Can You Tile Over A Wood Deck

Before you move forward with installing outdoor tile over a wood deck however you need to consider a few things to make certain your deck is up for the job.

Can you tile over a wood deck.

The deck s integrity is a critical factor in deciding if you can install tile or linoleum over the wood. Installing tile over a standard deck frame in an exterior environment is a recipe for trouble. By installing outdoor tile over wood deck surfaces you can give your old wood deck a complete makeover. Can i install tiles on composite or wood decks.

Not only that but you can actually protect your deck from further damage. Find out why it is a bad idea to put ceramic tile on a wood deck. Any structurally sound deck without decayed warped or otherwise unsafe planks can normally be given an amazing makeover simply by laying modular wood tiles or structural porcelain pavers right over the top of the existing deck. For decks built over occupied living space there s a kerdi specification called d ext os 13 that requires a roofing membrane installed on a plywood deck followed by a drainage mat and a 1 inch thick reinforced mortar bed.

And it s a much simpler and more cost effective option than a total deck rebuild or even just replacing the planks. Several deck builders discouraged us. With attention to a few key details any do it yourselfer can install. Fiberon makes gorgeous products that require zero maintenance.

Incidentally exterior stone or tile should never be installed directly over pt plywood which expands and contracts as it gets wet and dries out. The porosity in addition to viscosity of the tile is also a key factor in how well your floor will survive the elements. The combination of tile grout wood and water in an environment with temperature and moisture fluctuations makes it nearly impossible to get the long term performance that most occupants expect. If the wood has rotted or been damaged by insects it will need to be replaced.

Schluter also makes a similar membrane called ditra that can be used in exterior tile applications over wood substrates. In addition the wood decking needs to be securely fastened to provide an acceptable foundation for the tile or linoleum and any loose planks should be re fastened. We want to redo the deck and are considering porcelain tile. To minimize cracking and popped tiles the tcna always recommends the use of an uncoupling waterproofing membrane over exterior plywood substrates.