Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: see-through deck design

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Decks
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 26 Mar 2001
Time: 08:55 PM

Comments

We do not recommend using glass block as a floor for your deck. Glass block works well on walls where proper support is possible. However, it would be too risky to have a deck surface made of glass block. The potential for failure is simply too great, putting your safety at risk. Occasionally, glass block has been embedded in concrete surfaces for decorative purposes, but not in large, massive amounts.

As to the use of clear acrylic sheeting such as Plexiglas® or similar, this might be possible under limited circumstances so long as it is suitably thick and well supported. However, clear sheeting can yellow, scratch easily (hazing) and may be very expensive or difficult to find in thick form. Generally 1/2" is about the thickest available material and it is not intended for live/dead loads. We would not recommend it for this application.

Whatever technique you decide, remember that the deck must meet local building codes and that safety and longevity are of paramount concern. Another possibility might be to use 2x4 or 2x6 planks, with a 1" spacing between them. Or, you could have a deck built using a steel "grate" type structure. This would be the strongest and safest of all and might give you the extra light you're seeking.

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