Tim_Clark

Forget both wood decking and synthetic decking. I don't like wood decks because they're not fire proof, they're high maintenance,they look bad after a few years and it's a shame to cut trees for something that won't last but a few years. I don't like the synthetic decking because it's toxic, not fireproof and not very strong.

Besides, neither one of those solutions meet the new California Wild Fire regulations because decks must be fireproof and completely sealed from embers.

I've been using waterproof deck coatings over plywood for 25 years. "All Deck" is very easy to apply using a paint roller (clean-up with water). It is extremely durable, non skid and looks nice - even after 20 years. All Deck has a Class-A fire rating if applied over a non combustible surface. Another similar product, Pli-Dek, has a Class-A fire rating, even over plywood. The big benefit of these systems is they create completely dry spaces underneath. I was always afraid to design living spaces under decks but, with the discovery of these simple waterproofing systems I've designed dozens of homes with decks over living or storage spaces.