What's the Best Material for Steel Deck (Overall and For Walking On in Summer)?

I’m interested in what’s a better material for a steel deck infill – cement, diamondplate, metal slats, etc.?   Here’s the feedback I’ve gotten so far (I’d love feedback from professionals and people who have real-world experience with different options): Cement is more expensive (about $3,000 more for our deck) but lower maintenance and doesn’t get as hot for bare feet in the summer (but it’s uglier), metal slats (what I’ll call the Lopopolo deck) are pretty, let water and some light through, and will get hot probably; diamondplate gets fairly hot in summer but is less costly.  One possible contractor said to get through permitting and building and then put an overlay of wood on whatever material we choose for the deck (but of course that means we pay for the steel or cement and then again for the wood).  Thoughts?

jeanmarine2

in Decks and Porches 12 years ago

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jeanmarine2 | 12 years ago

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I’d love to see pics of the cement with tiles on a steel frame or whatever the steel tile decks look like. Would any of you be able to post photos? I looked online but couldn’t find photos of what you are talking about. I am interested in pricing it out with our contractor and we are meeting this week to decide. Or you can email me offline at jeanmarine @ yahoo dot com. Thanks again!

anotherposter | 12 years ago

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We have a steel deck with the cement tiles.  I really wanted ipe wood and thought I would hate the cement, but it’s not bad.  It’s definitely low maintenance and the dog seems to enjoy the coolness of the cement.  I like that there are fewer slits for things to fall in with the tiles (about 23 inches square) than there are with wood decks (which we have lived with before).  It’s easier to balance chair legs and set glasses down on than boards, as well.  It also looks pretty nice with the light grey against the black railing.

SewardWasRight | 12 years ago

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our neighbors have a large light-ish color outdoor carpet on their diamond plate deck that works for them. we are going to go with that. seems the cheapest, quickest, easiest, &c.

brokelin | 12 years ago

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Nicest one I ever saw on a house tour had slate squares set into the metal decking material…really nice underfoot, and pretty.

curated | 12 years ago

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Diamond plate while cheapest is the least attractive option. Subway type grating (metal slats) are more attractive but not that great to walk on with bare feet….although if you plan on adding wood after your permits are closed out this is the best option. Concrete while most expensive is nicest to walk on and if planned properly you can lay tile rather than having bare concrete.