Planning new or renovating your outdoor flooring? Here are 4 simple guidelines to follow for the best results.
Decks and patios are the home’s outdoor living room and kitchen. Choosing the right outdoor flooring and an experienced installation company are the foundations for ensuring your outdoor sanctuary is not only beautiful but durable, functional, and adding value to your home. Whether you are constructing a new deck or patio, or trying to determine if it’s time to replace your existing flooring, our four pro tips will help you plan your budget, choose the right product for your type of outdoor flooring project, and help you choose the best company for the installation.
1. Setting a budget
Whether you are living in your forever home or planning to sell in the near future, the quality and craftsmanship of your patio flooring will impact your enjoyment or resale value. A pro tip for setting a budget for outdoor flooring is considering it as important of an investment as any other part of your home. Big-box companies carry a nice looking variety of products, but most of those deck tiles don’t look good after 3-4 years when they start cracking or warping, fade or collect stains. What it might cost you to replace the deck flooring twice within 10 years will add up to more than spending a little extra on high-quality products the first time.
The installation of the deck flooring is just as important as investing in a quality product. If you’re handy, installing a few deck tiles yourself may not seem too challenging of a task. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind before you start, some or all of these may apply: building codes, strata approval, adding electrical or plumbing for accessories. Choosing a professional installation company will give you an expert guide through all those potential challenges and deliver a beautiful, solid finished product you’ll be sure to enjoy.
2. What’s your type?
Not all deck tiles are suitable for all condo balconies, patios, or rooftop terrace surfaces. Your deck structure and surface material will determine the kind of outdoor flooring you can choose. Whether the railing is attached to the side or top of the deck, how sloped or flat it is, if it has a membrane or concrete surface, open beneath the railings or has parapet walls – all these details dictate appropriate materials and specialized installation. Here is a short list to help you narrow your decision, or for more information, check out our 7 expert tips.
- Concrete decks with railings bolted down to the surface or outer edge of the patio suit all deck tiles, though structural porcelain pavers require a containment field that should be incorporated.
- Interlocking deck tiles require one complete flat surface.
- Membrane deck surfaces with parapet walls suit structural tiles.
- Wood frame decks with a vinyl surface suit all tiles.
3. The right product
Now that you know what type of deck surface you have, it’s easier to narrow your choices for the best kind of tiles you need for your project. You can start to decide between structural deck tiles or interlocking deck tiles, and choose the right product that will give you a wide variety of design options, are durable enough to withstand even extreme weather conditions, look great even after 10 years – and come with a warranty.
- Interlocking deck tiles have a plastic base with ‘sharp’ feet that are only suitable for hard, flat surfaced decks like high-rise condo balconies or ground-level patio flooring. The unique feet raise them to allow for drainage and debris to wash away underneath, and the interlocking system prevents them from moving or separating.
- Structural deck tiles can be placed over membrane surfaces on pedestals, protecting the membrane from damage and adding space for plumbing and electrical underneath, allowing for more design concepts and accessories like lighting, outdoor sinks, or gas pipes for barbecues.
Structural porcelain pavers can be laid right on top of crushed rock for an on-grade installation, or raised pedestals for membrane applications. Porcelain pavers are perfect for all patios, balconies, or rooftop terraces as they are engineered for heavy loads but are considerably thinner and lighter than standard pavers.
4. Who to hire
Your renovation experience starts when you first contact the outdoor flooring installation company of your choice. A good company should be an experienced professional who will oversee all aspects of the project, use good quality products, maintain good communication, and keep your satisfaction and comfort in mind.
Look for a company that has experience with all types of outdoor flooring and surfaces. There are many different factors to consider between installing a deck surface on a single-family home, a condo balcony, or rooftop terrace. A good contractor should have their own specialized equipment, give you a clear estimate and stick to it, and provide a warranty on the installation.
We can help
BC Outdoor Flooring is an outdoor flooring installation specialist. We’re a fully equipped, full-service company that has been serving satisfied customers for many years. We can help you with design concepts and offer you the best flooring options for durability and style to suit your needs. We use only top-quality, weather-tested materials and back our finished products with a strong warranty. We have worked with many homeowners, strata corps, and management companies including their architects and designers. Most outdoor flooring installations can be completed in one or two days. Visit our Portfolio for project examples.
Professional service and installation by an outdoor flooring specialist always makes a difference in the quality of materials, warranty, and overall finished surface. Visit our 7 Expert Tips page.
Contact us for more information or to start your free consultation today!
Trust BC’s outdoor flooring specialists to transform your next deck, patio, or terrace flooring project.
