How to Build a wood deck & install pavers, porcelain or stone tile over any deck

DIY Guide on how How to build a wood deck and then tile it with stone, pavers or porcelain. No Dirt to deal with, no settlement problems and the look of a custom outdoor landscaping project at a fraction of the cost of a typical raised stone deck.
More Info Here: stonedeks.com/
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[@phillipreese777]

Very cool product! I think the gentleman meant to say the joists need to be flat relative to one another not necessarily level. As a longtime concrete contractor who installs many floors for tile contractors I can assure you there is a difference between flat & level. I make this point only because we all know whenever possible you want to direct water away from the home & it's foundation so giving the deck framing a small pitch will be beneficial over the long term.

[@dennisstone5018]

Interesting thanks for showing new products my only concern as a carpenter is you can make deck perfectly flat today but as wood dries warps and twists it won't last

[@younggunz4081]

Stanley is right on with this. I’m looking at a composite deck but something like this definitely can take me into another direction I’d be happy with

[@scind2585]

In the Carolinas I have yet to see a composite deck hold up. And they are very hot.

[@colonialroofingofnorthcaro441]

Love this new stuff, gives more options for your company and option for your customers, keep it coming brother

[@shanebrown2963]

I laid porcelain tile on a gridded deck system probably 5-6 years ago in montana. We used a urethane type glue to glue down the the tiles. Montana is harsh with the freezing and heat in the summers. The deck still looks the same as is did when I installed it. There were actually 3 large decks on the house. We left the spaces open between the tiles so water could go through.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Yep- this grid system allows the water to pass through. Glad to hear yours is still looking the same years later.

[@TheLittlePatriot]

I love this!!! I have an existing wooden deck surrounding my inground pool and this is exactly what I need to give it a facelift!

[@stonemaster1217]

TheLittlePatriot why don’t you use travertine instead of that ugly deck?

[@Digiphex]

@@stonemaster1217 It's expensive!!

[@imperialservices9892]

Funny I was just telling my wife about this installation process that I saw at the GIE 2017 I think it was. She wants a brick patio but I’m surrounded with big trees and lots of roots. But I should be able to do the post easier then base and digging out a big area.

[@ronhughley6510]

This was a great video. Just way everyone got in it an yea. Great job. And that's awesome I want to install one now

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Ron!

[@turbohyde]

Great call on the scissors, I use them for Geogrid as well.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Eric

[@KenMrKLC]

Great video as usual Stan, I always enjoy watching your how tos

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Ken!

[@casycasy5199]

wished you should the labor on building a level deck iv never seen two pressure treated 2x the same size

[@robloxmaniacdanceandshake7871]

Typically, know when being pitched too.. But, the stuff you have on this channel is so kool... This was a great video.... And, very kool product...

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks! Glad you like the channel!

[@julianreverse]

Build a dry retaining wall, fill it up and do it the right way ...

[@theobgyn6787]

Probably a ton cheaper to do that

[@trevorlowe8152]

I liked the part when they pumped an “ adhesive “ under one of the tiles creating a nice big hollow void.

[@jimtownsend7899]

Yeah, my thought was, "If you have a bad tile, why don't you just replace the tile?" They made such a big deal over level and no flex, then they did that!

[@fireworm91]

Man... it's amazing... It's a game changer really

[@Dirtmonkey]

I really like this stuff.

[@onfireforJESUS75]

Interesting but I think the cost would be insane. I would consider doing a step down from exits and do a poured concrete stamped patio instead will last way longer and probably more half the cost.

[@gamatoutsikos]

Not sure that concrete would be cheaper. Maybe with today's lumber prices? Still I can't see it. Also the average handyman feels comfortable doing a deck. This is like Lego. Not everyone can do a concrete patio. I think the labour savings would be huge

[@SAUCE206]

Concrete and lumber are both more expensive than the paver decks in today’s economy.

[@aminy23]

@@SAUCE206 This is around $12 a square foot just for the plastic grates currently; total project cost is probably well north of $20 a square foot. Poured concrete is under $10 a square foot. Definitely cheaper just to add a couple steps down to the deck. If you do a 2x4 deck with 5/16" space between deck boards, you would get 2.541 square feet per 2x4 for a cost of $1.38 a square foot. This is basically a product for people who need a deck many feet above ground, and want a luxury surface. I would imagine the methods used for balconies or rooftop decks might be cheaper.

