The Decking Outlet



	FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION/INSTALLATION/MAINTENANCE Modular decking Tiles allow you to create a gorgeous custom hardwood deck without having to pay for expensive and complicated construction. They can be installed easily and quickly on any surface. Applications include, balconies, roof decks, patios, walkways and ground level concrete patios. Typically our tiles cost more per square foot in material in comparison to buying straight decking lumber, however, when installation is this easy it will cut your installation cost. You will have a deck that is removable and looks as good if not better than any high end hardwood deck. Premium vs. Economy deck tiles (the differences): The difference between our premium deck tiles (Eco Decking Tiles, NaturalTeak Tiles) and our economy tiles (Snapping tiles) is 1) premium tiles use a more durable UV stabilized polypropylene frame base that creates a tight lock between each tile. This creates a solid deck with a rigid backing system. Economy tiles use a PVC plastic frame which tends to be more flexible during install. 2) Premium tiles use 4 wide hardwood slats. Economy tiles use 6 or 8 thinner wood slats 4) Premium tiles use premium grade certified and sustain-ably harvested hardwoods which guarantee higher quality woods. Economy tiles use non endangered hardwoods which are less durable but more available. 5) Our premium quality decking tiles carry a full 10 year warranty. Economy tiles often carry a one year warranty or no warranty Is it really simple to install? Yes, Deck tiles snap and click into place over your existing surface. With decking tiles you can create your own individual deck designs by alternating the tiles to create a checkerboard deck or the traditional straight and clean and modern straight directional classic deck look. You can also use the design tiles for borders or centerpiece accents. Or use these unique tiles across the whole area for one of the most gorgeous looking decks you can imagine. The design capability is endless with these products.
	What about fitting around pipes or odd shaped areas? Just cut the deck tiles to fit the required shape with a jigsaw or handsaw or doorknob drill. A miter saw will give you a very clean straight cut across the tile. Tiles can be cut in any way even rounded cuts. Be careful to remove any screws that may be in the way of your cut line. We also recommend using a new blade or diamond tipped blade to make cutting easier and cleaner. Will the deck tiles last a long time?
	This will vary among the different product lines and quality. For instance Ipe hardwood timber is highly resistant to decay and insect attack, for up to 40 years! Ipe will not rot, split or crack like cedar and pine even if left untreated. The Atlantic City, New Jersey boardwalk was re-built from this incredibly durable wood just recently as was the Treasure Island Casino boardwalk in Las Vegas. Ipe is the wood of choice for commercial heavy traffic applications. The polypropylene backing on these tiles is stronger than conventional plastics and will not crack or degrade over time. We stabilize the base with a UV resistant compound which prevents the base from breaking down over time. The frame is what allows for free unimpeded drainage when you run the hose over the deck or if it rains. This backing system is the best available and will last a lifetime of use. Our economy deck tiles use PVC plastics which will eventually break down over time.

	Is it expensive compared to traditional deck building?
	Compared with the cost of deck building using conventional wood deck materials even pressure treated pine, there will be savings. Consider there is no need for plans to be drawn up. You can create your own individual deck design with the three distinct tile styles for unlimited design possibilities. In addition you will have a hardwood deck that would normally cost many thousands of dollars to install and build by a professional carpenter/deck builder. Trex and composites are on average about $15 per square foot installed nationwide. Typical cost of building and Ipe hardwood deck per square foot is between $30-$45 dollars per sq ft! Ask your local deck builder in your area. Deck tiles are a great deal considering you can install them yourself and save the installation cost. In addition you will not have builders through your house and dirty construction hassles. Decking tile installations are usually finished within a day or two of receiving the product.
	Where can tiles be used ?
	Practically any solid, even well drained surface. Our deck tiles were designed for rubber membrane surfaces or any other even sturdy surface, however this does not limit them only to these applications. The backing will not damage the surface underneath. They can be used in courtyards, balconies, patios, porches, roof tops, hot tub surrounds, pool surrounds, garden paths, boat decks, garages, gazebos, sun rooms, basements, old wood decks campgrounds…..anywhere you would like a beautiful wood deck to walk on. You can even use this system to build a temporary floor for weddings or trade shows.
	If the tiles are not glued or fixed to the floor, then what’s to stop them from moving?
