Deck option


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Old 03-31-22, 08:18 PM
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Deck option

I’m rebuilding my deck, I’ve decided to use decking tiles for easier maintenance, cleaner look, design
My question is; can I use treated fence boards instead of thicker decking boards as a base to hold the interlocking deck tiles?
I’m trying to cut cost but is this saving worth it or even an option?
any advice? Thanks
 
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Old 03-31-22, 08:26 PM
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Probably not but would depend on the spacing of your joists. Why not avoid maintenance altogether and just use composite decking?
 
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Old 03-31-22, 08:49 PM
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Ok I guess I’ll get deck boards!!!
I kinda knew the answer, was hoping I could cut a few corners
thanjs for responding
why you ask; cause cost was too high lol
 
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Old 04-01-22, 03:08 AM
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What are decking tiles?
Most PT fence boards are too thin to be used to walk on, even if you put the joists closer together.
Cost is the reason my deck has PT pine and not composite.
btw - welcome to the forums!
 
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Old 04-01-22, 07:39 AM
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I could cut a few corners
Cutting corners on a deck is only going to cost you more in the long run. Quality materials will last much longer, think composite, and be cheaper in the long run with time and money!
 
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Old 04-01-22, 08:29 AM
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Also keep in mind that deck construction is governed by your local building codes. I have never seen "fence boards" as an approved material or used in deck construction so I doubt it would meet code. At the minimum it might cause you some trouble with getting approval.
 
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Old 04-01-22, 08:29 AM
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Thanks for welcome 🤗
decking tiles are composite tiles that interlock to each other, they create an inexpensive floor option, I got them a few years ago, just tired of keeping up with treated wood maintenance, they’re actually quite nice, they come in wood also, easy to clean and maintain, no I’m not a deck tile salesperson lol
 
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Old 04-01-22, 08:36 AM
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I understand fence boards are thinner and not appropriate for flooring, wear and tear, weight appropriate etc. but my thought is using the fence boards to close off top of deck frame to be able to lay the interlocking deck tiles on, so now I have an inexpensive treated base, topped with tiles to create a solid floor!
is this wrong?
kinda hard to explain my idea, maybe I’ll just stick to 5/4 boards
 
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Old 04-01-22, 09:25 AM
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Give a link to the "deck tiles" I also have never heard of them!
 
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Old 04-01-22, 09:31 AM
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I'd be concerned that moisture might get trapped under the deck tiles causing the wood to rot.
As mentioned above a link would be nice.
 
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Old 04-01-22, 11:40 AM
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Here is a link to deck tiles.....https://www.newtechwood.com/product/deck-tiles/
 
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Old 04-01-22, 01:20 PM
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Interesting, more like composite squares!

I did not see anything, although I only cruised, that I saw any "deck requirements", this seems more like a covering for a solid surface like a patio!
 
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Old 04-02-22, 03:55 AM
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Thank you to the person who posted the link, the surface of the tiles is raised so that water can flow through as to not cause moisture buildup
they are made to be placed on flat surfaces, on wood, cement etc
I’ve had these for two years now, on my existing deck, with no problems
my original question before we all went on different directions was
- the tiles are 1/2 inch thick
- Raised to allow water flow
is a fence board ok to use as a covering (base) on a deck frame?
so I can place the tiles on it

 
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Old 04-02-22, 04:12 AM
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This time I looked, there are no technical requirements given for the surface(s) they are installed on so you have to default to the requirements of that surface. Being a deck, fence boards are not sufficient to provide support so the answer is no!
 
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Old 04-02-22, 05:43 AM
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Since the tiles are not part of the structure, they must be placed on adequate structure and fence boards are not such.
 
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Old 04-03-22, 04:10 AM
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Thank you all for your advice
I will take your advice and proceed with proper deck thickness required
this was quite an interesting process
I appreciate all your input, I’m a painter by trade able to do handy stuff but no deck expert so thank you all for steering me in the right direction.
 
 

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