This is a different kind of review to normal, but since it comes from personal experience, and since when I was looking for a review I couldn’t find one, I thought I might as well write my own, now that I am done with these.
So, what are floor decking tiles? They are basically tiles that look like (and are essentially made of) decking, but instead of laying down patio decking, which involves laying down slabs of wood on top of a support structure, and hence a lot of work, these can just be laid down on any flat floor that you may have before. We had a rather ugly (and stained) concrete floor on our patio, and it definitely needed some cosmetic improvement. Patio decking can be expensive, hard work and time consuming. We needed a simpler solution, and interestingly we discovered decking tiles.
A little bit of browsing and research pointed us towards Ikea’s range of Garden Decking tiles. The Skoghall Floor Decking ones were the cheapest ones that can be bought, and come in packs of 10 tiles of a square foot each, for £17. We measured up and found that our outside floor was 135 square feet (9 x 15 feet). We needed 14 packs of 10, and that came out to be £238. Not bad for a completely tiled floor.
So, off to Ikea we went (sadly, no Ikea in Oxford – the nearest ones are in London, Milton Keynes or Bristol). Luckily they had enough in stock, and since they come neatly packaged in roughly square cube packages, it was easy to load them in my small hatchback.
Preparation
There isn’t a lot of preparation required. All that is needed is a floor that doesn’t have anything on it, so tiles can be laid on top of it easily.
It is, of course, advised that you clean your floor before you lay these tiles down.
Tools required
Only a good pair of scissors/snips/cutters/knife to open the pack up.
I used my thumbs to push it in. Something like a wooden or a rubber mallet could be useful, but I would advise against using hammers.
How does it work?
There is no obvious way to ‘stick’ these to the floor, though you can use screws or similar ways if you prefer. The tiles have little clips that means they can be clipped together to tile together on the floor.
Each tile has clips on two adjacent corners, and the housing for the clip on the other adjacent corners. As you lay them down, it will be advisable to have the clips in the corner you start from, so you can then clip in other tiles in.
To clip in, you have your tile with the female end of the clips on the floor already, and you push the next one on. I used thumbs to apply pressure on each clip, there were three in the ones I used, and each clips give you a satisfying click sound as it goes in. Removing tiles is equally easy, just pull them apart.
As you do it, you get better.
I had a bad shoulder, and bending was painful for me, and despite that it probably took me 2-3 hours.
And there you have it, all good.
What about awkward corners, pipes, etc?
It is essentially made of bits of wood attached with bits of plastic using screws. The plastic is quite easy to cut and break using pliers, though to cut the wood you will need a saw. I had to go around a pipe, and all I did was to break off some bit of wood off the tiles using pliers. The same method can be used to cover up any left over areas where a whole tile won’t fit, by breaking it into smaller pieces.
How does it deal with rain?
Easily! It actually started to rain about an hour after I laid it down. To begin with it seemed like they were collecting water, but the way the wood is arranged, it easily lets the water flow away.
Is it slippery in the rain? No, not at all. In fact, since it is pretty much polished acacia wood, it is what the wood is.
More information
More information on the Skoghall Floor Decking tiles can be found on the IKEA website:
http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/00231963/
They can be bought online, or in store. They retail for £17 for ten tiles, a square foot each.
More decking options available from IKEA can be found at the following link:
http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/categories/departments/outdoor/21957/
Verdict
I am rather proud of how the patio looks now. It looks good, it feels good, and I feel positively ready to show off the garden and the patio floor this summer with my Bluetooth speakers. A good low cost option that is easy to put down. Time will tell how long this lasts, but so far so good!
Update: 03 Sept 2016
These were installed over a year ago, in May 2015. Since then, the varnish has worn off, but structurally the tiles remain sound and solid.
Since it is regular wood, it is perfectly possible to treat it with some kind of oil (teak, lacquer, etc.) to make sure it survives rain and sunshine.
It still looks a lot better than it ever did before we had these, so we are definitely keeping them.
They are also quite easy to clean, as you can just brush leaves and such like away.
Update: May 06, 2020
These are pretty much in a state of disrepair now. A lot of wood has rotted, and a lot of the pieces are now coming off, sadly exposing sharp screws below. A lot of those screws are rusted as well. To get rid of them, you either need to take the whole tile off and unscrew them from the bottom. What I found easier was to take a pair of cutters/snips and just snap the plastic around them to remove them from the frame.
We will be getting rid of these fairly soon now.
Questions and comments?
I appreciate all the comments and questions everyone has posted so far.
Please do give me a shout if you have any further questions.
yes my ikea decking looked great for about 6 months now it looks realy rough and you cant make a good job of restaining it it goes patchy how is yours weathering
It’s only been a few weeks. Keeping a keen eye on it. Been raining as well as sunny a lot, so I guess the weather hasn’t been exactly kind. Will be interesting to see how mine weathers.
