The Ultimate Guide to the Best Outdoor Flooring Options
Your patio is in dire need of outdoor flooring, but the multitude of options has overwhelmed you. Don’t worry because you have stumbled across the perfect guide. Whether you want concrete or tile outdoor flooring, this guide will help you choose better.
12 Outdoor Flooring Options to Choose From
Concrete Pavers
They are standard outdoor flooring options you might have seen in many properties. They are durable new-age solutions for patios. Available in various styles and sizes, they are perfect for customizing your desired flooring.
Concrete pavers differ from poured concrete and avoid on-site pouring, making installation easier. Repairing them is simple. Replace cracked or damaged individual tiles for quick and easy maintenance.
Poured Concrete
Since we mentioned it above, let’s talk about poured concrete. It is durable and affordable, placed in long slabs of your chosen shapes and sizes. Since they are poured and cured on-site, your flooring installers can be stamped with a pattern, creating a unique look.
While it costs less than pavers, the problem with this flooring option is that it can buckle and crack, and maintenance can be a headache.
Brick Pavers
If you are someone who likes old-school, traditional construction, brick pavers might just be the thing for you, especially if you have a brick fireplace.
Brick pavers are perfect for that rustic style you seek. Also, they are extremely durable and last for decades with appropriate maintenance. The one problem you may face over time is the flooring turning uneven.
Porcelain
In contrast to the above-mentioned classic look, porcelain is for homeowners seeking an exciting modern outdoor flooring option.
So, what is porcelain? It is clay heated at above 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. Result: an exceptionally durable material. Pros? It is not as heavy as brick, stone, or concrete but is a top-notch option for those willing to invest in premium outdoor flooring.
Ceramic
If you are looking for a more affordable option, choose ceramic. However, unlike porcelain, it comprises less refined materials, is not as dense, and is more porous.
You may prefer it over porcelain because it is an easy choice for DIYers, but you will compromise on its durability. Ceramic and porcelain are both popular tiles for your patio flooring. Your choice will depend on your preferences and budget.
Traditional Wood Decking
It is an economical choice for outdoor flooring, depending on what you choose. For instance, cedar is high-quality wood, durable, and expensive. On the other hand, pine is the cheapest.
You have various wood types to choose from. Traditional wood decking is ideal for those who love the look of natural wood. However, if you choose wood decking, you must carry out regular maintenance tasks.
Composite Wood Decking
It is another wood decking choice for homeowners and is among the most reliable outdoor flooring choices. It is easy to clean, durable, eco-friendly, and weather-resistant.
It is durable and does not require as much maintenance as traditional wood decking. Additionally, easy installation makes it a preferred choice for many.
Artificial Grass
Ever heard of artificial grass? Yes, everything has a man-made version these days. Artificial grass may not be very popular, but it has its fan base. If you are a DIYer, you will love it because it is easy to install and requires no maintenance.
The demerit is that it does not look like real grass. If you cannot spare time to maintain the outdoor flooring or want to conceal an ugly concrete space, you may like it.
Natural Stone Pavers
We missed out on one of the pavers before, which is natural stone pavers. They are beautiful and go beyond concrete or brick pavers, offering an attractive design and robust durability.
For the best installation, ensure having a flat base, such as concrete or sand. It may take a while to prepare, but it lasts long and requires less maintenance.
Rubber Tiles
You may not think of rubber when you search for outdoor patio flooring options. However, anybody seeking different design options with easy installation will enjoy rubber tiles.
These are installed in pieces and can be easily replaced if one gets damaged. Rubber tiles may require you to pay a little more than the standard wood or concrete options, but it will be an investment and not an expenditure.
Vinyl Tiles
Durable and easy to install, vinyl is made of long-lasting synthetic materials, which makes it easy to clean and water-resistant.
It may not look like brick flooring, but it can closely imitate a similar appearance. It is scratch and stain-resistant, long-lasting, water and weather-resistant, and best for areas with less footfall.
Laminate Outdoor Flooring
Perhaps one of the most demanded and easily installed materials for your outdoor patio flooring, laminate is installed over an underlayment on top of a foam pad instead of being glued down.
Laminate is durable, lasting for decades under appropriate maintenance, and is a composite material made up of three layers, including a wood composite bottom layer, an image layer that makes the surface look realistic, and a plastic top layer.
Final Words
Before you settle on your outdoor flooring material choice, ensure doing your research. You want your floor to last for decades. Since it is an outdoor patio or porch, you have plenty of options to consider. Rubber tiles or poured concrete are the best heat-resistant options due to their affordability and durability. For a natural look and minimal hassle, composite decking can just be the thing. We recommend choosing a weather-resistant and low-maintenance option that will last you for years to come.
Also Read: Hardwood Flooring Installation Cost