[mccallaway]

Hello,

Has anyone ever installed a stone or ceramic tile floor on an elevated deck using the GratedeX underlayment system? I am building an elevated screened porch and I am trying to find the best solution to install a slate or ceramic tile floor. I can't find any online reviews of GratedeX that are not from the company website, and I would really appreciate some non-biased reviews before I purchase this product.

Thank you!

 

[oh'mike]

First give us the joist size and length(unsupported) and spacing--and one of us will give you the deflection.

It doesn't matter much what you have for an underlayment if the structure is to flexible for tile or stone.

 

[mccallaway]

Thanks for the reply. Please check out the company's website @ gratedex.com to se their product. They have all the specs for deflection, etc. on their site. This is a new project I am still designing...the screen porch will be 14'x14'. The company's underlayment product calls for joists 16" on center. I will choose the size of the joists based upon total weight of the floor when I choose the tile.

The beauty about their product (if it works) is that you can lay tile/stone over it (without grout) and water will drain between the tiles. I am looking for real world experience from someone who has used the product.

Thanks!

 

[oh'mike]

While I'm cooking supper and looking this up---

Google Schluter --They are the makers of Ditra and Kerdi--I believe they have a deck system---
They are a long time company and worth checking out.

Also go to Latacrete site---They are top notch also.

 

[oh'mike]

Boy. Nothing.--I went to John Bridge ---nothing-----JLC---nothing---CT--nothing

Looks like they have no pros using this one----Never seen a product with no pro reviews at all.

Could they be out of business but left their site up? (Joking)

I hear warning bells---There is a deck tile specialist at CT that posts occasionally---I'll see if I can find him tomorrow.--Long day tomorrow---see you later.---Mike----

 

[Bud Cline]

The beauty about their product (if it works) is that you can lay tile/stone over it (without grout) and water will drain between the tiles.

That may be but why would you want to do that?

How do you get all that dirt and filth out of those cracks that will collect in there over time?

 

[oh'mike]

I still haven't found articles or reviews---I can't believe that no articles would appear in any trade magazines ---I suggest contacting the company and ask to see some older installations 4 years or so.

 

[Bud Cline]

Have you noticed the photos of the "Happy Customers" in some cases also contain a brief view of their new deck? Have you also noticed that the deck furniture and deck surface in the company promotional photos on another page are the same deck and furniture?

So I'm guessing what? Grandma and grandpa?:yes:

I would be careful of this one until you can determine if they are going to manufacture the pieces you need when they get your money or if this is a legitimate company with inventory and jobs on the ground already.

Do as Mike suggests...get customer names and phone numbers and addresses that go back a few years, and contact the happy customers.

Personally, I don't see the design working for stone or ceramic (tile) if I'm understanding how they say you can install the system.

 

[oh'mike]

Personally, I don't see the design working for stone or ceramic (tile) if I'm understanding how they say you can install the system.

I hate working over a tile job before it's been grouted--It's very easy to chip or crack a corner----The grout protects and supports the delicate corners.

 

[Bud Cline]

Amen to that!