Transform Your Outdoor Space with Composite Deck Tiles

Composite deck tiles are becoming more popular among homeowners. Their durability, ease of installation, and aesthetic appeal are just a few of the factors making them a desirable option for decking. Opting for composite deck tiles gives you an opportunity to blend your deck with any landscape, and mould it to suit your preferences. Whether you're interested in their long-lasting features, or their potential to elevate your home's aesthetics, this article lays out everything you need to know about composite deck tiles.

Understanding Composite Deck Tiles

Composite deck tiles are made using a mix of synthetic and natural material such as wood scraps, plastics and resins. The materials are moulded to resemble traditional wood, and offer a variety of color options that make them an excellent choice for most clients. Additionally, composite deck tiles are durable and resistant to the typical downsides of traditional wood decks such as rotting, splintering, and insect damage.

Features of Composite Deck Tiles

One of the major attractions of composite deck tiles is their superior features compared to their traditional counterparts. Here are a few noteworthy features:

• Durability: Composite deck tiles are built to withstand harsh elements and conditions. They are resistant to fading, mold, warping, and splintering, giving them an edge over traditional wooden decks.
• Maintenance: Composite deck tiles require minimal upkeep. Their stain and fade-resistant properties mean that you don't have to devote as much time or resources to keep them looking new.
• Variety: Available in a myriad of colours, textures, and styles, composite deck tiles allow homeowners to customize their outdoor living space to their liking.

Installation of Composite Deck Tiles

Installing composite deck tiles is a simple, straightforward process that can even be accomplished by homeowners with minimal handyman skills. The tiles are designed to easily snap together over any flat surface, making it a perfect DIY project. They can be installed on concrete, wood, tiles, and even on grass, if properly done.

Cost of Composite Deck Tiles

The cost of composite deck tiles can vary quite significantly depending on the brand, design, and where they are purchased from. However, while composite deck tiles can be more expensive initially than their wooden counterparts, they often prove to be less expensive in the long run because of their durability and lower maintenance costs.

Where to Purchase Composite Deck Tiles

You can obtain composite deck tiles from various online stores and local home improvement centers. When shopping for composite deck tiles, it is advisable to compare prices from several outlets to get the best deal. Also, ensure to read product reviews and ratings to make an informed decision.

Environmentally Friendly Composite Deck Tiles

Composite deck tiles are a sustainable choice in decking. The wood component is often made up of recycled materials like wood chips and sawdust. Likewise, the synthetic components are often recycled plastic. This makes composite deck tiles an eco-friendly option as it reduces the amount of waste going to landfills while preserving trees that would have been used in traditional wood decking.

How to Maintain Composite Deck Tiles

Maintaining your composite deck tiles is relatively easy. Regular sweeping helps remove dirt and debris. Gentle cleaning with soap and water helps to maintain the color and beauty of the tiles. Deep cleanings are also recommended at least twice a year, especially in high traffic areas.

Composite deck tiles provide an excellent alternative to traditional wood decking. With their superior durability, easy maintenance, aesthetic charm and environmental-friendly composition, they are a practical choice for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor living space.

Frequently Asked Questions about Composite Deck Tiles

What are Composite Deck Tiles made of?

Composite deck tiles are engineered using a combination of wood fibers and plastic. The quantities of each can vary, but typically, they're comprised of approximately 50% recycled hardwood and 50% recycled polyethylene (PE), a type of plastic. This mixture is melded under high temperature to form a product that merges the aesthetic appeal of real wood with the durability and resilience of plastic.

How are composite deck tiles installed?

Composite deck tiles are relatively easy to install. Most come with interlocking features, making it almost like a puzzle you can put together. They usually have user-friendly snap-lock mechanisms, and they can be cut easily if needed. While some choose to hire professionals for the installation, DIY enthusiasts often find the process straight forward.

Can composite deck tiles be installed over concrete?

Absolutely! One of the key benefits of composite deck tiles is their versatility. They can be installed over virtually any flat surface, including concrete, wood decking, asphalt, torch down roofing, even over compacted gravel. They are an ideal solution to giving your old patio or balcony a make-over without doing any major renovation work.

How durable are composite deck tiles?

Composite deck tiles are extremely durable. Because they are made from a blend of wood and plastic, they resist the usual threats that can damage real wooden tiles such as rot, decay, and insect damage. Composite deck tiles are also resistant to harsh weather conditions and usually have a longer lifespan as compared to timber decking.

Do composite deck tiles require maintenance?

One of the main attractions of composite deck tiles is their low-maintenance nature. Unlike traditional wood decking, composite deck tiles don’t require staining, painting, or sealing. Occasional cleaning with soap and water is all that is typically needed to keep them looking fresh and new.

Are composite deck tiles slip-resistant?

