What are the best outdoor stone deck materials available for purchase?

If you want an outdoor stone deck material you can buy today from Tanzite, the “best” choice depends on one decision: rain-through vs waterproof. Tanzite sells two distinct purchase-ready systems:

• Appalachian Collection: a rain-through stone board system installed like composite decking with hidden fasteners (typical backyard decks).

• Rainier Collection: a free-floating waterproof stone tile system installed over a subfloor + waterproof membrane, also used for patios/walkways/over concrete.

This guide shows what to buy, which system fits which project, and how to estimate your materials using Tanzite’s own tools and specs.

Read more: Outdoor Kitchen on a Deck: What Substructure Do I Need? (Loads, Layout, and a Safe Build Plan

Quick decision table: which outdoor stone deck material should you buy?

What makes an outdoor stone deck material “best” (what buyers should evaluate)

Even when you stay inside one brand, you still want to buy based on outcomes, not buzzwords:

1. Water management: do you need rain-through drainage or a waterproof assembly?

2. Traction: does the surface have a purposeful texture for wet conditions? (Tanzite applies a “non-slip texture.”)

3. Heat comfort: how does it feel under summer sun? (Tanzite claims it warms more slowly than composite, and recommends testing samples.)

4. Maintenance reality: can you clean it easily, and what cleaners are acceptable?

5. Buyability: are there clear sizes, bundles, accessories, and estimating tools so you can purchase the right amount?

Tanzite’s product line is easiest to understand when you treat it as two different deck “assemblies,” not one product.

Read more: What deck shape fits an L-shaped house?

What Tanzite StoneDecks is made of (Tanzite’s own description)

Tanzite says its stones are made from natural stone powder and carefully controlled moisture, compacted under extreme pressure into molds. After molding, a surface pattern and non-slip texture are applied, then the pieces are kiln-fired at temperatures exceeding 2,900°F.

Tanzite also describes the stone as “man-made stone” created with “heat and pressure,” likening the concept to how man-made diamonds are produced.

What this means for a buyer: you’re purchasing an engineered, repeatable stone product designed for outdoor performance—rather than relying on the variability of quarried stone batches.

Outdoor stone deck material option #1: Appalachian Collection (rain-through stone boards)

What it is

Appalachian is Tanzite’s rain-through system. Tanzite says it installs “as easily as any composite, with clips,” over a typical wood frame.

They also explain that Appalachian is a non-waterproof system installed directly against the deck frame with hidden fasteners and gaps between boards to let rain fall through—similar in structure and process to composite decking, but Tanzite notes it’s not made of plastic.

Best use cases

Appalachian is a fit when:

• your deck is over landscaping/yard where water can drain below

• you want a “board deck” look (plank layout)

• you’re building stairs/landings where a board format is easiest to detail
  Tanzite specifically notes Appalachian can be built over a new or existing deck frame made from wood or metal and is ideal for elevated decks, docks, stairs, and can be installed on the ground.

What you actually buy (Appalachian shopping list)

At minimum, an Appalachian purchase typically includes:

• Grooved Boards (main surface boards)

• Edge Boards for exposed perimeters (finished top + front edge)

• Corner Edge Boards (pre-mitered for outer corners)

• Clips/Fasteners (grooved clip packs and fascia clip packs)

• Optional but common: Joist tape, spacer clips, sanding pad for edges

Detail that helps your post rank: edge finishing

If you want your blog to feel “installer-grade,” explain why edge boards matter: Tanzite says Standard Edge Boards are used on the exposed perimeter/stairs because they have a finished top surface and front edge; they’re held with starter/edge clips and groove clips.

Pricing (how to talk about it without getting burned)

Tanzite lists Appalachian items with pricing (which can change). For example, their Appalachian shop page shows pricing per square foot for boards and accessories.
In the blog, phrase it like:

“Use Tanzite’s live shop pricing and estimator to price your exact area and edge needs.”

Read more: Tools List for DIY Deck Tiles + Time Estimate for 200 sq ft (Complete 2025 Guide)

Outdoor stone deck material option #2: Rainier Collection (free-floating waterproof stone tiles)

What it is

Rainier is Tanzite’s free-floating waterproof system. Tanzite describes it as installed over a subfloor and waterproof membrane, providing added protection and flexibility.

Tanzite also positions Rainier as a waterproof installation system that can cover everything “without using concrete, mortar or grout,” and highlights an EPDM rubber gasket system for installation.

Best use cases

Rainier is the “best” Tanzite choice when you need:

• dry space below (deck over patio/living space)

• a solution over an existing deck or plywood subfloor (Tanzite says it installs over either)

• patios/walkways/over concrete: Tanzite says Rainier stones “look amazing” installed on the ground for patios/walkways or over concrete.