[@lonniejudson5940]

Best video ! I've seen this product it's great

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Lonnie 😀👍

[@m94w]

1.) How does this system withstand cold winters? 2.) From my understanding, on a conventional wood deck, the board have gaps to allow air circulation for it to breath. Does having this tiling layer on top cause it to get mouldy or rotten underneath since its more sealed it, without as much airflow? Thanks.

[@saralarson6449]

Makes me think I can tile in the house in new construction by just using this underlay on top of plywood, any thoughts?

[@kevinlowe87ify]

Iv seen this stuff a few years ago really cool

[@Dirtmonkey]

Its a great product to give deck builders more options.

[@Luke-sw5gz]

I'm glad everyone in the comments are experts and can see into the future to know this product will fail 🙄 the more options for customers the better. Looks good to me. Keep up the great videos. You're providing so much useful info and great content to people for free. 👍

[@tarbell111]

I'm loving it.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Matt!

[@nolfwa3000]

"make the plan, execute the plan, expect the plan to go off the rails, throw away the plan." one of my all time favorite qoutes! its from the flash's character leonard snart.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Very cool!

[@Daynaleo1]

Awesome option for a deck. The other things I like are that since the tile is not adhered, remodeling the deck should be a snap..

[@Dirtmonkey]

Its a great deck option. First time I have seen it used.

[@bigcharliesmodelgarage296]

Looks like an awesome product. Thanks

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Charles!

[@hunterdolanch8725]

I came here with a ton of experience in carpentry trying to learn landscaping now Stan is doing Carpentry projects and I'm watching thinking this is Soo easy what he's showing now realizing I should stick to carpentry lol it's better to thrive than survive straight from Stan hahaha

[@Dirtmonkey]

I thin carpentry and landscaping go hand in hand very well. Building outdoor gazebos, pergolas etc etc.

[@georgeking5746]

Did I miss it in the video of the install or is there no adhesive under the tile it just rests on the grid and the polymeric sand holds it in place? I would maybe do something like this here in NC on my deck since we don't have freezing and thawing here in NC. Great video Stan keep up the good work.

[@mswartz5349]

THIS IS AMAZING.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks, glad you liked it !

[@philbuilds116]

That looks great when building decks that are 8'+ high. A lot more high end options for the customer. The customer is already paying top money, using lam beams?

[@USMC-ez7cx]

Finished deck looks great. I have a 25 x 12 ft. concrete deck that sits on the house foundation and is10 ft. above the ground, without demolishing the concrete deck, can you add porcelain or stone tile over it?

[@robwaz1547]

Interesting lots and lots of questions and the cost of all the stuff what kind of price tag is going to be but nice video lots of information really appreciated Stan

[@patmason7276]

Are those BB's oh that's your gonads. That roll was heavier than you thought getting older we are not spring chickens anymore. Great video useful info.

[@meligoth]

16 inches of center is a common measurement in concrete. Fun fact: most measuring tapes (Dewalt in particular) have markings on the number to denote that it is 16 inches. Comes in handy when making multiple spots to mark for dowels to drill or to where to lay rebar quickly.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Nice! I noticed that but guess it didn't sink in.

[@jeremyjohnson7288]

It's also for general construction. Almost everything is 16" centers.

[@Blkgoat]

Is this cost affective over bringing in fill, or is this a quick way to cover a wood deck with tile?

[@Ace-yf3xf]

That’s pretty cool!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks! I liked this product!

[@bart_seavey]

Schulter Ditra over plywood solves any rotting issues.

[@jeremiahosullivan3033]

No I took their course they actually have a completely different system for the outside. At the end of the course I pulled one of the reps aside and asked them if I want to build a deck with a recess hot tub how would I go about using their system to invite a flush transition from deck to tile and he opened up his nice big book and there were just way to many steps and different types of product to make it worthwhile

[@maretteschulz8898]

Great video👍👌

[@allistonrental5073]

Seems really odd for a flooring system. Maybe just not for me but I don't see this lasting very long without problems.

