BlokDEKs have an Aluminum structure but still use common decking materials for the surface. So there is no temperature difference between a blokDEK and a traditional deck. There’s a lot we can dive into with this one, but to keep it simple, the temperature under foot has everything to do with the surface and almost nothing to do with the structure. If you have a dark composite (plastic) deck, your bare feet will burn on a hot day. If this is a concern, choose a lighter composite colour or go with a wooden deck.

There are several, but the most important is anti-rot. Decking surfaces are getting very expensive as homeowners are seeking high quality extensions of their indoor living spaces. So in our mind, it’s really important to put your new (expensive) flooring on a structure that will stay perfectly flat and strong for decades.

For decking, definitely! One of the most important benefits to a metal deck is that is won’t rot. So don’t use a metal that will rust. Steel decks are made out of very thin metal that is painted for protection. We prefer to use a material that wont rust when it gets scratched, drilled, or cut.

Lumberyard materials CAN be pretty flat and straight, but they can also be awful. Your contractor might be the first one to the lift, but they might also be the last, leaving your project with warped and bowed lumber. Composite decking suppliers specify a structure that is flat to +/-1/8”. That’s not achievable with most lumber, and the decking does NOT look good on a poor structure.

For our Modular decks, the boards are preinstalled into panels and click into the frame. This hidden fastener style is perfect for looks as well as board life. For Custom and Composite decks, we use Camo Edge Metal screws that work great with our structure.

The wood and aluminum markets are very volatile, so it depends on the day. At blokDEK we provide a quality decking system that is competitive or cheaper than hiring a premium deck builder. Generally speaking, a finished blokDEK costs approximately double the price of the materials of a DIY deck.

Piling is definitely the best foundation and averages at about $2000 per deck. If you put your deck on concrete blocks, you can expect 2” of movement throughout the year. blokDEKS are unique in that they are very light, for small installations it is perfectly fine to not use piles in your project, simply relevel your deck using the leveling feet when the ground moves, it can save a lot of upfront cost.

Remember that this is YOUR space and it needs to fit your needs. Your friends, family and the internet will tell you exactly what you want if you let them. For some people, a DIY wood deck for less that $1,000 is the best way to go, for others, it’s a $25,000 masterpiece. The most important thing to consider is: Who is it for? And what will they do with it?

Composite decking is a great option for those who don't want to do any maintenance whatsoever on their deck but it comes with a caution. composite decking varies in price from $5 - $20/sqft and with good reason. Cheaper composite gets hot, slippery and moves a lot with temperature swings. More expensive options succeed at addressing most of these issues but at a really big premium. Another consideration is that composite decking is plastic, some manufacturers use recycled plastic to make the boards, but in almost every case, this will be the end of life for that plastic. Some environmentally conscious customers might choose cedar or hardwood.