FAQs

This table highlights the advantages and benefits of UDECX versus other decking options you might consider.

The UDECX composite deck surface pads are made of polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer resin, via a compression molding process. A fiberglass infill has been added to provide additional structural support and a UV inhibitor helps protect the surface from damage caused by exposure to the sun. The piers, shims and risers are made from 100% recycled polypropylene resin with talc added for additional strength thereby ensuring years of worry free use.

UDECX is committed to doing its part to safeguard the environment. In addition to our components being recyclable, when possible we’ve used recycled resins to create our components. UDECX also reduces the environmental impact of adding a deck by not requiring a sub-frame or treated lumber with associated health risks, not to mention waste going to a landfill. One of the best features of UDECX is that it is reusable; you can take it with you when you move or reconfigure it, meaning it never becomes obsolete.

Yes, the UDECX system is designed to come apart just as easily as it goes together. The modular design allows you to relocate, reconfigure or expand the deck easily.

Yes, all UDECX components are designed to allow for easy expansion. If you install a kit this year you can buy additional components in the future to expand you deck to change with your lifestyle.

Currently UDECX offers a railing system specifically designed to work with our pad, pier and cam-lock system. The railing is available in two colors currently, black or white. You can use the UDECX design online tool to layout your deck and then add railing. The program will generate your custom parts list based on your design.

UDECX has been designed to accommodate all soil conditions including clay, gravel, topsoil and even sand. If you do due notice settling in the deck, the modular design allows you to remove the pads in just the affected area and raise the piers either by adding soil or the use of one of our risers or shims to re-level the piers, reinstall the pads and you’re done.

In most municipalities a permit is not required to install the UDECX system since it is generally smaller than 300 sf, less than 30” off the ground and is not permanently bolted or otherwise attached to the home. You should check with your local building department to see if they would require a permit.

Yes you can! The basic building block of the UDECX system is a 40” x 40” square pad that comes in one of two color choices, Flint Grey or Cedar Red. Using this basic square building block, you can build almost countless configurations (think Legos!) Visit our Design Center for just a few examples of the practically unlimited different configurations that you can build with UDECX.

Yes, components are designed to work together and the modular system insures that future components will work with existing kits. The color of the existing deck will have faded slightly so the new pads may be slightly off in color. Most fading occurs the first year, so after a year or two the color will be very close to matching between the old and the new.

When installing the UDECX patio deck the piers need to be level with each other. You can level the grade at each pier location by using a 4’ level spanning between the piers to insure that all piers are level prior to installing the pads and cam-locks. Each starter kit includes (12) 1” shims and (4) 3” riser blocks, these allow for you to adjust for uneven ground.

The UDECX shims and riser blocks can be stacked to a maximum recommended limit of 1’above the ground. The UDECX system will be 6” above the ground with just the standard pier and by stacking the shims and risers up to a maximum of 1’ you end up 1’6”above the ground when the deck is fully installed. If the slope is is more than that you can dig down into the high end to reduce the overall height at the low end. An excellent option is to terrace the deck so you have a raised portion at the house and then step down onto a lower section of the deck where the ground falls away.

Consider using string and a string level. With the string 6” above the ground at the house you can stretch the string to where the deck will be at the low end and then measure down to see how high it will be off the ground.

A kit weighs approximately 460 lbs. When you have it shipped to your home from one of our retailers it will generally be dropped at the end of a driveway or other curbside area. Simply open the packaging and carry the components individually to where you intend to install your deck. The heaviest components are the surface pads that weigh about 40 lbs. each.

Yes, UDECX is similar to other component decking products, as long as there is sufficient space between the grill and the UDECX surface there isn’t an issue. UDECX recommends using a grill mat to prevent staining of the surface from grease or other debris.

UDECX has been engineered to support 100 psf, this is more than double the load requirement per code for most of the US.

Each UDECX starter kit includes a 12” steel spike for each pier to secure it to the ground. We also offer 18” spike if you use more than 6” of shims and risers in combination. We recommend using 18” spike where ever you have a railing post as well.

The UDECX pads each have a small crown to them that allows for water to drain to the edge of the pad and the small gap between pads allows for water to drain from the surface. Because UDECX is designed with a “floating” foundation there should not be an issue with freezing and thawing of the ground as long as the system is not directly secured to the home or other structure. The entire deck will move with the ground. If there are any areas of settling these can be easily addressed by re-leveling the piers in the affected areas.

We recommend cleaning you UDECX patio deck once a year with water and a brush or broom. A mild detergent can be used as well if there is staining from leaves or other debris. We do not recommends using a pressure washer as this could damage the surface texture of the pads.

UDECX components are guaranteed against faulty manufacturing for a period of three years from the date of purchase and covered for stain and fade for a period of 15 years from the date of purchase.

Yes, installing UDECX is very simple over an existing concrete patio. The piers would be secured to the concrete using concrete screws in place of the 12” spikes included in the kit.

A 10’x10’ starter kit can generally be installed in less than 2 hours with 2 people working. This will vary with the grade involved and other circumstances. The most time consuming portion of the job is spacing and leveling the piers. The UDECX starter kit includes a cardboard template to assist you in correctly spacing the piers. We also include (12) 1” shims and (4) 3” risers to make it easier to level the piers. The shim and risers nestle together and can be used in various combinations to add 1” up to 6” to the underside of a pier.

The system was designed to make it a very friendly DIY project, even for a novice. The modular system means there is no cutting, sawing or drilling. The only tools you need are a shovel to level the ground at the pier locations, a hammer for securing the pier top the ground with the included spikes and a level to insure the piers are aligned prior to installing the surface pads. The kit includes a hand tool for securing the cam-locks.

Yes, with UDECX you can “Imagine in the morning and Enjoy in the evening”.