FAQs
FAQs
What is Mbrico?
Mbrico is a porcelain tile decking system designed to replace wood and composite decks with a long-lasting, low-maintenance, high-performance surface.
Is Mbrico a decking system or just tile?
Mbrico is a complete system, combining structural pedestals, fastening components, and exterior-rated porcelain tiles.
How is Mbrico different from traditional porcelain tile?
Traditional tile is bonded to substrates. Mbrico uses thick, exterior-rated porcelain installed on an elevated pedestal system designed for outdoor structural use.
Read More: Why Mbrico Tile Decks Last Longer Than Traditional Decking Systems
How is Mbrico different from composite decking?
Mbrico does not fade, warp, rot, or trap moisture. Composite decks are plastic-based and degrade over time; porcelain does not.
How is Mbrico different from wood decks like Ipe or cedar?
Mbrico never needs sealing, staining, or replacement. Wood requires constant maintenance and degrades naturally over time.
Is Mbrico considered a structural system or a surface finish?
Mbrico is a surface system installed over an approved structural subframe, conventional deck joist frame, pedestal roof or slab.
What makes Mbrico a “system” rather than individual products?
Every component is engineered to work together: tile thickness, pedestal spacing, load ratings, drainage, coordinating interior tile, trims, copings, and edge solutions.
Where is Mbrico manufactured?
Mbrico tiles are manufactured in the USA using American made materials and advanced porcelain technology.
Is Mbrico proprietary or patented?
Yes. Mbrico includes proprietary and patented system elements designed specifically for elevated exterior decks. Mbrico has 12 patents and several pending patents including porcelain decking systems, pedestal systems, facades, stair treads, spacers, tongue and groove installations, as well as various mechanisms and accessories.
What types of projects is Mbrico best suited for?
Residential decks, rooftop decks, balconies, terraces, pool decks, hospitality spaces, and commercial applications. Mbrico is rated and suitable for any project from single family homes, multifamily, hospitality, senior living, educational, government, or any venue.
Performance & Safety
Is Mbrico slippery when wet?
No. Mbrico tiles exceed traction ratings of wood and composite and are ADA-approved for slip resistance. Mbrico tiles have a DCOF rating of OUTDOOR >0.55 WET ANSI A326.3
Is Mbrico ADA compliant?
Yes. Mbrico meets ADA requirements for slip resistance when properly specified. Mbrico can be used on ADA projects including ramps.
Does Mbrico get hot in direct sunlight?
Mbrico stays cooler than most composite decking and comparable to light-colored natural stone, depending on color selection. Various colors SRI rating of 60-80% making it much more comfortable for bare feet, pets, pool decks and similar.
Can Mbrico be used around pools?
Yes. Mbrico is non-porous, slip-resistant, and unaffected by water, chlorine, sunscreen, bug spray, or pool chemicals.
Is Mbrico freeze-thaw approved?
Yes. Mbrico is approved for freeze-thaw environments and performs reliably in all climates. Mbrico has been tested by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) for 60 years worth of freeze thaw cycling and thermal shock with “no visible change”.
Will Mbrico crack under normal use?
No. When installed correctly, Mbrico tiles are engineered to handle high loads without cracking. Each tile for elevated use ships out with a safety plate backer on the underside to prevent any load or impact damage. Each slab has an over 4,500lb breaking strength (higher than wood or composite decking).
What is the weight rating of Mbrico?
Mbrico systems are rated for heavy residential and commercial loads, exceeding standard deck requirements. Each tile for elevated use ships out with a safety plate backer on the underside to prevent any load or impact damage. Each slab has an over 4,500lb breaking strength (higher than wood or composite decking).
Read More: Load Rating Requirements for Elevated Deck Systems
Can Mbrico support grills and fire features?
Yes. Mbrico is fire-resistant and can support grills, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens. Mbrico tiles are class A fire rated making them great for fire prone areas, wildlife urban interface projects, or similar.
How does Mbrico handle water drainage?
Water drains freely through open joints and below the tile surface, preventing pooling and trapped moisture. The drainage is very similar to that of conventional wood or composite decking as well as other pedestal/paver systems.
Is Mbrico safe for rooftop decks?
Yes. Mbrico is commonly specified for rooftops due to its drainage, durability, wind uplift ratings, and accessibility benefits. Mbrico is a popular solution for residential, hotel, multifamily, and similar rooftop deck solutions.
Read More: Mbrico vs Tile Tech: Engineered System vs Pavers on Pedestals
Durability & Longevity
Is Mbrico porcelain brittle?
Exterior-rated porcelain is extremely dense and strong. Mbrico tiles are engineered specifically for structural deck applications. Each slab is ¾” inch thick (over 2x as thick as a traditional interior tile) and is reinforced with an FRP safety plate when used for elevated installs.
How long does an Mbrico deck last?
Mbrico is designed as a lifetime deck with no expected material degradation. Mbrico decks come with a lifetime transferable warranty.
Does Mbrico fade over time?