What sizes are available (examples from Tanzite product specs)

Many Rainier SKUs list a 12 × 24 × 0.75 in format (sold 5 pieces per bundle).

Tanzite also sells Rainier “flooring blocks” in a 6 × 48 × 1 format (with bundle details listed on the product page).

What you actually buy (Rainier shopping list)

For a Rainier project, you’re typically buying:

• Rainier tiles/blocks in your chosen color and format (e.g., 12×24 tiles)

• Gaskets / gasket kits (Tanzite sells a Rainier gasket kit and describes contents)

• Waterproof membrane components if your assembly requires it (Tanzite notes EPDM membrane in its policies and product ecosystem)

If your goal is “buy once, install cleanly,” your content should emphasize that Rainier is a system: stone + gaskets + subfloor/membrane strategy.

Read more:  modern deck ideas with low maintenance.

Rain-through vs waterproof: the difference you must explain clearly

This is the section that prevents bad purchases—and drives the right kind of leads.

• Rain-through systems allow water to pass through and drain below (typical decks).

• Waterproof systems are about protecting the space under the deck (over patios/living space).

Tanzite has a dedicated explainer article on “Rain-Through vs Waterproof Deck—what’s the difference?” and explicitly connects Appalachian vs Rainier to this decision.

If you put one “decision box” in your post, make it this.

Read more: Deck: wood vs composite vs stone—pros, cons, cost, maintenance

Heat, traction, and cleaning (Tanzite’s own guidance)

Do the stones heat up in the sun?

Tanzite states that everything heats up under summer sun, but claims Tanzite warms more slowly than composite and “never reaches the same high temperatures as similarly colored composites.” They also say darker colors absorb more heat and recommend choosing lighter colors if heat retention matters—and ordering samples to test in your own conditions.

Is it designed for traction?

Tanzite says the surface pattern and non-slip texture are applied during manufacturing.
They also note that the non-slip properties “can take a bit more effort to clean.”

How to clean Tanzite (buyer-friendly “care” section)

Tanzite’s Care & Cleaning page says:

• clean with soap & water

• for deeper cleaning, use a heavy-duty granite/natural stone cleaner or Spray & Forget deck cleaner

• for grease (BBQ grease), use a degreaser (even heavy-duty engine degreaser)

• for haze, use tile haze remover

• for paint, use paint thinner
  They also state it can be scrubbed with a wire brush without damaging the deck.

That’s powerful content because it answers the purchase fear: “Will this be fragile?”

Read more: Cable vs Glass Railings: Cost, Maintenance, and Which One Fits Your Deck

How to buy the right amount (samples + estimator tools)

This is where most “best materials” blogs fail: they don’t help the reader actually purchase.

Step 1: Order a sample kit (don’t skip this)

Tanzite offers sample kits for both systems:

• Rainier sample kit includes actual Rainier stones and gaskets in every color.

• Appalachian sample kit includes actual Appalachian boards in every color and profile.

If heat/appearance/texture matters, Tanzite explicitly encourages testing samples in your own sun exposure.

Step 2: Use Tanzite’s “Build & Price” tools

Tanzite promotes cost estimators and the option to get a free custom 3D design and construction plan.

A key Rainier estimator detail (worth including because it proves “deep research”): Tanzite’s Rainier tool asks for the total length of exposed perimeter edge (the outward-facing edges, not the edges against the house) to calculate the stone needed to finish visible sides.

That’s exactly the kind of practical detail buyers search for.

Read more: Family-Friendly Deck That’s Splinter-Free and Slip-Resistant

FAQ

What are the best outdoor stone deck materials I can buy from Tanzite?

•  Tanzite sells two primary outdoor stone decking systems: Appalachian (rain-through boards) and Rainier (free-floating waterproof tiles over a subfloor/membrane).

What’s the difference between Appalachian and Rainier?

•  Tanzite says Rainier is installed as a free-floating system over a subfloor + waterproof membrane, while Appalachian installs directly on deck joists like traditional composite decking (no subfloor/waterproof layer required).

Can Rainier be installed over concrete or on the ground?

• Tanzite says Rainier stones look amazing installed on the ground for patios/walkways or over concrete.

What size are Rainier tiles?

•  Multiple Rainier SKUs list 12 × 24 × 0.75 in, sold 5 pieces per bundle.

Do Tanzite stones heat up in the sun?

•  Tanzite says everything heats up, but claims Tanzite warms more slowly than composite and doesn’t reach the same high temperatures as similarly colored composites; darker colors absorb more heat and they recommend testing samples.

How do you clean Tanzite stone decking?

•  Tanzite says soap and water works; they also list stone cleaner, degreaser (including heavy-duty engine degreaser), haze remover, and paint thinner, and state it can be scrubbed with a wire brush.

What warranty does Tanzite offer?

•  Tanzite states it offers a limited lifetime warranty.