[@Dirtmonkey]

There are decks out there that have had this system used for years and they are still going strong.

[@stonemaster1217]

Alliston Rental I know specially wood starts to break over time I prefer a floor right on the ground not in the air

[@texanerection492]

I love your videos

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thank you!

[@danm-]

Is there anyway to have this kind of deck be waterproof to allow use of dry space below the deck?

[@chuckmac618]

How many days does it take to do this job to pair two the old way with the lumber

[@Dirtmonkey]

This takes longer than decking it with wood- but this is quicker than trying to install a stone deck on a soil foundation.

[@Freecan67]

Wow that is cool. Thanks for shareing.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Shane!

[@passingthru308]

Looks nice

[@michaelalmond4680]

all I want to know is what kind of spacer are you using and where can I find it (for the tile that is)

[@rondoschiavoni8840]

LOOKS GOOD

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Rondo!

[@21gonza21]

So plywood and cement boards won’t cut it?

[@ailynalmeida5705]

Good job

[@zeynepalev6391]

Thank you very much for a very informative video, I wish I could be able to see it in full length. My question : Is this tile application on deck possible over a living space.? Our deck is over our garage and I could not find a good water proofing detail that works for a deck over a garage. The other major concern is the load of tree debris we get all seasons. That makes the situation even worse, considering any solution that requires taking the water under the decking system. ( That is the current system and it failed, we cannot keep up with the debris load, therefore we cannot clean it properly and deck is leaking to garage.) This detail might work. We could capture the debris before it gets under the decking system and clogs the drainage. What are your thoughts on that? Thank you in advance.

[@sdmustang21]

Getting a mesh type diamond blade will make cutting through that thicker tile about 3 times faster. Just did a job and took forever with my usual porclain blade. Went and bought a 100 dollar mesh type blade and noticably faster.

[@devildawgpetri]

Love your work ethic and quality craftsmanship, will you build my patio in Plymouth MN?

[@Dirtmonkey]

LOL- Yep of course!

[@dougyankunas3104]

I did something like this to my deck , going on 12 years now. However , I inlaid stone pavers into the middle of my wooden deck. A circle 12 feet across. Also my deck is 3 feet off the ground. I just built a platform under the area under the stone circle. This really doesn't look like anything special.

[@jollcheist1443]

I don t know if you get some heavy snow but im not sure that deck will handle 3 winter .

[@GIboy1990]

I plan on doing this to replace my old, janky deck.

[@jonathanwilcox5548]

That is just amazing I was wanting to do this for my deck and kept putting it off because I didn't know how until now and so I'm going to do it when I get home from my AT(military training)

[@Dirtmonkey]

I hope this helped out Jonathan.

[@dane480]

7:10 “you feel the flex” 😂

[@victorvek5227]

Where in the country did you do this install? Just curious. I’ve seen countless instances of polymeric sand failing after just one or two winters here in central NY applications.

[@Jorash_Barison]

@5:18 So the term you are looking for is NOT 'level' BUT 'planar'. Level is level and there is no changing it. Planar is everything in the same plane. Be that a raked or pitched plane like a good deck, driveway, or sidewalk. Or planar can also encompass level planes. But level can never encompass pitched items. There is a reason we have and use these words. You need to know and use them. Otherwise you confuse people that are ignorant but wanting to know more. And in turn you make the whole situation even muddier for them when they try communicating with others.

[@TheeEccentricEd]

I see this as a first generation design. It has some drawbacks, but a sound system in design. Yes, improvements can and will be made as time shows issues. Do I want one yes. What is the cost per sqft?

[@rpedroso12]

Can you provide the sizes of the post, footings, joists and ledger

[@dashriprock5720]

This deck is not too high off the ground, so what is the advantage of this over a raised patio? How does water drain? Is it safe to put a fire pit on this surface?

[@susanfloyd3715]

If it has to be level, how do you pitch for drainage?

[@Lilmiket1000]

Haha funny I'm not a tiler but they started exactly where I was thinking was best the whole time. Guess watching youtube has been paying off.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Lakario!

[@Evan_Adams]

How do you stop weeds from growing in that sand?

[@gabemalcolm4429]

Wow, that is pretty cool! Thanks, Stan!

