Where to use Deck-tileQ. Can the tiles be laid over an existing weathered wood deck?
A. 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 the decktile to service the deck underneath in the future.
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Q. Can the tiles be laid directly on rooftops covered with a rubber or bituminous membrane without damaging or puncturing the membrane?
A. There are many types of membrane on the market – bitumen, fiberglass, paint on, torch on etc. Many existing decks have never had any protection from UV and or course they deteriorate over time to varying degrees. You should contact the membrane manufacturer or applicator for their professional advice as to what is appropriate to lay over your membrane given its type, age and condition and what type of product you intend to lay over your membrane. Regrettably, DeckTile and Floorscape can not make representations in this regard. You will appreciate that with the sensitivities in the market recently over ‘leaky homes’, we must be very cautious in this regard.
DeckTiles can help protect your membrane from the UV and weathering and may in fact extend its expected lifespan.
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Q. Can the tiles be installed on a surface that is not completely level?
A. Yes, the polypropylene grid has good flexibility to all the tiles to be laid on uneven surfaces. However, excessive unevenness of the surface will need to be repaired or resurfaced prior to installation. The ceramic, slate and granite tiles require a more level surface as they have no ‘flexibility’ and if the surface is not level, they will be more inclined to crack.
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Q. Can a car be driven over the tiles?
A. Whilst the plastic bases is likely to support a car being driven over the tiles, we do not recommend their use for vehicular traffic.
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Q. Can you only install the tiles over concrete?
A. Whilst covering drab concrete surfaces is an ideal use for the tiles, they can equally well be laid over ceramic tiles, pavers, existing wood decks, and other hard surfaces such as well compacted metal.
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Q. Can the tiles be laid directly on bare earth?
A. We normally recommend tiles are laid on well compacted gravel or sand rather than bare earth. If you wish to lay the tiles directly on bare ground or grass, we recommend covering the area to be laid with weed control mat before laying the tiles. In all cases, the ground should be firm and level.
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Q. Can I lay the tiles on a conventional deck sub frame resting on the wood bearers?
A. The tiles are not structural and are not designed to be laid on bearers. They must be laid on a solid surface.
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Q. Can I use the tiles indoors?
A. Certainly
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Q. Can the tiles be laid on a sloping roof deck?
A. If the slope is not so great that you can actually walk on it, then the tiles can satisfactorily be laid. Some slope is ideal as it allows water to drain freely away.
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Q. Can DeckTile be laid over the ground?
A. Yes, the tiles can be installed on grass or bare ground that is flat. You can use them as tiles for a pathway. In order to prevent grass or weeds to grow up through the spaces between the slats, it is recommended that you lay down a weed control fabric first. The more level and firm the base the better your DeckTIle will perform. If there is movement in the tiles due to an uneven base, there is the risk that the ceramic, slate or stone tiles may crack.
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Deck-tile Benefits Q. Is it expensive compared to traditional deck building?
A. Compared with the cost of deck building using conventional wood deck materials even treated pine, there will be savings. Consider there is no need for plans to be drawn up and no need to engage a builder and organise everything related to having a tradesman on site. You can create your own individual deck design with the many distinct tile styles for unlimited design possibilities. In addition you will have a deck that would normally cost many thousands of dollars to install and build by a professional carpenter/deck builder.
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Q. What are some of the advantages between installing a decking tile system versus a traditional deck?
A. 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. 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.
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InstallationQ. Is it really simple to install?
A. Yes, Deck tiles lock into place over your existing surface. With DeckTile 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 best looking decks you can imagine. The design capability is limited to your imagination.
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Q. What about fitting around pipes or odd shaped areas?
A. 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.
When cutting slate, granite and ceramics, tile cutting equipment is required, and this equipment can usually be hired locally.
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Q. Can the tiles be removed once laid down?
A. 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 year depending on how much debris settles on your deck.
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Q. How long and how hard is it to install a deck or patio?
