On May 28, 7:09*am, Jim Elbrecht wrote:
On Wed, 28 May 2008 03:21:01 GMT, "N/A" wrote:
I am considering to build a patio with a roof. I am debating whether to use
16" squared patio stones, * or using trated 1.25"x6" deck boards on
top of *2"x4" treated studs, flat layed. *That will leave 1.5" space under
the deck board.

Eventhough I am going to put 4" of gravel underneath, I may still have some
drainage issue. Will mold grow under the deck board? If it does, will it
grow to the otherside (deck surface)?

Mold, moss, crickets, mice, and other vermin will love that space. And
you'll be looking at cracked, warped boards in short order. * *



It will be a small patio/deck (16'x16'), covered with those pieces of clear
plastic roofs, outside the doors of the walkout basement.

My personal preference would be a stone patio with a canvas cover that
could be quickly taken down when hurricanes threatened.

But at any rate stone [and I'd look at 2" thick pavers] is your best
bet. *Put it on a well drained, well compacted [that means renting a
plate compactor] sub base and you'll get years of nearly maintenance
free service. *

Jim

Another option is stamped concrete, which can be made to look like
slate, stone, brick, etc in a wide array of colors. For something so
close to the ground, I'd go with either concrete or pavers.