[@Dirtmonkey]

Thanks Rufus!

[@raymundbrown2644]

What about the additional weight? How does that factor into a deck especially when it is 10ft off the ground?

[@ahkeen]

Yah I have the same question. All these tiles is going to lower the amount of weight a deck can hold.

[@W333dm4n]

Thats a quick and dirty type of job

[@Donald_Shaw]

Looks good now, but what's it going to look like in 3-5 years? Personally, I would do it at my house.

[@Dirtmonkey]

I have seen this done before but this system is an improvement over the old ways. This should look the same in years down the road

[@ilovegodverymuch8791]

I wish I can do this to my yard

[@Dirtmonkey]

Its a cool system!

[@internettoughguy]

That tape is a brilliant solution for trapping any water that gets under it.

[@silcasystem2012]

Hi, Internet Tough Guy! We have found that when used properly, our tape is a great way to extend the life of the deck structure even more! Cheers!

[@maxme8524]

Sounds good however no matter how flat you build a deck over a short time joist will dry out twist, shrink and sag.

[@nikolasvel]

Does the concrete sidewalk around the deck cause any water flow issues?

[@louishollandjr]

1x6x8 Pvc that looks like tile is KEY faster and cheaper.

[@jmaegm]

Lots of work just to get it right, I'm thinking it's probably too expensive just to install, plus the cost of products which are also several. I think I'll find something that's doable

[@cuchulainnirie289]

What stops the silica sand from working itself under the tiles in high traffic areas, and potentially cracking the tile or eventually causing lippage? Interesting product, though whats the material cost on an average sized deck of around 600sq.ft.? Minus lumber and paving tiles.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Its actually not as expensive as composite.

[@anthonyromano8565]

Are any of the tiles glued down at all or just when there is a wobble?

[@Dirtmonkey]

Just as leveling compound.

[@coewendland]

I can't be impressed because this process is probably the most expensive way to build a deck. Although I do like it it's just that around here we bid a simple 20x20 paver patio for $8,000 and still get the sticker shock face. Should be higher but the Americans got to compete with other countries citizens these days. Lol. Great job looks fun to build.

[@Hi.Im.Chucky]

Wouldn't it be super slippery when wet or snowed on?

[@jeremiahosullivan3033]

I'm not so sure about this product. It seems like a cool concept but in all reality I'm thinking about when someone rolls a heavy clay pot or fumbles on a heavy patio chair. This tile system does not provide full coverage so how strong could it be?

[@MRGMM]

lvl beams. or rip down plywood and make your own. (to make deck laser straight)

[@Randy_84]

What if you use composite wood? Do you still need the tape?

[@Dirtmonkey]

You wouldn't frame with composite wood.

[@karenc7093]

End of video just cuts off mid sentence? Video time on main page lists it as more than the actual video, so somewhere something got cut off in editing or posting. would love to actually be able to see the finished product. Since it has been 3 years a follow up video of the structure/build/tile field would be nice also.

[@angleparker6597]

I put porcelain on my decks and balconies 22 years ago. I loved the comments of block and fill in so I'm going to say first, my house is on the side of a mountain and the decks are 40+' off the ground. My balconies are still great, but my husband who is a contractor, was on a large job out of state when it came time to lay the tile so he hired two guys to complete it. Almost immediately some of the tiles started poppin up and I noticed when they did that the mortar on the tiles themselves were practically nonexistent. I also noticed that some of the tiles sounded hollow. I've had several tiles broken by things being dropped on the floor, a problem I've never has with the balconies. When this happened it was obvious from the back of the tile that it wasn't stuck to the mortar. Probably a little to much background, but my question is: if the tile is just floating on the mat and not secured to a solid surface, how do you prevent all your tiles from breaking?

[@grumpus3046]

That is a question I'd like to see answered too...

[@gamatoutsikos]

Why would they break with this method? It's not hollow. This is no different than installing pavers on ground

[@soggybottomboys2792]

I have to design a deck for my parents i think they will like this! But how much more is it than a regular deck

[@Dirtmonkey]

Its more expensive than a green treated but less than composite.

[@kurmis999]

sad is we don`t have this products in UK. It will go well with steel frame.

