Underfoot But Still on the Mind: Choices in Deck Surfaces

This class takes an in-depth look at the considerations and options when choosing materials to cover outdoor areas. It provides the tools to evaluate different coating options and presents new technologies that are coming into use.

Three CEU Hours

$23.99

Provider Approval Information

  • FBPE Florida Board of Professional Engineers Provider #0009623
  • CE Broker #50-32681 Michigan Board Of Professional Engineers
  • The New Jersey State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors #24GP00051100

Valid in states that do not issue Providership designations.

Throughout time, humans have recognized the importance of seeking refuge from harsh elements that can threaten our lives. However, with this necessity, there has always been a strong yearning to reconnect with nature. We want to establish a connection with the natural world, albeit on our own terms, rather than subject to unpredictable whims of the climate and circumstances.

To fulfill our longing to reconnect with nature, a significant portion of our activities have centered around creating outdoor spaces that seamlessly blend with our homes. These spaces serve as a gateway to the outside world, allowing us to enjoy favorable weather conditions at any given time of our choosing.

These open-air areas are known by various terms and have taken on different forms like lanais, porches, screened enclosures, and patios, among others. The prevalent outdoor spaces in Western culture, which are typically built and connected to houses, are decks, balconies, and patios. To better make informed decisions on which options to create and of what materials, we will explore the possibilities for building decks and balconies, usually elevated above ground level.

Learning Objectives

  • Recognize the evolving use of different materials to construct usable outdoor surfaces.
  • Explain the strengths and weaknesses of each available outdoor surface option.
  • Evaluate different coating options, used to cover and protect outdoor wood surfaces.
  • Identify the strengths and weaknesses of different coating materials used to protect wood surfaces.
  • Discuss new surfacing options that have been developed to overcome decking material limitations.
  • Describe how surfacing materials are being combined to minimize weaknesses and maximize strengths.

Who will Benefit from this Class

  • Civil Engineers
    Civil engineers involved in construction and infrastructure projects can benefit from learning about sustainable building materials. Understanding eco-friendly options helps in creating environmentally responsible and durable structures.
  • Structural Engineers
    Structural engineers can explore sustainable materials that offer both strength and environmental benefits. This knowledge is essential for designing eco-friendly buildings without compromising structural integrity.
  • Construction Managers
    Construction managers responsible for overseeing building projects can benefit from understanding sustainable materials. This knowledge aids in making informed decisions about material selection, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact.
  • Building Inspectors
    Building inspectors can enhance their knowledge of sustainable materials to ensure that construction projects meet environmental standards and regulations.
  • Students and Researchers
    Students studying engineering disciplines and researchers in the field of sustainable construction can gain foundational knowledge about eco-friendly building materials for their academic and research pursuits.

This course includes:

  • Virtual Access From Any Computer
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Competitive Pricing
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Frequently Asked Questions About this Class

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Yes. It is not necessary to pass the test in order to receive credit for this class.

Yes. You can proceed through the slides, activities, audio clips and video clips at your own pace. Take as long or as little time as you would like.

Yes. You should download or print this out for your records.

The class will be available for twelve months after the date of purchase.

No. Maintaining a record of completed Professional Development Hours (Continuing Education Units) is the responsibility of the professional. Your Education Pathways online account will have a history of the classes that you have taken but you should retain a copy of your certificates of completion.

FAQs About Our Online Classes in General

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to sue@educationpathways.biz.

Completing an online class is easy, even if your computer skills are not well developed. Instructions are clear.

Classes consist of slides that you may click through at your own pace. There are audio clips, some video instructions, activities like matching, drop and drag, pictures, visuals and case studies. Some classes have pop-up quizzes that are not scored. Some, depending upon the requirements of the agency that governs the industry, have final exams of multiple- choice questions. The classes are easy to take and move quickly, depending upon how fast the Learner wants to proceed.

Some industries require their licensees to maintain a fifty-minute hour of seat time and those slides are timed to assure that the requirement is met.

Yes, if the phone is in the landscape position but this is not the ideal way to enjoy or maximize what you learn from the class. A larger screen works very well and is much better to use. Also, some regulatory agencies prohibit taking continuing education classes on cell phones.

Yes. Here’s how:


  1. Click on “My Account” on top of Education Pathways home page.

  2. Enter the user name and password that you chose when you purchased your first class. Hit “enter” on your keyboard.

  3. Click on “View Course” for the class you would like to complete.


Yes, participants typically have access to course materials, presentations, and resources for twelve months after purchasing the course. This allows for review and reference, ensuring continued learning and application of knowledge.

Education Pathways has a 100% money-back guarantee. Should a learner request a refund before the successful completion of a class not reported as completed, the refund will be processed immediately.

Yes. When you reach the end of the class, you will see the word “Certificate” on the left side of the screen. Click on it to download. The Certificate of Completion will have your name, license number, number of continuing education hours (CEU or PDH) and date of completion. This certificate will remain in the dashboard of your account.

Education Pathways’ courses are approved by your state to fulfill your licensing renewal requirements if your state or profession requires this. Course descriptions and the approval numbers from each state's licensing agency are on the course page.

It is always the responsibility of the professional to determine that they have enrolled in the correct classes to fulfill their requirements. Contact the agency that regulates your industry in your state to confirm your requirements.

Education Pathways has been providing online continuing education classes for more than twenty years. We guarantee that the classes are appropriate for the professions that we serve and that promise is supported by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Education Pathways’ online classes provide an interactive learning experience that can be completed at your desired speed for a low cost. Learning by reading a book provides a different type of learning methodology at a significantly higher cost. If you want to revisit course information you can do so at any time within one year of purchasing the class. It is also possible to take a screenshot of a slide if you want to revisit it away from your computer.

Yes. If your profession requires that your credits be reported,. Education Pathways will do that promptly, usually within 24 hours. It sometimes takes the governing agency a few days to update your account. If reporting is not required, retain your Certificates of Completion for your records to confirm that you have completed the classes necessary to renew your license.