Deck Innovations

If you need to fill small gaps or spaces between objects to provide stability, load bearing shims, which are thin, tapered wedges made of wood or plastic, are traditionally what is used. The real benefit of load bearing shims are how they can support and be adjusted to ensure a better fit or provide a level surface. As indicated in the name, load bearing shims are designed to support a particular load or weight. For this reason, ones manufactured from plastic, or similar materials such as rubber, are better as they are constructed to support a specified load. In comparison, wood ones rely on the composition of the wood used and the moisture content within the wood which does not allow for an exact load bearing capacity.

Given that nothing is ever perfect, load bearing shims are very useful when constructing a stone deck or patio. The products you are dealing with are not “Mil-Spec” designed to exact and precise tolerances. Load bearing shims not only help you to ensure everything is straight and aligned as you need it to be, but are capable of supporting the heavy loads of the stone you will be using. When your framing materials are a little less than perfect, load bearing shims are perfect for leveling paver or porcelain tile or ensuring your subfloor is perfectly flat.

Depending on what you are trying to accomplish you can install the load bearing shim and use the pressure of the materials being shimmed hold it in place. To hold it in place you can put a fastener such as a screw through it or use construction adhesive. As stated above, not only are plastic or rubber shims better at supporting an exact load, they will also not crack and split when a fastener is driven through as would happen with a wood shim. If construction adhesive is your preferred method of installation, note that wet or damp wood shims will not adhere.

Most tapered plastic or rubber shims on the market are scored at predetermined locations allowing you to break them off as needed at the required shimming space. You will need to score yourself and break off the excess if using wood. Also, wood shims can swell up or shrink and deteriorate over time as they are affected by moisture or other environmental conditions, whereas the plastic or rubber load bearing shims will not. One of the better load bearing shims on the market is the EZ-Shim. These are manufactured in the USA and have a load bearing capacity of 8000 lbs psi.

Another very useful option is round load bearing shims that can be easily snapped apart into quarters and stacked up as needed. Bison Innovative Products manufacture two such shims; the B11 is a 1/16″ flexible rubber shim, while the PS1 is a rigid 1/8″ shim. If you are trying to level larger stone pavers or porcelain tiles these types of load bearing shims are ideal. The ability to break round load bearing shims into halves or quarters is particularly useful when working on a rooftop deck using any of the pedestal systems on the market.

If you are working with a rooftop deck and using any of the pedestal systems on the market, the use of round shims that can be broken apart into halves or quarters is particularly useful.

In a perfect world all your construction materials would be straight and true, but we all know that is never the case. So, whether you are transforming your wood deck into a stone deck or building a new one, creating that beautiful maintenance-free rooftop patio or laying that stone deck patio, the use of a quality load bearing shim will save you time and aggravation, as well as ensure your project comes out straight, level and will last a lifetime.

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.

There are so many options to choose from when you are ready to begin a hardscaping project. Some of the more popular choices include concrete and natural stone products such as flagstone, travertine, and granite. But did you know that outdoor porcelain pavers are increasing in popularity as an alternative to traditional hardscaping materials, combining incredible beauty and unbelievable durability? What are Porcelain Pavers, and do they measure up to the hype when it comes to practical issues like durability and ease of installation?

At the core, porcelain pavers are unique paving slabs made from the highest-grade porcelain. They are an excellent alternative to concrete and natural stone products, and have been proven in some of the most diverse environments around the world. Made from kiln-fired clay and recycled materials, these paving stones have undergone proprietary, patented processes to achieve uniformity throughout the slab, superior density, and unmatched performance.

Now that we have defined what Porcelain Pavers are, let’s look at the benefits when compared to the more traditional concrete and stone products that are typically used. Porcelain pavers are incredibly stain and chemical resistant compared to concrete and stone pavers. In addition, they never need to be sealed, which confirms that minimal maintenance will be needed.

