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When it comes to selecting outdoor flooring, type plays a pivotal role in determining appearance and practicality. The right material should also accommodate varied activity levels, efficiently weather the local climate, and keep maintenance at a minimum. Here are the main options available.
Pressure-treated wood
This is regular wood that has been treated with preservatives to resist moisture, insects, and rot. While it is not as naturally resistant as cedar and redwood, it is cheap and can last so much longer with the proper treatment. Pressure-treated wood remains a popular choice for outdoor decks, fences, and furniture, where affordability and durability are required.
Cedar
Cedar is an excellent option for outdoor furniture, decking, and siding. It has an appealing natural finish and resists moisture, decay, and insect damage due to its natural oils. It is less prone to warping than other types of wood. While it is more expensive than treated pine, it is also more affordable than many non-native hardwoods.
Redwood
Just like cedar, redwood contains natural oils and acids that protect it from moisture, insects, and UV rays. This greatly reduces its likelihood to warp, crack, or splinter. It also has an attractive finish, which is why most people would say it is the best. Unfortunately, it is incredibly expensive and not readily available outside North America.
Teak
Teak is renowned for its exceptional resistance to water, insects, and climate, thanks to its natural oils and rubber content. It does not warp as easily, which keeps it looking desirable for longer. This exceptional durability and stunning appearance comes at a cost, as teak is one of the most expensive decking woods available.
Composite decking
Composite decking is usually formulated using a blend of wood fibers and plastic. It is developed to mimic the appearance of natural wood while offering enhanced durability. This mix provides resistance to weather elements, UV rays, and insects, to which regular wood succumbs. While composite decking costs more upfront than treated wood, it pays for itself over the years in maintenance savings.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles
Ceramic tiles are made of baked clay and are available in an expansive range of textures, colors, and shapes. Porcelain tiles, a subset of ceramic tiles, are made from denser clay, making them ideal for outdoors because of their virtually nonporous, frost-resistant property. Both are durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. However, if they are not textured, they can be very slippery when wet.
Natural stone tiles
Natural stone tiles are cut directly from stone quarries. This gives each piece a unique look, perfect for a rustic or luxury aesthetic. It is incredibly durable and slip-resistant when textured. It is also resistant to heat and weather changes. That said, natural stone is expensive and may require regular sealing to maintain its resistance to stains and moisture.
Vitrified tiles
Vitrified tiles are ceramic tiles that have been processed to make them denser and less porous. This helps give them superior stain, water, and frost resistance. They are also slip-resistant, which benefits outdoor use. Vitrified tiles blend the affordability and versatility of ceramics with performance attributes suited to exterior applications. They are also easily available and budget-friendly compared to other outdoor materials.
Concrete is perhaps the most versatile and affordable durable outdoor tile flooring option. It can be poured in unlimited shapes and sizes and finished with numerous textures and colors to resemble stone, wood, or even intricate patterns. Concrete is incredibly strong, making it suitable for heavy loads and high foot traffic. It is also resilient to weather elements and easy to maintain.
To improve its lifespan, the porous surface can be sealed to prevent moisture infiltration and staining. It can last well over 40 years with minimal upkeep. This affordability comes with a less desirable look, as concrete is pretty plain unless advanced finishing techniques are applied.
An easy way to breathe new life into an outdoor space is with the right floor design. The vast array of available materials provides endless possibilities, which can either complement or contrast the surrounding area. Below are considerations that help bring the ideal design to fruition.
The texture of outdoor flooring can drastically influence its appearance and feel while impacting safety and slip resistance. A textured surface feels more natural and is less likely to cause slips, especially in wet or uneven conditions. This adds to that luxurious, rustic, or natural feel, depending on what is preferred. Below are textured outdoor floorings that are awesome at slip resistance.
Engraved tiles
If they are not naturally built that way, textured engravings can be added to the surface of ceramic and porcelain tiles through professional tools or machines to create a slip-resistant surface. These textures can take on a matte or gently embossed quality that prevents slipping without significantly altering the tile’s appearance.
Honed finish
This is a process of grinding and smoothing the stone that imparts a slight texture, reducing slipperiness compared to a polished finish, without sacrificing much of the natural aesthetic. It is an excellent compromise for areas where both beauty and functionality are essential.
Antique finish
Finishing techniques like sandblasting or brushing, which give “used” stones a patina, create a textured surface that is less slippery while still resembling natural, unweathered stone. This is ideal for projects looking to balance functionality with rustic charm.
Color is vital in determining how the overall outdoor space looks when all is said and done, and this is because of how harsh and commanding the outdoors can be. The outdoor setup is better off using softer, earthy tones that would give an understated appeal and prevent it from looking too overwhelming.
Bright or vivid colors draw attention and are ideal for small accent areas like patios or pool surrounds. They also reflect heat, keeping the space cooler in intense sunlight exposure. Neutral tones, such as gray, beige, or taupe, give a timeless appeal and are extremely versatile.