Thank you very much for reading this, and leaving your comment.
I have a covered screen porch that doesn’t get much sun or water, if it rains hard some water gets on floor threw the screen but not much. Do you think they will last longer since they will be covered under screen porch?
I’d say you’ll have a better chance than I did 🙂
How long have you had yours?
I bought ikea runnen deck tiles today but after reading your review i am planning to exchange these with skoghall
Visiting the Ikea store I saw these brown wood deck tiles, as well as grey plastic ones (the plastic ones were disappointing. I personally want grey wooden ones). I didn’t think to check the name of them. However the website (.ca and .com) lists the deck tiles as Runnen. I didn’t see the name Skoghall so I figured it was an old name that they changed to Runnen? When I search the website for Skoghall it comes up with bath mats.
I assumed this review was actually a review of the Runnen tiles with it’s old name. Can anyone clarify?
Interesting. I’ll have a look. Let me get back to you.
The option still exists in the UK online store, and if you click the link, you should be able to see it.
Thanks post thanks for sharing! Is there problems and mold growing underneath between the wood surface and your original floor?
Hi PG, We have not noticed anything like that under our wood surface yet. Last I checked, it was all still okay.
Thanks for sharing your experience! Good to see a review. . .wondering how you are doing with your tiles? Also wondering if you think these could be placed onto of a flat grassy area as opposed to the concrete grounding?
Hi Mariel, thanks for your comment. The tiles are doing great, nothing wrong to report about them so far. Personally I think if you put it on top of a grassy area they may start to sink in to the ground and the grass may start to come on top. However, I have not tried it myself.
Thanks for your detailed instructions and review. it’s greatly appreciated! I may head out and buy these very soon, now that they are back in stock! Hopefully, they’ll hold up well for all of us. Too bad Sue’s didn’t hold up that well.
How have I kept them to the ground so they don’t slide around? And what do the edges
Look like when it ends?
I found that the weight ensured that they didn’t slide around. Didn’t do anything on top of that.
Edges look exactly like rest of them. Can you elaborate?
I think she means are there edge covers for it? So if it’s on a porch you don’t walk up looking at black plastic under the decking
Oh, in that case, no, there are no edge covers for it.
However, the plastic, while not looking great, is not very visible from the sides at how I look at it.
It is several year later, but I was on the Ikea website today, and they now do sell edging for these tiles.
Thinking about these as an alternative and am concerned how they get through the winter. Yours have been down about 7 months now, how are they holding up?
They’re perfectly fine, physically. The colour has faded a bit.
We’re thinking of processing the wood by using some oil. That should help the colour
I am on my third season – have a balcony so the bare concrete looked horrible – laid down from April to September – drainage is great as the water does not sit on the wood where as the concrete always looked dirty and wet – 100% happy and easy to replace if damaged (no as yet) – even walking on in bare feet feels good – perfect option to expensive decking
What are the chances? You posted on the very same day I was looking for info on this product. I wanted to know if you used any type of trim around the edges. My plan to install isn’t wall to wall and I’d like to give it a nice tapered finish all around the edge. Any luck finding anything?
I’m glad to see updated comments as I’m looking into this product. My worry is scratching/wearing from any deck furniture. And now, from the comments, I’m worried about eventual fading. We’re not very handy, but perhaps there’s a spray or paint that will better protect the flooring? Thanks for the review!
Thanks for your comment. From what I read, you’re welcome to use any outdoor treatment on this like you’d use on wood. For example, teak oil or such like.
this has been amazingly helpful thanks guys
We saw these at Ikea 2 days ago and almost purchased them but wanted to do a little research and measuring first. They are aesthetically pleasing and low priced! Thanks for the teak oil suggestion to help prevent fading. And thanks for this post! So helpful!
I am thinking about putting the wood squares down on my balcony- my only concern is – how the under-side of the squares will be on the new vinyl. Will the black clips cut into the vinyl?
Do this tiles fly away in a windy & stormy weather. OR they can firmly hold & stay where they are.
I will appreciate any one’s experience
I am sorry. I wanted to mention that if I put this on Deck or Patio outside of the home where it will be subject to wind & storm.
Do this tiles fly away in a windy & stormy weather. OR they can firmly hold & stay where they are.
I will appreciate any one’s experience
Hi B, they definitely don’t fly away no matter how windy it is.
Thanks.
Also one more question. Do the tiles accumulate a mold underneath it. Does it damage the wood underneath the tile.
How many times we should take all the tiles out & clean them by water & then put them back.
Hi B,
There has been no mould at all, so have never had to clean them. They’re designed such that rain water easily flows through and doesn’t stay.
They do lose their original finish over time but you can process the wood with various oils to prevent that.
juSt a quick question. the edges that do not clip (exposed edges) are the clips still visible?
