Q: We currently have a raised wood deck off our living space, and we are wanting to have stone laid on top of the wood. I have heard about floating tiles that can be placed over a deck. Are we able to put tile on top of our existing deck, and if so, do you know what product we should be looking for? Thanks so much for your assistance!
Michelle
A: The short answer is "yes," but lets go over some details about what tile to use and certain precautions to take. First off, make sure that your deck will be able to support the additional weight from all the tile, while still being able to handle foot traffic and potential furniture. Second, when looking at tile, make sure you are looking into a tile that is approved for outdoors. It may also be necessary to create a plywood substrate over your deck if you have gaps which are too great for the product you intend to install, check with your tile's manufacturer to make sure.
There are lots of outdoor tile and patterned concrete which can give you many great looks while being built for the great outdoors. When doing your installation, make sure you leave proper grout lines as suggested by the manufacturers. Many outdoor tiles for patios and such suggest 3/8" grout lines between tiles to help give the stone more room and move as the weather changes.