A patio or a deck—traditionally, these have been your two choices for outdoor entertainment spaces. But recently, MoistureShield has combined those two options by making it possible to build a patio out of decking. MoistureShield’s InstaDeck is an outdoor flooring system that allows you to install composite decking over any flat, stable ground surface. An interconnecting grid system creates a freestanding base for composite decking.

The grid is compatible with MoistureShield’s Stratos, Vision, Meridian, Elevate, and Vantage decking, which are all rated for ground contact. The InstaDeck grid sections can be installed perpendicular to one another to create an offset pattern and borders and are also compatible with select Belgard pavers. Once the grid is laid out, you just need to trim the deck boards to size and snap them in place, no tools or fasteners required.

This unique flooring system could be a great solution to soften large areas of hardscaping; to cover an existing cracked, chipped, or spalled concrete patio; or for any project where speed and ease of installation is a priority. InstaDeck is made in the United States and costs about $14 to $20 per sq. ft. for both the grid and deck boards, depending on which board style you choose. The product is available at some big box stores and suppliers that carry other MoistureShield products. You can find the dealer locator at moistureshield.com.

— Mark Petersen; tech editor

From Fine Homebuilding #324

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