Any wood deck that is structurally sound and free of warped, rotted or otherwise unsafe planks can be given a facelift. Resurfacing a wood deck is a simple process, and you’ll find it easier and more cost-effective than rebuilding your deck or even replacing the planks. We’ve got three excellent wood deck resurfacing options to give your wood deck a makeover!
Structural Wood Deck Tiles
Wood tiles are all the rage this year. The least expensive option is structural wood deck tiles. These tiles have solid wood slats screwed to wooden support bearers, with rubber support pads placed under each corner. Structural wood deck tiles are a somewhat forgiving option if your existing deck boards are a little warped or uneven, as minor height adjustments can be made with rubber shims. You should know that, like other wood options, structural wood tiles fade over time and will turn silvery grey over time.
Modular Wood Tiles
If wood-look is your thing, it doesn’t get much easier than modular wood tiles. Easily installed over top of your existing (structurally sound) wood deck, modular wood tiles are a convenient, versatile deck resurfacing option. Made from responsibly harvested wood like IPE and bamboo, these hardwood tiles are weather resistant and available in standard and FSC® Certified (SCS-COC-002585) species.
While modular wood tiles interlock, they work best when installed with a pedestal system. A pedestal deck support system raises the tiles, allowing water to drain freely below the tiles, while the tile connecting tabs or kerf cut design makes it easy to keep the tiles correctly spaced and aligned. Mounting your tiles on pedestals allows easy tile attachment, removal and replacement. Wood tiles come in a variety of sizes and can be interlocked with each other for complete design freedom.
When installing modular wood tiles directly on the surface of your existing deck, it is very important that the deck boards below be even with no warping to avoid the tiles rocking and creating a trip hazard. However, when installed using a pedestal system, the pedestals can be easily adjusted to account for slope or uneven surfaces below.
Porcelain Pavers
For those looking to upgrade and modernize their deck, there are porcelain pavers. Available in a wide range of colours, sizes and styles, including wood-look, porcelain pavers are the low-maintenance option deck lovers need. Porcelain pavers will not stain, fade or mildew and only require an occasional power washing to restore them to their freshly installed good looks. They resist scuffs and scratches and are unaffected by frost.
Mounted on top of a pedestal system, porcelain pavers offer an upscale appeal, free of the maintenance wood requires. Sometimes known as outdoor porcelain tiles, they’re durable, non-slip and offer impressive load-bearing strength. This makes them an ideal deck resurfacing option, and they can also be used around the pool, walkways, rooftop patios and even driveways.
Unlike thinner ceramic tiles, porcelain pavers are typically 20mm thick and are designed to be supported under each corner. Installation with a pedestal system is quick and straightforward, requiring no grout or adhesives.
For more information about using porcelain pavers, pedestal systems or wood tiles to resurface your deck, please visit Stonedeck Innovations – Canada’s deck life experts.