It is extremely easy to clean porcelain pavers using standard household cleaners and, if needed, low pressure washing. In addition, porcelain pavers have a very hard surface that is incredibly scratch and abrasion resistant. Their natural beauty and original texture can be retained for many years compared to natural or concrete products.

So what are Porcelain Pavers and how can they be so beneficial you ask? Let me give you a few benefits to consider. The top surface of porcelain paving stones is structured to create a non-slip surface, helping to ensure safety in high-slip areas such as walkways around pools or near sprinkler systems. Conversely, stone pavers like granite and quartz, can become quite slippery in these conditions.

With respect to withstanding the elements what are Porcelain Pavers going to give you? Even at temperatures as low as -60°F porcelain paving stones are 100% frost free. And since they are impermeable, de-icing salts and similar materials can be used without damaging them.

What are Porcelain Pavers cosmetic advantages that make them stand out from the rest? Given that the colour has been fused through a process called vitrification, the colour becomes an integral part of the surface, and creates a liquified glass glaze on the paver. Even in the most intense sunlight and extreme weather conditions, the pavers will not fade or discolour because of the elements.

Regarding staining, moss or mold; what are Porcelain Pavers performance expectations? Given they have excellent compressive strength with ultra-low moisture absorption, they have a very dense surface that remains resistant to these aspects. Porcelain Pavers will retain their striking appearance with little to no maintenance involved.

From a strength and durability perspective what are Porcelain Pavers going to offer? On a technical level, porcelain paving stones allow minimal water absorption, and have excellent chemical resistance and significant resistance to thermal shock. On a physical level, porcelain pavers have been precision engineered for reduced breakage and can withstand loads up to 2,200 lbs! They are extremely strong and resistant to breakage once installed. In the unlikely event that one does break, replacement is a relatively painless process.

What are Porcelain Pavers offering for the environmentally conscious buyers considering building and hardscaping materials? Most porcelain paving stones are made of up to 42% recycled materials. Combined with the fact that porcelain pavers provide a natural look without the mining and quarrying necessary for natural stone such as quartz and travertine, and that they are made of kiln-fired clay, they prove to be a truly environmentally responsible option for hardscaping.

Porcelain pavers come in a wide range of sizes and colours to allow for your creative designs to come to life, with the ability to closely mimic the appearance and texture of the material as it appears in nature. Just a few of the many applications for porcelain pavers includes residential or commercial entranceways, patios, driveways, steps, pool decks, rooftops, promenades, public spaces, gardens, terraces, and walkways.

Gator Base is a fantastic option for creating a beautiful maintenance-free stone patio. With the do-it-yourselfer market exploding and homeowners looking for innovative products to help them with their projects, the time is now to get to know this product.

Let’s discuss how to install Gator Base so you can see how easy it is.

The first advantage you will realize is how little you have to excavate. By adding the following elements together, you will be able to determine the total depth: Geotextile, compacted bedding base’s final height (1/2″), Gator Base (3/4″), and paver’s height.

In learning how to install Gator Base remember the total excavation width is 6″ wider on each side than the final paved area. If you opt to use a shovel or excavator to do the excavation be sure to check with local utility services to ensure digging does not damage underground pipes or wires.

Level the excavated area using a rake or shovel once the excavation is complete, ensuring a slope of at least 1° away from any structure, such as a house.

It is important to know, in how to install gator base, that the native soil needs to be prepared and compacted in the same way as a traditional base installation, using a hand tamper or plate compactor. Compact until the area is as smooth as possible, with no high or low spots greater than about 3/8″. It is advisable to use a string level (stakes and a string line) by tying the string to the stakes to establish the level to which the final slope will be measured (minimum of 1° to the desired final paver level).

Once this is done, lay down the Geotextile, covering the complete excavated area and side.