No. Color is baked through the tile during manufacturing and will not fade from UV exposure. Mbrico’s warranty includes lifetime protection against fading.
Is Mbrico resistant to mold and mildew?
Yes. Porcelain is non-porous and does not support organic growth. Mbrico tiles have a porosity rating of <0.05%. The tiles do not absorb water which inhibits mold or mildew growth.
Can insects damage Mbrico?
No. Porcelain cannot be eaten or damaged by insects in any way.
Is Mbrico suitable for coastal environments?
Yes. Mbrico is resistant to salt air, humidity, and corrosion.
Will Mbrico warp or expand?
No. Porcelain is dimensionally stable and does not warp, cup, or swell.
Is Mbrico fire resistant?
Yes. Porcelain is non-combustible and fire resistant. It is class A fire rated.
Are custom sizes available?
Yes, Mbrico has full fabrication capabilities for custom tile sizes, copings, caps, trims and accessories. Contact your sales rep for pricing and details.
How does Mbrico compare long-term to composite decking?
Mbrico outlasts composite without fading, sagging, or replacement cycles. Mbrico includes a lifetime, transferrable product warranty and has been tested by 3rd party labs for 60 years worth of thermal cycling, thermal shock, ware, and fading.
Installation & Construction
Who can install Mbrico?
Qualified contractors, carpenters deck builders, and installers trained on the Mbrico system are best suited for the decking application. The pedestal system is often installed by carpenters, roofing contractors or hardscape installers with pedestal experience. Our paver products are generally installed by landscape / hardscape professionals. Experienced DIYers also often install Mbrico on their own projects.
Can Mbrico be installed over existing structures?
Yes. Mbrico can be installed over concrete slabs, gravel, low slope flat roofs, or conventional IRC code deck framing.
Does installation require special tools?
No specialty cutting tools beyond standard tile equipment are required. Mbrico systems are designed to be installed with conventional carpentry tools including impacts, drills, angle grinders and hand routers.
How thick are Mbrico tiles?
Mbrico tiles are typically 20mm (¾ inch) thick, designed for elevated deck loads. The elevated tiles also have a 1/8” thick safety backer.
How does the pedestal system work?
Adjustable pedestals support tiles above the substrate, allowing leveling and drainage. This system is a popular solution for residential and commercial flat roof decks. Each Mbrico pedestal is threaded for height adjustment to accommodate slope yet create a level tile deck.
How are stairs and edges finished?
Mbrico offers mitered edges, riser material, copings, bullnose edges, cap products, stair solutions, and trim components for clean transitions. Mbrico stair products can be installed as a traditional paver or on conventional code deck step framing.
Can Mbrico be installed on uneven surfaces?
Installation time varies, but pedestal systems often install faster than traditional decks. Mbrico is designed with the installer in mind. Mbrico systems have been carefully crafted to install as simply as possible. The decking application installs in approximately the same time as a composite deck. The elevated pedestal system installs about 30% faster than traditional corner pedestal and concrete paver installations.
Can tiles be removed after installation?
Yes. Tiles can be removable for access or replacement.
Does Mbrico require slope?
Drainage occurs below the tile surface, so surface slope is not required. Each tile is designed to provide open 1/8” spacing on all 4 sides, creating a pervious solution very similar to conventional wood or plastic decking.
Maintenance, Cost & Ownership
How much maintenance does Mbrico require?
Mbrico is entirely maintenance free. No sealing, staining, sanding, or replacement. Depending on the environment, Mbrico can be pressure washed as needed.
Does Mbrico need to be sealed?
No. Porcelain is naturally non-porous.
How do you clean an Mbrico deck?
Soap and water or light pressure washing is sufficient. See our cleaning guide for uncommon solutions.
How does Mbrico cost compare to composite or wood?
Mbrico may have a higher upfront cost but significantly lower lifetime cost. Mbrico costs about 10-15% more than popular composite decking brands. Depending on layout/waste and tile size, the system generally averages about $20-24 per sq ft including reinforced tiles, tracks, stainless fasteners, and all accessories.
Can I do a pattern?
Yes, Mbrico can be installed in several modular patterns on multiple systems for a unique look.
What is the lifetime cost of ownership?
Mbrico eliminates ongoing maintenance and rebuild costs, making it a long-term value solution.
Does Mbrico include a warranty?
Yes. Mbrico offers manufacturer warranties covering material performance. Mbrico offers a fully transferable lifetime warranty and has been 3rd party tested for 60 year simulations.
Can Mbrico increase home value?
Yes. Mbrico adds permanent, low-maintenance outdoor living space adding value to any project.
Is Mbrico environmentally friendly?
Yes. Porcelain is inert, long-lasting, and reduces material waste over time. Mbrico porcelain components include a high percentage of recycled material. Mbrico products are LEED certified.
Read More: Why Mbrico Is the Most Sustainable and Eco Friendly Decking Solution Available
Is Mbrico the last deck I’ll ever build?
Yes. Mbrico is designed to be a lifetime deck.