[@Dirtmonkey]

I bet it will get there eventually

[@MNnytrorider]

How is the stone sacred on the steps?

[@brianacker1027]

How would this work on a deck above water? Would it be able to handle being submerged when the water comes Up?

[@silcasystem2012]

Hi Brian! We recommend using a flexible adhesive such as Surebond-190, as it has a 2,000 PSI tensile strength and is not caustic to the polymer grate. We have definitely taken situations like that into consideration, and because of that, we are ICC certified in the state of Florida for upswell. Thanks for the question! Cheers!

[@jdcustoms6663]

I personally would not ever offer this option to my customers. We stopped building large decks out of wood due to the extreme humidity and temperature swings we have here in Texas. The framing materials that you buy now especially pt wood and most of it comes from indoor lumber yards, shrinks and warps dramatically after installing even if you allow it to climatize. Steel frame is much better long term. But this product looks like it would be way to labor intensive to be affordable. I’d be interested to know the cost difference of this option over any other product.

[@59seank]

I noticed a vent sticking out from the middle of the stairs leading into the house. How did you handle finishing that? It seems like that is something that would not pass code.

[@Dirtmonkey]

That vent will be moved.

[@59seank]

Thanks.

[@junkmail1203]

Mind putting the material list in your description and where to buy them?

[@Dirtmonkey]

Its from belgard. I think there is a link in the description now.

[@abbtech]

At 1:23 it looks like the weight of the deck is supported by the bolts. Is notching the support posts not needed because it is low to the ground?

[@grumpus3046]

okay, that deck is cantilevered and done so correctly. To answer you question, though, if you're going to put that much weight on a deck that is not cantilevered, it's always a good idea to notch the post. Where I live code requires two rim joists...first one is notched into the post, second one is lagged, timber locked, whatever, onto the first one. And that's for a regular deck, no tile, no matter how low to, or how high from the ground. Hope that helps you...

[@diverhose]

Okay, some of you say expensive, I have no idea. But consider this, I got a quote for an 11x20 area (standard grey ugly pavers) for $3400.00 in NJ. I have not done the math for the system in this video, but would it the same or much less using this new system? I don't like anything permanent, so I like that I can tear up the new system pretty simply than breaking up concrete.

[@rtomlinson84]

You think this system would be less? Hahahahahahahaha. You would MAYBE get most materials for 4K.....

[@billrocha4584]

Someone wasn’t checking there crown but don’t worry a shim will fix that right up lol

[@Mistelle22]

Oh, I've love your humor! Catch my like for crouching dirt monkey position 😂🐒

[@ironwooddesigns9532]

What about painting the joists? It'd be quick and cheap.

[@bartosullivan8050]

"It can be pitched, but it must be level". This guy would not last long as a pilot.

[@tommyholmes64]

your right!! I think he means it has to be flat not level!! They are not tile guys, their lay out sucks!

[@kyleparks1900]

I wonder how that holds over the long run?

[@Dirtmonkey]

This has been around an dit holds up great long term.

[@jeffmoore2351]

A good versatile system is it going to be distributed in Australia. Thanks Stan

[@Dirtmonkey]

Sorry Jeff, I have no clue if its going to Australia.

[@silcasystem2012]

Hi Jeff! We actually have dealers all across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands! Check out the website for our team over there at silcasystem.co.nz. Cheers!

[@terrythomas790]

Just wait until the joists start to dry out, twist and bow. One already was sagged and they add a strip of roofing shingles.?? Im not a contractor, but I wouldnt do this to my place. Looks like too many potential problems

[@marks3750]

I've been in remodeling for 30 yrs and this looks like a lifetime of problems ahead until it's torn out. But I could be wrong.

[@chainscdmc]

Never understood why people put products that last virtually forever on PT wood that will not last forever.

[@loganpatterson4674]

“Selling essential oils” that’s hilarious

[@Dirtmonkey]

LOL

[@dredreday3saavedra485]

Hello. I have a general deck question. Is there a limit to the height you can install a deck on deck concrete blocks ?

[@stevep4209]

you will want to check with your local county permit office. Here in PG county MD any wood structure over 8" requires a permit and needs 16" x 30" cement footers.