The next step in how to install gator base requires spreading of an even layer of bedding material to a depth of 3/4″, over the Geotextile. Using two 3/4″ pipes with an equal distance of 4 to 6 ft over the Geotextile is a good trick to ensure the depth is adequate. You simply fill the surrounding area with bedding material and use a straight board to level the bedding material in relation to the pipes. Once done, remove the pipes and fill in the empty gaps. Levelling and compacting the bedding material will be the last step prior to installing Gator Base.

An important lesson in how to install gator base is to make sure the Gator Base covers the extended excavation area, which should be 6″ wider on each side than the final paved area.

Use a staggered pattern to start laying the Gator Base units ensuring locking of the tongue & groove system. This guarantees the panels’ stability when the pavers or slabs are laid down. You can trim any visible curves or protruding angles using a utility knife.

Lay the pavers directly onto the Gator Base according to the selected pattern. For irregular stone, you can add a second layer 1/2″ of loose bedding sand on top of the Gator Base. Use a rubber mallet to adjust the pavers, and don’t forget to make sure the Gator base is 6″ wider on each side than the paved surface.

Installing Gator Edge on the Gator Base will help to ensure it rests firmly against the pavers. A Gator Base screw can be driven into every second hole to maximize lateral support of the Gator Edge.

When ready, you can spread polymeric sand over the tiled surface with a hard-bristle broom. Completely fill the joints with the polymeric sand, leaving a layer on the surface to aid in the vibrating and consolidation of the sand into the joints.

Next step is to vibrate the sand into the paver joints using a plate compactor with a rubber pad. If you have a slab installation, a roller compactor is best. Joints should be filled up to 1/8” below the edge or chamfer. Compact in several directions to ensure there are no air gaps or voids in the joints. Repeat these steps to ensure joints are filled and consolidated, paying attention to narrow joints that require more care to completely fill.

Once compacting is done, sweep off excess polymeric sand from the paved surface, first with a hard-bristle broom, then a soft- bristle broom. Be sure to leave the height of the polymeric sand at least 1/8” below the edge or chamfer of the paver.

The final lesson in how to install gator base is to activate the polymeric sand. Starting at the lowest point, shower a 30 sq. ft. section for 30 seconds with water. Once all the sections are activated, rinse off any debris that is on the paver surface.

Gator Base has revolutionized the way interlock stone is installed and allows the average homeowner to install like a pro!

Welcome to the Stone Deck Revolution.

Being Canadian and living in Canada is pretty awesome! As Canadians our one main complaints is the weather. Snow and freezing temperatures limit our ability to enjoy our backyards and certainly limit our opportunities to use them. So the less time we spend maintaining them during the nice weather, the better.

Decks are a big part of our backyard features, so we should explore the best decking system for Canadian weather.

There are 3 basic types of cladding materials available for decks; wood, composite and stone. By far a stone deck is the best decking system for Canadian weather.

When it comes to the effects of weather on materials, there are three main factors that come into play. First, exposure to the sun can break down the integrity of certain materials, causing them to fade over time. Second, the temperature changes can cause expansion and contraction of the material and third, the freeze thaw cycle can happen quickly and repeatedly, putting further stress on your deck.

When thinking about the best decking system for Canadian weather, wood – regardless of whether it is pressure treated, cedar or exotic hard woods – is at the bottom of the list. They are the most affected by the environmental conditions – expanding, letting moisture in, drying and cracking and if you add sudden freeze-thaw cycle to that, wood breaks down and deteriorates rapidly compared to other products. A wood deck requires regular maintenance, which results in the homeowner spending much of their valuable time doing it or hiring a company to do it for them.

A composite deck is a step up from wood when it comes to the best decking for Canadian weather. Depending on the make and brand, you will find them to be made of ground plastics, wood fibres and glue. Composite decking is very susceptible to expansion and contraction depending on temperatures. Many homeowners who install composite decking in the heat of the summer, taking extra time to ensure the spacing, cuts and miters are done just perfect are shocked to see how things separate and come apart when the temperatures drop. Conversely, when installed in colder temperatures and if the spacing, cuts and miters are tight – as the temperatures increase, this will cause the composite decking to expand and buckle. Another factor is how hot the composite decking gets, especially darker colours. We were told by one contractor that he actually fried an egg on composite decking – we did not believe it until we tried it for ourselves.

