Laying interlocking deck tiles over grass can be a great way to create a temporary or semi-permanent outdoor flooring option for events or gatherings. However, grass tends to grow through the gaps between the tiles, so it’s important to lay a weed barrier fabric underneath the tiles to prevent unwanted plant growth and to prevent the plastic base from sinking into the soil. Also, you must make sure the surface is well compacted, stable, and not bumpy.

Archatrak recommends asking the membrane provider.

You can certainly lay exterior interlocking wood tiles over dirt, but first it’s essential that you create a firm, stable base. You may need to remove any large rocks or debris and possibly lay down a gravel or sand base to ensure the tiles remain level and stable. You must also lay a weed barrier fabric underneath the tiles to prevent unwanted plant growth and ensure the feet on the plastic base don’t dig into the soil. Also the area should have a slight slope so water cannot pool under the tiles or remain in contact with the underside of the wood slats for any extended periods.

Provided they are made from highly durable wood species such as Ipe, Archatrak interlocking wood deck tiles can last 10 or more years with proper care, depending on the level of exposure to outdoor elements. Cheaper wood deck tiles using softwood or less durable species will not last as long. It’s also essential that the plastic bases are designed for outdoor conditions with appropriate additives used in the plastic to resist degradation due to UV exposure.

We exclusively use Ipe wood rather than softer, low cost, less durable wood species for our hardwood tiles due to its excellent durability, hardness and smooth surface, even after years of full exposure to sun, rain and snow.

Since interlocking tiles are specifically designed to snap or lock into place, you don’t need any tools for the deck tile installation other than maybe a rubber mallet to tap the tiles into place if needed. You will probably also need a handsaw to cut some tiles, at least on the final row and a screwdriver to reinstall some fixing screws. Transition pieces can be snapped onto the outer row of uncut tiles to give a neat finish.

A patio can typically be laid in just a few hours, depending on the size of the area. There’s no real need to hire a contractor unless you have an irregular shaped area and don’t want to do a lot of tile cutting yourself.

Despite their many benefits, there are a few issues with using interlocking tiles as outdoor wooden deck flooring to consider:

Smooth substrate needed

The surface (such as an old deck, concrete, or grass) that the tiles are to be laid on must not be uneven, as the tiles might not lock or align properly, potentially causing the edge of the tiles to pose a tripping hazard.

Limited load-bearing capacity

While interlocking wood deck tiles are very sturdy and are built for regular pedestrian traffic, including commercial applications, they are not designed to bear very heavy loads like a hot tub. In such applications, the tiles should be cut to fit around the object.

Difficult sloping substrate adjustment

Interlocking wood tiles cannot be used if you want to make a perfectly level deck over a sloped surface. In that case, you need to use our thicker and stronger structural Ipe wood tiles which are supported by stackable rubber support pads or adjustable height pedestals.

Fade

Wood color fades over time. Although interlocking wood deck tiles are made to withstand outdoor conditions, even the highly durable Ipe wood we exclusively use with our tiles will weather and fade over time.

Maintenance

Any wood deck, whether a conventional wood plank deck or interlocking wood tile deck, will require some maintenance. We always recommend applying a good quality deck oil from time to time to maintain the deck’s appearance.