Your outdoor living space provides a sanctuary for relaxation and entertainment, and it should be a unique and beautiful expression of your personality. When choosing from outdoor flooring options, you need something that matches your personal style, stands up to the elements, and is easy to maintain.
Tile
Tile is a great flooring choice that, with proper care, can be enjoyed for generations. Porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone are popular choices, available in hundreds of patterns, colors, and sizes. Be certain to choose tiles that are designed for outdoor use – they should have good slip-resistance and the ability to withstand multiple freeze-thaw cycles. Tile is an appropriate flooring option for front porches, patios, garden stepping stones, and pool decks.
Wood Decking
Wood decks are classic and comfortable, and can be used just about anywhere. Wood offers easy installation, though it does require more upkeep than other materials, needing a thorough cleaning and resealing every couple of years. It is an excellent choice for ground level, raised decks, and pool decks. Douglas fir is a popular choice due to its stability and lack of knots. Another popular wood, ipe, is a Brazilian hardwood known for its durability and beauty. If your ground is sloped, consider building your deck in levels to follow the slope.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is an elegant and virtually maintenance-free flooring choice. Slate is beautiful, durable, and available in a wide range of earth tones from grey to terra cotta. It requires a level surface, with an underlayer of compacted sand and/or gravel. Flagstone is a durable natural sandstone, and is available in a variety of different shapes and several earthy shades. Installation requires removal of grass and existing pavement, and flagstone must be adequately sealed and occasionally resealed to prevent peeling and deterioration due to sunlight and rain. Flagstone is a popular choice for patios, pool decks, front porches, walkways, and driveway accents.
Natural stones have a wide variance in color from gray to red to blue, to complement your outdoor space. Stones with an irregular shape can be used to create a meandering pathway, although cut modular stones are an option if a more uniform appearance is desired.
From patios to pool decks, pathways to porches, there are plenty of beautiful and durable options to choose from. Whether you select wood, stone, or tile, you’ll be sure to find a flooring type that fits your style.