The best decking by far for Canadian weather is stone! Stone is not affected by temperature changes as it does not expand or contract. It does not require sealers or stains and cleaning it is as simple as pressure washing it off. It does not get as hot as composite, but like anything – the darker the colour the more heat it will absorb. It will not scratch or scuff like wood or composite, and if an area stains you just need to remove and exchange a few of the affected stones as opposed to changing complete decking boards. Porcelain Pavers are at the high end of stone for decking, and these tiles are virtually indestructible. They will not absorb moisture or water, will not scratch and will not stain. They are perfect for our Canadian environment and for those of us wanting to use our decks over the winter, you can even use ice melt products.

The bottom line is as Canadians we love spending time outdoors and enjoying our backyards. So, when it comes to choosing the best decking for Canadian weather you will not go wrong with choosing stone!

When it comes to transforming an existing wood or composite deck into a maintenance-free stone deck there are some pretty cool products on the market are making it possible both efficiently and cost effectively. The same goes for building a new stone deck, and these products don’t rely on the old outdated techniques of excavation and granular compaction. One such product is Paverdeck Plank. Let’s look at the advantages of Paverdeck Plank and better understand the product.

Paverdeck Plank is manufactured by Evolutiondeck and was created to follow their Paverdeck System. Unlike the Paverdeck System that is specifically designed to be used for new builds, the advantage of Paverdeck Plank is it can not only retro fit an existing deck but can be used to create a new stone deck. Originally Paverdeck Plank was called Tiledeck, but the name was changed allowing it to follow the Paverdeck brand and to ensure it was not pigeonholed it into only being perceived as to be used for tiles.

Another one of the advantages of Paverdeck Plank is that the panels comes 6″ x 48″ weighing 6 lbs and cover 2 sq ft. The panels make for coinvent and cost-effective shipping and are easy to handle. So, if your new stone deck happens to be a second story balcony with limited access – hand bombing the panels through the house is a non-issue.

Paverdeck Plank is made of galvanized steel and is designed to work with wood or metal framing; creating any style or shape of stone deck is possible. The steel planks cut easily and can be done so using a 4″ angle grinder with an abrasive wheel or any saw or tool designed for cutting steel. When it comes to converting an existing wood or composite deck, one advantage of Paverdeck Plank is it can work with both 12″ and 16″ on center framing. For whatever reason, homeowners like to build decks 12″ on center which makes converting that configuration somewhat challenging for some to the other products on the market.

Offering an industry leading 20-year standard warranty is yet another one of the advantages of Paverdeck Plank, ensuring customers have confidence when using this product.

Paverdeck Plank creates a sturdy all weather subfloor that significantly reduces the amount of water and moisture that migrates through and onto the wood or metal framing. This can be completely eliminated by simply putting a small bead of silicone between planks upon installation. And to highlight yet another advantage of Paverdeck Plank – you don’t need to add a waterproof membrane to create a dry area underneath your new stone deck.

If you are able to build a wood deck, you can certainly build a stone deck using the Paverdeck Plank system. Stainless steel self-drilling screws are used to install the planks onto the wood or metal framing. This means there is no need to predrill the planks and the stainless-steel screws ensure there is no negative reaction between the metal and chemicals used to preserve the pressure treated wood.

Finally, one of the biggest advantages of Paverdeck Plank is that it is made in Canada, using Canadian steel. During these challenging times in 2020, there is no better satisfaction than supporting our Canadian economy and workers.

The advantages of Paverdeck Plank make creating that stone deck a breeze. A stone deck offers value to your home and gives you peace of mind that this new extension of your home will last a lifetime and require little maintenance allowing you to enjoy your outdoor living space without worries.

