Laying Wooden Decking Tiles On Grass

You may have wondered how to install decking tiles on grass. It may seem easier and faster to do. However, there are a few things that you need to know first. Can you lay wooden decking tiles on the grass? Should you do it? How can you do it? Read on to learn more about these important questions.

How to Lay Wooden Decking Tiles Directly on Grass

When building a deck, you may have thought of skipping all the steps needed to prepare the foundation. Or maybe you think it will be easier to lay down the tiles directly on the ground. Or perhaps this is the first time you’ll be using wooden decking tiles. Regardless, you might have asked, can you place the tiles on the grass? The answer is yes. You can assemble the decking tiles on top of the grass, but know the future effect it can cause.

Most of the decking tiles today are easy to install and can be clipped to each other. Other decking tiles have specific instructions given by the manufacturers. If you’re planning to install them, make sure to read the manual. But as far as decking tiles go, it’s very easy to install and can be done by someone without any experience.

However, the real question is; should you lay wooden decking tiles directly on grass? What are the disadvantages of doing so?

Should You Lay Wooden Decking Tiles on Grass?

No doubt, laying wooden decking tiles on grass is very easy. However, there are disadvantages to doing so. What are they?

1 Damage from Moisture

There are a few issues with laying decking tiles on grass, similar to installing composite decking boards, there is one key issue moisture, most fitters will dig out grass and lay gravel or weed fabric to prevent grass from growing, why? This is due to moisture build up.

One of the biggest issue with wood over time is moisture. Wooden materials will shrink and swell due to moisture and over time it can deteriorate the quality of the wood, so laying decking tiles in direct contact with grass and moisture, even with excellent drainage isn’t advisable. That’s of course if you want your decking tiles to stand the test of time.

2 Instability

Another reason grass and soil is removed for building a structure, especially soft and loose topsoil is to increase its stability over time. Placing decking tiles on grass will create an unstable foundation and can cause future issues or damage over time. This doesn’t mean you can’t put decking tiles on grass, but its not advisable for a project that you want to stand the test of time.

3 Mould Growth and Insect Damage

Another problem with installing decking tiles on top of the grass is damage due to mould growth. Aside from moisture, the lack of airflow can cause mould and bacteria to grow on the decking tiles. Over time, it can damage the tiles. Laying them on the bare ground also makes them susceptible to insect damage.

How to Set Wooden Decking Tiles

If you want to set your wooden decking tiles on the ground, there are a few ways that you can do it. While they may need a bit more preparation than placing the tiles on top of the grass directly, it will save you from many problems. Here are some of your options.

Gravel – One of the issues is the grass, you just need to remove the grass and other debris from the dirt. You can do this faster by digging a few inches off the ground. Then, cover the ground with landscaping fabric. Then, fully cover the area with gravel, or other similar materials. These materials help provide proper airflow and drainage for your wooden decking tiles. Before setting the tiles, make sure that the ground is flat. Use a tamper to even it out.
Cement or Concrete – Another excellent way to set your wooden decking tiles is to build a cement or concrete slab. To do this, you will need to clear the area. You will also need to dig a few inches according to how thick you want the pavement to be. Then, you have to cover the area with a mix of coarse and fine aggregate. Make sure that the ground is smooth and flat. Then build a frame out of wood and pour the cement or concrete. Let it dry, and place the wooden decking tiles directly on top.
Pre-existing decking or pavement – Lastly, you can place your wooden decking tiles over any existing decking or pavement. You don’t need to make any adjustments as long as the surface is even, free from moisture and has sufficient drainage and airflow.