What Surfaces Can You Install Interlocking Deck Tiles Over?
Related Product: Patio Outdoor Tile 1/2 Inch x 1x1 Ft.
Whether you’re completing a project at home or in a commercial space, interlocking deck tiles might be the versatile solution you’re looking for, no matter the surface you’re working with.
Installing Interlocking Deck Tiles Over Hard, Flat Surfaces
Interlocking deck tiles are a great choice for installation over hard, flat surfaces like a wood deck or patio or a concrete area.
If you’re working with a wood surface, like a wood deck, it’s important to consider moisture buildup and choose interlocking flooring that offers excellent ventilation to keep moisture from sitting on the decking. Choosing a tile that offers the qualities you need can help preserve your wood deck materials while creating the type of surface you want.
Installing interlocking deck tiles over concrete can revitalize an old, worn surface. Rubber tiles can add shock absorption and comfort to a concrete surface, while plastic or PVC tiles help maximize traction while being a waterproof choice ideal for pool surrounds. Many tiles can accommodate some unevenness, and installation is often a DIY-friendly process.
Installing Interlocking Deck Tiles Over Gravel
While many types of tiles require a hard, flat, carefully prepared surface, interlocking deck tiles can often be installed directly over gravel. It’s important to prepare the site properly, but you can often use interlocking tiles to create a walkway or deck.
Many interlocking tiles have an active locking system that lets the tile float over the gravel surface. Tiles typically offer excellent drainage, too, and when paired with a gravel base, they may be ideal for areas that see substantial rainfall, such as when creating a patio or walkway through your garden.
Installing Interlocking Deck Tiles Over Dirt
Certain types of interlocking deck tiles can even be installed over dirt. For example, these tiles could be a solution if you wanted to create an outdoor patio in a space where creating a wooden deck wasn’t possible.
Tiles that have strong interlocking systems can often withstand slight undulations in your subsurface. There’s no need to complicate the installation with adhesive, and installing the tiles tends to be simple.
Some tiles can be used to actually help stabilize the subsurface, too. GeoGrid Cellular Paving System Tiles can be installed over bare dirt. These paver tiles create a stabilized area, so you can install interlocking deck tiles on top of the paver tiles.
Installing Interlocking Deck Tiles Over Grass
You can even lay perforated interlocking tiles over grass without killing off the grass. Perforations let water drain through to the grass and allow some sunlight to pass through, helping to preserve the life of the grass.
While it’s not advisable to put interlocking deck tiles over grass for an extended period of time, these tiles may be ideal for creating temporary walkways or sitting areas, such as when hosting an outdoor event.
Many of these tiles are strong enough to withstand substantial weight, plus they connect together securely, ideal for a slightly uneven grass surface.
The Best Interlocking Deck Tiles
We’ve highlighted some of the top interlocking deck tiles we offer to give you some ideas for your project.Patio Outdoor Tile
The Patio Outdoor Tile is a lightweight PVC product that offers a fast-drying, non-slip surface texture. The tiles can be installed over wood, faux wood composite, slate, concrete, brick, and compacted surfaces using a quick, snap-together process. Once installed, the floor delivers a safe wet area that drains quickly and easily, which helps to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Black Perforated StayLock Tile
The Black Perforated StayLock Tile is an option to install over a solid surface or over dirt or grass. Simply apply a landscaping cloth over level, compacted ground, and install the tiles over it using the active locking connector design that enables the tile to float over your outdoor surface.
The tiles have a cushioned pedestal base and offer a non-slip surface texture. They also have a 20-inch fall height rating, offering protection from fall-related injuries. Once installed, these tiles will not separate unintentionally, even when placed under heavy furniture like acacia patio chairs or constant use and foot traffic.
Sterling Roof Top Tile Solid Colors
The Sterling Roof Top Tile Solid Colors is a high-performing, commercial-grade product that is extremely attractive. It has border edging, and it is suitable to be used as roofing tile, rooftop decking, or decking for virtually any outdoor surface. It has a smooth, flat finish and a Shore A 60 hardness rating.
These tiles allow for excellent water drainage under them, making this product one of the best available anywhere. It’s an eco-friendly solution that contributes to LEED points, and it is manufactured using recycled rubber buffings or crumb rubber from automotive tires.
Portable Outdoor & Tent Tile
The Portable Outdoor & Tent Tile is a fantastic decking solution that can be installed directly over a solid surface, grass, or dirt, resulting in a temporary or permanent floating patio surface.
This tile has a perforated, non-slip surface that dries quickly, offering another safe option for outdoor flooring, even around a pool or area prone to constant moisture.