There is something magical about sitting around a fire, that brings back memories of being a kid and roasting marshmallow with your family. This is perhaps why fire pits and fire bowls are becoming so popular – they can even give you the feeling of the great outdoors in urban settings.

Many of us with decks would love to add a fire pit, but can this be done? As far as decks go, you will find either a wood, composite or a stone deck. Stone decking around a fire pit is your best bet as you will not have to worry about the heat or any sparks or embers landing on the surrounding area. The danger with a fire pit or bowl on a wood or composite deck is the wood could be damaged or catch fire and composite decking can also be damaged or melt. So, what can you do if you have one of these decks, knowing that stone decking around a fire pit is the safest option? Well you could transform the entire deck into a stone deck, but if that is not within your budget, you could simply replace the wood or composite boards in the area of the potential fire pit or bowl with stone. There are two pretty cool products out on the market; SilcaGrate and Paverdeck Plank that let you add stone to a wood framed deck.

When adding a fire pit or bowl you not only want stone decking around a fire pit but under it as well. The stone will protect the framing of the deck from being damaged, and depending on the size of the fire pit you may want to consider using specific fireplace bricks under the actual fire pit. These specialty stones are manufactured to withstand high temperatures.

Adding stone decking around a fire pit can add a bit of weight to the structure depending on the size and the types of stones being used. Taking this into consideration, you’ll need to add whatever extra bracing or supports are needed.

The same idea and concept are true for building a fire pit on the ground – stone decking around a fire pit is the best option. It not only gives you a relatively flat, even surface to build your fire pit, but an area for seating as well ensuring the area around the fire pit is non-combustible. You don’t need to be a landscape contractor to create stone decking around a fire pit, thanks to products like Gator Base and Silca SoilGrid. These products let the average do-it-yourselfer build a flat, robust surface to support the fire pit. With that being said, I would not recommend putting these products directly under the middle of the fire pit as the heat from the fire could melt these products.

Another import point of consideration when putting stone decking around a fire pit is finding the right spot on your deck or in your back yard. Look for a lower traffic area to prevent anyone from inadvertently making contact with a hot fire pit. Position your fire pit away from overhead structures such as roofed-in patios, awnings and tree branches that might encroach on the area above. Fire pits can be used in covered areas, but the overhead structure may need to be modified or built to local building codes. Choose an area that can easily be monitored and controlled to keep children and pets safe. Finally ensure the area is big enough to allow 3-5 feet of distance around the fire pit in all directions.

With fire pits growing in popularity, people want options on how to best install and use them safely. Backyard decks can be expensive so the last thing you want to do is damage them. By using stone decking around a fire pit, you will not only protect your investment, but also add to the look and feel of your deck.

With the growing trend of homeowners taking on their own projects, there is an increased demand for innovative products that can assist them with their needs. As discussed in some of our previous blogs, porcelain pavers are too growing in popularity but have been a challenge to install properly on ground. That is until Gator Base came along and revolutionized the process. Here are details on how to install Gator Base for porcelain pavers.

The first thing to learn in how to install Gator Base for porcelain pavers, is the art of excavation. Excavate the area of your project to the depth required, which will include the Porcelain Paver height, Gator Base, compacted sand, plus any soft organic material that has to be removed. It is advisable to also excavate the perimeter an extra 6″ (15 cm) wider on all sides than the finished tile area requires.

It is important to have a slope of at least 2 degrees away from any structure such as a house. A plate compactor or hand tamper should be used to compact any of the existing soil.

The next lesson in how to install Gator Base for porcelain pavers is to cover the entire excavated and compacted area with a geotextile cloth. On top of that, spread an even layer of sand no more than 3/4″ thick (19 mm). Be sure to water the sand prior to compacting the layer until you obtain a final height of 3/4″ (19 mm) of compacted sand.

Once done, the next lesson in how to install Gator Base for porcelain pavers is to start laying the Gator Base units. Ensure they are staggered and are interlocked with the tongue and groove system. Be sure to install the Gator Base on the extended excavation area (as mentioned above total excavation should be 6″ (15 cm) wider on each side than the final tiled area).

