Asked on Jul 14, 2016

Are rubber deck tiles a good idea to put over an existing deck

Deb
by Deb
Our deck is 30 years old but we can't afford to tear it down and start from scratch.
Any ideas would be welcome.
  13 answers
  • William William on Jul 15, 2016
    Provided the surface and supporting framework are structurally sound and the surface is even, the tiles are an ideal and cost effective way to bring an existing deck back to its former glory. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/install-rubber-deck-tiles-21227.html
  • Pam G Blaxton-Dowd Pam G Blaxton-Dowd on Jul 15, 2016
    Another use for those tiles: I put them on the bedroom floor in my motorhome to have a warmer feel on my feet.
  • Gai7514267 Gai7514267 on Jul 15, 2016
    If your deck is in good shape….pressure wash it, then "Restore" it . There are several different brands of product that you paint/roll on . Lowes, Home Depot, Ace hardware all carry this type of finish and it looks new and great !
    • William William on Feb 29, 2020

      There is a problem with the deckover products. They are known to crack and peel within two years. Hard to remove. Many Hometalkers have used them and regret it and have mention their misfortunes in discussions. Many people had o replace deck boards and even complete decks. There are class action lawsuits against the manufacturers. Also notice they are not advertised anymore. You can do some online research and find more cons than pros. I have been advising Hometalkers not to use the products and to spread the word. Some have tried scraping and sanding with fair results.


      Lots of law firms with class action lawsuits.


  • Linda Linda on Jul 15, 2016
    When I asked Home Depot if the rubber tiles would withstand the AZ heat if I put them down on top of a dirt backyard, the older garden shop person assured me they would outlive him. He had no qualms about their longevity and said since they are made of recycled tires, they are very very hardy. I would assume the same answer would apply if you placed them over your deck.
  • RichandTammy Whiteside RichandTammy Whiteside on Jul 16, 2016
    If it is just the deck is looking tired but structurally it is sound, you might want to consider a deck cleaner. There are some really good deck cleaners available that only require a light pressure washing or hose rinse to make your deck literally come back to life. Here's a link to a product that I used from Home Depot: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Thompson-s-WaterSeal-1-gal-3-in-1-Wood-Cleaner-TH-074871-16/205798478. It really made all of my outdoor woods come back to life. Good luck and let us know how you fair out! Good luck!
  • Diane Diane on Jul 16, 2016
    Here is a how to video on tile install and you can get idea of how it would look finished. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Multy-Home-12-in-x-12-in-Rubber-Slate-Deck-Tile-6-Pack-MT5100012/204671453
  • Judith Watson Judith Watson on Jul 16, 2016
    I agree with Gailburris...pressure wash it and then roll and brush on a "Restore It". I have seen this done and it makes an old deck look like new. Rubber tiles hold in heat and get super hot...not a good idea. A nice outdoor area rug would be best, once you redo the deck as mentioned.
    • William William on Feb 29, 2020

      There is a problem with the deckover products. They are known to crack and peel within two years. Hard to remove. Many Hometalkers have used them and regret it and have mention their misfortunes in discussions. Many people had o replace deck boards and even complete decks. There are class action lawsuits against the manufacturers. Also notice they are not advertised anymore. You can do some online research and find more cons than pros. I have been advising Hometalkers not to use the products and to spread the word. Some have tried scraping and sanding with fair results.


      Lots of law firms with class action lawsuits.


  • William William on Jul 16, 2016
    I know people that use the deck restore (different brands) and after one season it started to bubble and peel. In one case white footprints were left where everyone walked barefoot on it.
    • Dog Geek Dog Geek on Jul 31, 2016
      We used Restore, it peeled an bubbled. Complained to the company. They said we didn't prep it correctly but gave us a refund of the product. We spent summer number 2 redoing the deck. Again it bubbled and peeled. Stay away from Restore.
  • Bridget Bridget on Jul 16, 2016
    NO! NEVER!!! The rubber will trap water in the wood below it thus deteriorate the deck even further. If the deck structure is still solid consider replacing just the deck boards that may be unsalvagable. Once that is done stain the entire deck with Sherwin Williams Superdeck Deck & Dock Coating. It is similar to Baer Deck Over but a much better product.
    • William William on Feb 29, 2020

      There is a problem with the deckover products. They are known to crack and peel within two years. Hard to remove. Many Hometalkers have used them and regret it and have mention their misfortunes in discussions. Many people had o replace deck boards and even complete decks. There are class action lawsuits against the manufacturers. Also notice they are not advertised anymore. You can do some online research and find more cons than pros. I have been advising Hometalkers not to use the products and to spread the word. Some have tried scraping and sanding with fair results.


      Lots of law firms with class action lawsuits.


  • 117135 117135 on Jul 17, 2016
    Is your deck still structurally sound? If it is, just use a color stain treatment and it will give you deck new life. You could also try the deck restore products. The key to those is proper prep before using!
    • See 1 previous
    • Regina Griffith Regina Griffith on Jun 18, 2020

      You're right. I've been scraping, pouring boiling water that someone suggested, and this has been going on for more than 2 weeks now. I tried a cleaner and it did nothing. I've written to Rustoleum and received no response on a cleaner they would recommend to remove their product that peeled in some sections and now won't come off in others - the majority of the deck. Removing wall paper in tiny pieces is what it reminds me of. Do you have any recommendations on how to get this off?

  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Jul 18, 2016
    Anything you put over the wood will hold moisture and possibly mold and rot your deck. Old is not bad. You can find flower pot holders and small rolling platforms to elevate large pots up off the floor at the big box store. Make your deck pretty with plants and enjoy it.
  • William William on Feb 29, 2020

    There is a problem with the deckover products. They are known to crack and peel within two years. Hard to remove. Many Hometalkers have used them and regret it and have mention their misfortunes in discussions. Many people had o replace deck boards and even complete decks. There are class action lawsuits against the manufacturers. Also notice they are not advertised anymore. You can do some online research and find more cons than pros. I have been advising Hometalkers not to use the products and to spread the word. Some have tried scraping and sanding with fair results.


    Lots of law firms with class action lawsuits.