How and Where to Use Interlocking Deck Tiles

Tiles or flagstone pavers have been laid as an al fresco floor material for centuries

. Originally large blocks of natural stone were the only obtainable materials, but these days modern manufactured products and of course the ubiquitous concrete have become universally accepted. Partly for cost reasons, clay fired bricks and pavers and porcelain tiles set on top of a concrete base have tended to supplant natural stone pavers. And along with a comparatively low-cost and easy to install concrete substrate, it is of course possible to lay down a surface that is a good deal thinner than a full thickness of natural stone which would otherwise be obligatory to bestow the required strength and durability.

Although it's possible to achieve an eye-catching natural stone surface by placing stone pavers over the top of a concrete base, this can be a relatively major undertaking , since not only are stone pavers relatively heavy, but laying tiles or pavers is a task that does require some proficiency and experience to realize a professional finish. Hence it is in general not a chore undertaken by a homeowner except it is a relatively small area.

In the last few years however, a cost-effective and convenient alternative has become available that makes it possible for even a homeowner without any particular DIY competencies to lay pavers or tiles on top of their decks or patios and effectively ensures a professional finish without a lot of frustration or hard work. Modular interlocking deck tiles, like those available from HandyDeck, use conventional exterior surfacing materials, which can be slate, granite, sandstone, ceramic or even timber, but this surface layer is bonded to a specially designed plastic base with connecting tabs on all four sides to lock each tile to the surrounding tiles.

This makes tile installation much easier because it not only guarantees gaps between the tiles remain constant, but there is no need to make use of any adhesives or additional fixing devices such as nails or screws, as the tiles simply sit on top of the existing solid surface such as concrete. The load of the tiles plus friction between the plastic base and the surface below prevent the tiles from moving, even if the area is inclined. Normally the tiles are installed over a concrete foundation but they may also be installed on a well compressed and level surface like asphalt, gravel or even bare ground in some cases.

Interlocking deck tiles are particularly effective for apartment dwellers on both balconies and roof decks, since not only are they convenient to carry up steps or elevators, but there's no tricky setting up involved aside from maybe the need to cut a small number of tiles to fit the area precisely. And for rooftops, in many cases, condo associations will not sanction permanent materials to be used, so decking tiles can provide a neat solution to this issue.

Another advantage of interlocking deck tiles is that the plastic support is intended to permit water drain away without restraint underneath the tiles, eliminating shallow puddles of water, and lessen the danger of sliding on the surface.

So next occasion you are considering a makeover for your patio, porch or other exterior spaces, give some thought to the alternative of using interlocking deck tiles rather than conventional tile or paving materials.

How and Where to Use Interlocking Deck Tiles

By: Malcolm Kay

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