Pin It

Buyer's Guide to Decking: Aluminum and Stone

by Scott Gibson

If you want zero worries about whether the latest synthetic decking will prove as good as the advertiser claims, these low-maintenance options should put your mind at ease.

Aluminum

Photo by: LockDry

Not all homeowners will respond to the limited choice in colors or the way it sounds when they walk on it, but aluminum’s powdercoated surface, made from the same material used to coat pickup-truck beds, is slip resistant and durable.

Aluminum decking has another advantage: Some planks lock together to form a rainproof surface, meaning a dry storage area or even an extra room beneath the deck. Water that does get through the surface of the deck is directed away from the house by small internal gutters. One downside is cost. Aluminum decking is even more expensive than capstock planks.

Pros: Impervious to insects and fire; watertight surface; cool underfoot

Cons: Limited color choice; expensive; unfamiliar material

Stone

Photo by: EzyTile

Also in the ultra-low-maintenance category is a deck made from stone tile. Paverdeck sells a deck frame that consists of 16-ga. galvanized-steel beams and planks designed to be installed on concrete piers. Once in place, the substrate can be capped with stone tile. Decks are designed to last 60 years and come with a structural warranty of 30 years. The steel beams and planks retail for between $12 and $15 per sq. ft.

Another manufacturer, EzyTile, says that its product can be installed over virtually any flat, solid surface. Tiles have interlocking bases that automatically set the spacing. Because there’s no grout, water can drain between tiles. The system sells for between $8 and $12 per sq. ft.

Pros: Extremely durable surface; unaffected by water; impervious to insects and fire

Cons: Relatively high cost; some systems are labor intensive to install

From Fine HomebuildingDecks and Outdoor Projects , pp. 44-50 March 20, 2012

Stay connected with Fine Homebuilding

Special Sections

2013 HOUSES Awards

Remodel of the Week by Marvin

Fine Homebuilding’s Remodeling Showcase

Breaktime Discussions

New gable roof addition. Please help.Cherry live edge table water stains on wood - how to fix?sliding closet door hardware Crown molding overlaps door frame Rastra Block Fraud Shed roof over deck The $6000 House: Header Games All discussions...

Product Finder: Related Products

J Squared Manufacturing - Attach-A-Deck
Self-sealing Attach-A-Deck spacers are a plunger-and-cup setup

FastenMaster - Cortex Concealed Fastening System
The FastenMaster company has produced a fastening system for synthetic decking that includes corrosion-resistant screws that cut their own countersink and are topped with pefectly fitting plugs for an attractive finished look to your decking