How To Install Interlocking Deck Tiles On Dirt [Step By Step Guide]

Modern deck tiles have interlocking mechanisms that make them the quickest and simplest decking material to install. Want to know the detailed instructions for installing them? We've done extensive research on this topic to help you with your installation task. Here's what we discovered.

The following are the procedures to follow to install interlocking deck tiles on dirt:

  1. Choose an appropriate location for your deck tiles.
  2. Lay out your deck.
  3. Level the surface area.
  4. Apply weed control.
  5. Establish a firm base.
  6. Lay down the tiles in place.
  7. Cut the excess deck tiles.
  8. Install edging.
  9. Seal the deck tiles.

We'll go over each step of installing these interlocking deck tiles in detail in this article. Additionally, we'll discuss some advantages of using this type of tile and what you can find on the market.

wooden floor decking panels balcony garden deck tiles, How To Install Interlocking Deck Tiles On Dirt [Step By Step Guide]

How To Install Interlocking Deck Tiles On Dirt?

Interlocking deck tiles are made to be easily installed in a short amount of time by anyone. This kind of material is designed with two edges with loops and two edges with pegs. With nothing more than a push, these two click together. Everything you need for a quick and simple installation is provided below.

1. Choose An Appropriate Location For Your Deck Tiles

When choosing the area of your yard for your deck, make sure to steer clear of especially damp spots, such as deep depressions or locations where standing water usually accumulates.

Also, in order to maintain proper drainage underneath the tiles, the surface should normally slope slightly away from any structures' outer walls.

2. Lay out Your Deck

Before you begin, it's a good idea to draw out your preferred design on paper. Using a variety of tile types or arranging the tiles in various configurations, you can quickly and easily design and construct one-of-a-kind patterns, designs, and borders. 

Click here to see this sketch pad on Amazon.

Remember that if you don't like the first pattern you've placed down, you can just pick up the tiles and reinstall them in a different arrangement.

3. Level The Surface Area

Although you can install interlocking deck tiles on pebbles, asphalt, or dirt, there shouldn't be any significant depressions or bumps that could lead to the tiles shifting or lying unevenly.

To ensure this, level the ground before installing your deck tiles. You can do this by hand with a shovel, hoe, and rake if the area is small enough. You might need to use a tiller or heavy machinery for larger surfaces.

Click here to see this shovel on Amazon.

Click here to see this tiller on Amazon.

4. Apply Weed Control

spraying pesticide lawn green grass

Apply a weed control barrier over hard earth, sand, or gravel surfaces after the surface has been leveled and thoroughly compacted to stop grass or weeds from growing up through the crevices between the slats.

5. Establish A Firm Base

Dirt and grass are prone to shifting with time. You must build a sturdy platform on top of your freshly leveled ground to stop this. 

Build your base out of gravel, finely compacted sand, or poured concrete. You can use a rake to level out this base and then pack it down. This base will serve as a stabilizing, safeguarding layer between your tiles and the dirt below.

Click here to see this rake on Amazon.

6. Lay Down The Tiles In Place

It is generally preferable to start placing the tiles from one of the area's outer corners and work your way toward the outer wall. When the first tile is placed in the corner of your workspace, the connecting tabs on one side of it should match up with the corresponding connecting tabs on the second tile. 

For the second tile to lock solidly to the first, push the tabs together firmly. Repetition of this easy "snap in place" technique will help you cover the entire area.

7. Cut The Excess Deck Tiles

demonstrations how easily way cut vinyl

You might need to trim some tiles from the final row to fill in any gaps. Using a jigsaw, handsaw, or other power saw to cut wood deck tiles is simple as long as no screws in the tile's base are cut. The tiles can also be trimmed to fit around pipelines or posts.

Click here to see this handsaw on Amazon.

Click here to see this jigsaw on Amazon.

8. Install Edging

Place edging around the perimeter but this is optional, but it will help the tiles stay in placce. You can use regular landscaping edging pieces or flagstones standing on end.

Click here to see this landscaping edging on Amazon.

Click here to see these flagstones on Amazon.

9. Seal The Deck Tiles

As soon as possible after installation, coat the deck tiles with a high-quality decking oil or sealant to provide protection from weather, mold or mildew growth, and harsh sunlight.

Click here to see this decking sealer on Amazon.

