Silca system is becoming more and more popular as people across Canada strive to create low-maintenance outdoor living spaces for their homes. The concept of an affordable stone deck is relatively new. A stone deck provides homeowners alternatives to traditional decking material options and competes directly with the composite decking market. And what is most surprising is that the silca system cost is actually less on average when compared to a composite deck!
A Silca System stone deck is a structure clad in stone, instead of traditional interlock installation methods that rely on excavation and backfill materials. When comparing a Silca system stone deck to an interlock deck, particularly for decks above grade the silca system cost will be less. Not only does the silca system cost less, but constructing one is easier and faster, and will not move, shift or settle over the years. The simplicity and ease of construction make a silca system stone deck a perfect fit for “do-it-yourselfers” as well as contractors.
A silca system stone deck requires construction or use of an existing structure supported by footings or attached to the house and then the structure is clad with stone. This type of build allows for a greater selection of design options, increases the type and style of cladding materials, easy installation of utilities such as electrical, gas lines or lighting and allows for storage under the deck itself.
There are other innovative products and companies that support the creation of a silca system stone deck quickly and cost effectively. For example, mechanical screw piles for footings are an excellent alternative to traditional concrete footings. They can be installed to the prescribed depth and torque as required for each specific build and come complete with an engineering report.
So, what does the silca system cost? You have to consider a few factors to determine the overall costs such as; are you using a contractor, which contractor you are using, location in Canada, access to job site, is it a complex build, what materials are you planning on using, etc. Breaking down a silca system cost from a do-it-yourself perspective is a bit simpler.
The cost of mechanical screw piles range on average between $200-$500 per pile dependant on size and load bearing capacity required. With screw piles, you will not have to worry about excavation, sonotubes, concrete or backfill. Framing your structure using pressure treated lumber will run between $3-5 per square foot, varying depending on the design and support structure required for your deck. The Silca System cost for the grates themselves will cost you between $8-9 per square foot.
The cost of the stone that you choose will vary – you can source stone anywhere from $3 to $15* per square foot. Accessories such as lintel attachments, geotextiles, spacer tabs, polymeric sand can run you about $2* per square foot.
*Note these prices are reflected in Canadian dollars and are based on 2019 costings.
Besides the advantage of the silca system cost, if you already have 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 can utilize the existing framing. You may have to beef up the framed structure or add footings depending on style of stone you have selected. This is quicker and simpler then demolishing the entire structure, excavating to build a base and build an entirely new structure.
When you factor in the silca system cost with the fact that a stone deck will last you a lifetime – a stone deck is one of your best alternatives to a beautiful, maintenance free outdoor living space.
Welcome to the deck revolution!