Replies

1. Expert Member
   MALCOLM TAYLOR | Apr 14, 2021 03:51pm | #1

   Michael,

   If the concern is just the decking, not the deck structure, I'd suggest beefing up the framing and either strapping the tops of the joists with pt 2"x4"s on the flat, or using one of the proprietary bases available, then use concrete pavers.

   I've done several decks that way. Here is one:

   
1. Expert Member
   BILL WICHERS | Apr 14, 2021 07:09pm | #3

   Malcolm, you do some really nice work. That deck reminds me of some of Frank Lloyd Wright's designs, melded with nature as he liked to do.

   For the OP:
   Prestressed concrete is pretty fire resistant, but is not a common residential building material. Steel bar grating is another option that is easier to work with, but it's very different in appearance from your usual deck materails. If you painted it it would have an industrial look, and it as the advantage of being readily available, pretty much fire proof (within reason), and structurally ably to span between joists or other supports on normal centers. This material with a steel frame would probably be your best option for a near fire proof deck.

   Bill

1. Expert Member
   MALCOLM TAYLOR | Apr 14, 2021 07:25pm | #4

   Thanks Bill, It was a fun renovation. I got to build my first pond too. It was great until a mink ate all the Koi.

   
2. 
   johngfc | Apr 14, 2021 08:23pm | #5

   Malcolm,
   Very nice deck! We're also looking at fire-resistant structure, but hadn't considered pavers. Neat idea, particuarly given the range of surface finishes now available, and avoiding the requirement for a waterproof deck. The beefed-up structure could be comprised of large timbers, which would meet fire code. I wonder if adding a couple piers close to the house side might help help handle the heavy decking - our snow load is 50 psf so attaching such a heavy structure to the house might pose a challenge. Thanks for the nice photo!

1. Expert Member
   MALCOLM TAYLOR | Apr 14, 2021 10:49pm | #6

   John,

   They add about 20 lbs per sf, so not insubstantial, but not crazy heavy either.
   Both of those are waterproof decks. The pavers sit on plastic spacers on top of the membrane.

   There are also proprietary systems with light weight pavers like this: http://www.tiletechpavers.com/Roof/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIte6W8p7_7wIVwRB9Ch1L_Q-REAAYASAAEgIdXfD_BwE

2. GBA Editor
   Kiley Jacques | Apr 14, 2021 04:25pm | #2

   Hi Michael,

   Steel comes to mind. Take a look at the deck featured in the third project covered in this post: Three Projects, Multiple Lessons.

3. 
   jimkas | Apr 15, 2021 07:01pm | #7

   Ipe is considered fire resistant as a decking. We build roof decks in Chicago with this and it meets all local codes, the same as steel.

   We are also using it on a project in Colorado where it meets WUI specs

   It looks more like a typical deck.

4. 
   sunrisehomestead | Apr 23, 2021 01:06am | #8

   Mike- I've seen your truck around and heard of your work. I'm based in Occidental. There's a new WUI tested/compliant decking material I got samples for recently...not too shabby.

   Shoot me an email [email protected]

   Nick