	The tiles have inbuilt tabs on all sides which lock securely to the adjacent tiles so they cannot move once installed. The tiles will not shift or chatter when walked on or create any movement under the feet. What you get is a beautiful solid deck surface. The tiles will not lift in a high wind event as air will pass through the tile. If you are concerned you can use a thin set adhesive like liquid nails on the bordering tiles around your deck to secure them. If you are resurfacing an old deck simply screw down the border tiles to the sub floor. Or simply remove them before any major weather event.
	Are the tiles affected by water or heavy rainfall in any way?
	Due to the gaps between the wood and the specially designed frame base, any water drains away quickly and freely. No water remains trapped or in extended contact with the wood. Some competitive products will channel water in a certain direction. Our products will not do this and allow water to drain away where it is supposed to. This cannot be said for traditional decking or grouted ceramic tile. Once water gets under these materials nothing but bad things happen. Often times we have customers who have had bad experiences with hardwood decks, especially on roof decks. This is usually because of high moisture buildup on the underside of the decking(between the sub floor and decking. This will warp and twist the wood as the surface dries but the underside remains moist. This is called cupping or checking. Our tiles will not cup because of the adequate air flow under the tiles and under the wood. All moisture and heat are released through the tile preventing the wood from checking.
	Can the wood slats come loose?
	No. Each wood slat is secured to the poly base by three corrosion resistant stainless screws. Some of our products use stainless screws, and others are coated. The screws are under the tile and sit off the ground so there is no water contact with the metal screws. We have seen deck tiles on the market that use adhesives or flimsy screws which are not properly set into the wood. With these imitation products the wood will come loose over time with foot traffic.
	What are some of the advantages between installing a decking tile system versus a traditional deck?
	Since you can install the deck tiles yourself, the difference in installation cost is huge. Also, if you compare the material cost of building a hardwood deck the traditional way, the materials and labor cost would be far higher. Typically you can expect that a deck tile installation will be a half the cost of building a conventional hardwood deck of the same size. Deck tiles also offer portability and can easily be taken up to service underneath (if on a roof deck). They can easily be reinstalled in another location as required if you move or sell your home. Your investment in the material is not compromised. You cannot say the same for a built in deck.
	Can the tiles be installed over a timber frame or joist system?
	Yes. Provided that the joists are 12" off center and leveled with a laser level and the frame is sturdy, you can install the tiles over the joists. Your only limitation is the direction of the tiles; they must be installed perpendicular to the joists. Pedestal systems can be installed under the frame to even out any slanting or grade of the surface if working with a sloped roof deck.
	How long is the warranty?
	Our warranties are guaranteed against faulty workmanship for a period of 10 years from the date of purchase (eco decking tiles). All other products have either a one year or 5 year warranty.
	How fire resistant are the deck tiles?
	Our (Ipe) decking tiles have the same CFPA A 1 fire rating as concrete and steel. You can use decking tiles in barbeque areas without worry. Hardwoods of this density have extremely high fire ratings and will not burn easily. Every other hardwood product except for the Ipe tiles are Class B fire rated which is considered high.
	Can the tiles be laid over an existing weathered wood deck?
	Provided the surface and supporting framework are structurally sound and the surface is even. Resurfacing old wood decks with our tiles allows you to remove to service the deck underneath in the future.
	Can the tiles be laid directly on rooftops covered with a rubber or bituminous membrane without damaging or puncturing the membrane?
	The pressure on the tile base is normally distributed in such a way that no damage will occur. The mesh base has no acute pressure points that will damage the sub-floor membrane. In addition there is zero movement of the contact points on the surface so as not to rip or tear the waterproof surface. Our patented base was designed with this in mind. The contact points are blunt and will not damage a delicate membrane. In fact the decking tiles will protect the surface from physical impact and weather exposure giving you many more years of use from your sub floor. Decking tiles will in fact protect the surface from weather exposure and impact of heavy items that can damage the sub floor surface.
	Can the tiles be removed once laid down?
	Yes. The tiles can be removed as quickly as they were put down giving you the advantage of portability if you move or sell your home or to re-seal and clean underneath the tiles, we recommend this be done at a minimum of every five to ten years.
	Can the tiles be laid on a sloping roof deck?
	Our decking tiles will flex and will conform to the natural slopes of your surface. Slope away from the home is the normal pattern for drainage. Should you have any questions which we may not have answered here please call us at 1 888 335-8453. We are open Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM PST