What are Deck Tiles?

Written by: BuildDirect

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Time to read 2 min

Building a deck can seem like a daunting task to a novice handyman, but deck tiles make it easy and fast. In a matter of hours, you can transform a tired balcony, porch, or sundeck from boring and ordinary to a stunning outdoor living area your family and guests will love. The best part is that you can lay deck tiles over existing wood deck or concrete floor – no preparation necessary.

Deck Tiles Advantages

Save time. Deck tiles are literally a snap to install . You can go from shabby to chic in a matter of hours.

Tiles are easy to install. The only flooring material easier to install is a throw rug. Deck tiles snap together easily with a minimum of fuss. No special tools are necessary for many installations.

Hide gaps, gouges, cracks, and warping in existing floor surface. If you need to cover an old wood or concrete floor with minor damage, deck tiles are stable enough to be placed right over most damage without repair. Major structural damage may need to be addressed before installation.

Tiles are scratch-resistant. It’s nice to know that your deck will stand up to punishment, even if you have kids and pets.

Flexible design. Combine a variety of styles and colors to create borders or medallions, geometric patterns, areas of interest, or classic diagonals.

Replacing damaged tiles is easy. Dart tournament gone horribly awry? Gargoyle fell off the roof gable? No problem. With deck tiles, you can snap out the damaged tiles and replace them immediately.

Installing Deck Tiles

Interlocking deck tiles snap together with pegs inserted into corresponding holes. A sturdy grid attached to each tile secures the strips and prevents sliding to provide a stable surface that will not shift or warp. Installation may require cutting the tiles to fit around protrusions, for example a fireplace, vent, or column, attached to the floor. If the floor space is regular with nothing attached to the floor, cutting may not be necessary. You can cover gaps around the edges with edge trim.

No matter what material, style, or color you choose, you’ll save on installation costs and make repair as easy as putting together a child’s puzzle. Your beautiful new deck will last for a long time to come.

For a high-level and visual look at what a deck tile installation project would look like, here’s a 5-minute video to take you through the steps.

With the overall view of the project in mind, below are some other things to consider when you’re thinking about buying deck tiles, besides how easy they are to install.

Things to Consider

The first consideration should be durability. If you’re considering wood for an outdoor setting, a tropical wood like teak or ipe will stand up to the elements for a long time. It is especially important to choose a wood traditionally used for boats and marine applications for decking in a typically wet environment.

Color is another important element. Before you decide, find out how the wood will age. Some woods, when exposed to sun and elements, will become mellow and rich in color. Others will bleach out and lose their tone.

In addition to color, you’ll want to think about style. Will you choose to lay out a complicated geometric design, a simple diagonal pattern, or some combination to create a unique design? You may even choose to mix woods or finishes to create contrast.

Insect-resistance is a quality of some woods. When choosing a wood, determine what wood-boring insects are indigenous to your area and choose a wood resistant to those insects.

Deck Tile Materials

Deck tiles come in a wide variety of materials, colors, and styles for endless design options. You are limited only by your own imagination. Choose from stone or ceramic, beautiful exotic woods in patterns or simple strips, or sturdy composite material.