Frequently Asked Question

We have the answers to all of your commonly asked questions. See below for our FAQ. If you do not see what you are looking for, please contact us.

General Information

01. Why choose Shantex?

We are the industry leader in wood-plastic composite decking tiles. Our patented interlocking design and injection manufacturing process is unparalleled. Shantex is a company that focuses on the quality of our product and customer service. We take pride in our product to make sure that it is of the highest quality and our customers are satisfied.

Environmentally Friendly: Our product is made of recycled materials. For more information about why you should choose Shantex click here.
02. What is the Shantex Eco-Tile System?

The Shantex Eco-Tile system is a quick and simple Do-It-Yourself decking solution. Each Shantex Eco-Tile composes of 4 wood-plastic composite strips which are secured on to our patented interlocking plastic base resulting in the most refined outdoor decking tile available in the market.

03. What advantages do wood-plastic composites have over wood?

Wood-plastic composite looks and feels like wood but lasts longer than wood. Composite materials are very low maintenance and you will not have to worry about it cracking, splinting, molding, and rotting.

04. What is the difference between the injection manufacturing process as opposed to other methods of producing wood composite?

Shantex Eco-Tiles are the only wood-plastic composite tiles in the industry to be produced by injection process to ensure product durability and stability. This process minimizes and prevents warping, buckling and thermal expansion of the tiles. Other composite tiles on the market may look similar at first glance; however, they are produced using an extrusion process. This linear process is much more cost efficient to produce although durability and quality is largely compromised.

05. Why choose wood-plastic composite over rubber composite?

Over time, the exposure to weathering (especially sunlight) will cause rubber composites to produce an unpleasant odor. This will result in a need to replace the rubber composite and a shorter lifespan of the product compared to wood-plastic composite.

06. How is purchasing Shantex Eco-Tile saving me money?

Replacing an entire wood or vinyl deck would be costly. Shantex provides a money-saving solution by simply placing our decking tiles over top of existing decks. Our tiles will take the abuse of weathering without having to re-staining each year like wood which means the cost of ownership over the life time of the Eco-Tiles will be lower. Also in the future if you decide to move, you will not have to spend money on another deck, you can simply take the decking tiles with you!

07. What colors are available?

Shantex Eco-Tiles are offered in three distinctive styles. The Aspire is our cedar brown wood grain tile which gives your deck the classic natural look. The Noire is our designer grey wood grain tile which gives your deck a sleek modern look and our new slate tile is designed to give you a natural stone look and texture.

08. What is the pattern on the wood-plastic composite strips?

The composite strips have a wood grain pattern. Not only does the pattern add to the aesthetics of the tile, it also helps with anti-slip properties making the tiles safer in wet conditions.

09. What is the size of each Shantex Eco-Tile?

Each Shantex Eco-Tile measures: 12in (1ft) x 12in (1ft) x 2.6cm (1in). Each tile is 1sqft.

10. Where can the Eco-Tiles be used?

The decking tiles can be placed on top of a surface that meets the following 3 conditions: 1) waterproof 2) level surface 3) has proper drainage.

11. Can the Eco-Tiles be used indoors?

Absolutely, the decking tiles work just as well indoors including basements and garages.

12. Why choose Shantex Eco-Tiles instead of traditional deck planks?

Installation is a lot easier and also a lot cheaper with our Eco-Tiles. The product was designed for easy installation so anyone do it themselves.

13. Who can we contact for more information regarding your tiles?

You can send an email to info@shantex.ca or click on retailers in the navigation bar to find one of our retailers nearest you.


Installation

14. Who can install the Eco-Tiles?

Virtually anyone! With the interlocking design of the Eco Tiles, the deck can easily be put together without any tools. You can do it yourself and create your own patterns by gently pushing the tiles together.

15. What skills are needed to install the deck?

There aren't any specific skilled required to install the Eco Tiles, the tiles can simply be put together just like Lego!

16. What kind of surface do I currently need to have in order to install the Eco-Tiles on top?

The existing surface underneath the Eco-Tiles has to be leveled, waterproof, and must have proper drainage.

