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karen_schuler

Indecisive me needs help with a big decision

8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago

We're about to change the decking material on our 1400 sq. ft. deck and I'm having a really hard time making a decision. That's likely because this is so crazy expensive because of the sheer size of the deck and Seattle's building craze.


This deck was the main reason we bought the house. It'll be a HUGE selling feature when we eventually sell, so we need to get it right. We've decided on installing long-lasting porcelain pavers that can mimic stone or wood.


Last week, we had to switch from Manufacturer A to Manufacturer B. A had a bluestone type paver we really liked, but B doesn't. So, we have to pick something else. We've narrowed it down to 2, the gold quartzite type paver (top right in the photo below) or the rustic gray wood type paver (middle bottom).


My questions:

1) The deck runs alongside our kitchen, living room and master bedroom, which all have natural white oak floors. Will it look funny to have a wood looking tile in a different color and texture right up next to real wood floors?


2) Our house has a modern Nantucket/beach feel, with soft grays & aquas and a lot of white. The only warm color is in our floors. The gold quartzite is the same color & tone as our floors, and does seem to have a bit of gray in it, but it's so warm. Does it go?


3) I really like the gray rustic wood paver, but am wondering wood looking tiles are this decades Harvest Gold appliances. This deck is like a roof - it needs to last a LONG time. Do you think wood looking tiles will stand the test of time?


4) If we do go with wood looking tiles, is it ok that they're different from the wood floors inside the house?

Sorry for all of the questions but this whole thing is stressing me out and making me extra-indecisive, so I'd appreciate any input. Thanks!


The photos show the deck from the kitchen plus one of the tiles.







Comments (21)

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I'm not sure if I'd do wood look tiles but it's a interesting idea. Are they rated for outdoor use, or will you have to worry about cracking in freezing weather, problems with grout, etc.?

    For looks, I prefer the quartzite shown; Poochie would look wonderful on it, but the lower center gray wood-look does mimic a weathered cedar deck, so it would be my second choice.

    Gorgeous view, btw!

  • 8 years ago

    I would pick a grayish color that doesn't look like wood. The outdoors shouldn't look as though it's indoors.

  • 8 years ago

    I like the top left or top right stone. Lovely place you have!

  • 8 years ago

    What color is the short wall on the outside edge of the deck? In one pic it looks very blue, but in the 3rd, it looks white or light gray. Is that color staying? I'd want to see the options against the house color, but I agree with ak above right now...

  • 8 years ago

    I would match the golden retriever :)

  • 8 years ago

    Our Portland home had oak floors like yours. We paved our large patio with solid porcelain tiles similar in color to one in upper left of your samples. It was neutral and we never tired of it. Good luck with your selection.

  • 8 years ago
    Thank you everyone!

    The wall color is Cape Cod gray. The pavers are all the same, just different finishes & are designed for outdoors use.

    We’d really wanted something in the gray family, but I really don’t like that gray option.
  • 8 years ago
    Here’s the gray stone & gold quartzite against the siding:
  • 8 years ago

    Really like the gray.

  • 8 years ago

    I wouldn't do the wood-look tile, both for the reason that it doesn't look great against your indoor wood, and also it seems to me a little strange to have that outside. I would do something in a stone or concrete look that blends with everything, and doesn't try to be a showpiece. I like the gray, I guess, better than everything else. I think the beige has a lot of movement, and might look too "patterned" when there's a whole lot of it.

    Do yourself a favor and buy a box of what tile you think you want. Then you can lay it out and look at a bigger sample size than just one tile.

  • 8 years ago

    I too prefer the gray because it has less movement. Set closely together with matching mortar it will have a sleek, seamless look.

  • 8 years ago

    I like the bottom right drift wood look gray, it looks like the outdoor feel and goes well with the house.

  • 8 years ago

    I prefer the gray stone look in the upper left. Really pretty! Love the pup too.

  • 8 years ago

    Upper left, grey tile. It looks a lot like a blue stone. Don't try to look like wood. It won't work. Given that it's going outside and you live in a wet climate, I suggest a darker grout.

  • 8 years ago

    Another vote for upper left for same reasons as above

  • 8 years ago

    My brother’s deck is tile and gets very hot in the sun. You can’t walk there in bare feet. I know Seattle doesn’t get much sun so maybe that won’t be an issue for you. That said, I like the lower center tile.


  • 8 years ago

    Gray, but I would be concerned about it getting hot in summer. Couldn't do that here in TX.

  • 7 years ago

    What was the final selection? How did the project turn out?

  • 7 years ago

    Wow, that is perfect! Beautiful

  • 7 years ago

    Thanks for the follow up. I was not aware of this company and I live in LA. The results are lovely. Nice color selection.

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