In modern apartment buildings and condo projects, people expect a convenient way to enjoy the sun and some fresh air. This is why ground level units often feature a patio, and upper story units, a balcony. Patios tend to be large areas meant for entertaining, while balconies are typically much smaller and subject to more strict building code requirements.

Here’s how you can design a beautiful outdoor space, regardless of its size, using composite wood.

How to choose your balcony flooring material

If you’re used to building wood decks, you’ll feel right at home with composite wood boards. Simply cut and install these the way you’d build any regular deck. Being a mix of recycled wood fibres and recycled plastic, composite wood is a highly resistant and maintenance-free material, guaranteeing your project will remain beautiful for decades to come.

For more efficiency, you can create highly-customizable and durable outdoor spaces in little time using NewTechWood’s Quickdeck tiles. Thanks to their four-way interlocking system, installing these composite wood sections is as easy as snapping two pieces together. A broad choice of colours, as well as multiple tile lengths (1 ft x 1 ft, 1 ft x 2 ft and 1 ft x 3 ft) open up countless design possibilities.

Picking the best colour

If the area is in direct sunlight, consider using a lighter colour like Roman Antique or Light Gray so the floor won’t become as hot when walking barefoot. You could pick a darker colour provided enough shade is available, such as within an enclosed veranda.

Design advice for a small condo or apartment balcony

Upper-story balconies tend to be small. Some are just large enough to entertain guests, while others are only meant for a person or two to sit in the sun. Quickdeck tiles are a perfect choice to handle such projects quickly—especially over multiple units. You can easily experiment with different patterns until you find one which pleases you, then snap the tiles in place.

Consider adding a privacy wall

In dense urban settings, balconies are often the only outdoor areas tenants and condo owners can enjoy on their own. Putting up a privacy wall is a great way to create a personal space, and it also helps block sounds to keep conversations private.

Design advice for a large balcony area

Composite wood deck boards may be best suited to very large projects, such as a sprawling patio with multiple tiers. However, if you prefer working with Quickdeck tiles, the longer 1 ft x 2 ft and 1 ft x 3 ft sections cover twice or three times as much surface as square tiles. These can be combined to create stunning patterns, made even more impressive when spread over a bigger area.

Create a signature pattern — There’s no wrong way to assemble Quickdeck tiles—any design you can think of can be achieved by mixing various tile lengths and colours.

If you prefer to stick with a more classic pattern, here are a few to consider:

  • Jack-on-jack: Also called stack bond, this pattern involves laying down tiles in perfectly aligned rows. Great for a clean, simple and geometric look.
  • Running bond: This most classic pattern works with deck boards and longer tiles. Simply lay each piece so that the joint lines up with the centre of the piece next to it.
  • Herringbone: Lay 1 ft x 2 ft tiles at a 90-degree angle to one another to create a zig-zag pattern. Simple but visually appealing.
  • Basketweave or half-basketweave: Lay longer tiles in groups of two (for 1 ft x 2 ft tiles) or three (for 1 ft x 3 ft tiles) to create square or rectangular sections, then alternate the positioning of each section.

Maintenance tips for a balcony

After prolonged exposure to the elements, most natural wood balconies will eventually splinter, crack, warp, fade and become damaged by moisture from water puddles. NewTechWood’s Quickdeck tiles are made from composite wood, a 100% eco-friendly material that’s designed to endure the sun, rain and snow without altering its appearance. Each section is raised on an interlocking grid, which naturally allows proper water drainage during heavy rain. Finally, the product is covered by NewTechWood’s trusted 10-year warranty.

How to fix broken Quickdeck tiles

Should a Quickdeck Tile become damaged, replacing it can be done quickly and requires no special skills. Working your way from the closest edge, simply un-click and remove tiles until you reach the one that needs to be replaced. Snap a new one in its place, then reassemble the tiles.

For your next balcony or patio project, why not gives Quickdeck tiles a try? They’re available in over 40 locations across Canada: enter your city or postal code to find your nearest retailer.