Basic install with Deckwise connectors and pedestals
For patios, old deck surfaces or other applications use the standard deck tile connector. Deck tile connectors are an affordable and fast way to place deck tiles when you do not need to create space under the tiles.
The standard deck tile connector is easy to modify for edge or corner use. Simply score with a box knife and break along the molded seam.
When there is a need for additional height under the tiles the Altitudes pedestal is the solution. The Altitudes pedestal can adapt to a wide range of height and slope conditions.
Altitudes pedestals can be arranged in myriad ways to make your outdoor or indoor space beautiful and useful. Hardwood deck tiles can transform any outdoor space into an incredible real wood paradise.
This is how you roof deck
Of all the ways to have a roof deck hardwood deck tiles are by far the easiest, fastest and, most cost-effective.
Because they are modular in nature there are distinct advantages to using hardwood deck tiles on a roof deck. If the surface needs cleaning tiles lift out. If there is ever a leak, just uninstall in the area that needs repair and then replace the tiles.
Tiles are constructed in a way where there is ample drainage space under the tiles, when you add the connectors or pedestals there is even more so you never have to worry about blocking drains or scuppers.
UV radiation is the primary stressor of your roof membrane. If Ipe or hardwood tiles are installed over the surface it is shielded from the harmful UV rays. This can significantly extend the life of your roof membrane.
The great thing is that it is also the most beautiful. Ipe or other hardwood deck tiles are easy to transport to the roof. It’s great if a crane is available if you have decking but, it’s nearly impossible to get deckboards to a roof. Hardwood tiles can be carried two at a time to the roof deck. There is no framing lumber needed, just very light plastic connectors or pedestals. Tile connectors are depicted at the top of this page but, if you would like to learn more about pedestals click the button below to be taken to the “Roofdeck Pedestals” page.
Click the species icon for information
Ipe Tiles
These are the tiles that started it all. Ubiquitous on roof decks and high-end multi-family projects. Ipe is the gold standard by which all other species are measured. Century-long durability, rich lustrous chocolate tones with hints of red that ages to a gorgeous silvery patina that retains the iridescence in its grain.
TIGERWOOD TILES
Tigerwood may be our most dramatic offering. Tigerwood has a gorgeous, rich, redtone punctuated by intense near-black grain streaks. Tigerwood is easier to keep stained than ipe and makes a good candidate for a surface intended to maintain it’s wood-tone and not go grey. It does, however, keep it’s beauty when greyed the same way all of the hardwoods do. Tigerwood is this years hot selection and we have been selling many of these tiles recently. One reasons Tigerwood deck tiles are typically $12 less per tile than ipe.
Massaranduba tiles
The name is a mouthful. This wood is even harder than ipe on the Janka scale. It has a deep-red tone, straight grain and is completely knot-free. Massaranduba is generally less stable than ipe but, with tiles that is far less of a concern than with 6x decking. The wood tends to be quite oily and appreciates being oiled throughout its service. SDS has 20″x20″ tiles in stock at this time. These are better suited to surface level installations but, can be used with elevated pedestals too.
Cumuru Tiles
Cumuru is a rich-toned, brown to red wood with a tight grain. It’s difficult to tell from ipe most of the time. It is important that cumuru comes kiln-dried as the stability can suffer if air-dried. A tight supply chain ensures this.
Cumuru is nearly as hard and durable as ipe. The two woods are virtually indistinguishable by their attributes.
Garapa is an interesting wood and may be on track to become the new go-to hardwood. Garapa has a unique pumpkin tone to it when it is first exposed to light and air but it quickly darkens to a pleasing orange -brown. Sometimes people are alarmed at the initial coloration, but it is only temporary. Garapa tiles are among the most durable SDS sells. Summer 2025 should find these tiles in stock in abundance. Garapa deck tiles are a good match for Eterno elevated deck supports which are also carried by Seattle Deck Supply.