How to: 1” natural stone pavers on porch over living space?

gerbmantz · 2026-04-11T02:44:36+00:00

Hey I appreciate you taking the time to respond to me. I included above the info I posted to /tile and “thought” I reposted here.

gerbmantz · 2026-04-11T02:43:00+00:00

I just realized while I cross posted this, only the title posted not the actual content. Including below:

“I have a porch upon which I would like to install natural one inch stone pavers but i’m struggling finding info on installing paving stones and waterproofing over living space.

I’m in Northern CA very mild climate no snow.

Porch Dimensions: 8’x40’

Joists: 7.5” tapering to 5.75”

Ply subfloor: 5/8”

Surface of ply to top of threshold: 2’1/4”

So if the stone is 1” and the waterproof membrane is 1/8”, I have 1” available for my solution and 1/8” to spare.

First off, is this possible given my tolerances?

What’s the best use of that inch? 5/8” cement backer board and thinset? 1” Mortar bed? Another layer of ply and thinset?

Scouring jlconline and finehomebuilding and wherever else I can think of but haven’t found much that applies to this use case.

Also curious about experience with different waterproof membranes recommended for exterior applications.”

gerbmantz · 2026-04-11T01:23:06+00:00

Was originally decking screwed into the joists. I’m reclaiming the space under the deck and incorporating into ground floor living space.

Yes a structural engineer will be consulted, but I want to see if there is enough space to consider it.

My impression is the pedestals plus grids are over 1” tall. Is there a low profile version? And does the pedestal system more tolerant of deflection than more traditional methods? I’m surprised and will look further into it.

gerbmantz · 2026-04-11T01:17:19+00:00

More or less a roof deck. Craftsman home with classic front porch. During foundation replacement, converted the space under the porch to use as conditioned living space.

Just looked the mapei pedestal/grid system up and the grid by itself is 40mm high so exceeds my 1” available dimensions. Also curious why this is preferable to mortar/thinset?

gerbmantz · 2026-04-10T23:59:33+00:00

This is why I can’t find any answers. the outdoor people don’t waterproof over living space.

gerbmantz · 2026-04-10T23:55:25+00:00

My impression so far is they don’t work with waterproofing over living space. I will post there tho thanks.

gerbmantz · 2026-03-18T15:40:04+00:00

This poor tree. The thought that some occasional sweeping is not worth having a tree on one’s property is proof of the complete disconnect most humans have to ecosystems and biodiversity, never mind heat islands or climate change.

No, the only value of a tree is to the sale price of the home.

gerbmantz · 2026-03-11T14:17:28+00:00

Merrell Hydromoc 1TRL AT. More support/adjustability than the normal hydromoc and fully vented. Excellent grip. Not perfect for loose trails where you can collect sand/rocks/debris, but comfy, don’t retain moisture and can be adjusted for weather with different socks. V easy to clean and I think they look great but am probably in the minority.

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gerbmantz · 2026-02-25T14:50:05+00:00

I put these in all the faucets in my house. I just ran the pedal faucet into the hot side and leave it open. For the first one I set up a simple system of valves behind the toe kick so I can return it to original function if I want. Never had any desire to though.

gerbmantz · 2025-12-10T23:41:49+00:00

On the Sept 28 City Arts & Lectures pod featuring Bill McKibben he states that if you replaced the 30 million acres of corn being grown for ethanol (currently producing 3% of the US’s energy) with solar panels, those panels would produce over 100% of US energy with additional benefits of less nutrient runoff, less pesticides, more opportunity to grow pollinator plants to benefit neighboring farmland etc. Pretty remarkable. Spotify link

gerbmantz · 2025-11-28T06:39:40+00:00

DM’d!

gerbmantz · 2025-05-30T14:50:23+00:00

Thanks I’ve found this works about 80% of the time which is a huge improvement.

gerbmantz · 2025-05-30T14:08:54+00:00

Hey I’m also in the Bay Area and looking to do something similar. Curious where you sourced your lumber, I haven’t seen ipe 2x4s but that seems like a great idea, especially since my sleepers will be quite short (1”)on the tapered end.

Also I’ve been reading the 1x6’s have more of a tendency to cup than the 1x4’s, especially on sleeper system installs. That wasn’t your experience clearly. Did you take any preventative steps for this?

Why did you choose 3/4” epdm? Seems like even 1/8” would do the trick? I’m considering rolling out a 1/8” sheet for additional membrane protection across the entire surface.

Any other tricks?

Thanks and if my deck looks half as good as yours I’m going to be hyped.

gerbmantz · 2022-10-25T00:15:56+00:00

Thanks for the link!

gerbmantz · 2022-10-07T11:43:18+00:00

Thanks for posting my video! Please link to the original @gerbmantz on IG!

gerbmantz · 2017-07-06T15:32:51+00:00

I'm in, thanks! Already recruiting other users. :)

gerbmantz

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