Floor Covering Ideas to Revamp Your Deck

Is your deck looking tired and worn? Are the boards weathered or splintered, making your outdoor space seem dull and uninviting? Don't despair - with the right floor covering, you can easily revamp your deck and create an outdoor oasis perfect for relaxing and entertaining.

Refreshing your deck's floor is one of the simplest ways to update the look of your entire outdoor space. New flooring can disguise flaws, match your style, and make the deck safer and more comfortable to use.

Spruce Up Appearance with New Flooring

If your existing deck boards are warped, split, or full of knotholes and cracks, a new floor covering is a great way to spruce up the appearance without undergoing a full tear-out. Floor coverings come in a wide variety of colors, textures, and patterns to complement your home's exterior.

For a natural wood look, composite deck tiles mimic the beauty of real hardwood without the upkeep. Or make a design statement with colorful outdoor carpet or patterned rubber tiles. Horizontal or diagonal deck floor tile layouts add visual interest.

Floor coatings like stained concrete or epoxy paint totally transform the deck's look while protecting the surface below. Mixing decking materials, like wood with stone or tile accents, blends textures.

Material Ideas for Deck Floor Covers

• PVC or rubber tiles
• Exterior carpet
• Poured concrete overlay
• Stone or porcelain pavers
• Composite decking
• WPC vinyl boards
• Wood planks
• Roll-out sheets

Composite boards offer the natural beauty of wood with enhanced durability. Available in a wide range of colors, composite resists fading, staining, and scratching. It won't warp or rot like natural wood. Composites come in tile and plank formats for versatile design options.

PVC and rubber tiles stand up well to heavy foot traffic while providing comfort underfoot. They resist moisture, mildew, and UV rays. Interlocking and snap-together tiles make for easy DIY installation. Bold colors and patterns let you customize your deck's style.

Poured concrete resurfacing creates a fresh, seamless surface and can hide imperfect decking below. Options like staining, etching, and stamping offer design flexibility. But cured concrete can be slippery when wet unless you add a textured treatment.

Enhance Safety and Comfort Underfoot

Replacing or covering your decking also makes the space much more comfortable and safe to use. Old, uneven planks can cause tripping hazards.

New deck floor options from LonDeck , Outdoor Patio Tile , and Sterling Roof Top Tile add fall height protection and skid-resistance. Cushioned surfaces like turf or foam-backed vinyl are gentler underfoot.

Proper drainage prevents puddling, keeping the boards dry. Heated systems let you extend the use of your deck later into the seasons. Floor covers also provide sound absorption.

Benefits of New Deck Flooring

• Slip protection
• Cushioning
• Durability
• Weather and UV resistance
• Impact absorption
• Sound dampening
• Insulation

Rubber and foam-backed vinyl flooring add comfort, especially for kids play areas. They provide sound dampening as well. These cushioned surfaces are safer, reducing injury from falls. Some feature joints that allow water drainage.

Stone, porcelain, and wood-polymer composite tiles hold up better to weather extremes than real wood. They won't warp or degrade from moisture. Porcelain and stone offer durability for decades. Just be aware, some tiles can get slippery when wet.

How to Choose the Right Floor Covering

With so many options available, choosing the perfect floor solution may seem overwhelming initially. Keep in mind your climate, usage requirements, desired maintenance level, and style preferences to narrow down selections.

Composite boards stand up to heavy foot traffic and offer wood-like appeal. PVC or rubber tiles work great around pools. Porcelain pavers and stone handle temperature swings better than real wood. Foam-backed vinyl is comfortable under bare feet.

For best results, opt for floor covers made specifically for exterior use. Verify followed proper installation methods for substrate preparation, moisture barriers, and gapping.

Tips for Selecting Deck Floor Covers

• Consider climate and weather exposure
• Determine expected traffic and wear
• Decide on appearance - from natural to bold colors
• Review options suitable for pets and kids play
• Assess noise reduction needs
• Factor in ease of cleaning requirements

Climate directly impacts material performance. In hot regions, stone and porcelain withstand heat better than vinyl and wood. Cold climates call for insulation beneath floors. Account for sun, rain, snow, and humidity exposure.

Measure traffic patterns to find high wear areas. Durability and stain-resistance matter more in heavy use zones. For lightly used spaces, focus more on comfort and appearance.

Set a maintenance budget too. Composites and synthetic tiles require less upkeep than real wood. Factor in long-term resealing or stain touch-ups.

Installing Deck Floor Covers

Prepping your deck correctly ensures your new floor cover lasts. Thoroughly clean the existing deck, allowing time to dry fully. Check for damaged boards, re-secure loose nails or screws, and replace rotten areas.

Most flooring needs a smooth, even subfloor to adhere properly. An exterior plywood substrate works well. Let materials acclimate to the climate. Follow manufacturer's directions for special tools, recommended adhesives, and install techniques.

Allow proper spacing between pieces for expansion and drainage. Use flashing to protect edges and trim for a finished appearance. Seal seams according to product specifications.

Deck Prep and Install Tips

• Repair damaged areas
• Ensure proper deck slope for drainage
• Fasten down any loose decking
• Fill cracks wider than 1/4"
• Install an exterior plywood subfloor
• Allow materials to acclimate before installing
• Follow manufacturer instructions

A clean, flat, and structurally sound deck provides the ideal base for installation. Sweep away dirt and debris. Fill cracks and holes with an appropriate sealant or filler.

Check for proper spacing between existing boards. Fasten down any loose planks. Ensure adequate slope for drainage - at least 1/8 inch per foot is recommended.

Acclimate tiles, boards, or rolls in climate conditions for 1-2 days before installing. This allows materials to adjust to temperature and humidity levels.

All deck floor coverings require proper care and maintenance. Sweep regularly with a stiff broom to prevent dirt, leaves, pollen buildup. Spot clean spills and stains quickly.

Reapply protective treatments like sealers annually. Store outdoor carpets and mats when not in use. In winter, remove items that hold moisture. Check for damage after severe weather.

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning products and procedures. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could degrade or discolor the flooring prematurely.