DIY Installation Guide

SwiftDeck deck tiles are designed for quick and easy installation without the need for special tools, nails, screws or any other fixing devices and adhesives. In most cases you’ll find it’s easy to install the tiles yourself, even if you have no carpentry skills or DIY expertise.

To install SwiftDeck deck tiles, you’ll just need a tape measure, sharp knife and Phillips head screwdriver. (If you need to cut the tiles to fit around pipes, posts or other fixed features you’ll also need a handsaw or power saw to cut the tiles). Everything you need for quick and easy installation is included in each box of tiles.

Just follow these basic steps:

Step 1 – Design your Deck

It’s a good idea to sketch your proposed design on paper before you start. Alternatively go to our interactive "Online Design Tool" which lets you try various design combinations with just a few clicks of your mouse. You can easily create unique patterns, designs and borders by aligning the tiles in different directions or by using a combination of different tile styles. And remember, if you don’t like the first design you’ve put down, you can simply lift up the tiles and re-install them in a different pattern.
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Step 2 - Prepare the Surface

Although SwiftDeck deck tiles can be laid over most hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, gravel, hard dirt), there should be are no large cracks, bumps or depressions which could cause the tiles to lie unevenly or “rock” on the surface. If the surface is particularly rough or cracked, it is advisable to level the surface with a suitable exterior patching compound or filler. On hard dirt surfaces, sand or gravel, the surface should firstly be leveled, well compacted and covered with a weed control barrier. To provide good drainage under the tiles, the surface should normally slope slightly away from the outer wall of any structures.
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Step 3 – Snap the Tiles in Place

In most cases it is best to start laying the tiles from one of the outer corners of the area you want to cover and work inwards towards the exterior wall. After you have positioned the first tile in the corner of your workspace, take a second tile and align the connecting tabs on one edge of the first tile with the corresponding connecting tabs on the second tile. Push the second tile down firmly so that both tiles lock firmly together. Repeat this simple "snap in place" process, working in a diagonal direction across the area.
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Step 4 – Finishing touches

With the last row of tiles, you may need to cut some tiles to fit any remaining gap. HandyDeck wood or wood composite tiles can be easily cut with a handsaw, jigsaw or other power saw, taking care the saw does not contact any of the screws in the base of the tile. You can also cut the tiles to fit around posts or pipes.

To provide a neat, professional finish to your design, reducer strips (edge finishers) are available which clip onto the edge of the outer row of tile. Mitered reducer strips are available (in pairs) for any corners.
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Step 5 – Caring for your Deck

For maximum weather protection, enhanced resistance to mildew or mold formation and to help reduce fading due to the effects of UV in sunlight, we recommend applying a good quality decking oil/sealer to the tiles as soon as convenient after installation.

Follow up applications should be carried out every 12 months or so, depending on the prevailing weather conditions, the degree of exposure to the sun and rain, and the recommendations of the manufacturer of the decking oil/sealer.

We strongly recommend using one of the more specialized products which include UV inhibitors and/or transparent iron oxides and have a high solids content rather than simple oil and turpentine-based products.

Whilst we haven’t tested the full range of products available, products that could be considered include:
PPG Olympic Maximum Semi Transparent Stain

Flood CWF - UV Penetrating Oil Finish

Penofin Penetrating Oil Finish

Behr Weatherproofing Wood Sealer

Thompson's Water Seal

Messmers's UV Plus for Hardwood Decks

Defy - Deck Stain for Hardwoods

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