Yes. They are. Though I think there is a new version of these which may have had them hidden.
Ikea now has RUNNEN plastic tiles. Are these tiles the same & has same reviews. Meaning they won’t slide in bad weather, no mold problem.
I want to put this down in my front garden. Should I put some plywood underneath? Or is there something better that won’t rot to lay down under it to keep it even and not sink?
I would recommend putting some kind of flat surface below it. It has plastic below so there is some structural integrity but it is not really designed to be on grass
Two years later these tiles fall apart and nails are sticking up everywhere. They may work well if the decking isn’t exposed to the elements, otherwise do not buy this!
We are considering these for over our concrete patio and thinking we would like to only use them in the summer. Do you think they would be easy to take apart again?
They should be. They clip in and clip out very easily.
Hi I am thinking about buying these tonight, however the ground I am putting them on is not very even. It’s not terrible but in the same light it’s not great. I was thinking of putting sand down first and then putting these on top.
Is it concrete or like clay or ground? I think it is best to put these on a hard surface, like concrete, which is what we have, but yes,I would def suggest these to be on an even surface.
Since they are quite small tiles, uneven surfaces may encourage them to come apart or not stay clipped in.
Hi, I’ve had the runnen tiles for about a year now. So, I decided to clean and restain them. Started flipping them over and realized over half had mold growing on them. I guess it varies where you are in the country (located in the south)but completely disappointed with my purchase. IKEA didn’t do a very good job of protecting the tiles with sealant. You pay for what you get. Stay away.
How do you clean underneath it if things like food or liquid falls through?
Haven’t had any. We just let it rain on them and that seems to keep them reasonably clean. We do sweep the top when things like leaves etc fall on it.
I am considering applying these to an enclosed sun room with a concrete floor. We are in Louisville, KY and the sun room is not heated or cooled at this point so the ambient temperature will very season to season. Does anyone have a reference for this application and if so how did it hold up?
Did you ever end up doing this? I’m considering it as well and hoping it worked!
We have considered putting these on our shower floor to get a nice spa feel. Do you think they would work?
You’ll have to process the wood with some kind of a coating that makes it waterproof. Once it is, I don’t see why not.
Great, thank you!
We installed them in the spring of 2013 on a waterproof membrane flat roof.
(1) the plastic on the bottom is a little sharp and punctured the membrane in a few spots over the years (and we’ve had a leak inside because of it)– not blaming the tiles, the membrane was already old, but something to be wary of if you are in a similar situation
(2) MANY of the individual wood slats have splintered and/or cracked in half. Our roof gets full sun and we’re in San Diego, so that’s a lot. The good news is that you can easily replace them, each one is screwed into the plastic mesh base. The bad news, the screws do not hold up to the weather/water well and are rusted (and crumble easily).
(3) They weathered nicely in year 1. We looked at refinishing, but delayed to year 2, and when I tested, it really looked blotchy.
All in all, it lasted 4 years. We’re going to have to replace them. I’m going to spend more $ on a more durable engineered/composite wood solution after we re-roof.
Are the tiles in the last photos treated? Ikea does offer Varda glazing paint. I would recommend that.
No. They were never treated. In hindsight we should have given it a treatment.
Hi
I am thinking of purchasing these tiles however my back yard is tarmac’d and not completely even. Do you think they can be laid on an slightly unevan ground? ANd if not would you have any advise as to what to do?
Thanks
Natalie
If it is slightly uneven I think you’ll be fine. Not too sure if it is too wonky though.
Would like to use these on a front porch that has steps – concerned about the tracking under the tile showing along the edge of the steps. Any thoughts on this?
The tracking isn’t too thick so probably not too much of an issue in my head. Will work best if these fit well on your steps and don’t need cutting.
2 years later, are you still happy with your choice to use these? We are considering getting them but are weighing the pros and cons. They are definitely the most cost effective from all the ones i have seen.
Personally, I am very happy with them. Way better than the concrete floor we had outside. The only thing I would change is to treat them with some kind of oil that means it handles rain and moisture better. We did that with other furniture – something like teak oil should work.
Hello, very informative thread, I had 2 questions
Do these make any sound when you walk on them? i d like to install on a wooden deck
Second question- earlier someone asked about installing on a step. I have a step thats about 9 inches wide so would need to cut. Can these be secured..nailed to step to keep them in place and hopefully prevent anyone from falling from a moving tile? Thanks
They go have a slight sound. Nothing too loud though. Essentially you’re walking on bits of wood held together by a plastic frame.
In terms of nailing them, I think that could work. Haven’t tried it so can’t confirm for you.
Personally, we had a concrete surface we wanted to cover. Not sure how much of an improvement it would be over wood.
Hi. I have installed on a concrete floor but they are not staying stable. How do you fix/secure the tiles to the under floor not only to each other?