Gator Spacers should be installed in each corner of the tiles to provide support and uniform spacing, using a generous amount of glue on each quadrant. Install the porcelain tile on the Gator Spacer, apply pressure or tap the tiles with a rubber mallet at all corners. Gator Spacers can be purchased in 1/4″, 3/16″, and 1/8″ (6.4 mm, 4.8 mm and 3.2 mm) joint sizes.

Install Gator Tile Edge on the Gator Base using Gator Base Screws. Make sure that Gator Tile Edge rests firmly against the tiles and use Gator Base Screws at every second hole.

Spread Gator Tile Sand onto the dry, tiled surface, spreading it over a small area before moving onto the next. Make sure to fill in the joints!

Using a rubber mallet and NOT a plate compactor, it is now time to compact the sand into the joints. Repeat filling followed by compacting of the tile joints, then sweep the surface with a fine bristle broom and remove all excess sand. Ensure the sand is 1/8″ (3 mm) lower than the tile chamfers. Use a blower to blow off all sand residue laying on the tile surface.

The final lesson on how to install Gator Base for porcelain pavers is to shower and rinse simultaneously on a section of approximately 100 sq. ft. (10 sq. m.). This will eliminate any residue left on the tiles, and any Gator Tile Sand residue should go directly into the tiled joints. Wait no longer than 2 to 3 minutes.

Use a leaf blower to remove any excess water remaining on the tiles or crevices. This is important as it will help to remove any remaining Gator Tile Sand residue left on tiled surfaces from the previous steps.

The water will activate a bonding action as well as condensing Gator Tile Sand in the joints. It is important to water a total of 3 times to ensure proper activation and performance of the Gator Tile Sand.

As you can see, from the lessons on how to install Gator Base for Porcelain Pavers is very easy for the average homeowner to master like a pro.

Welcome to the Stone Deck Revolution™.

Porcelain pavers are unique paving slabs made from the highest-grade porcelain. As an alternative to concrete and natural stone products, they have been successfully installed in some of the most climatically challenging environments around the world, including here in Canada. Most of the porcelain pavers you will find for outdoor hardscape applications are through bodied Porcelain. They are made by using sand, clay, and other natural material in their composition and heated at high temperature during the manufacturing process, yielding a tougher variety of porcelain, which is very strong.

One key advantage that porcelain pavers have over other stone pavers or slabs is they are thinner but much stronger. The typical porcelain paver for outdoor applications is 20 mm thick and can span a distance up to 24” between supports. The fact that they are thinner means they are much lighter, usually weighing in around only 9 lbs per square foot. This means working with them will be easier, and when using them for a rooftop deck there will be less load on the structure. This may not be as big of an issue for a commercial application that is designed to support greater loads, but for the typical home application, where a homeowner is looking to add a rooftop patio, the savings in weight can be key.

Don’t let the fact that porcelain pavers are thin fool you into thinking they are not strong. I certainly do not want to get into a lot of technical data and numbers. But for an easy comparison, a poured concrete slab will have a strength rating of between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds per square inch. An interlock brick paver will usually be slightly higher than 8,000 pounds per square inch, while porcelain pavers run over 40,000 pounds per square inch! I have actually seen a Chev Tahoe parked on and supported by 4 porcelain pavers supported by pedestals in each corner.

One of the biggest misconceptions about porcelain pavers is they are slippery – especially when wet. First, it is important to know that porcelain pavers as described are extremely hard and let in little to no water, which means any water that lands on the paver stays on top – unlike stone or concrete pavers where some of the water would be absorbed. This is great for keeping the porcelain pavers clean and stain free, but does it make the porcelain paver slippery?

A skid-resistance scale is used to determine the degree of slippage on a porcelain paver surface. When assessing different paver surfaces, wet and dry conditions along with the speed of the subject are considered.

