Composite Decking conundrum!

[degsydoodoos]

We are looking to refurbish our timber decking with composite. The existing decking is not rotted, although it has some minor damage for example where kids have jumped on it.
We're looking at the Runnen square tiles from IKEA as a replacement.
My question is, how are we best doing this?
1) just lay tiles straight over existing decking?
2) lay plywood base over timber and then lay tiles on top of that? If this, would standard plywood do or would it need to be marine ply?
3) remove existing decking altogether and completely re-lay? This seems like the trickiest option due to the tiles being square and not long boards.
Any advice gratefully received, thank you.

 

[MisterBoy]

Ply sounds a horrible idea, a flat piece of wood to get wet and filthy
The issue laying on top is that longer term your decking will deteriorate especially since you won't presumably be able to treat it again. If the new ones are easy to take up you could do this knowing you may in future need to pull them up and do properly. The 'proper' answer is probably to rip it all up and start again but it sounds a bit extreme.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Yes the ply idea is terrible, leaving the existing deck not great as mentioned, ripping it all up and starting again is probably the right solution, in essence I would suggest these tiles are only really suitable to use on a new frame not as a replacement deck, for the reasons you have already identified.

You could rip up the decking and add noggins/additional joists where necessary but that could be a right PITA and probably as quick to rip it all up and start again.

Option 4 should be replace the timber boards with composite boards not squares.

 

[degsydoodoos]

Thanks for the advice, given us something to think about!