What Types of Deck Tiles Can Be Installed Over Grass?

By Kyle Schurman Created: May, 2021 - Modified: January, 2024

Sometimes, the best option for laying deck tiles over grass will be a perforated material. The perforations that extend through the entire thickness of the tile will allow water to drain through to the grass, rather than pooling on top of the tile. The perforations may allow a little bit of sunlight through as well, keeping the grass viable.

Some of the best options for installing deck tiles over grass include:

  • Black StayLock Perforated Tile
  • Colors StayLock Perforated Tile
  • Ergo Matta Perforated Outdoor Tile
  • Safety Matta Perforated Green Tile
  • Portable Outdoor Tile


It’s not recommended to leave any of these deck tiles over grass for a lengthy period of time in areas where the installer wants the grass to survive.

Eventually, during a layout that lasts for days, the weight of the tiles and the lack of full sunlight will damage the grass. Removing the tiles promptly after the event and allowing the grass to recover will ensure that it remains as healthy as possible.

Rather than using an artificial grass area or a wood deck to create a sitting area, performing an install of these deck tiles over grass is an easy process to follow that minimizes the amount of time and expense involved.

Be sure to select a type of tile that has materials that are safe to use outdoors. They should be waterproof and be able to stand up to constant sunlight exposure. PVC plastic, which often has flexibility to it, and no-break polypropylene plastic are good choices for this use case.

Are PVC Plastic Tiles Safe for Protecting Against Falls on a Deck?

Laying interlocking PVC plastic tiles over the top of a grassy area is a great way to create a sitting area for a temporary patio or deck that also has a bit of cushioning to guard against falls.

Black StayLock Perforated TilePut these snap together tiles in place, and the space will be ready for gatherings within several minutes. After the event, disassemble them and place them in storage just as quickly, giving the grass the ability to bounce back.

The Black StayLock Perforated Tile and Colors StayLock Perforated Tile products both have the same design, creating a sturdy deck tiles over grass layout. Generally, the black version can be acquired at a lower price point due to its use of recycled material.

Customer Angie uses these to create an area for her show dogs to lay outside on the temp deck without becoming dirty again after a bath.

Each tile uses a system of tabs and loops to create the connection without the need for glue. The interlocking system is not visible upon the final installation, which yields a clean look.

Customer Art appreciates the weather-tough materials in these tiles, which allows them to maintain the desired look over time.

Both of these tiles have a flexible design that simplifies installation and that provides just a bit of cushioning to guard against falls.

In addition to a sitting area, customer Amelias installed these to form as a play area for kids atop grass.

With these StayLock models, select either the black deck tiles over grass, or pick among color options including:

  • Light blue
  • Dark green
  • Light gray
  • Terra cotta
  • Tan



Ergo Matta Perforated Outdoor TileAnother type of colorful deck tile that installers can place over the top of natural grass is the Ergo Matta Perforated Outdoor Tile. The colors available with this model include:

The colors include UV protection built into the PVC plastic material, so they will continue to look new and vibrant over years of regular use.

These tiles have a rectangular shape, rather than the traditional square shape, which may fit the planned use case and layout better in certain circumstances. They measure 0.83 by 1.67 feet in coverage size.

The cushioning in these tiles is helpful in areas where children may play and fall, as it has a fall height rating to protect the kids using them.
  • Beige
  • Black
  • Blue
  • Gray
  • Green
  • Red
  • White
  • Yellow




Safety Matta Perforated Green TileIn deck areas where slipping is a concern, consider the Safety Matta Perforated Green Tile. In addition to its perforations that extend through the entire thickness of the tile, the top surface of the tile includes a non-slip diamond shield tread that provides a sure grip for the people using the deck area over the grass.

As an added safety measure, installers can order border pieces that fit into the interlocking edges of the tile, creating a ramped edge that reduces the possibility of tripping over the deck tiles.

The tabs and slots on the edges of this tile simplify the installation process. They pop together with very little effort required and yield a secure layout. The tile is available in a light green color and a black color.

Each PVC plastic tile measures 1.66 feet square and has 1 inch in thickness, so an installer can lay out multiple tiles quickly to cover a large space.

What Is the Best Firm Tile to Use for a Temporary Deck?

Portable Outdoor TileWith the Portable Outdoor Tile product, installers will receive a highly sturdy plastic tile that can withstand large amounts of weight and stress from people walking on it or from furniture.

These tiles have small holes that extend through the 3/4-inch thickness of the tile, allowing water to drain away. They work over grass, dirt, gravel, or concrete.

Each of these tiles has clips and slots on the edges of the tile, allowing adjacent tiles to pop together securely. The assembly and disassembly process goes fast, leaving more time to enjoy the deck area.

Where the flexible PVC deck tiles will contour to the ground surface below by flexing, the rigid polypropylene tiles will not bend, but do hinge at the seams of the tiles, allowing for the to adjust the the ground below.