One of the questions we constantly get asked at trade shows and over the phone is “Can we use Lewis Deck on traditional build or does it have to be on a certain type of build method?”

The answer is it doesn’t matter. The only design element that we look for is what is the floor support system underneath the deck? As long as there is a timber joist, a steel beam or even a concrete beam to support the Lewis Deck the system will work.

This was the case with this project. This self build project was to be traditionally built using concrete blocks with render and timber cladding providing the exterior look of the building. The main concern for the upper floor was for it to be solid, able to reduce the sound through the floor and also, due to the type of construction, it was needed to be a safe working deck that was able to hold the weight of the concrete blocks that were needed to build the upper floor of the house.

The Lewis Deck was exposed to the elements on this project for over 3 months while the 1st floor was build and before the roof was installed making the building watertight. In this time the deck was able to withstand the rigours of the traditional build process of blocks & mortar tubs being stored on it, materials being dropped on it, heavy foot traffic and also the English weather. As you can see from the photo above the Lewis Deck has been protected by laying the blocks on a scaffold board. This is recommended so that the decks dovetails aren’t damaged during this phase of the work.

Once the building was watertight the underfloor heating pipes and screed were installed without issue, as you can see from the photographs opposite.

When it comes to this element of work all we recommend is that the deck is checked and any heavy debris is removed from the dovetails and if needed running a vacuum cleaner over it, to remove heavy dust/ dirt, prior to the screed being laid.