As people across Canada strive to create low-maintenance outdoor living spaces for their homes, stone decking is becoming more and more popular. 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. Most people are surprised to learn that a stone deck cost is actually less on average to a composite deck!
In essence, a stone deck is a structure clad in stone, as opposed to traditional interlock installation methods that relies on excavation and backfill materials. When comparing a stone deck to an interlock deck, particularly for decks above grade – you will find that a stone deck cost will be less. Not only is the stone deck 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 stone deck a perfect fit for “do-it-yourselfers” as well as contractors.
A stone deck involves constructing a structure supported by footings or attached to the house, depending on the design, and then the structure is clad with stone. This type of build allows for a greater selection of design options, increasing the type and style of cladding materials, ease of installation of utilities such as electrical, gas lines or lighting and can allow for storage under the deck itself.
Today you can find several products and companies that will 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 can be installed to the prescribed depth and torque as required 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 to support the stone.
Evolutiondeck’s Paverdeck is a complete kit that includes the framing and top surface ready for stone. These products are a much better alternative than using 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 does a stone deck cost? There are a lot of factors that determine the overall costs such as; are you using a contractor, which contractor you are using, location in Canada, access to the job site, the complexity of the build and materials you are planning on using, etc. Breaking down a stone deck cost from a do-it-yourself perspective 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 using pressure-treated lumber you will find framing costs will run 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 will cost you between $8-9 per square foot, while Paverdeck will cost $12-$15 per square foot – keeping in mind that if you use Paverdeck you will not need to factor in any framing costs.
Stone is the aspect that will vary in cost depending on which stone you choose – you can source stone anywhere from $3 to $15 per square foot. Combination of 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 a stone deck cost, another key consideration is if you already have an existing wood or composite deck – transforming it to a stone deck is simple. As opposed to demolishing the entire structure and sending it to a landfill in order to build an interlock deck, you can utilize the existing framing. Depending on the 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 and the fact 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. The Stone Deck Revolution is coming.