Using SwiftDeck Decking Tiles over Bare Ground
Whilst the ideal surface for laying SwiftDeck Decking Tiles is a hard surface such as concrete, pavers, asphalt, bricks or an old ceramic tiled surface, it is possible to lay the tiles over bare ground providing certain precautions are taken.
Firstly, all grass or plant matter should be removed. Ideally a weed killer should sprayed over the area before removing any vegetation to discourage any re-growth.
Then you need to level the surface to make sure it is not bumpy by filling in any depressions and packing them down firmly. It is important that the surface is tamped down properly so that there are no soft patches. To assist in this, you could lay down a thin layer of fine gravel and then smooth the surface. Ideally the surface should have a slight slope so that water will not lie for extended periods in any depressions.
Then you need to lay down a weed control mat over the surface you wish to cover. The weed control not only helps to prevent any grass or weeds from growing up between the wood slats, but helps to prevent the "feet" on the underside of the tiles from digging in to the surface below.
Now you just lay the SwiftDeck tiles directly over the top of the weed control mat. For the outer edge of the tiled area we recommend using the clip-on reducer pieces to provide a neat finish and to reduce the danger of tripping on the outer row of tiles.
For best results, we recommend coating the tiles shortly after they are laid with a good quality decking oil. This adds some extra weatherproofing and helps to slow the natural graying process of the wood due to the effect of UV in sunlight. Depending on the local weather conditions and the degree of exposure of your new deck to the elements, we recommend re-coating the tiles approximately every 12 months, or possibly more frequently in areas of high UV and humidity.
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