Planning Deck Tiles on a Terrace with Multiple Doors

Identify All Doors and Their Characteristics

Before any measurements, walk the perimeter of your terrace and identify every door that opens onto it. Note the type of door (sliding, hinged inswing, hinged outswing, French, etc.) and its current threshold height. Observe if any doors have an existing sill or transition strip that might affect the final deck tile height. Also, consider any future plans for door replacement that could alter these dimensions.

Each door type presents different clearance challenges. Sliding doors typically require clearance only along their track, while hinged doors need space for their full swing. Outswing doors, common on terraces, demand particular attention to ensure they don't foul on the deck tile surface.

Measure Each Door's Threshold Height

The threshold is the raised strip at the bottom of the door frame. Measure the vertical distance from the existing terrace surface up to the bottom edge of the door or its weatherstripping when closed. This measurement is crucial for determining the maximum allowable height of your deck tile system.

If your terrace has an existing surface, measure from that surface. If it's a bare concrete slab, measure from the slab. Record this measurement for each door, as they may vary. Even a slight difference can impact functionality, especially with hinged doors.

Assess Door Swing Clearance

For hinged doors, you must assess the swing clearance. Open each door fully and observe its lowest point as it swings. This might be the bottom edge of the door panel, a sweep, or a weatherstrip. Measure the distance from this lowest point down to the existing terrace surface.

This measurement will tell you how much vertical space is available for your deck tile system. Account for any potential sag in the door over time or variations in the terrace surface. For outswing doors, ensure the deck tiles do not create an obstruction that prevents the door from opening completely.

Sliding doors generally require less vertical clearance for their swing, but ensure the deck tile system does not interfere with the sliding mechanism or the door's ability to fully open and close along its track.

Choosing Deck Tile Profile and System

Deck tiles are available in various species, including Ipe, Garapa, and Cumaru, offering different aesthetics. Ipe provides deep chocolate tones, Garapa offers warm golden hues, and Cumaru features rich reddish-brown grain. These tropical hardwoods are known for their distinct appearance.

Deck tiles are commonly found in two primary sizes: 12 x 12 inches and 24 x 24 inches. The 12 x 12 inch format is suitable for smaller areas or layouts requiring more cuts and transitions, while the 24 x 24 inch format works well for larger, open surfaces with fewer seams.

The overall height of your deck tile system will depend on the tile thickness and the type of support system used. Some systems are designed for low-clearance applications, while others, like pedestal systems, add significant height. Compare the required clearance with the available height from your door measurements.

Lumber Plus offers various deck tile options. Consider the Ipe Deck Tiles for a classic look, Garapa Deck Tiles for a brighter aesthetic, or Cumaru Deck Tiles for a rich, warm tone. The choice of species will primarily influence the aesthetic, while the tile size and support system will determine the installed height.

Worked Example: Planning a Terrace with Three Doors

Consider a hypothetical terrace measuring 10 feet by 15 feet. It has three doors: a 6-foot wide sliding glass door, a 3-foot wide inswing hinged service door, and a 5-foot wide outswing French door set.

Measurements:

1. Sliding Glass Door: The threshold measures 1.5 inches from the existing concrete slab. The bottom of the door track is 0.75 inches above the slab.

2. Inswing Service Door: The threshold measures 2 inches from the slab. When fully opened, the lowest point of the door (weatherstrip) is 0.75 inches above the slab.

3. Outswing French Doors: The threshold measures 1.75 inches from the slab. When fully opened, the lowest point of the door sweep is 1 inch above the slab.

Analysis:

The sliding door track is 0.75 inches above the slab, meaning the deck tile system cannot exceed this height in its path.

Conclusion:

To accommodate all doors, the installed height of the deck tile system must not exceed 0.75 inches. This means a low-profile deck tile and support system is necessary. A standard 12 x 12 inch or 24 x 24 inch deck tile, which typically has a thickness of around 1 inch, would likely be too tall on its own if directly adhered or placed on minimal supports. A system that integrates a thinner tile or a specific low-profile base would be required. This example highlights how the most restrictive door dictates the overall system height.

Before you order

• Identify all doors leading to the terrace.
• Note the type of swing for each door (inswing, outswing, sliding).
• Measure the vertical height from the existing terrace surface to the bottom of each door's threshold.
• For hinged doors, open them fully and measure the lowest point of the door (e.g., sweep, weatherstrip) to the existing terrace surface.
• Record the most restrictive vertical clearance measurement from all doors.
• Select a deck tile and support system whose combined height does not exceed this most restrictive clearance.
• Consider the aesthetic impact of different deck tile species (Ipe, Garapa, Cumaru) and sizes (12x12, 24x24).
• Plan for any necessary transitions or ramps if the deck tile height creates a significant step at any doorway.

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

Keep planning your project