Tile Size for my Rooftop Deck?

11 years ago

I have a rooftop deck and am thinking about 16x24 inch tile - i think the rectangular tile will look more contemporary and different. Should I go with a square tile instead? I uploaded pictures of the house and tile. Thank you!

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PRO

DeckExpert.com

11 years ago

There are a number of considerations to be thought through before applying tile to an existing deck. After reviewing many of my clients dreams and melding them with reality, tiling an existing deck is usually a mistake.

Tile exterior decks must be designed and engineered to handle additional loads, subsurface drainage, mortar beds and tile assemblies.

Clearances of 3-4" for the door to be above the tile is essential, otherwise drains on doors can get clogged and water leaks into the interior structure of the house.

Tiling an existing deck causes problems with railings, drainage and doors typically. Your tile guy will tell you he can do it, I'm telling you you probably can't. Only one of us is selling you something. Here is an article on tiling decks you should read.

https://www.duradek.com/_customelements/uploadedResources/WhitePaperTiledek.pdf

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Comments (6)

User
11 years ago
Rectangle would be great with your house. Be sure you install something that is rated for outdoor use, and also, that the underpinnings are strong enough, in good shape, and you have a means for water drainage.
Wendy thanked User
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libradesigneye
11 years ago
CCW has some great advice. Looks like you are under construction however, so I will assume that your deck is designed for tile. For the decor of it, I'm with you that a running bond with oblong tile is much more contemporary. The dark color is my only concern - it might be very hot on bare feet depending on your climate. If that is a concern, go to a lighter shade closer to dirt color. Greige ish
Wendy
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you for these responses. The existing deck was completely torn down and has been engineered to support up to 11 lbs per square foot, is sloped and will have scuppers to allow water to flow off, no parapet to hold the water, and we are not planning to grout. we are planning to use pedestals. We have an installer for the membrane but want to install structural tiles on the pedestals and have been unsuccessful in finding a tile that looks like tile and is sold in the U.S...if anyone has a source i would be very grateful!
PRO
Revolutionary Gardens
11 years ago
Your location looks southwestern but you could always call my local supplier and see if they'll sell to you, or point you to someone local with the same product, They're bringing in a 1" thick porcelain paver that's suitable for a deck application and it's one of the coolest things i've seen. http://www.houzz.com/pro/sislers/sislers-stone
Wendy thanked Revolutionary Gardens
Wendy
Original Author
11 years ago
Yes, we are in Phoenix, AZ. We are thinking about using Tile Tech Pavers, they have come out with some new products over the past few years. The key is something strong enough to hold up when supported only by pedestals. Thank you...