17. Can the Eco-Tiles be laid over a surface that is not waterproof?

No, since the Eco-Tiles serves as a "floating deck", which means the water will drain through the tiles to the surface underneath therefore it has to be waterproof.

18. Do I need to prepare the existing surface before I lay down the Eco-Tiles?

It is recommended to clean the existing surface to remove the majority of the debris before installing the Eco-Tiles.

19. Can the Eco-Tiles be installed over concrete?

Yes, it can be installed over concrete, given that the surface is waterproof and leveled.

20. Can the Eco-Tiles be installed on roof top decks?

Yes, it can be installed on roof top decks as long as the roof deck surface is waterproof and has proper drainage.

21. Can the Eco-Tiles be installed on vinyl or torch on membrane decks?

Yes, it can be installed on vinyl or torch on membrane decks. Our patented interlocking base is designed to distribute weight evenly so it does not damage or puncture the membrane.

22. Can the tiles be cut? What can be done if there are posts, angles and corners?

If the designated space contains posts, angles, corners or pipes, each Eco-Tile is designed to allow cuts with simple tools such as a jigsaw or a regular handsaw.

23. Are nails or screws required to secure the Eco-Tiles to the existing surface?

Nothing is required to secure the Eco-Tiles. The total weight of all the tiles will prevent them from moving or shifting once they are completely installed.

24. How long does it usually take to finish installing a deck with the Shantex Eco-Tile System?

Usually a deck can be finished within 2-3 hours. However, it also depends on the size of the decks and the numbers of cuts required.

25. How soon can I use the deck after installation?

You can enjoy using the deck immediately after installation.

26. Can I remove the Eco-Tiles once they are laid?

Yes you can, and it is just as easy as installing it. This means if one day you decide to move, you can easily take the decking tiles along with you.

27. Can we alter the pattern of the Eco-Tiles besides the criss-cross design?

Please visit our pattern design page or installation video to see the different designs possible. However, many people like the criss-cross design because it will look like two distinct colors at certain angles. It also serves for anti-slip purposes. There are people who prefer to have the wood grain strips of the tiles to all face the same direction, contributing to a deck which looks neat and simple.

28. How do we clean the deck?

Simply just wash and rinse down your Eco-Tile deck with a hose or pressure washer. Do this even when the deck appears to be clean. This is to prevent buildups of pollutants which might result in growth of algae and moss.

29. How often should we clean the deck?

It is recommended you clean the deck once a month.

30. Do you have edging pieces to finish the exposed sides of the deck?

Yes, we have reducer/edge pieces available to match each style of our Eco Tiles. They will give your space a clean finished look as well as preventing tripping hazards.


Product Characteristics

31. What are the Eco-Tiles made of?

Shantex Eco Tiles are made of wood-plastic composite which consists of 50% wood and 50% plastic to combine the advantages of both materials making your deck low maintenance and long lasting.

32. What color will the Eco-Tiles fade into?

The Eco-Tiles have UV inhibitors to minimize fading of the tiles. They will fade into a lighter shade within the first 3-6 months and after this the color will stay permanent.

33. Can the tiles affected by heavy rainfall?

The Eco-Tiles are not affected by heavy rainfall due to the fact that it is designed to drain water to the surface beneath, which means no water remains trapped. However, before installing the tiles please make sure that the surface underneath has proper drainage and so the tiles are not constantly soaked in water.

34. Can the tiles withstand the freezing-thawing process through the winter months?

Yes, the Eco-Tiles were designed to withstand temperatures ranging from -40 C (-40 F) to 60 C (140 F) to take on the harsh Canadian winters. Therefore, you can leave them out year round.

35. What is holding the tiles together from moving? (Since it is not fixated to my existing surface)

Even though the tiles are not secured to your existing surface, the combining weight of the tiles will ensure that the tiles will not move.

36. Can insects damage the Eco-Tiles?

No, insects cannot damage the Eco-Tiles.

37. Can we recycle the Eco-Tiles?

Yes, our wood-plastic composite products are recyclable.