How do you lay deck tiles on soil?

Laying deck tiles directly on soil can be an attractive and affordable way to create a new outdoor living space. However, it’s important to take the proper steps when installing deck tiles on soil to ensure they are level, stable, and durable over time. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the entire process of laying deck tiles on soil, from site preparation to tile installation and maintenance. We will cover key considerations like assessing the soil quality, choosing the right deck tiles, preparing the soil surface, determining the tile layout, adhering the tiles, dealing with uneven areas, grouting between tiles, and protecting and maintaining your finished tile deck. Follow these instructions carefully and you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor deck tiles on soil area for your home.

Assessing the Soil Quality

The first step in laying deck tiles on soil is to assess the quality of your soil. You want the soil to be well-draining and compacted. Standing water or excess moisture can cause the soil to shift or subside over time and cause your deck tiles to become uneven. Here are some tips for assessing soil quality:

• Observe how quickly water drains after rain. The soil should not remain wet or puddled for more than 1-2 days.
• Test drainage by digging a small hole 12 inches deep and filling it with water. It should drain fully within 24 hours.
• Compact the soil by walking over the entire area, looking for soft spots or areas where your foot sinks more than 1 inch into the soil. Soft areas may need to be excavated and re-compacted.
• Send a soil sample to a lab for testing if unsure about composition or drainage capacity.

If there are concerns about the soil quality, you may need to amend it with sand or gravel to improve drainage before installing deck tiles. Proper soil assessment upfront will prevent issues down the road.

Choosing the Right Deck Tiles

Once you have assessed the soil and addressed any drainage issues, it’s time to select your composite deck tiles. Consider the following factors when choosing deck tiles for soil:

• Size – Composite deck tiles are available in 12×12, 12×24, 24×24 and 24×36 inch sizes. Choose based on your project scope.
• Thickness – Aim for deck tiles that are at least 1 inch thick. Thicker tiles are heavier and more durable.
• Interlocking design – Look for tiles with an interlocking mechanism on the underside or lugs to connect the tiles together.
• Weight – Heavier tiles stay in place better on soil. Look for tiles weights at least 2 lbs per square foot.
• Composition – Composite deck tiles made from polypropylene or plastic have better soil contact and are less prone to shifting.

Commercial-grade composite tiles intended for ground installations are best. Avoid lightweight wooden or bamboo tiles that can easily float or shift on soil. Choosing the right tile product will prevent a lot of problems during installation.

Preparing the Soil Surface

Once you have your deck tiles purchased, you can start prepping the installation site. Proper soil preparation is crucial for creating a solid base for the tiles. Follow these key steps:

1. Remove any grass, plants or debris from the installation area.
2. Level the soil surface with a rake, adding soil to low areas and removing soil from high points.
3. Compact the soil using a plate compactor or hand tamp. Compact in several passes, moistening the soil between passes.
4. Add a 1-2 inch layer of coarse builder’s sand across the whole area. Smooth and level the sand.
5. Optional – Install landscape fabric over the leveled sand for better stabilization and weed prevention.

The deck tiles will go over this prepared soil and sand base. Taking time to properly grade and compact the soil will keep the tiles even and prevent shifting or settling issues.

Determining the Tile Layout

When laying deck tiles on soil, you can arrange them in different patterns just like other tile products. Consider the scope of your space and how you want the finished deck to look. Here are some popular deck tile patterns:

• Grid pattern – Tiles are arranged in straight perpendicular rows like a grid. This has a clean, modern look.
• Staggered brick pattern – Tiles are offset in rows, like laying bricks. Provides a pleasing staggered look.
• Diagonal or herringbone pattern – Tiles are laid at 45 degree angles. Creates visual interest.
• Basketweave pattern – Tiles alternate perpendicular and diagonal directions. Gives a woven look.
• Random pattern – Tiles are arranged in a freeform, irregular pattern. Provides a more organic appearance.

Sketch out some layout options on paper first to visualize how the patterns will look in your space. Most composite deck tiles have interlocking edges so they can be arranged in any configuration.

Adhering the Tiles

Once you determine the layout, you’re ready to start adhering the deck tiles to the prepared soil base. Follow these tips for proper tile installation:

• Start in a corner or along one edge of the installation space.
• Apply a layer of exterior-grade construction adhesive to the bottom of each tile using a 3/8″ V-notched trowel.
• Set the first tile in place, pressing down firmly to ensure good soil contact.
• Connect adjacent tiles together by lowering them into place, engaging the interlocking mechanisms.
• Follow the chosen tile pattern, working outward row by row.
• To cut border or edge tiles, measure and mark the shape, and use a utility knife and straightedge ruler to score and snap the tile.
• Cut tiles should be no smaller than 6 inches wide to maintain stability.
• Allow a 1/4 inch gap between tiles and any adjacent permanent structures to allow for expansion.
• Tap down each tile with a rubber mallet to lock together and adhere to the soil base.

Take care to keep the tiles level and flush with adjacent tiles as you work across the installation space. The construction adhesive will cure and harden to create a permanent bond.

Dealing with Uneven Areas

Despite best efforts preparing the underlying soil, you may encounter uneven spots across the deck tile installation area. Dips, indentations in the soil, or slight height differences between tiles can occur. There are a couple options to remedy this:

• Lift up the tiles in the uneven area and work more sand or soil underneath to build it up and level it out.
• Use exterior-grade shims to shave off excess height where a tile is too high. Tap shims into place and re-set the tile.
• For dips or depressions, set an exterior-grade concrete leveling compound underneath the tiles to build them up to the proper plane.

Take the time to keep working the area until the tiles are perfectly flush and level with the surrounding deck tiles. Eliminating uneven spots will make the finish deck look uniform and prevent future issues.

Grouting Between Tiles

While composite deck tiles lock tightly together, slight gaps may remain between them. These can be filled in with an outdoor grout for a seamless look:

• Sweep away any debris between the deck tiles.
• Apply outdoor grout using a hard rubber float, forcing it into the joints between tiles.
• Take care not to smear grout on the surface of the tiles. Wipe any excess immediately.
• After 15-20 minutes, use a damp sponge to clean off residual grout haze.
• Let the grout cure fully for 24-48 hours before using the tile deck.

Polyblend unsanded grout or commercial deck tile grout are good options. The grout finish will help lock the tiles together and prevent shifting.

Protecting and Maintaining the Deck

Once your deck tiles on soil are completely installed, there are a few recommended steps to protect them and keep them looking like new:

• Seal the tiles with a penetrating sealer every 1-2 years to prevent staining and damage.
• Keep debris cleared from between tiles to prevent weeds or ant hills from forming.
• Inspect annually for any uneven settlings or gaps and re-level individual tiles as needed.
• Re-apply construction adhesive under tiles that become loose or hollow-sounding.
• Clean tiles periodically with a pressure washer and mild soap solution.

With proper care and maintenance, a deck tiles on soil patio can provide years of outdoor living enjoyment. Follow this complete guide and you can install deck tiles on soil with confidence.

Conclusion

Installing deck tiles on soil provides a versatile and affordable way to create a new outdoor living space. By assessing the soil quality, choosing appropriate composite tiles, and taking time to prepare the soil base, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting results. Adhering the tiles securely with construction adhesive and grouting between them will prevent shifting or sinking issues. Minor uneven spots can be remedied using shims or leveling techniques. With routine sealing and cleaning, a deck tile patio on soil will maintain its quality appearance and performance for many years to come. Following this comprehensive installation guide will set you up for deck tiling success.