Replies

1. 
   Gumshoe | May 10, 2005 10:08am | #1

   hmmm...flexible membrane over joists - sounds more like a trampoline than a deck. What am I missing?

1. 
   dieselpig | May 10, 2005 01:24pm | #2

   Or a drum.

2. 
   cb900 | May 10, 2005 04:26pm | #4

   There's a glued and screwed floor between the joists and the finished floor. The membrane is a new product which allows the sub floor to expand without cracking the mortar finish.Basically a rubber sheet glued to the floor with a mesh backing that allows the mortar to adhere to it. I'm just building the structure, so I don't know the exact names of the products on top. It looks a lot like stamped concrete when they're done. Different contractor. I guess what the HO wants is for the damn thing to sound like concrete, not a deck, when she walks on it. 

   Cam

1. 
   Gumshoe | May 10, 2005 07:46pm | #6

   I have a deck project coming up that sounds like it could use this product - could you get me a product name? Thanks! - Huck

1. 
   cb900 | May 11, 2005 05:53am | #8

   I will get the info on the product but it may take a couple of days. I'll get back to you.

   Cam

2. 
   davidmeiland | May 10, 2005 10:56pm | #7

   I'm guessing... is that finish something from Excellent Coatings, or a similar product? A friend of mine is getting into some of the trowel-able waterproofing coatings for exterior decks and yours sounds similar.

   For mass, you could get under the deck and glue/screw strips of cement board to the the underside of the subfloor. I'd say sheetrock, but I'd be concerned about it growing mold in an exterior application. CBU with a sealer on it should be safe.

   Or, go with 1-1/8 plywood instead of 3/4". That will make a difference.

1. 
   cb900 | May 11, 2005 06:06am | #9

   I like the idea of beefing up the sub floor. I was actually thinking of doing it that way. thanks for the help. Not sure of the product name but they apply it in two thin coats. The first coat is brown scratch, and then they use reinforcing tape to lay out a pattern and trowel on a white coat on top, which is then stained to any colour you like or multiple colours, after the tape is removed to reveal the pattern. The beauty of the process is the variations in colour and patterns are endless. Helps if you're a creative artsy type which this guy is.

   Cam 

2. 
   FastEddie1 | May 10, 2005 04:17pm | #3

   You need to add mass to the topping.  Concrete sounds solid because it is ... usually 4 inches or more. 

    

   I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.

1. 
   cb900 | May 10, 2005 04:31pm | #5

   Adding mass ... As in making the finish coat thicker? I don't think that's an option, but I'll ask the guy who's doing it. That may also require a stronger  supporting structure.