Cumaru Deck Tiles for Apartment Balconies: Plan a More Useful Outdoor Room

Understanding Cumaru Deck Tiles

Cumaru is a tropical hardwood known for its reddish-brown grain and robust character. It offers a natural, sophisticated look that can significantly enhance an outdoor space. Lumber Plus offers Cumaru deck tiles in two common sizes: 12 x 12 inches (1 square foot per tile) and 24 x 24 inches (4 square feet per tile). The choice between these sizes can influence the visual scale and the number of seams in your final layout.

These tiles are designed for outdoor use, providing a durable surface that can withstand various weather conditions. Their modular nature makes them suitable for DIY projects and allows for easier installation and potential removal, which can be a key benefit for apartment living.

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Navigating Apartment and Building Permissions

Before selecting any materials, the first and most critical step is to consult your apartment building's management or homeowner's association (HOA) for approval. Many buildings have strict rules regarding alterations to common areas or visible exterior elements, including balconies. You will likely need to submit a formal request that outlines your plans.

Key information to provide includes the type of material (Cumaru deck tiles), the installation method (e.g., floating installation, no permanent adhesives), the weight of the proposed installation, and any maintenance plans. Be prepared to discuss drainage implications and how the installation will not impede water flow or affect the building's structure. Some buildings may require specific insurance or professional installation, even for a simple tile project.

Addressing Balcony Thresholds and Door Clearance

A common challenge on apartment balconies is the height difference between the interior floor and the balcony slab, often dictated by a door threshold. Cumaru deck tiles, when installed directly on the balcony surface, will add a certain height.

Measure the clearance under your balcony door when fully open. Ensure that the added height of the deck tiles will not interfere with the door's operation. It is essential to maintain proper door function and avoid creating a tripping hazard.

Ensuring Proper Drainage and Water Management

Balconies are designed with a slight slope to direct rainwater towards drains or away from the building. Your deck tile installation must not impede this critical drainage. Deck tiles typically allow water to flow through the gaps between them and underneath to the existing balcony surface.

Before installation, thoroughly clean the existing balcony surface to ensure drains are clear. Plan your tile layout to ensure that any existing drains are not completely covered or obstructed, allowing for easy access for cleaning if needed. If your balcony has perimeter drains, ensure the tiles do not create a dam that traps water against the building. The goal is to maintain the original drainage path and prevent standing water beneath the tiles, which could lead to moisture issues.

Designing Your Balcony Layout and Furniture Placement

Once the practicalities are addressed, you can focus on transforming your balcony into a functional outdoor room. Consider how you intend to use the space: for dining, lounging, gardening, or a combination. This will inform your layout.

For smaller balconies, the 12 x 12 inch Cumaru tiles can be effective, offering a compact grid that adapts well to irregular shapes or numerous cuts. For larger, more open balconies, the 24 x 24 inch tiles can create a more expansive feel with fewer visible seams. Think about furniture placement: where will a small bistro set go? Can you fit a compact lounge chair? Planters can add greenery but consider their weight and ensure they are placed appropriately, especially on a raised deck tile surface. Avoid placing extremely heavy items that could concentrate weight on a single tile or compromise the underlying structure without prior engineering review.

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Worked Example: A 6-foot by 10-foot Balcony

Let's consider a hypothetical apartment balcony measuring 6 feet (72 inches) by 10 feet (120 inches). We'll use 24 x 24 inch Cumaru deck tiles.

First, calculate the total area: 6 ft * 10 ft = 60 square feet. Each 24 x 24 inch tile covers 4 square feet. So, 60 sq ft / 4 sq ft/tile = 15 tiles for area coverage.

Now, consider the dimensions. Along the 6-foot (72-inch) width, you'll need 72 inches / 24 inches/tile = 3 tiles. Along the 10-foot (120-inch) length, you'll need 120 inches / 24 inches/tile = 5 tiles. So, a total of 3 * 5 = 15 tiles are needed for a perfect fit, assuming no waste from cuts.

However, real-world installations often require cuts for edges or obstructions. For this example, if the balcony is exactly 6x10 feet with no obstructions, 15 tiles would cover the space. It's always advisable to order a small percentage extra (e.g., 5-10%) for cuts, mistakes, or future replacements. This would mean ordering 16 or 17 tiles.

Before ordering, measure your actual balcony dimensions precisely, including any irregular features, columns, or areas around drains. This will help determine the exact quantity of tiles and any necessary cuts.

Before you order

• Obtain written permission from building management/HOA before purchasing materials.
• Measure balcony dimensions accurately, noting any irregularities, columns, or drains.
• Check door threshold clearance to ensure deck tiles will not obstruct door operation.
• Verify the existing balcony surface has proper drainage and that drains are clear.
• Determine the primary use of the balcony (dining, lounging, gardening) to guide layout.
• Select Cumaru tile size (12x12 or 24x24) based on balcony size and desired aesthetic.
• Plan furniture arrangement, considering weight distribution and space constraints.
• Calculate the number of tiles needed, adding a small percentage for cuts and spares.
• Consider the aesthetic impact of the rich reddish-brown Cumaru grain on your overall design.

Confirm installation details, approved uses and warranty terms in the current instructions for the exact product and profile. Your installer should verify the substrate, structure and applicable project requirements.

Questions to help you decide

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