7 Types of Decking Tiles: What's the Best?

Are you looking for an easy and affordable way to transform your floor, roof, balcony or another horizontal surface?

Deck tiles will definitely add visual panache to your home and outdoor environments.

All you need is the right type of decking that suits your needs and wants.

Deck tiles can be made of wood, ceramic, stone or composite wood.

Today a wide variety of options is available on the market.

However, it can be rather difficult to make the right choice for your project.

That is why you should learn more about different types of materials and weigh pros and cons.

What decking tiles to choose?

1. Ipe Wood Deck Tiles

Ipe tends to be one of the hardest wood species. It is resistant to insects, molds, rot and decay. Ipe has excellent fire-resistant properties. Moreover, this material displays very little tendency to warp or twist even under extreme conditions. Ipe wood can be used in severe weather patterns including ice and snow.

2. Teak Deck Tiles

Teak is a highly regarded hardwood. It is traditionally used for outdoor projects due to its excellent weather resistance properties. Despite the fact that teak is slightly softer than Ipe, it almost doesn't warp and twist under extreme conditions as well as Ipe wood.

3. Slate Tiles

Slate tiles are used for both practical and decorative purposes. Slate is moderately hard material but it can be slightly scratched with sharp objects. In case of severe climatic conditions it is recommended to use a special slate sealer.

4. Granite Deck Tiles

Granite is a very durable, hard and strong material. It is considered to be ideal for commercial applications. Granite is more stain resistant than slate. Hammered surface finish provides excellent anti-slip properties. It is recommended to apply a special sealer, especially if you live in the area with severe climatic conditions.

5. Sandstone Tiles

This relatively soft stone has a natural anti-slip surface. It is one of the coolest decking to walk on in hot summer weather. Sandstone requires sealing to give higher stain resistance. This kind of tiles is rarely used for commercial applications.

6. Composite Wood Deck Tiles

This material is softer than Ipe. Unlike natural wood tiles, composite wood requires less maintenance. The advantage of composite wood is that it is suitable to use in severe weather conditions like high rainfall, ice and snow. Besides, it is resistant to color fading. The con of this material is that it is not particularly resistant to mildew or mold.

7. Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic decking has good anti-slip properties owing to transparent silica sand surface coating. This material has better water absorption than granite. Thinner ceramic tiles require more care. Thus, it is not recommended to use heavy cast iron furniture, especially with unprotected legs. Ceramic decking is rarely used for commercial applications.

When purchasing decking tiles, make sure the manufacturer is reliable and experienced enough. Don't hesitate to ask about money back policy and long-term warranty.