1. Slip Resistant: Coefficient of friction is 0.60 or greater (wet). Meets or exceeds general safety and health regulations, ADA and OSHA requirements.
2. Conditionally Slip Resistant: Coefficient of friction is 0.50 to 0.59 (wet). Meets or exceed general safety and health regulations and OSHA requirements.
3. Questionable: Coefficient of friction less than 0.50

One important thing to note is that the more textured a tile is, the less slippery it is. Most of the outdoor porcelain paver manufactures recognize the importance that their products are not slippery, so they are manufactured with a higher coefficient of friction.

Another question we see often is, do porcelain pavers get hot? The short answer to that is it depends. Like all materials, porcelain pavers will absorb the heat of the sun, so depending on how long the paver is exposed to the sun and how dark the colour is will determine how much the it will heat up. One thing that is for certain, porcelain pavers or any stone paver for that matter, will not heat up as much as composite decking boards.

Porcelain pavers are available in a multiple of colours, textures, styles and sizes making them the perfect choice for any stone deck or patio project.

With summer coming, and the heat of the dog days of summer around the corner, nothing beats having a pool at this time of the year. Some of you may be considering having a pool installed, and those who already have one may be considering revitalizing the patio decking around the pool. So, what is the best decking around a pool and what are some factors to consider?

First, we must take into account the style of pool you have or want to have – is it an above ground or inground pool? As you are aware, an above ground pool sits on the ground on a prepared base and can be 4 to 6 feet above grade. Framing to support the best decking around a pool would be created by a wood or steel framing structure. In the past the only decking options for an above ground pool were either wood or composite – but are these really the best decking around a pool? Wood is problematic and requires regular maintenance, and it is easily susceptible to staining due to either the chlorine or salt in the pool. Over time wood will crack, split and splinter which is not fun on your feet or bums sitting around the pool. Composite decking requires less maintenance than wood, but gets very hot, is also susceptible to staining and can be very slippery when wet.

Thanks to some very innovative products such as; SilcaGrate, Paverdeck and Paverdeck Plank the best decking around a pool is now stone pavers, interlock stone, or porcelain tile. Design possibilities are endless, and you can turn your above ground pool deck into a beautiful maintenance-free stone deck. These innovative stone decking products are also the best decking around a pool that is semi in-ground.

When it comes to inground pools, it has been typically thought that the best decking around a pool was either poured concrete or interlock stone. The concrete is typically either brushed or stamped with colour added. There is an old saying – “there are two types of concrete in Canada, cracked and gonna crack”. Thanks to our harsh winters and multiple freeze-thaw cycles, concrete is very susceptible to cracking unless there are multiple expansion cuts put into it, which frankly can ruin a stamped concrete pattern making it unsightly. This hardly stands up as the best decking around a pool!

If your concrete cracks, develops significant chips, stains or if repairs need to be made to any pool lines buried under the concrete pad and you have to cut through the slab – fixing to it will be next to impossible. Not to say the concrete won’t be able to be patched, but you will never be able to match the colour, brush or stamped pattern of the original concrete pore.

The best decking around a pool really is interlock stone, bricks, pavers or porcelain tiles. If an area becomes stained or damaged, you can easily replace those stones. If repairs need to be done, stones can be lifted up, the area dug out, and items fixed. Once completed the stones can be replaced and everything looks as it was originally. In certain cases, you will have a concrete sub slab installed directly around the pool supporting the stone. This is not a problem because it can be cut out to access the problem area and patched with new concrete. Since it will be covered with stone afterwards there is no issues about trying to match the existing concrete.

For inground pool decks, in order to use the best decking around a pool, there are some innovative products such as Silca SoilGrid and Gator Base which help stabilize the base preventing shifting and settling of any of the pavers or porcelain tiles. These products can easily be removed and then reinstalled if any repairs are needed.

With the many options and styles of stones or porcelain pavers available you will be sure to find the perfect fit for the best decking around a pool.