Month: April 2020

Using paver decks with wood framing, is this really possible? Before we are able to answer this, we need to look at the concept of Paver Decks.  This terminology is being used more and more and can be a bit confusing.  

When you search paver deck on-line you will find a product called Paverdeck that is manufactured by Evolutiondeck out of Canada.  This Product is a unique all steel sub-structure that allows you to clad with stone, creating a beautiful maintenance free stone deck.  So why would you use paver deck with a wood frame if it’s all steel.

The term “paver decks” is being used more and more to refer to the concept of putting pavers or stones on a deck.  Across North America there are millions of homes that have wood decks constructed in their back yards to allow the homeowners to enjoy the outdoors. Over time these wood decks show the signs of aging and these homeowners are faced with the daunting task of refinishing the deck. If they choose to do the work themselves, it will result in several days of effort involving pressure washing, sanding and refinishing. If they elect to hire a professional company to do the work, you will find the costs can be quite high. These factors often result in homeowners looking for a maintenance free solution.  

One such solution is converting their existing deck to a composite deck, however this comes with some potential drawbacks. (?? Link to our composite page??) The other option is to convert to a stone deck, in other words using paver decks with wood framing.  In the past the technique of attaching plywood to the framing and placing the stone on top of the plywood was used. There are still some companies out there that use the outdated method – but this is no longer necessary.

With the growing interest of consumers wanting to create outdoor living spaces using paver decks with wood framing, several companies have answered the call.  As mentioned earlier, there is a product called Paverdeck, which does not involve wood framing and is more designed for new builds. However, the same company that manufactures Paverdeck, also manufactures a product called Tiledeck, which are galvanized steel panels designed to work with wood framing.  Another such company is StoneDeks, who manufactures a product called SicaGrates. SilcaGrates are a plastic honey combed patterned grate system designed to be attached to wood framing. Not only do both these systems allow you to transform an existing wood deck into a stone deck but can be used from scratch using paver decks with wood framing.

The beauty of both these systems are they are very user-friendly.  As a homeowner who has an existing wood deck, transforming it to a maintenance free stone deck is a relatively simple process.  You simply need to remove the decking boards and determine if your existing framing is sufficient to support the load of the particular stone you have selected to use. Beefing up the existing framing if needed, and even adding another footing support can be quick and easy, especially with the use of mechanical screw piles. Once this is completed, you attached the SilcaGrates or TileDeck to the framing with screws. The deck is now ready for stone cladding. If you wish to stone clad the sides, you would construct wood framed walls first and attached ½” cement board, then attach whatever stone veneer you wish to use. Once the stone walls are in place, you attach the stones you are using for the capping and dry lay the remainder of the stones holding them in place using polymeric sand.

Over time you will most likely see even more companies coming out with unique and innovative ways of using paver decks with wood framing. These products and techniques will allow for the creation of beautiful maintenance free stone decks at a reduced cost compared to conventional build methods.

Welcome to the Stone Deck Revolution.

Today’s home builders are trying to incorporate as much outdoor living space as possible for their clients.  As properties have become smaller, builders have adjusted and started to incorporate useable flat rooftops in their designs.  The availability of pedestal systems, in particular, Bison Deck Supports is allowing for the creation of beautiful outdoor living spaces.

Bison Deck Supports are manufactured in the USA to the highest qualities and standards and are backed by proven engineering and have been extensively used in many applications. All Bison Deck Supports are made of high-density copolymer polypropylene, containing 20% post-industrial recycled materials.  They are long lasting and impervious to water, mold and freeze-thaw cycles. These screw-to-adjust pedestals assures perfectly level decks everytime.

Unlike some other pedestal systems on the market, Bison Deck Supports have an extensive line of pedestals available to meet your every need.

The Bison Low Deck Support is utilized for ultra-low height support and has a weight bearing capacity of 1250 lbs. The ultra-low can start as low as 1/8” and there are stackable models that are at increments of ¼”, ½” and ¾” high. There is also an ultra-low adjustable one, the Bison LO which can be adjusted 1 ¼” – 2”

The Bison Versadjust Adjustable Deck Support is loaded with features for superior functionality, including integral base leveling to correct for sloping surfaces.  The Versadjust pedestal has a load bearing capacity of 1250 lbs and can range in height from 2 ¼” to 36” by simply adding quick-clip couplers. A bracing system is also available for extra strength and stability.

The Bison Level.it Adjustable Deck Support is a simple extended height range pedestal, with a load bearing capacity of 750 lbs. It features an internal coupler for height adjustment from 2” – 12”.  Its commercial quality and durability allow for fast and easy installation, which provides labor savings.

The Bison Joist Top Deck Support is designed to work with Joist & Plank Systems.  This works with Bison Versadjust and Level.it Series Pedestals – simply attach the Joist Top on top of the pedestal.  The folding flap allows you to secure 2” x or 4” x lumber to act as or support the joists depending on your design.

Bison Innovative Products not only have Bison Deck Supports, but have a beautiful line of Wood Tiles, Porcelain Pavers, and outdoor Cube and Tray furnishings.

The Bison Wood Tiles are Commercial grade tiles, constructed from responsibly harvested hardwoods and are crafted grate remnants. Species include: Cumaru, Garapa, Ipe, Mahogany and Massaranduba.  The Bison wood tiles have an exclusive fastening system, that allows for easy tile attachment, removal and replacement if needed.  They come in modular sizes of 2’ x 2’ and 2’ x 4’, with custom sizes available. The Bison wood tiles have species available that are FSC Certified and meet Class A Fire Rating as well as other various classifications.

The Bison 2CM Paver or Porcelain Paver is a beautiful maintenance free option for rooftop environments. These low-profile pavers combine natural stone beauty with handcrafted precision.  These porcelain pavers have been tested for use with Bison Deck Supports and are slip, stain, and fade resistant.

The Bison Paver Tray is ideal for use with Bison Deck Supports, offering a simple and lightweight porcelain paver backing to enhance the impact resistance and provide additional strength to the paver surface, as well as having a unique fastening system.

The Bison Cube and Tray Furnishings offer planters, seating, and storage by using their modular Bison Cubes system.  These cubes make it easy to design a comfortable and beautiful outdoor environment.  Bison Cubes integrate seamlessly with Bison Deck Supports.

Not only are the Bison Deck Supports and their other product lines ideal for creating that perfect rooftop deck but they can also be effectually used to create that ground-level patio as well.  Welcome to the deck revolution!