Reapply decking oil/sealer every 12 months or so, depending on the climate where you live, the amount of exposure to rain and sunlight, and the manufacturer's recommendations.

Instead of utilizing simple oil and turpentine-based treatments, select more specialized sealer/oil with a high solids content, UV inhibitors, and/or transparent iron oxides.

A video on YouTube below shows the installation of these interlocking deck tiles on dirt.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Interlocking Deck Tiles?

Interlocking deck tiles have all the qualities you want from an outdoor flooring product, s well as a great deal of connivence. Take into account the numerous benefits of using these patio deck tiles as the flooring for your home renovation project.

Simple Installation

The fact that you can install these floor tiles yourself is their main advantage. The tiles are easily transportable due to their practical size. Without the use of underlayment or glue, you can install these tiles directly over a deck made of wood or concrete. 

For your outdoor living space or garage floor, many of these tiles are simple to cut to size and install quickly and effortlessly thanks to their interlocking nature.

Modular Design

The modular design of many interlocking deck tiles allows for easy removal and relocation to another outdoor space as needed. Since the interlocking patio tiles don't require glue-down installation, you may simply swap out a damaged tile. 

As a result, you can always maintain the attractiveness of your flooring without having to pay to replace substantial amounts of it. 

These tiles are detachable, making them ideal for interim installations when you might need a decking solution for a few years before replacing your entire deck. You can properly clean the subsurface after removing the typically 1 or 4-square-foot tiles.

Waterproof Quality

These deck tiles are all entirely waterproof and made to withstand any weather elements. Most are created to direct water away from the surface of the outdoor patio or deck, preventing standing water from accumulating. They also help in the creation of anti-slip surfaces.

Resilient

These outdoor tiles are made to be sturdy options for outdoor flooring. They are constructed using materials that can tolerate severe temperatures, such as eco-friendly rubbers and plastic composites.

The composite deck tiles are also made to resist heavy use, such as heavy foot traffic. You can use them for many years to come because most floor tiles resist UV rays and most plastic and rubber patio pavers resist mildew and mold.

Economical

Interlocking deck tiles are one of the most cost-effective and long-lasting solutions for your deck or other outdoor areas. Some of these tiles come with a five-year warranty, making them a long-term investment.

Compared to many varieties of outdoor wood flooring, you can save money by installing the tiles yourself. No underlayment is necessary, there is only minimal site preparation or no professional installer engagement needed (in most cases).

What Are Some Ideal Interlocking Deck Tiles Available In The Market?

close view outdoor wooden decking tiles

Below are some of the ideal interlocking deck tiles you can buy on the market or online.

Interbuild Acacia Hardwood Deck Tiles

These Interbuild tiles offer a cost-effective alternative. Instead of teak, these tiles are constructed of acacia. Although acacia is not as well-known as teak, it is a strong and water-resistant wood. The tiles are pre-oiled and ready to use right out of the box.

Click here to see these acacia hardwood deck tiles on Amazon.

Yaheetech Interlocking Deck Tiles

This is one of the more affordable choices. Available in striped and checkered patterns, these slats are composed of real fir wood and have a grooved surface that aids in drainage and reduces slippage. The tiles have a chic light wood appearance.

Click here to see these interlocking deck tiles on Amazon.

PANDAHOME Wood Plastic Composite Deck Tiles

brown wooden decking tiles floor coverings

This choice from PandaHome can save you money. The interlocking base and wood/plastic composite construction make it simple to set these tiles with little effort. The tiles' construction makes them resistant to UV rays, wetness and slipping. 

Click here to see these wood-plastic composite deck tiles on Amazon.

Mammoth Artificial Wood Deck Tiles

The surface of this Mammoth artificial wood series' high-density extruded PVC composite material is machined to mimic the natural appearance and feel of wood. These tiles do not require annual priming, staining, or sealing because they are not made of wood. Simply clean them as necessary!

Click here to see these artificial wood deck tiles on Amazon.

Conclusion

wooden floor decking panels balcony garden deck tiles

Although you cannot immediately install interlocking decking on dirt or grass, you can easily get your yard ready for these deck tiles with the help of the aforementioned steps. We hope this post guides you to a successful decking project.

Before you go, don’t hesitate to check out some valuable articles we have below.

11 Incredible Deck Railing Style Ideas

How Often Should You Stain The Deck?

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