perfect fit for contractors or “do-it-yourselfers”.
To build a stone deck, a structure is constructed, usually supported by footings or attached to the house, depending on the design, and then the structure is clad with stone. This allows for a greater selection of design options, with more options in the type and style of cladding materials, the ease of installation of utilities such as electrical, gas lines or lighting and this method allows for storage under the deck itself.
There are several products and companies that allow you to create a stone deck quickly and cost effectively. For instance, mechanical screw piles for footings are an excellent alternative to traditional concrete footings. They are installed to the prescribed depth and torque for each specific build and come with an engineering report. StoneDeks Silca Grates and Evolutiondeck’s Tiledeck are innovative products that are attached to the top of the framed structure in order to support the stone.
Evolutiondeck’s Paverdeck comes as a complete kit including the framing and top surface ready for stone. This is a much better alternative than the traditional plywood on top of the framed structure to support the stone. StoneDeks even have a Soil Grid product that allows for stone installation on grade to create a patio stone deck.
So, what will a stone deck cost? There are a lot of factors that determine the overall costs such as using a contractor, which contractor you are use, location in Canada, job site access, complexity of the build and materials you are planning on using, etc. Breaking down a stone deck cost for the “do-it-yourselfer” is a bit simpler.
The average cost of mechanical screw piles range between $200-$500 per pile depending on size and load bearing capacity required. By using screw piles, you will not have to worry about excavation, sonotubes, concrete or backfill. Framing your structure with pressure treated lumber will run framing costs between $3-5 per square foot. This price varies depending on the design and support structure required for your deck design. The Silca Grates or Tiledeck cost between $8-9 per square foot, while Paverdeck costs $12-$15 per square foot. Remember that if you use Paverdeck you will not need to factor in any framing costs.
Stone is the option that will vary in cost depending on which stone you choose. Stone can be sourced anywhere from $3 to $15 per square foot. A combination of accessories such as lintel attachments, geotextiles, spacer tabs, polymeric sand will run you about $2 per square foot. (Note these prices are reflected in Canadian dollars and are based on 2019 costings.)
Besides the stone deck cost being a big advantage, another key consideration is if there is an existing wood or composite deck – transforming it to a stone deck is simple. Instead of demolishing the entire structure and sending it to a landfill in order to build an interlock deck, you utilize the existing framing. Depending on style of stone being selected you may have to beef up the framed structure or add extra footings. This, however, is quicker and simpler then demolishing the entire structure, excavating to build a base and build an entirely new structure.
When you factor in a stone deck cost with the fact a stone deck will last you a lifetime, it is easy to see that a stone deck is one of your best alternatives to a beautiful, maintenance free outdoor living space.
Welcome to the Stone Deck Revolution!