I didn’t have that problem. I did have two sides of them against walls, which probably helped.
Does anyone have the grey plastic decking from Ikea? We are thinking of purchasing it but can’t find any reviews. Thanks
Me too, thinking of getting the light grey plastic decking since the wood turns grey anyway and gets blotchy. I assume we won’t have to treat the plastic? Anyone got experience w/ it pls?
This is a terrific thread – thanks for sharing! Did you buy or place an additional border to secure the tiles? If so, where did you source it?! Thanks in advance!
Hi. I didn’t, but maybe somebody else in the thread did?
I have a covered screen porch that doesn’t get much sun or water, if it rains hard some water gets on floor threw the screen but not much. Do you think they will last longer since they will be covered under screen porch?
Ok I will quickly leave my experience which has been excellent. I have used these for about 3 years, bought them all used, from different people. One person actually put sealant over them when he got them, best idea or there, sel these up if they are going outside, than after 2 years pressure wash them very lightly and remove the dirt and dust and resel them again and again. It’s not cheap, $30 a can that covers about 150sf if you are good, 100 if not experienced. Make sure yo get the stuff that you can place on top of anything old or new, unsealed or not, there is only one such product, it is the only sealer I use, others require you sand the surface clean of everything beforehand, go that route if you have a power sander and long large pieces of wood, not these tiny slats. Mine are placed on a finished concrete deck that slopes on all 4 corners to a drain in the center. This is how they will perform and last. If you love draining plants on top the tile under the pot will likely begin to rot or break, it it’s ok, just replace it. This is the best solution when trying to breathe some life into an otherwise drab surface or industrial setting. An existing flat’ish deck to serve as a good foundation but also allows drainage is key to longer term success, and if you don’t seal and reseal they will be gone in 2-3 years. But they are zwei we, and with an exact can cut them into even smaller squares to fit just about any size or shape. For people asking stupid questions like will they fly away in wind, of course they will, because I have to assume you mean a tornado otherwise what are you talking about. Good news though, they are so easy to assemble that I just put them all back together every morning after the midnight tornado hits.
What is the sealer that you used?
Just curious what sealer you used?
Would you have any idea if these could work on a tuff ground in our rented apartment small yard ?
I’d recommend it for concrete or paved floor. It’s pretty flimsy on its own so probably won’t do.
Thank you OP and everyone who commented. This has been more than helpful in choosing to buy these for our back deck. Much appreciated.
Hi..has anyone tried the Runnen grass deck tiles – I’m wondering if it is pet friendly?
Just wondering if the tiles should be removed during the cold of winter of Toronto?
Hi and very interesting reading. We produced our own design Camp 20, then the Skoghall deck tile for IKEA , many years ago. Today available on Amazon in the US, Canada and UK with links as below! On treatment, read our description on Amazon and check our HARDWAX fully VOC free, on link below that suits these tiles!
:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hardwood-30%C3%9730cm-Install-Interlocking-Millions/dp/B07PJPWPXT/ref=sr_1_128?keywords=deck+tiles&qid=1557577680&s=gateway&sr=8-128#customerReviews
https://www.amazon.com/Hardwood-Install-Interlocking-Flooring-Millions/dp/B07PJPWPXT/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=camp+20+deck+tile&qid=1557578264&s=gateway&sr=8-2
https://www.amazon.ca/Acacia-Flooring-Suitable-outdoor-applications/dp/B072X6M8H9/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=camp+5+deck+tile&qid=1557578381&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull (The Camp 5 in Canada will interlock with the Camp 20 or Skoghall from IKEA should you have these)
For the tiles, use our Golden TEAK coloured oil!
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=INTERBUILD+REAL+WOOD&ref=bl_dp_s_web_0
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=INTERBUILD+REAL+WOOD&ref=bl_dp_s_web_0 Sand your tiles before treatment. The oil has 100 % solid content of waxes and vegetable oils and you will need very little to get a good protection!
Many thanks SAMI for writing this useful review! Please note that the one IKEA sell today, Runnen, has 12 wood slats and ours / old IKEA Skoghall have 20 slats. I see pictures above for both versions!
thanks for the update!
Anyone considering the wood runnen tiles should seal them the first day of installation. There is a stain and protection on them out of the box but it’s not very good. The surface is penetrate by water that eventually soaks in. With a good wood sealer water will pretty much bead on the surface until it dries.
You can get a wood deck sealer in clear or various stains at the hardware store. Many will have a 2-3 year protection life. This will extend the life of the tiles greatly. I see a lot of people laying them down bare and just leaving it there for years expecting them to last. IKEA even recommends their own Varda stain for protection. The one downside to these tiles is the underside is pretty difficult to protect due to the plastic framing. You can spray the sealer for some coverage but an area with heavy rain and weak drainage won’t be ideal for these.