Flooring guide2 min read
Two surfaces dominate hospitality terraces: outdoor ceramic tile and composite decking. They look different, cost different amounts and behave very differently under a table leg.
The question isn't only which looks better. In hospitality, the floor also decides how many tables staff will have to wedge every day.
Outdoor ceramic tile
Long service life (15–25 years), easy to clean and colourfast in sunlight. Against it: demanding installation, tiles that crack, joints that collect dirt and, above all, grout lines that can leave 1–3 mm steps.
Composite decking
Warmer underfoot, quick to install, hides small flaws in the substrate and drains well. Against it: boards swell with moisture, scratch, and over time can curve 2–5 mm upwards.
| Factor | Tile | Decking |
|---|---|---|
| Initial flatness | Excellent | Good |
| Flatness after 5 years | Good (joints lift) | Variable (boards warp) |
| Largest gap under a leg | 2–4 mm | 3–8 mm |
| Recommended base | Self-stabilizing | Self-stabilizing |
Terrace already built
Work with what you have: both surfaces will develop irregularities of under a centimetre.
Self-stabilizing bases.
New terrace
If stability is all that counts, large-format tile (60 × 60 cm or larger) with narrow joints is slightly kinder than decking.
Decide on looks and budget: stability is solved in the base.
In practice yes, but only by a few millimetres, and the difference sits well within the range of a self-stabilizing base.
Yes, and many venues do. As long as the bases cover the worst spot, mixed terraces work fine.
They behave like large-format tile: flat when laid, with small irregularities over time. Same advice: pair them with self-stabilizing bases.
If you're planning a terrace, tell us the paving you have in mind and the tables you want to use.