How to Install Ipe Deck Tiles: Top-Rated DIY Renter-Friendly Deck Tiles

How to Install Ipe Deck Tiles: Top-Rated DIY Renter-Friendly Deck Tiles

Do you feel like you’re in a design rut and can’t seem to figure out what material to use to renovate your rooftop or balcony floor?

We have the perfect material for you—24”x24” ipe deck tiles. In this blog, we’ll give you step-by-step procedures for how to install Ipe Deck Tiles, and explain what makes them a top choice for transforming your outdoor space.

What Are Ipe Deck Tiles?

Ipe deck tiles are interlocking flooring tiles used for outdoor spaces to mimic the look and feel of a standard wood deck but without the tireless installation that comes with hardwood decking.

No screws, nails, or glue are needed. These deck tiles are 100% natural ipe, renter-friendly, and DIY-friendly, making them the perfect project to add to your home improvement list.

These deck tiles can come in a variety of sizes, such as 12”x12”, 24”x24”, and 24”x48”. Each dimension fits different-sized spaces, spanning from small outdoor balconies or showers to larger rooftops and decks.

Why Ipe?

Ipe is a durable and beautiful hardwood originally from South American forests. It has a rich brown color with reddish-to-yellow hues. With a Janka Hardness of 3,680 out of 4,000, it is one of the strongest woods in the world. Its density, along with its natural oils, make it incredibly resistant to biological agents, such as fungus, decay, rot, termites, splintering, harsh weather, warping, mold, and insects. 

While other wood decks may need to be maintained every few years to stay rot-free, ipe decks have the added benefit of lower maintenance requirements and longer lifespans. Ipe makes it so that these deck tiles can last up to 50 years with minimal maintenance.

Also, in sunny climates like Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego, homeowners need to think about incorporating a flooring material that doesn’t get hot when exposed to the sun. A lot of composite materials get too hot in the sun, making it nearly impossible to walk comfortably and safely. Ipe is a hardwood that doesn’t get hot on the touch, even with high sun exposure. This means that you and your loved ones can comfortably walk barefoot without hurting the palms of your feet from heat or splinters! 

However, with ipe’s durability and stability come harder installation requirements and processes. Ipe boards need to be predrilled and use special screws in standard decking applications. This brings us to the ipe deck tiles’ main benefit—with ipe deck tiles, you get all the functionality and aesthetics that come with standard ipe decking but without the technical and tiresome installation procedures.

In short: Anyone can install ipe deck tiles! Each deck tile comes with predrilled holes on each corner of the back of the tile (4 total holes). Below, we’ll walk you through the simple and efficient ipe deck tile installation process!

How To Install Ipe Deck Tiles

1. In preparation:
– Clean the area where the tiles will be installed.
– Make sure the surface is even. If it isn’t even, or if you’d like to raise the surface, use pedestals to do so.

2. On the back of each tile, there are four holes—one in each corner. Connect the tiles to the connectors via the holes on each corner.

3. Add as many tiles as needed for your space.

4. If your tiles get dirty, simply use soap and water to clean them.

5. If your tiles are exposed to the sun, use a UV-protectant oil every year or so to maintain the tiles’ original color. If you appreciate the faded grayish-silver patina, you can leave the tiles without applying oil as well—it is all up to your preferences!

6. Uninstalling:

If or when you decide to move homes, you can simply take the connectors out of the holes, and pack the tiles, pedestals, and connectors with you for your next home. 

As you can probably tell from this step-by-step process, installing ipe deck tiles is a simple DIY home project that you can easily take advantage of. Whether you’re installing alone or with someone else, the process is fairly easy and can be done in a matter of minutes to hours, depending on the size of the space.

Other Considerations

These deck tiles are renter-friendly and can go on any existing surface! This means that you can install them on your cement or grass balcony (for example), and when you move out, take them with you to your next home! No tools are needed other than your hands and a little strength to pick up the deck tiles.

These deck tiles give homeowners some room to play around with the design. You can have the tiles all face the same way for a uniform, cohesive effect or have each tile perpendicular to the other for a more interesting and complex design.

Lastly, when choosing where to get your ipe deck tiles, make sure to ask questions about where the material is sourced. Check which green and sustainable certifications the ipe has, such as FSC certification. This ensures that the wood is sustainably harvested and does not cause deforestation in our forests.