Knowing how to install interlocking deck tiles is the main reason customers choose them: the tiles click together on an interlocking base, with no screws, tools or adhesives, and can be laid on any firm, level surface. This guide covers the preparation, the step-by-step installation and the differences between concrete, balcony and existing wood decks. If you buy for retail, the last section shows how to turn it into a leaflet for your carton.
Before you start: check the surface
Interlocking deck tiles need a firm, level, clean surface. Check three things before you open the cartons.
- Firm: concrete, paving, tiles or an existing deck are suitable. Soft ground such as grass or soil is not (see below).
- Level: small dips can be corrected, but the surface should not slope across the tiles or have large steps. Uneven surfaces make tiles rock and the joints open.
- Clean and draining: sweep away dirt and leaves and check that water can run off. Never cover a balcony drain or gully.
What you need
- Enough tiles for the area plus a few extra for cutting and future replacement.
- A tape measure and pencil.
- A fine-toothed hand saw or jigsaw for edge tiles.
- A broom and a soft brush.
Step-by-step: how to install interlocking deck tiles
- Measure and plan. Measure the area and divide by the tile size (300 x 300 mm) to count the tiles. Decide where the cut edge tiles will go: against a wall or in the least visible place.
- Clean the surface. Sweep and, if needed, rinse and let it dry.
- Start in a corner. Lay the first tile with its connectors facing the open sides and the edge against the wall. Leave a small expansion gap of a few millimetres at walls, because wood moves with humidity.
- Click the next tiles. Line the edge connectors up and press the tiles together until they lock. Work row by row and keep the joints aligned.
- Keep the pattern consistent. For a 6-slat tile, turn tiles in the same direction for a continuous line, or alternate them for a checkerboard. For a 12-slat parquet tile, alternate direction for a woven look or keep them aligned for a uniform one.
- Cut the edge tiles. Mark the line, cut through the slats and the plastic base with a fine-toothed saw, and sand the cut edge lightly.
- Finish the edges. Check that every joint is closed and that no tile rocks. Sweep the surface.
Our 6-slat vs 12-slat guide explains the two patterns and how they read on a finished floor.
Installing interlocking deck tiles over concrete or on a balcony
Concrete and balcony floors are the most common surfaces. Make sure the floor is sound, dry and swept. If puddles collect in dips, water will stay under the tiles, so correct low spots or choose another area. Keep the tiles clear of drains and the wall gap free of debris. On balconies, check the load rules of the building if you are covering a large area.
Laying tiles over an existing wood deck
Tiles can go over a sound wood deck. Replace or fix loose boards first and make sure the boards are not cupped enough to rock the tiles. Clean off algae and moss, which are slippery and hold moisture.
Grass, soil and gravel: not directly
Interlocking tiles are made for firm, level surfaces. Laid straight onto grass or soil, they sink unevenly, hold moisture and open at the joints. To use them on a lawn or bare ground, first build a firm, level base such as compacted gravel with paving slabs, then lay the tiles on top.
Caring for the finished floor
Sweep regularly and rinse with clean water when needed. Wooden tiles weather outdoors, and an oil suitable for outdoor hardwood can be applied to keep the colour; see our guide on caring for acacia outdoors. Lift and air the tiles occasionally to clear trapped dirt.
For retail buyers: put the instructions in the carton
Customers who understand the installation in seconds return fewer tiles. Consider a printed installation leaflet or a pictogram on the carton: check the surface, click, cut edges, leave a wall gap. Carton style, printed artwork, labels and private label are all part of our OEM options, and our acacia tiles are 300 x 300 mm, 24 mm thick, in 6-slat and 12-slat designs. See the decking tiles range, the 6-slat tile and the 12-slat tile. FSC® 100% is available on request (Chain of Custody certificate SA-COC-016121, licence FSC-C226314); when you order FSC, the claim is stated on the invoice and shipping documents.
Frequently asked questions
Do interlocking deck tiles need screws or adhesive?
No. They click together on the interlocking base and sit on a firm, level surface. Edge tiles are trimmed to fit.
Can interlocking deck tiles go over concrete?
Yes. Concrete is one of the best surfaces if it is firm, level, clean and draining.
How do you cut deck tiles?
Mark the tile, then cut through the slats and the plastic base with a fine-toothed hand saw or a jigsaw, and sand the edge lightly.
Can I lay deck tiles on grass or soil?
Not directly. Build a firm, level base first, such as compacted gravel with paving slabs.
Do I need to leave a gap at the wall?
Yes, a small gap of a few millimetres lets the wood move with humidity without pushing against the wall.
