How to Decorate Your Outdoor Space With Faux Tiles

Top things to know about decorating your outdoor space with faux tiles:

• Faux tiles are a budget-friendly way to enhance your outdoor space.
• They are also renter-friendly, meaning you'll get your security deposit back from your landlord when you move out of your rental.
• It would be best to decide how to lay your tiles out ahead of time.
• These faux tiles will last through rain or shine, so you don't need to worry about damage!

Interlocking patio deck tiles are an easy DIY project anyone can accomplish in under an hour. (I know because I've done it myself.) Read on to learn about this DIY hack and how to customize it for your outdoor needs.

Faux tiles are a budget-friendly alternative to decorating your outdoor space.

While this may not seem mind-blowing for those with a backyard, access to a private terrace is the equivalent of winning the lottery (usually because you need to hit the lottery to afford it in Manhattan). Luckily for me, my current apartment popped up on Zillow at a record-low price at the beginning of the pandemic. But, with this great new space, I wanted to decorate it without breaking the bank. So, I turned to fake tiles—specifically the Interbuild Acacia Hardwood Interlocking Patio Deck Tiles (12" × 12"). Sold in packs of ten, you can get 1440 sq. ft for $50.

Using renter-friendly tiles will not only look good, but they'll also get you your security deposit back.

Renovations are a challenge when you're in a rental because most permanent changes need approval from your landlord.

Plus, the money and time you put into it won't give you a return on investment (because you can't sell the property). That's why these interlocking tiles are a perfect rental-friendly way to upgrade the roof without worrying about returning it to its original state by the end of the lease. The best part about this is that you don't have to sacrifice quality—the tiles are Acacia wood with a golden teak finish.

Before decorating, decide where you want to frame your outdoor space.

If you don't want to cover your entire deck in tiles, use them to create natural borders. Similar to how placing a rug under a couch works in a living room, this allows you to have an open floor plan while still carving out the unique purpose of each vignette. For me, a part of my roof doesn't align evenly with the rest of the terrace, so I used the tiles to flatten the surface. Then I placed a wood bench and side table on the new tile to create a reading nook.

Embrace the deck lifestyle and add other special touches to enhance your space.

When the tiles were in place, I purchased a portable grill because it needed that BBQ charm. Now I can cook summer meals with my friends without hiding in the kitchen. The lightweight nature of the portable grill also means I'm not dedicating a large part of the terrace to one appliance. Plus, the tiles are easy to clean because the pre-oiled wood is waterproof. The plastic net below the tiles is there for easy drainage if you need to bring out the house for an especially greasy burger night.

These tiles are guaranteed to last through rain or shine.

If you live in a place with four seasons, fake tiles have the option to unsnap them so you can put them in storage during the offseason. The flexibility allows you to approach your outdoor space with a fresh set of eyes every couple of months. Do you want to try a new arrangement? Go for it! But if you're a creature of habit, that's OK too. The tiles are also durable enough to handle rougher weather.

Customize your tiles until it's the perfect fit.

For awkward corners, you can unscrew the web backing and cut them with a hand saw for a tight fit. The light weight makes it easy to trim, and with a height of only half an inch, it's thin enough to fit under swinging doors. Once you have the layout you want, it's as simple as snapping them into place like puzzle pieces. A custom finish without the cost or permanence!