(ARA) - Having the deck of your dreams can be a snap - literally. Modular deck tiles - real hardwood tiles that easily snap together - are the next hot thing for do-it-yourselfers out to expand their outdoor living space.

Adding a deck is among the top five home improvement projects; it enhances a home's value and is cheaper than building an actual room addition. Yet traditional deck building has required homeowners to either layout a substantial sum of cash to have professionals do the job, or invest hours of their own time learning the skills needed to do it themselves.

Modular deck tiles can make a beautiful do-it-yourself deck possible for even home improvement neophytes.

Each 1-foot-square wooden tile is mounted on a sturdy plastic grid backing. The grid allows the tiles to snap together like children's plastic building blocks. "They are so easy to put together, you can reasonably expect to invest 60 minutes or less installing a 100 square foot deck," says Ted Petron, production manager of Sisal Rugs Direct, the exclusive seller of modular deck tiles in the United States.

The inch-thick tiles are made of beautiful, durable teak and other Brazilian hardwood such as Ipe (ironwood). four styles are available - Ipe Smooth, Teak and Ipe Non-Slick (grooved for slip protection around pools and spas), all in 12-inch by 12-inch tile size, and new 12-inch by 24-inch Ipe tiles. The tiles are imported from Italy.

Besides easy installation, modular deck tiles have several advantages over traditional decks:

* No concrete footings or complicated support systems are necessary. Modular deck tiles can be placed over any reasonably flat surface - from an existing concrete patio or weathered traditional decking, to lawn or even bare ground. When placing them over grass or ground, however, consider using plastic shielding material (available at any hardware or home improvement store) to discourage weed growth through the tiles.

* The average cost per square foot of a traditional deck ranges around $35 to over $50 per square foot depending on the wood choice. Modular deck tiles cost approximately $10 to $25 per square foot.

* Once assembled, modular deck tiles are as sturdy as a traditional deck. But they can easily be disassembled should you decide to relocate your deck, or take it with you when you move.

* Because they snap together, modular tile decks never have any exposed screws or nails, making them child and pet friendly.

* Cleanup and maintenance are easy. Simply hose off your modular deck tiles as needed for regular cleaning. Once a year, treat them with a wood sealer and ultraviolet light protector.

* Modular deck tiles can also be used to easily create patios, paths and posh pool areas outdoors, and as flooring in home spas or on apartment or condo balconies. Deck tiles can also be laid in three different designs: traditional, offset or parquet to create a truly unique look.

To learn more about modular deck tiles, visit www.sisalrugs.com, or call (888) 613-1335.