Homeowners everywhere are always looking for new and creative ways to upgrade their properties inside and out. One of the absolute hottest trends in outdoor design is the incorporation of interlocking wood deck tiles. The tiles can be seen in many different  applications and climates across the country. When you begin looking into a potential remodeling decision, the same questions always seem to arise. Such as, what is the cost, how long will this project take and of course, how do I clean and maintain this product!

Interlocking deck tiles are easy to clean and maintain and it is something you can choose to do on your own periodically to ensure you are getting the most value out of your modular flooring.

 

Regular leaf blowing or removal of leaves from the interlocking wood tiles is a great way to start. Leaves and debri should come away from the tiles with very little effort. If sweeping or blowing proves unsuccessful to your situation, you can always try a vacuum too.

 

Creating a good habit of checking for spilled food and cocktails after parties will help keep away extra insects and bugs. Alcoholic beverages are famous for having a high sugar content which will always attract ants like any other outdoor floor.

 

Aside from keeping the tiles clean and neat, there is also maintenance that can be done. This is the oiling or staining process. There are two chosen routes homeowners take with this step and it all depends on what design and aesthetic you are trying to achieve with your deck.

 

The interlocking deck tiles are going to naturally fade out eventually to a silver gray look. However, do not be discouraged from this evolution. The silver tone is beautiful and many coastal customers desire this tone because it adds to their motif. If this is the case, little to no maintenance will ever be required. Simply install your new deck and sit back and relax. - You can always change your mind, even years down the road. Give the interlocking deck tiles a good sanding and apply your oil stain per the manufacturer's instructions.

 

If you are going for a more precise and polished presentation, you will simply re-oil stain the tiles periodically. The process is very straightforward and can be completed in just a couple hours over the weekend with a roller or sprayer. This is not a service that comes around the same time annually for all customers. Depending on climate and UV conditions, it will be at your own judgement when the interlocking wood deck tiles are ready for color maintenance.

 

Interlocking wood deck tiles are seen all over the world in many different places because they are smooth to walk on with bare feet, easy to install, a breeze to clean, fashionable, affordable and a beautiful upgrade to your old tattered surface. You will see these interlocking wood tiles in many different weather climates and atmospheres because they are versatile and have many different applications.

Pool decks are in use practically year round in the warmest of climates and typically the focal point of any 4th of July bash. The L'Auberge Del Mar, a sought after luxury hotel in San Diego, is a great example of how installing interlocking wood deck tiles can make a hotel pool deck feel perfect.

Roof decks are always a perfect place to use an interlocking wood deck tile system. The interlocking wood deck tiles are used by designers on a majority of rooftop remodel projects. The tiles are smooth to touch and walk on barefoot without causing splinters.

 

Patios and terraces are great places in your home to utilize as a tranquil meditation oasis. Upgrading your current surface to interlocking wood deck tiles will give the terrace a brand a new decor motif.

 

Outdoor showers are a great addition to your backyard pool. The last thing you want is guests and family members dripping chlorine and other chemicals when walking through the home after a swim. A simple and quick installation of an interlocking wood deck tile based outdoor shower will give the option of a shower before or after the pool.

 

Condo balconies are a great extension of your urban loft. The balcony is also the place you step out to enjoy the view or even a nice glass of wine. If you find yourself buying and investing in a condominium and are looking to make some upgrades to your outdoor living area, installing an interlocking wood deck tile system is an affordable and quick weekend remodel project.

 

These are all great applications of our interlocking deck tile product that you can see in cities across the nation. The product is versatile, durable, smooth and easy to install. If you think its time to upgrade your outdoor surface, give us a call at Eco Arbor Designs to discuss your unique situation and square footage and we will send over a quote with no pressure to buy!

 

Porcelain Pavers are an outstanding upgrade to completely transform your outdoor space without a removal of the existing surface. The raised porcelain paver systems are being installed high and low, across the country. Small projects on condo balconies, large hotel and restaurant expansions, roof decks in Manhattan and Los Angeles, you name it! Once your material has been purchased you have the luxury of hiring an installer to lend a helping hand, or the freedom of easily and properly completing the project yourself. Here is a guide of everything you'll need to know about what it takes to DIY a raised porcelain paver system. 

Gather any tools you will need to complete the project. Cleaning products, edge clips or wall spacers if necessary, a level for accuracy, pedestals, a saw for cutting etc.

 

Clean your outdoor surface. A light sweeping and mopping, allowing time for drying, is all the cleaning that is required. Also be sure of a great weather forecast, no rain or snow before or during installation.

 

Apply the insulating layer to the pedestals. This is the cushion between the pedestals and the pre existing surface and this is an optional step.

 

Begin the grid planning around the perimeter edges and configuring where all of the pedestals will be placed. This is an important step as this is the support system to your flooring.