Pattern can be especially advantageous for cheap outdoor flooring to transform the area into a space that feels unique. Various layouts have been proven to work effortlessly in achieving distinctive looks.
Herringbone
This popular laying pattern is characterized by its zigzag, V-shaped arrangement of rectangular pieces. It creates visual dynamism, making areas feel more lively and intricate, without overpowering. Because of their structured look, herringbone patterns are commonly applied for wood and stone tiles to achieve both contemporary and traditional appearances.
Stack bond
As simple as it sounds, stack bond generally involves laying flooring pieces in a grid wherein each row is aligned exactly with the previous one. This creates an incredibly neat, geometric, and minimalist aesthetic. Often used with large-format tiles to emphasize the material over the installation technique, it suits modern designs that favor clean lines.
Basketweave
The basketweave pattern involves alternating pairs of tiles in a way that resembles the weaving of a basket. This is traditionally applied to ceramic or brick flooring to add warmth and a rustic, homey feel. It is ideal for historic, country, or Mediterranean looks.
Diagonal or diagonal grid
A diagonal pattern features tiles laid at a 45-degree angle to the room’s boundaries, breaking the monotony of horizontal and vertical lines. It is great for adding visual movement and interest and working magic for small spaces to make them feel larger. It is often applied to stone or paver materials to create a dynamic and energetic appearance.
Flooring materials for outdoor use come with varying specifications to withstand weather elements ranging from moisture to extreme temperatures to UV exposure. Get to know a few of those specifications and how to maintain the flooring so it looks good for longer.
The outdoor flooring options should be affordable and durable, with flooring materials that efficiently prevent water from penetrating their surfaces. Stone and concrete have minimal porosity and require less water absorption. Treated wood and composite decking also resist moisture to minimize rotting and warping.
Harsh weather can be an artist's killer. Some materials require weathering storm, and some don't. Stone and concrete are heat-resistant, making them ideal in hotter regions. Composite decking is also formulated to be resistant to extreme temperatures. On the flip side, regular wood, especially softwoods like cedar or pine, can crack or warp if exposed to intense heat without proper treatment.
Cheap solutions still manage to handle quality and robustness as long as one knows how and where to source them from. Below are a few things a buyer can use to compare quality among assorted flooring types.
The durability of outside flooring tiles is one aspect that should not be compromised if longevity is sought. Concrete and natural stone are the most durable, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and any climate. Composite decking is durable too, but not as concrete or natural stone. Treated wood is durable but needs maintenance because it deteriorates over time. Less robust options, like ceramic tiles, may break or require frequent replacement in scenarios where flooring bears heavy loads.
Some are easier to install than others, and that means the installation expense can be easily kept down, too. Concrete can be pretty tricky and normally needs professional help. Composite decking is nearly a do-it-yourself thing because it comes with slide and snap systems. Some tiles are so neatly made they just click together to make their installation efficient and inexpensive.
The cost of cheap outdoor flooring doesn't have to be laughably low. Instead, the cost can be lowered by choosing materials appropriate for the specified projects. Pressure-treated pine is less expensive than cedar or teak. Vinyl tiles are more affordable than real wood or stone. Laying tiles in a practical way takes the cost down a notch.
Cheap, affordable materials in their own right would still be worth the investment if the benefits each is to give were considered. Besides being easy on the eyes, concrete is also affordable and durable and requires very little maintenance. Composite decking, when priced affordably, has a long lifespan ahead and doesn't need that much. That makes it cost effective in the long run. Textured ceramic tiles have a slip-resistant surface that would save a life, too.
Knowing the pros each material possesses helps understand why one wins over another for outside needs.
A1. Most outdoor flooring materials are designed to withstand various weather conditions, each suited for different climates. Concrete and stone thrive in hot regions due to their heat resistance, while composite decking endures extreme temperatures. Pressure-treated wood is ideal for diverse climates with proper maintenance.
A2. Many outdoor flooring options are slip-resistant, particularly those with textured surfaces or finishes. Textured ceramic, natural stone, and composite decking provide enhanced grip, making them safer for wet or uneven surfaces compared to smoother materials.
A3. Durability can be established by looking for materials with low porosity, such as natural stone and concrete, or by examining the weather-resistant properties of composite decking. Pressure-treated wood also adds to its durability through chemical resistance.
A4. Simple maintenance like brushing or vacuuming regularly, using damp mops, and avoiding harsh chemicals helps keep outdoor flooring in excellent condition. Regular sealing of porous materials like natural stone and concrete prolongs their lifespan and maintains their appearance.
A5. The durability and weather-resistant properties of the chosen materials determine how long they last. Concrete and naturally durable stones can last 40 years or longer with minimal maintenance, while properly maintained composite decking or pressure-treated wood can last 20 to 30 years.
