We have been asked by several of our followers to write about paver deck and explain the concept of paving a deck. In simple terms, it’s a stone deck, created by a framed structure that is supported by footings, with stone pavers or tiles on top. The goal of a paver deck is to create a maintenance-free stone deck. Rather than using the traditional method of excavation, base preparation, constructing a wall system and compacting, there are alternative and more cost-effective methods available to construct your new paver deck.
The alternative methods of construction are actually more advantageous since the base of the paver deck is supported by either concrete or mechanical footings that, if installed correctly, will not move, shift or settle. Most screw pile companies can even supply engineering reports for the piles they install. So, unlike a traditional stone interlock deck that is affected over time by the freeze-thaw cycles in Canada, a paver deck is not.
When searching paver deck online, you will find an actual product called Paverdeck, manufactured by Evolutiondeck from Canada. A Paverdeck is designed as a complete galvanized steel structure to support any stone surface. The steel panels make up the structure and require absolutely no maintenance and will last a lifetime. A Paverdeck actually comes with a 30-year warranty.
A Paverdeck comes as a kit, composed of 5 main components that are picked and shipped to meet the clients’ design requirements. The galvanized steel panels can span 12-feet from beam to beam which usually results in fewer columns and footing. The assembly of these kits is straight forward and relatively simple, creating a flat surface to install the stone, pavers or tiles on. Paverdeck even has two methods of creating stairs using their components. When one to three steps are needed, using their box method of construction can be very cost-effective. When four or more steps are required, they have a build method and kit that utilizes a stringer to support the stair panels. This method is slightly more complicated, but the manufacturers of Paverdeck send you complete instructions on assembly and a cut sheet for the stringers. For both methods, once the galvanized stair base is assembled the stone cladding techniques are similar to cladding the deck.
You should be aware that Paverdeck stair kits are limited to either a 6.25” or 7.25” rise for the steps. To overcome this barrier, you can actually use another product that Evolutiondeck has called Tiledeck. Tiledeck is a galvanized steel panel that is designed to work with wood framing to create your maintenance free stone deck. If part of your paver deck design calls for a very specific step rise and tread length, you can use Tiledeck and the box step method of construction to create the exact steps needed.
A Paverdeck kit is your best option when creating your paver deck in a back yard with an aggressive slope that will result in part of the deck being on grade while another part is above, or over a drainage culvert that cannot be filled in. Since a Paverdeck is made from galvanized steel it can be buried in the ground if needed. Also, since it is supported by concrete or mechanical footings it will not obstruct any water flow or drainage.
The concept of paving a deck with stone is not a new one and there have been hundreds, if not thousands of these stone decks installed across Canada with a proven track record. Thanks to innovative products like Paverdeck and Tiledeck the professional contractor or homeowner have some really great alternative building materials and techniques to create their beautiful maintenance free stone deck. Welcome to the Stone Deck Revolution!