Exterior Tile Decks: Creating a Beautiful and Durable Outdoor Space

Outdoor living spaces have become an important part of many homes, providing an extension of the living area for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the outdoors. An exterior tile deck can add style and functionality to a patio, rooftop, balcony, or existing concrete deck. However, outdoor installations need to be designed to handle moisture, temperature extremes, and the demands of the local climate.

Choosing the right tile is important, but so is choosing the right installation system.

Understanding Exterior Tile Deck Systems

There are multiple ways to install tile outdoors, but only a few stand up to the Okanagan’s cold winters and hot summers. Arden Tile suggests two successful systems that offer different solutions for exterior deck applications: Low-profile floating systems and raised tile pedestal systems.

The unique, German-designed low-profile system UZIN BalkuSlim® is designed for exterior tile and stone installations when keeping the overall height and weight of the installation at a minimum can be beneficial. The system is quick and easy to install, provides waterproofing, and is designed to withstand extreme heat and frost. It achieves this by being a floating system, where the tile is adhered down to a thick membrane with a flexible, polyurethane adhesive.

UZIN BalkuSlim® deck systems can also help reduce labour requirements because of their simple, single layer design. One simply lays down the membrane, wraps and flashes the deck with a specially designed Butyl tape, and that’s it… ready to tile! This type of system can be particularly useful when there are door threshold height restrictions or when adding significant weight to a structure is a concern.

Raised Decks with Adjustable Pedestals

A different approach to deck tile is an adjustable pedestal system such as Buzon®, which creates a raised tile surface above the underlying deck or concrete slab. This can be an excellent option for existing concrete decks, rooftop terraces, balconies, and other applications where the finished surface needs to be elevated.

Buzon® pedestals are fully adjustable from 17 mm to 850 mm, allowing installers to compensate for different heights and slopes. A patented slope corrector can create or compensate for up to 5% of pitch.

One of the biggest advantages of a raised system is the open cavity underneath the finished surface. Due to having no grout in the joint, rainwater can drain through the deck, while services such as wiring, plumbing, or irrigation can run underneath and remain accessible for future maintenance.

Choosing the Right Exterior Tile

Once the installation system has been determined, there are many design options available for the finished surface. Outdoor porcelain tiles and ¾” porcelain pavers come in a variety of colours, textures and sizes. The most popular styles are 24”x24”, and replicate the appearance of wood, natural stone, and concrete.

The right choice will depend on the style of the home, the existing structure, and the intended use of the space. Working with an experienced tile professional can help determine which system and surface materials are appropriate for the project.

Explore Exterior Tile Options in Vernon

For homeowners and contractors planning an exterior tile deck, Arden Tile in Vernon, BC, offers both UZIN BalkuSlim® and Buzon® pedestal systems for new construction or renovation projects. Arden Tile has the expertise to guide someone through the installation process, or can offer professional installers to do the job for them.

Arden Tile has been serving Vernon and the surrounding area for over 35 years. Their showroom offers a wide selection of tile and flooring products, along with knowledgeable staff who can help you explore exterior deck surfaces and determine which installation approach may work best for your project.

Visit Arden Tile at 2800C 45th Avenue, Vernon, BC, or call 250-545-2272 to learn more about exterior tile decks and the systems available for your outdoor space.

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