Penthouse terrace: from sub-par to spectacular

When the owners of a downtown Vancouver condo moved in, the spacious terrace was less than impressive. It was covered with aging, uneven, stained construction-grade cement pavers with nowhere to hide cords and hoses for amenities, unsightly drainage grates, and moss and algae build-up.

In addition to the inherited hot tub, renovation plans included the installation of an outdoor kitchen, container gardens and tree planters, a fire pit, and a barbecue. They now needed a custom deck tile solution that would be elegant but low-maintenance, strong enough to support the new furniture and amenities, and hide the plumbing and electrical while allowing for proper drainage. Just as importantly, they needed a company with experience and a reputation for delivering quality service and craftsmanship, as well as working with stratas.

Creating an outdoor oasis

When the call came to BC Outdoor Flooring, they responded with their standard professional service of an in-home consultation, including on-site sample viewing. This offered the busy homeowners the flexibility and convenience they needed, saving them several planning steps by clearly understanding their vision, drafting a working plan on the spot, and finalizing decisions about the materials as they stood on the deck itself. The owners were so pleased with the efficiency and reputation of the BCOF team they decided to look no further. The team then got to work finalizing the design plan to replace the heavy concrete slabs with a raised floor of lighter weight, high-quality structural porcelain pavers on pedestal supports.

The project was completed in 2’×4′ Italian porcelain pavers in Timeline grey. Engineered to be thinner and lighter than typical concrete deck tiles, structural porcelain pavers provide superior load-bearing capacity and are water-proof, slip-resistant and fade-proof while offering a wide variety of styles and designs. By utilizing pedestals, the floor was adjusted to the desired height, and no grout was required, giving the finished surface an elegant, clean appearance. The cavity below accommodated plumbing and electrical for the hot tub and outdoor kitchen while allowing any water and debris to drain away.

Trust the experts

Not all deck tiles are suitable for all condo balconies, patios, or rooftop terrace surfaces. Your deck structure and surface material will determine the outdoor flooring you should choose. As an outdoor flooring installation specialist, BC Outdoor Flooring has experience with all types of decks, balconies and patios. We are a full-service professional company with our own specialized equipment.

We will 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 provide each client with a clear estimate and stick to it. We have experience working with 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.

The post Vancouver rooftop terrace becomes year-round oasis appeared first on BC Outdoor Flooring - Vancouver - Deck, Patio and Terrace Outdoor Flooring & Tiles.

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.

The post 4 Pro tips for planning your outdoor flooring installation appeared first on BC Outdoor Flooring - Vancouver - Deck, Patio and Terrace Outdoor Flooring & Tiles.

Planning a new deck or patio? Time to resurface that worn-out balcony or terrace? Debating whether to break out the power tools and tackle it yourself or hire a professional company? With so many DIY tips and resources available online, and outdoor flooring suppliers and installation companies, how do you decide on the best way to handle your project?

Depending on the type of deck, patio, balcony or terrace you have, there can be many details that need to be considered: building codes, strata or city permits, determining if the underlying structure is sound or needs replacing, the right type of materials that suit the project, the best quality products with long-term warranties, design, planning, the right tools for the job, and what to do if things take a wrong turn.

For the average or experienced DIY-er, this type of project can start off easily enough but quickly become overwhelming and a real mess. For a professional outdoor flooring installation specialist, this is all in a day’s work – really!

So how do you choose a good outdoor flooring installation company? Here are a few key considerations:

• Design and planning expertise to help you choose the best solution for your project.
• Quality materials: professional-grade products to ensure the strength, beauty and longevity of your project.
• Experienced with all types of properties, projects, and an array of materials for a flawless finish.
• Full-service company: from in-home consultation to final clean up – fully equipped to handle any project from beginning to end with warranties on their work and the products they install.

Design & Planning

A good outdoor flooring installation company will work with you to ensure your vision for flooring design is matched with the right solutions that will satisfy your style and project needs. The team will help you choose from a selection of the right products, and in many cases, bring sample materials to you so you can see how it looks on the deck or balcony where it will be used. They will help you create a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor, or make a statement with something completely unique.

Planning the project will include: clearly discussing the difference in quality and warranties on various products, collaborating with all stakeholders (owners, property managers, stratas), arranging for access to the project, establishing a project timeline, and leaving you with a guaranteed price.

Knowing the kind of project you have when you contact the right company will help speed up the planning process.

Quality Materials

A professional outdoor flooring installer will show you the highest quality and best warranty-backed products on the market for your project. They will walk you through the pros and cons of various deck surfacing materials and help you determine the right choice for your project: porcelain pavers, composite deck tiles, or hardwood materials. Specialists will use only professional-grade, quality materials from screened partner suppliers, ensuring consistency in the design, colour, size and thickness of each deck tile. If your design choice includes wood deck tiles, ask if their screened suppliers have ethically sourced products available.

Understanding that the grade of the materials affects the quality, guarantee, and warranty of the finished surface will help you choose the right product for your project. Using quality materials always makes a difference in the look, feel, durability and lifespan of the finished outdoor surface.