 

Position a pedestal underneath the center of the slab for a perfectly safe, stable and long lasting application.

 

Position the clean, dry porcelain slabs on the pedestals. Everything should pop right into place unless a major mistake was made in the planning process of pedestal placement, which is an easy fix that shouldn’t require much time.

 

Ensure the completed raised porcelain paver surface is level and plane. Not only is a level floor safe, it also adds great value to the aesthetic of the project. The more even and plane your pavers are, the more expensive and high end your deck will look.

 

Regulate the pedestals if any imperfections are found during the leveling process and place your porcelain pavers back into the grid.

 

The final step is to gently walk across all parts of the deck ensuring a flawless installation. Porcelain pavers that are installed correctly do not shake or wobble.

 

Upgrading your old outdoor deck to a new IPE deck tile system is something for the whole family to enjoy and the neighbors to admire. This is the ultimate DIY project to have completed before the Spring season. The IPE wood is durable, reliable, easy to clean and one of the hottest trends in outdoor flooring. Most consumers will choose to stain the deck to match their decor and design motif. The process is simple and to be completed in a short weekend. Here are a few tips, steps, and clues to get you going on your stained and completed outdoor deck project.

Clean the tiles using a regular mop and broom routine and afterwards allow enough time for the floors to properly dry before continuing on to the next step. 24-72 hours depending where you live and amount of moisture and sunshine contributing to the drying speed.

 

Lightly sand away any scuff marks or major stains. For a small area, sanding the IPE with just a typical pole sander from a local hardware store will be abrasive enough to buff the IPE deck tiles. For decks that have been weather aged for many years and have deep abrasions and scratches, you should rent or buy a high powered floor sander to revamp the old flooring and prepare for the stain.

 

Very thoroughly brush the deck clean of all dusts. Using a large handle broom, thoroughly brush all the dust and debris away from all the IPE deck tiles.

 

Check between the cracks to make sure there's no debri in between the planks. Leaves, fuzz and dust can easily become adhered to the IPE deck tiles during the staining process if you aren't vigilant during removal.

 

Roll, spray or cloth rub your stain onto the IPE deck tiles. All methods are preferred and successful, it’s just a matter of figuring out which technique works for you and your square footage of deck tiles. When plausible, spraying the stain is “easiest” but is not possible in certain situations where stucco or other matter could be stained and ruined during the process.

 

There is a small surface area of IPE wood noticeable through the cracks so being proactive and inspecting your stain job from all angles and taking a brush to the in between cracks, will ensure an even high quality staining application.

 

Do not over saturate the IPE deck tiles during your stain application and after 24 hours, check to see if there are any little “puddles” of excess stain and remove them with an old rag or towel. Allow 24-48 hours and double check that the deck is completely 100% dry before placing furniture and other items back onto the deck. 

 

*You can also spray the backside of the pavers prior to installation, or even do the entire staining process before installation tile by tile and simply install your finished tiles.

 

Ipe Deck Tiles and how we got started in the outdoor flooring industry..

Our company started back in 2005 with a simple concept, outdoor flooring that is easy to install and lasts the test of time.  Over the course of the past 15 years we came to realize that outdoor flooring was so much more than our original product we called Eco Decking Tiles.  Today, we have done everything from Hotyels decks, to high end residential to restaurants to spas.  We seem to have done it all.  With all the new products we have launched and designed we seem to always come back to our original design.  Simple interlocking deck tiles. 

 They arent perfect for every application, nor do they fit into every budget or need.  But the one thing they do have is durability and ease of use.  In fact there is no better flooring product for a sinmple condominium balcony. Lock them down in place,  cut your last row and enjoy.  How many products out there are that easy, yet give you so much value to be able to walk on real wood deck with no complicated cutting or construction. We believe today these interlocking ipe deck tiles (our number one seller) will always have a place in our product portfolio. 

Deck tiles come in many formats, materials, shapes and sizes.  But one thing remains the same.  Quality materials!  An interlocking base that is easy to use, remains intact no matter how many times you lock or unlock the tiles.  As well as a qual;ity hardwood or composite surface. 

Our deck tiles are just that.  We have been told by countless design professionals that our interlocking base is the best on the market.  With UV stabilization, and fire retardant polymers in the base, we arent worried about where you install them, or how long they will be outside.  Our story and our original customers prove that this product is the type of set it and forget it system.  We are proud to be using the same materials and same factory for this long.  We continue to be a leader in the deck tile market.  We hope that you will give this product a shot for your application.  We will guide you as to what is the best product and application.  If it doesnt make sense  we will be the first to tell you. 

With one of the longest warranties in the business we know you will enjoy our deck tiles on your application, whether it be a balcony,  temporary event floor, or a boat deck.  Give us a call or visit out site for more information. 

http://ecoarbordesigns.com/inventory/details/3/interlocking_deck_tiles.html