Pop-up parks are public spaces that transform vacant lots, parking spaces, or other underused urban areas into places where people can gather, relax, or connect. For architects, they present a unique challenge: designing environments that are quick to install, easy to adapt, and sensitive to their surroundings. Bison Innovative Products’ exterior wood tiles meet those needs with the natural look of real wood and the flexibility of a modular system.
From fast setup to long-term adaptability, here are five reasons exterior wood tile systems are a smart choice for pop-up park projects.
Bison’s modular pedestal decking system gives architects the freedom to reconfigure spaces with minimal effort. Whether the layout needs to shift with the seasons or accommodate different activities, the system supports agile design, enabling the use of hidden fasteners for uncomprimized sight lines. Exterior wood tiles are one of several interchangeable surface options that can be installed, lifted, or replaced as needed.
Bison wood tiles come in interlocking grids and panels that install quickly with basic tools. The modular format also allows sections to be lifted or replaced independently, a key advantage for maintenance or reconfiguration.
Unlike traditional decking that can be difficult to adjust or modify, Bison’s tiles are easy to remove for routine maintenance. This balance of structure and access makes layout evolution simple.
Explore raised deck ideas for pop-up parks
Exterior wood tile systems bring warmth and visual appeal to paved city surfaces or hardscapes. Its natural grain and texture create a tactile, inviting atmosphere.
In public-facing spaces like pop-up parks, wood’s organic appearance adds character and contrast, softening the environment’s look and feel.
Bison offers wood tiles with FSC-certified options for projects that prioritize environmentally conscious material sourcing, offering designers the materials to meet both performance and design goals.
Case study: New York Pop-Up Park
Urban parks must thrive in a wide range of conditions - from rainstorms to direct sun, and temperature swings. The elevated structure of modular exterior wood tile systems allows for excellent drainage, helping protect both the walking surface and the infrastructure beneath it.
The density of tropical hardwoods makes exterior wood tile systems naturally rot, decay, and weather resistant. This makes it a durable option in climates that feature fluctuating temperatures and weather conditions.
Designed to maximize usable space for businesses, many pop-up parks are built on asphalt or city-owned surfaces. Compared to heavier materials like stone or concrete, exterior wood tile systems are lightweight and easy to handle, and do not damage the surfaces they are installed on.
Bison’s modular decking components can be installed and removed without heavy equipment, making them ideal for short-term activations, events, or pilot installations where reversibility and speed matter.
Case study: The Dallas Main Street Pop-Up Park
Exterior wood tile systems make upkeep simple and enable communities to embrace the transformation of urban spaces. The modular tiles lift easily for cleaning or drainage checks without disturbing the deck. If a tile is damaged, it can be replaced without refinishing the whole surface. These tiles can also be stored or moved as needed.
Modular tiles use wider gaps between pieces, allowing air to flow freely and moisture to dry faster, which helps prevent these issues and lowers maintenance needs.
View Bison's Wood Tile Care and Maintenance Guide
Choosing the right decking material is key for pop-up parks. Exterior wood tile systems provide dynamic urban spaces with fast installation, easy maintenance, and safe, elevated surfaces for paved city surfaces or hardscapes.
Lightweight and modular, a Bison wood tile system works well for temporary or pilot projects. It protects surfaces like asphalt or concrete underneath while providing a stable finished deck.
If you’re specifying materials for urban decks or pop-up parks, the Bison team offers expert help on layouts, materials, and design choices.
Check out the full range of pedestal-supported decking at bisonip.com.
Important Notice: Bison Innovative Products recommends that all rooftop deck systems should be installed by a licensed contractor with at least 2 years of proven experience. Plans/designs for a rooftop deck should be reviewed by a safety/structural engineer before commencing construction. The roof must be able to safely carry the static and live load weights of the rooftop deck, and any amenities added along with the appropriate density of any insulation to resist crushing and damaging the waterproof membrane. Adding items such as hardscaping features, hot tubs, or pools to a rooftop deck requires additional guidance and oversight from an engineer. Property owners should research and abide by any building codes and other regulations to obtain the required permits prior to having a rooftop deck installed. Please read all product specifications posted on Bisonip.com to review all information prior to any installation.