Experienced

The right outdoor flooring company has experience with all types of properties, flooring designs and materials. They will help you plan and create the right finish for your needs, accommodating any specialized considerations such as raising the deck surface to accommodate electrical or plumbing, giving you options for built-in lighting, outlets, or water sources for plants, outdoor kitchens or work spaces.

Attention to every detail of the project, before and during installation makes a difference in the overall quality of the finished surface, warranty, and project duration. Protecting the underlying deck surface using specialized tools and materials is essential as any puncture to the surface can result in costly consequences later on. Ensuring the tiles are correctly set with flush edges, appropriate levelling or sloping, and proper edge trimming creates a safe, smooth and attractive surface underfoot.

An experienced crew will put together a section of floor to make sure you are happy with your choice of materials before completing the installation, working with you to make your vision for your project come to life.

Finally, an outdoor flooring installation specialist will be experienced, knowledgeable, and accustomed to working with stratas, property stakeholders, and homeowners, giving them the added benefit of being a full-service company. They will have a good track record and be able to share past project examples.

Full-service

Full-service begins at contact and continues through to the completion of the project, starting with your in-home consultation where they assess your needs and design specifications as well as show you products for viewing – right on your deck.

An outdoor flooring installation specialist will have the proper tools and equipment needed to handle any size or type of project. This means fewer delays, no unnecessary coordinating with outside sub-contractors, minimizing access or debris through indoor spaces, removal of the old surface materials, and spotless clean-up when the project is complete. Full-service includes warranties on workmanship and the products installed.

Whether you need a condo balcony or a commercial-sized rooftop terrace, a full-service outdoor flooring installation specialist is able to design, plan, communicate with all stakeholders, and install a quality finished product of any size. Depending on the size of the project, installation can often be completed in one day.

The choice is yours

You can decide to DIY your project and spend the time designing and planning, sourcing quality products, getting all the right permits and permissions, renting or buying the right tools and equipment, hauling all the garbage away, and spending a few days on your hands and knees getting the tiles lined up right – or – you can hire an outdoor flooring installation specialist and spend all that spare time enjoying your newly surfaced deck or patio!

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.

The post How to choose the right company to install outdoor flooring for decks or terraces appeared first on BC Outdoor Flooring - Vancouver - Deck, Patio and Terrace Outdoor Flooring & Tiles.

The Wellesley, a seniors residence in Victoria, British Columbia, managed by Pacific Reach Properties, needed new outdoor flooring for their sixth-floor rooftop terrace. Time and weather had taken a toll on the old cement pavers, so they called BC’s outdoor flooring installation specialists to help them transform the space.   

The project

This commercial-sized project required over 5,000 square feet of new flooring, so the quality of materials and professional installation were critical. Working with multiple stakeholders, including an architect and the management company, the BC Outdoor Flooring team provided expert guidance, samples, and pricing for the project.  

Quality materials

Structural porcelain pedestal pavers were strategically chosen for the terrace project as porcelain pavers are thinner, lighter, and stronger than traditional cement pavers, reducing the roof’s overall load. Porcelain deck tiles are uniquely engineered to withstand the heavy use that this rooftop terrace would need to support: pergolas, patio furniture, garden boxes and planters, and the residents themselves. The pedestals were used to raise the pavers off the roof surface, allowing for proper drainage, recessed electrical and plumbing, and allow the levelling or sloping of the pavers as needed.  

Fully equipped

Once the contract plans were finalized, the project timeline was established for completion in the winter of 2020. The team then prepared to transport their equipment and supplies from their Vancouver base to the Victoria location. 

Onsite, the team implemented a crane to hoist tools and the chosen structural pedestal pavers: 24” x 48” / 60cm x 120cm tiles from del Conca in Timeline Grey, up onto the rooftop. As installation specialists, BC Outdoor Flooring is a fully equipped company with everything needed to meet every job requirement. Being a full-service company saves on project costs and possible delays coordinating with outside companies, protects access areas from undue damage, and protects the clients from unnecessary nuisance. 

Challenges

The project was not without its challenges. A winter storm blew off a railing and interrupted work just after start-up, temporarily delaying progress due to safety policies. The existing wheelchair access ramp needed special fitting to connect the two levels seamlessly. 

Throughout the project and its challenges, the BC Outdoor Flooring team maintained their standard of attention to detail and worked diligently to collaborate with the residence management, the property management firm, and roofing repair crews to complete the contract to everyone’s satisfaction.

Professional services

For the most successful installation of outdoor flooring on a deck, patio or rooftop terrace project of any size, choose a specialist with a proven track record. BC Outdoor Flooring offers you the highest level of experience and professional services in the industry.  Fully equipped, able to coordinate with multiple stakeholders and solve any challenges along the way, we have your project covered from beginning to end.

Professional service and installation always make 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.   

The post Outdoor flooring transformation for rooftop terrace in Victoria, BC appeared first on BC Outdoor Flooring - Vancouver - Deck, Patio and Terrace Outdoor Flooring & Tiles.