Why Stone Decks Are the Cool, Low-Maintenance Alternative to Traditional Wood

Key Takeaway: Stone decks—built with systems like Stonedek—offer a durable, stylish, and surprisingly cost-effective alternative to traditional wood or composite decking, especially for complex backyard builds or hot, sunny spots. 

If you’ve ever owned a traditional wood deck, you probably know the pain: warping boards, weather damage, splinters, and constant maintenance. Even composite decking, while more durable, comes with its own drawbacks—especially when it turns into a heat trap during summer. 

That’s why more homeowners are turning to stone decking systems as a better way to build functional, long-lasting outdoor spaces. At Maplehurst Outdoor Living, we’ve found a game-changing solution that lets us incorporate pavers, porcelain tile, or natural stone into elevated decks: The Stonedek System. 

What Is the Stonedek System? 

Developed in 2007, the Stonedek system uses a patented SilcaGrate subfloor made from recycled plastic in a honeycomb pattern. It’s designed to attach directly to standard deck framing or retrofit onto existing structures, giving homeowners the option to upgrade their deck surface without starting from scratch. 

The result? A solid, attractive, and low-maintenance surface that looks and feels like a hardscape patio—but in places where a traditional paver install wouldn’t work. 

A Smarter Way to Renovate Old Decks 

In today’s market, with lumber costs soaring, reusing existing deck frames can be a huge win. We’ve used Stonedek to breathe new life into old, weathered decks—without needing to haul in truckloads of stone or build costly retaining walls. 

In one past project, we built a raised patio six feet above grade using Stonedek, allowing us to span over a septic system without disturbing it. A traditional build would have required extensive backfilling and structural reinforcement—not to mention the risk of future foundation or moisture issues. With Stonedek, we avoided all that and delivered a beautiful, functional patio at a lower cost. 

Stay Cool in the Summer Heat 

Many homeowners love the look of composite decking—until they try to use it during a sunny afternoon. On an 80-degree day, those surfaces can hit 150 degrees or more. 

We solved that problem for one client by installing Travertine stone decking using the Stonedek system. Travertine stays significantly cooler than wood or composite—often 20–30% cooler—making it ideal for western-facing decks or areas with full sun exposure. 

More Design Flexibility, Less Hassle 

Stone decking opens the door for custom finishes that truly set your space apart. From mixing pavers with composite inlays to using stone treads with wood kickplates on stairs, you can add texture, contrast, and personality to your outdoor living area. 

Raised patios built with this system also offer extra functionality—like accessible space underneath for storage or later upgrades such as low-voltage lighting or audio systems.

Expand Your Outdoor Living Space the Right Way 

At Maplehurst Outdoor Living, we believe your backyard should feel like a natural extension of your home—especially in a world that feels busier by the day. That’s why we look for smart, creative solutions that meet your budget while delivering high-quality results. Stonedek has become a trusted system in our toolkit, helping us offer clients a beautiful alternative to composite decking. 

Whether you're starting a new deck build, reworking an existing structure, or planning a multi-level outdoor living space, stone decking might be the perfect fit.  

Let us know if you’re ready to talk about upgrading your outdoor space with a cooler, longer-lasting deck option. We’d love to walk you through the possibilities.