A. Depending on the size, most decks can be installed in one to two hours. If the tiles have to be cut to go around curved edges, pipes or drains it may take extra time.
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Q. I’m not very handy, what skill level is required to install the tiles?
A. Installing the tiles is easy. The tiles lock securely and precisely inplace with just a gentle push. Alignment of the tiles is automatic so you just extend the deck in whichever direction you want without any alignment problems. You only need to be able to use a handsaw or jigsaw if it is necessary to cut any tiles to fit around pipes or to fit a final row of tiles against a retaining wall or the outside deck edge.
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Q: Are the tiles glued or secured to the floor in any way?
A. No. Installation of the tiles requires no adhesives, nails, screws or any other fixing devices.
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Q. Is any kind of underlayment or special surface preparation required?
A. No. Only if the tiles are installed directly on the ground, then a weed control film should be laid first. Ref. question about laying over membranes if not laying over the ground.
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Q. Can I use the tiles for steps or stairs?
A. We don’t recommend using the tiles for steps or stairs unless they are screwed securely to the base of the stairway. Additionally end capping should be fixed to the edge of the tile to hide the plastic base. However we normally recommend using solid wood to construct a stairway or alternatively plain or tiled concrete
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Q. How soon can I use the deck after installation?
A. You can use your new deck immediately.
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Q. Can I install them in different patterns?
A. Yes, the tiles can be laid in a straight, parquet or checkered board pattern and an offset pattern.
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Q. What if I have a post or a curved area on my patio or deck?
A. Simply cut the DIY deck tiles with a jigsaw or handsaw. Be sure to remove any screws that might be in the way and then re-place the screws after you have cut the tile. Cut through the wood and the grid at one time.
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WarrantyQ. Will the deck tiles last a long time?
A. This will vary among the different product lines and quality. For instance Teak hardwood timber is highly resistant to decay – which is one reason that it is used so much in the marine industry for exposed decking. Red River Gum is unlikely to rot, split or crack like many other timbers. The base is what allows for free unimpeded drainage when you run the hose over the deck or if it rains.
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Q. Are the tiles affected by water or heavy rainfall in any way?
A. 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. 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.
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Q. How long is the warranty?
A. Our warranties are guaranteed against faulty workmanship for a period of 3 years from the date of purchase. This does not cover natural imperfections or variations in timber and some movement, misuse or failure to maintain the timber, or being laid on a surface that is not well drained.
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Q. Does timber change over time?
A. All hardwoods will fade to a soft silver grey over time. This is the natural patina that occurs with all hardwoods. Some like the weathered look, and some like to keep the original color. You have the option of sealing your hardwoods with a Timber Oil which is available in several color tints that will darken or enrich the color of your deck.
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Q. Will the wood warp in hot, humid conditions?
A. The small gaps left between the slats of wood allow the wood to naturally expand and contract as needed. Under some conditions, a slight cupping of the wood slats may occur after heavy rainfall.
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Q. Can the wood slats come loose?
A. No. Each wood slat is secured to the plastic base by corrosion resistant or stainless or zinc 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.
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Q. How fire resistant are the deck tiles?
A. Since the wood Deck-tile is solid wood and attached to a plastic base, you need to take the same care as you would with a conventional wood deck, against fire. The tiles can however be used around barbeque areas provided normal precautions are observed against hot coals or burning embers falling on the tiles.
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MaintenanceQ. Will the wood grow mold and mildew?
A. In normal conditions, the gaps between the wood slats and the special mesh base ensure good airflow and quick drying which inhibits mold and mildew growth on the decking. If installed in exterior areas which remain damp and out of direct sunlight, then some growth of mold or mildew may occur as with conventional wood decking
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Q. How should I clean the tiles?
A. Light debris or dirt that may collect between the wood slats can be removed with a stiff broom, leaf blower, vacuum cleaner, or you can use garden hose or pressure washer.
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