subject: How to Install Interlocking Wood Deck Tiles [print this page] Interlocking deck tiles are quickly becoming one of the most convenient ways of resurfacing or remodeling an existing deck or patio, especially seeing as these modular tiles can be installed by almost anyone even if they don't have any particular handyman skills. So let's look at the steps involved in installing these tiles.
To begin with of course you must clear the area of all existing objects. And its important to note that even though the tiles can be used over most solid surfaces such as concrete, asphalt etc, the surface should be as flat (not bumpy) and even as possible so that the tiles will not rock on any undulations . It is also crucial that your deck or patio slopes to some extent away from your house walls to ensure correct drainage. If you have any large depressions or any cracked concrete where there is a substantial mismatch on either side of the cracking, you firstly need to repair and level the area with some patching material. You can normally buy bags of dry mix from most home centres which will serve this purpose .
After you have prepared the surface as smooth as practicable , then you can begin installing the tiles. If the area you are covering has a wall on one or more sides, you would normally commence laying the tiles from one of the outside edges so that the final tiles you lay will be the row against the walls. Many tile manufacturers also supply edging or transition strips which give a neat, professional finish to the outer edge of the area. If you are intending to use these, then you should firstly allow for the required space on the outside of the deck to clip on these transition pieces when you have completed the installation .
So you commence by taking one tile and placing it in position . Then take the next tile and simply lock it into position with the interconnecting tabs. Then just proceed the same way across the full area of your deck. It's important that you proceed in an expanding triangular manner rather than installing the tiles in complete rows since you will find that the tiles will connect better and easier by this method. Bear in mind to make sure though that the outer edges of the tiles are aligned parallel to the edge of the space you are covering.
With the last row of tiles, you might need to cut some tiles. Wood tiles can be cut quite easily with just a normal hand saw or power saw . But you need to take care that when you are cutting the tiles, your saw does not hit any of the screws on the underside of the tile . And after you have cut the wood slats , you may need to pop in an additional screw or two ensuring each wood slat is secured to the plastic base by at least two screws.
If you need to cut any tiles to fit around posts or pipes or other odd shaped objects, the best idea is to make a template of a thick piece of paper or cardboard the exact size as a single tile with the area to be cut from the tile marked on the template, to avoid making any mistakes in cutting the wood tile.
But generally speaking you'll find that interlocking deck tiles are exceptionally easy to lay, and even if you've made a slight mistake in your initial alignment of the outside edge, you can always pull up the tiles again and re-lay them.
