When it comes to building an outdoor project, flooring is a component that is often overlooked. However, flooring is a crucial part of any outdoor living space. It keeps the style and aesthetic flowing from one area to the next and can drastically reduce the overall appeal of the outdoor living space if done incorrectly.
People often do not realize how many options there are to choose from. Every homeowner has different needs for their outdoor space. There are a variety of flooring choices and they each have unique benefits and drawbacks. Our list showcases popular options using a wide range of materials along with the pros and cons of each one so you can see which flooring option fits best for your home.
Stone
When it comes to bringing a natural feel to your outdoor space, stone flooring is a great way to go. Since it is made through the natural processes of the earth, It is incredibly durable and long lasting. There are various options such as Travertine, Flagstone, Granite, and many more. There are so many variations to choose from that allow you to bring to life the outdoor style that you’re looking for. If you choose uncut stone, it will have a very unique look due to the natural irregular shape and pattern of each piece. Or you can go with manufactured stone tiles that give the strength of natural stone with a cleaner look than raw uncut pieces.
On the flip side, stone flooring can be expensive. It is very labor intensive to install. Also, some types of stone can be uneven under your feet, and there is always a chance of running out of matching pieces if you are creating a patterned look- such as contrasting with darker and lighter sections.
Brick
One of the most durable options on the market, brick flooring has a variety of colors to match your outdoor space with your original home. It is a classic option that never seems to go out of style. Skilled installers can make creative brick patterns to give your outdoor living space a unique look. The most notable characteristic of brick is how sturdy and long-lasting it is. Once you install brick flooring, it will stay there until you pull it out.
However, there are a few drawbacks to brick flooring. The installation is labor intensive, and the installation cost is in the middle of the back when compared to all your options. It is also very difficult to replace if you’re thinking about switching to a different type of flooring down the line. Additionally, if the flooring isn’t installed with proper drainage principles in mind, certain areas can develop mildew issues.
Concrete
The simplest and cheapest option on the market has to be your basic concrete flooring. It is versatile and very easy to install. Concrete is very low maintenance and inexpensive. It is a great long-term option as it is strong and will endure years and years of foot traffic.
Unfortunately, concrete by itself isn’t as appealing to the eye as other higher-end options. If you want your concrete flooring to stand out, getting it stained or stamped is recommended. Concrete is a very hard and unforgiving surface and can get slippery when wet as well.
Stamped Concrete
One of the most popular options on the market these days is stamped concrete. This recent rise in popularity in the past few decades is due to the fact that stamped concrete is long lasting and can look nearly indistinguishable from wood, tile, and natural stone flooring all while being less expensive and easier to maintain than the real thing. It is very versatile and the distinctive patterns and colors can drastically enhance the style and overall feel of the outdoor space. It is layered on top of previously poured concrete slabs.
The downsides of stamped concrete are that it does require some maintenance. The homeowner needs to have the floor re-sealed every two to three years. Stamped concrete can sometimes chip or peel over time. In addition, it is more expensive than basic concrete. However, it is still a lot cheaper than other high end options.
Kool Decking
A favorite choice among homeowners building outdoor living spaces with pools, Kool Decking is known for its unique property to keep a lower temperature (around 20 degrees) under the sun when compared to traditional concrete. It is also slip-resistant, which is great for homes with rambunctious kids playing in and around the pool. Additionally, Kool Decking is on the lower end of the price spectrum.
When getting Kool Decking installed, be sure the contractor applies the product on top of freshly poured concrete. If the concrete isn’t fresh, the Kool Deck layer won’t bond properly. One downside of this type of flooring is that it doesn’t look as nice as the higher end options such as stamped concrete or stone flooring, but the lower price tag is worth the simpler style if you’re on a tight budget. Kool deck flooring also seems to attract dirt easily, so cleaning it with a brush and hosing it down is required every three to four months.
Kool Decking
A favorite choice among homeowners building outdoor living spaces with pools, Kool Decking is known for its unique property to keep a lower temperature (around 20 degrees) under the sun when compared to traditional concrete. It is also slip-resistant, which is great for homes with rambunctious kids playing in and around the pool. Additionally, Kool Decking is on the lower end of the price spectrum.
When getting Kool Decking installed, be sure the contractor applies the product on top of freshly poured concrete. If the concrete isn’t fresh, the Kool Deck layer won’t bond properly. One downside of this type of flooring is that it doesn’t look as nice as the higher end options such as stamped concrete or stone flooring, but the lower price tag is worth the simpler style if you’re on a tight budget. Kool deck flooring also seems to attract dirt easily, so cleaning it with a brush and hosing it down is required every three to four months.
Porcelain and ceramic tiles
Porcelain or ceramic tiles are notorious for being versatile, coming in a wide range of styles and patterns made to accent your dream project. They can bring a gorgeous modern feel or a rustic ambience or to your outdoor living area. The tiles are also easy to clean, requiring a good pressure washing a few times a year. This flooring option is at mid- range when it comes to pricing.
However, for many homeowners, the weaknesses of porcelain or ceramic flooring tend to outway the strengths. To start, it can be very slippery when wet, which is dangerous to children and the elderly if they’re not being careful. Also, sunlight and weather will fade the surface finish over time. Most importantly, Grout lines need to be maintained to keep water from getting under the tile. Once water infiltrates underneath, it is only a matter of time before the tile cracks or pops off completely. Unless you’re ready to spend a lot of your time and money maintaining and replacing tiles, we would recommend to steer clear of man made tiles.
Artificial grass
Becoming more popular in just the past few years, artificial grass is a viable flooring option for certain outdoor living situations. It is excellent for families with kids and pets as it is safer than hard flooring due to the softness of the material. It is extremely easy to maintain, and recent advancements make it look nearly indistinguishable from natural grass. Turf is also cool on the feet when compared to concrete and other flooring options.
The downside is that it is initially expensive to install compared to regular grass. However, it saves money in the long run when factoring watering, fertilizing, and mowing into the equation. But it won’t give you the stylish and sophisticated look that stone or stamped concrete flooring will. Also, it doesn’t absorb animal waste like regular grass, so some work will be required to keep it clean if you have pets. In relation to the cost of other flooring options, it’s in the middle of the pack.
Wood Decking
Rounding out the list is wood decking. It is a classic material that works well for sloped or uneven backyards. Pressure treated redwood, cedar, and pine are widely used for deck construction. Wood has a unique natural look and is environmentally friendly. It is made from a renewable resource while many synthetic flooring options are made of petroleum based products. The cost is on the lower end of the spectrum, so it is more affordable than other options.
If you’re thinking about getting a wood deck, be prepared to do some maintenance over time. Wood decks require staining and sealing every one to two years to ensure the longevity of the material. Rotting, warping, splintering, and discoloration are all possible if you get low quality wood or don’t maintain the deck properly. Even if you stay on top of the maintenance, wood decks will only last 10 to 12 years at most before needing to be replaced. If you’re looking for a flooring material that you can install and not have to worry about for a long time, you should go with a more durable option like concrete.
In Conclusion
Outdoor flooring is literally and figuratively the foundation of the outdoor living space. When done correctly, it enhances all the elements of the space and ties everything together. As you plan out your ideal outdoor living space, take into consideration the ins and outs of the different flooring options to determine what is best for you and your family.