Decking tiles offer homeowners an innovative solution for flooring outdoor decks and areas compared to traditional wooden decking boards. Decking tiles are modular tile units typically made from composite or plastic materials that are durable, low maintenance alternatives.
Composite Decking
Made of recycled wood or plastic composites that provide the look of wood without the disadvantages of real wood like rotting or warping. Composite tiles are extremely durable and require no staining or sealing.
Plastic Decking
Manufactured from HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic, a material known for its slip resistance, stability, and resistance to chemicals, moisture, mold and UV rays. Plastic tiles won’t crack, splinter, or rot over time with exposure.
Ceramic Tiles
Ideal for high-end designer decks, ceramic deck tiles come in a vast array of styles from natural stone and woodgrain looks to vivid colors and patterns. Ceramic tiles stand up well to extreme heat and freezing temperatures.
Wood-plastic Composite (WPC) Tiles
A blend of recycled wood fibers encased in a matrix of HDPE plastic or PP (polypropylene) that captures the aesthetic of real wood with the low maintenance of plastic. WPC decking resists splinters, warping and rot.
Benefits of Using Decking Tiles
Durability
Decking tiles offer far superior durability than traditional wooden decking boards that easily crack, split, and warp when exposed to wet weather or UV radiation from the sun over time. Tiles constructed from composite and HDPE plastic materials have exceptional resistance to damage or degradation. Even tiles made of lighter WPC blends and ceramic can outperform standard wood decking boards in withstanding foot traffic and natural elements.
Low Maintenance
Regular maintenance is not needed for most decking tile varieties in the way that wood decks demand ongoing staining, sealing or painting. Tiles do not absorb water that can cause rotting underneath if not properly cared for. Their non-porous construction means spills, leaf debris and other organic material effortlessly wipe away with a hose or broom rather than lingering in wooden crevices.
Comfort and Slip-resistance
Composite and plastic decking tiles often feature raised dot, rippled or scalloped patterns on their surfaces that provide excellent traction under wet or dry conditions. This slip-resistant texturing allows decking tiles to stay safer than ordinary wood boards that become slick when wet or muddy.
Variety of Designs
Decking tiles come in a vast array of colors, textures, patterns and edge styles allowing for highly customized aesthetic designs. Colors range from neutral earth tones meant to blend into natural outdoor environments all the way to vibrant rainbow hues suitable for contemporary architecture.
Common Uses for Decking Tiles
Residential Decks
Decking tiles have become a highly popular option for deck flooring renovation or new construction projects at private homes. Their low maintenance and lasting durability particularly appeals to homeowners seeking to beautify and protect their investment from wear and tear over the long run. Composite and plastic tiles provide an easy and affordable way to refresh tired wooden decks without a complete rebuild.
Outdoor Kitchens
The water-resistant and slip-resistant qualities of tiles make them ideal for high-traffic entertainment areas around outdoor grills, sinks and countertops. Debris and spills easily wipe away, preventing mold growth or rotting in these damp spaces. The tile surface also stays cooler underfoot than wood during busy cooking activities on hot days.
Pool Decks and Surrounding Areas
Chlorinated pool water and constant moisture wreak havoc on ordinary wooden decking over time, but properly installed tiles hold up well to these hazardous conditions. Their imperviousness to water damage and algae growth creates a low-maintenance oasis near swimming and spa areas. Brightened tile colors pop without fading too in these locales.
Roof Decks
Lightweight tiles allow deck construction atop residential and commercial rooftops not structurally suitable for heavier wood-based materials. Their slip-resistance provides additional safety benefits for high-traffic roof decks with dramatic views appealing for entertaining. Proper installation methods tackle wind lift concerns on such elevated decks as well.
FAQs
How long do decking tiles last?
High-quality composite and plastic decking tiles are rated to withstand decades of use with minimal maintenance requirements when properly installed. Ceramic tiles can realistically continue serving for 50+ years. Even wood-plastic composite blends made from recycled materials frequently outperform traditional wood decking boards needing replacement every 10-15 years.
Are decking tiles more expensive than wood?
Initial material costs of composite, plastic or WPC tiles tend to be on par with or only moderately higher than pressure-treated wood decking boards. However, their exceptionally long lifespan and lack of recurring staining/sealing costs means decking tiles prove more cost-effective over the long-run despite higher upfront expenses. Premium ceramic tiles represent the priciest option but maintain value exceptionally well.
How easy are decking tiles to install?
Most tile varieties install very similarly to wood decking with interlocking connections or hidden fasteners. Their lightweight nature compared to heavy deck boards also aids installation. Snap-fit composite tiles require no fastening at all. While more intricate tile patterns necessitate additional planning, tile installation remains manageable for ambitious DIYers or contractors. Manufacturers provide comprehensive guidelines.
Conclusion
Decking tiles provide numerous benefits over wooden deck boards through their durability, design diversity, ease of maintenance and performance characteristics suitable for many outdoor applications. Their resistance to water damage, extreme heat/cold, UV rays, mold, algae and normal wear-and-tear translates to minimal long-term costs and preservation of curb appeal.