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.

Porcelain pavers are a great option for almost every outdoor flooring project. They are extremely strong and durable, easy to install, come in a wide variety of finishes to suit every taste, weather-resistant, and perhaps most importantly, very low maintenance.

Incomparable strength and durability

Modern porcelain pedestal pavers are engineered to be thinner and lighter while providing superior load-bearing capacity over standard pavers. Designed to withstand the heavy loads of typical patio accessories such as hot tubs or large planters, the surface finish is also slip-proof, resistant to chips, staining, and markings. These features make porcelain pavers ideal for most types of decks, patios, or rooftop terraces. They are particularly well suited for high-wear areas such as outdoor walkways and common areas around commercial and institutional buildings. Porcelain is also fade-resistant, making it easy to replace a damaged tile even years after installation.

Easy installation

Structural porcelain pavers can be installed on either fixed or adjustable pedestal supports to create a slope or completely level a deck surface. Slabs are fully squared and consistent sizing, fitting together tightly, reducing project time and cost. Top edges are chamfered for a professional and neat appearance. There is no use of grout, adhesives, nails or screws, leaving the underlying deck surface completely intact. This technique complies with all strata regulations for condo balconies or rooftop terraces.

Variety of style and textures

Thanks to advances in porcelain technology, you can choose from virtually any colour or texture to match your taste. Traditional or modern finishes allow you to seamlessly carry your indoor style to your balcony or create a whole new look for your outdoor living area. Choose from natural stone inspirations of travertine, sandstone, marble, or granite, or the wood-look options that offer an attractive, environmentally friendly alternative to real exotic hardwoods. Slip-resistant finishes make these pavers safer for outdoor use than other concrete or wood tile products.

Withstands all weather conditions

Porcelain has practically zero water absorption. Because of this, the pavers are unaffected by extreme changes in temperature, which can damage other natural products, making them resistant to cracking or warping, or twisting. Porcelain pavers are the ideal outdoor flooring choice for British Columbia’s varying climate zones, from Vancouver Island or the South Coast, to the most Northern or Interior regions.

Low maintenance

Porcelain pavers are strong and easy to clean. Their surface hardness resists scratching or chipping, repels grease stains, and does not quickly fade in direct sunlight. Other outdoor flooring materials require regular sealing, repair and sometimes specialty cleaning products, but porcelain pavers can be maintained with a light scrubbing or gentle pressure washing.

Before you commit

The versatility of porcelain pavers make them suitable for most outdoor flooring needs; however, there are a few things to consider before you commit.

The initial cost of porcelain pavers can be slightly more expensive than some natural stones or standard concrete slabs, but the superior strength, durability, and low maintenance of porcelain pavers make them more cost-effective when comparing the lifetime of the products.

Finding the right installation company can make a big difference in the final product. Porcelain is often sold alongside other paver types, but it doesn’t handle like other materials and must be cut and installed properly.

Specializing in outdoor flooring installation, we have more experience and higher quality equipment, offering you the highest level of professional service.  Our proven methods protect your property, expertly install quality materials, and remove all excess materials and vacuuming debris before leaving.

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 Porcelain pavers: a solid choice for outdoor flooring appeared first on BC Outdoor Flooring - Vancouver - Deck, Patio and Terrace Outdoor Flooring & Tiles.