Yes, composite deck tiles are designed to be slip-resistant, making them an excellent choice for decks, patios, or around pools and spas. Their surfaces are engineered to provide excellent traction, even when wet, which adds to their overall safety.

What kind of warranty do composite deck tiles come with?

Most manufacturers offer extensive warranty periods for composite deck tiles, reflecting their longevity and quality. These warranties often cover aspects such as rot, structural damage, and termite damage. You would need to check the warranty details with your specific supplier, but in general, warranties of 10 to 25 years are often provided with these products.

Can composite deck tiles be painted or stained?

Composite deck tiles are created to be fade-resistant and come in a variety of colors, so it is not necessary, nor recommended to paint or stain them. They are designed to provide you with the beauty of a wooden deck without the hassle of continual maintenance.

Are composite deck tiles environmentally friendly?

Composite deck tiles are often made from recycled plastic and wood fibers, making them a more environmentally-friendly option when compared to traditional wood decking. By choosing composite deck tiles, you're reducing landfill waste and supporting sustainable manufacturing practices.

Pros and Cons of Composite Deck Tiles

Pros of Composite Deck Tiles

Durability and Longevity

• Composite deck tiles have a much higher durability level compared to conventional wooden decking. They are less likely to crack, warp, or split over time.
• These tiles are noted for their longevity. Despite harsh weather conditions, they often outlast wood and other materials, which typically last for 15-20 years.
• Composite deck tiles resist rot and insects, thus, they eliminate the need for chemical treatments.

Maintenance

• Composite deck tiles require less maintenance compared to traditional wood decking. There is no need to repaint, reseal or stain them annually.
• Cleaning these tiles usually involves a simple routine of sweeping and occasional washing.

Eco-Friendliness

• Composite deck tiles are made from recycled materials, making them an eco-friendly choice. They utilize both post-consumer and post-industrial plastics combined with wood scraps.

Variety and Aesthetics

• Coming in a wide range of colours and styles, composite deck tiles offer homeowners a lot of flexibility in designing their outdoor spaces.
• They mimic the look of various types of wood without contributing to deforestation.

Cons of Composite Deck Tiles

Cost

• The initial cost of composite deck tiles can be notably higher than traditional decking materials. However, due to their lower maintenance costs, they might pay off in the long run.

Heat Retention

• Composite deck tiles, specifically dark colours, absorb more heat than lighter ones and could become very hot in the summer sun.

Colour Fading

• Over time, composite deck tiles may exhibit slight colour fading. This happens due to constant exposure to the sun’s UV rays.

Scratches and Stains

• Though composite deck tiles are pretty durable, they aren’t scratch proof. Moving furniture or dropping heavy items could potentially damage the surface.
• Composite deck tiles may also be susceptible to staining. Certain types of spills, like grease from a grill, can become quite difficult to clean if not promptly addressed.

Sustainability Questions

• While composite deck tiles use recycled materials, questions about their overall sustainability have been raised. Once they’ve reached the end of their life, composite decking can’t be recycled again and end up in the landfill.

I hope this comprehensive exploration of the pros and cons of composite deck tiles can assist you in making an informed choice. Despite a few downsides, composite deck tiles remain a popular choice for homeowners seeking durability and low long-term maintenance costs.

Summary

Composite deck tiles have made it remarkably easy to create the outdoor space you've always dreamed of. More than just a decking material, these tiles elevate your exterior design, transforming dull areas into exceptional outdoor oasis. From their unprecedented durability to their minimal maintenance requirement, the undeniable benefits make them an ideal choice for any homeowner.

With composite deck tiles, homeowners can enjoy a beautiful and practical outdoor area year-round. Their unique composition ensures resistance to mould, staining, and fading. So, even after numerous seasons of harsh weather conditions, these tiles stay as pristine as when installed. Bottom line, if you want a decking solution that perfectly combines aesthetics, durability, and convenience, composite deck tiles are your go-to.

Lastly, while there's a plethora of outdoor flooring options available on the market, none compare to the appeal and functionality of composite deck tiles. They offer a touch of luxury and sophistication without hefty installation or upkeep costs. Regardless of how you envision your outdoor space, composite deck tiles provide the versatility to make that dream come true. Just as each home has its own character, each outdoor space can now reflect your unique personality and taste.

About US Quality Construction

Welcome to US Quality Construction of Kansas City, MO, your go-to solution for top-tier construction services. Since our foundation, we've been driven by a singular objective: to deliver outstanding quality and service to our clients. We are a team of dedicated professionals, each bringing a wealth of experience, creativity, and craftsmanship to the table. Our diverse portfolio spans across a range of projects, from residential to commercial and everything in between. We take immense pride in transforming our clients' visions into reality, doing so within budget and on time. When it comes to construction in Kansas City, think of US Quality Construction.