When selecting tiles for your patio, terrace, outdoor entertainment area, or poolside deck and walkway, you’ll not only enhance the visual appeal but also enjoy various benefits. Several factors need consideration as outdoor flooring must withstand high and low temperatures along with other extreme weather conditions. While technical aspects are crucial, visual aesthetics play a significant role since these spaces are where we often spend quality time during the summer season.
Outdoor floors require specific inherent characteristics. Apart from enduring high temperatures and harsh weather, they must fulfill other requirements. For instance, the flooring should be anti-slip to prevent accidents caused by water and slippery surfaces. Maintenance is another crucial aspect to consider, as the cost and effort involved can vary depending on the material used. Additionally, the color of the flooring requires careful consideration. Light colors may reflect too much light and make dirt more visible, while dark colors absorb heat and can lead to overheating.
Various Types of Exterior Flooring
Stamped Concrete Flooring
Stamped concrete flooring, also referred to as patterned or imprinted concrete, utilizes rubber stamps crafted from molds resembling “real stone.” These stamps imprint the concrete, creating the appearance of natural brick, slate, cobblestone, tile, or even wood planks. It can be applied as an overlay on existing concrete or stamped into freshly-poured concrete before it sets. Stamped concrete is a decorative treatment for new concrete surfaces, offering mid-range compressive strength typically between 3000 to 4000 psi, and can last for decades with proper maintenance. The unique features of stamped concrete include the addition of a base color, an accent color, and the stamping of a pattern into the concrete. These processes give stamped concrete a color and shape resembling natural building materials.
Permeable Gravel Flooring
Permeable gravel flooring finds application in parking lots, sidewalks, low-traffic areas, and driveways. Suited for various conditions, including hot climates, high-speed traffic zones, and less-traveled areas, this flooring type requires distinct maintenance. Proper drainage is essential to prevent clogging in the reservoir. The permeable gravel floor is a specialized resin-bound aggregate surface designed for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. It is not only decorative and functional but also seamless and slightly flexible. This formulated surface allows water to drain through to the base, eliminating ponding and facilitating drainage. It can be applied on compacted soil or permeable concrete, providing an attractive porous surface strong enough for foot and light vehicle traffic.
Seamless Quartz Flooring
Seamless quartz flooring is a robust system that brings color, versatility, and elegance to outdoor spaces. Resembling an internal carpet but boasting a MOH hardness rating of 8, comparable to that of a diamond, this flooring is both visually appealing and durable. With low maintenance requirements, stain resistance, slip resistance, and ease of cleaning, seamless quartz flooring is well-suited for pool surrounds and outdoor entertainment areas. Hygienic, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant, this flooring option is crafted from quartz stone with a hardness rating of 8 on the MOH scale, making it a resilient choice for various outdoor applications.
Porcelain / Ceramic Flooring
Porcelain tiles, fired at higher temperatures for an extended period compared to ceramics, boast increased durability and density, making them virtually impervious to water. In contrast, ceramic tiles are less dense and more porous, rendering them susceptible to water absorption. Both materials are resilient for intensive outdoor use, with porcelain being highly resistant and practically waterproof. The minimal porosity of ceramics makes them well-suited for exterior floors, preventing moisture absorption, and their robust nature makes them highly resistant to impacts and scratches.
Outdoor Carpet Flooring
Outdoor carpeting typically consists of short, low-pile carpets, similar to those found in offices. Despite the short pile, outdoor carpets offer a soft and comforting feel. They are available in carpet tiles, allowing for creative mixing and matching of colors to create unique designs. Additionally, outdoor rugs provide a quick way to change the décor of an outdoor space while offering a comfortable surface for barefoot activities.
Natural Stone Flooring
Natural stone is a popular choice for exterior flooring, particularly in rustic settings. Slate, known for its waterproof properties, is often used around pools and terraces. However, natural stones present challenges during installation and maintenance. Various types of stone used for outdoor flooring include:
- Granite: Versatile with a range of colors and textures, highly recommended for warm areas due to its heat resistance.
- Sandstone: Ideal for colder climates, unaffected by ice, and with proper maintenance, it can last a lifetime.
- Slate: Featuring grey tones from light to almost black, providing a unique aesthetic, durability, and water resistance.
- Marble Mosaics: Timeless and luxurious, offering a sleek and elegant modern appearance; with proper installation and care, it can endure a lifetime.
Composite Deck Flooring
Composite deck flooring is a man-made material consisting of thermoplastic resins, wood flour (fine sawdust), and wood fibers. It resembles high-quality vinyl flooring but incorporates wood by-products and plastics. This hard and nonporous material resists rot and the elements, making it less susceptible to environmental damage. Composite decking can be more cost-effective than traditional wood and often comes in a click-together flooring configuration, ensuring quick and easy installation. It provides the aesthetic appeal of wood without the challenges associated with traditional wood flooring.
Artificial Grass Flooring
Artificial grass flooring, composed of fibers that closely mimic the natural texture of grass, features a lush green color with a blend of gold and yellow tones for a realistic appearance. Highly durable, practical, and easy to maintain, artificial grass is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Advanced production technology ensures that artificial grass faithfully imitates the natural look of grass by combining different thicknesses and colors of fibers. It is weather-resistant, durable, and does not fade, making it ideal for various applications, including home yards, cafes, and restaurant gardens.
Brick Flooring
Brick flooring involves constructing a floor surface using individual bricks laid like tiles, with or without mortar for grouting. Brick floor surfaces are exceptionally durable, resistant to wear and tear, and offer fire resistance. These floors require minimal maintenance, and the natural mottled appearance of bricks conceals stains and dirt effectively. Brick flooring comes in various types, including pavers, engineering bricks, recycled brick flooring, and hand-made bricks. The recyclable nature of bricks adds to their eco-friendly appeal.
Rubber Flooring
Outdoor rubber flooring is an ideal surfacing option for outdoor spaces due to its exceptional performance in various environmental conditions. Placing rubber outdoor mats over deck or patio floors helps protect against physical damage, moisture, and direct sunlight. Rubber possesses qualities such as resistance to changing weather conditions, making it suitable for outdoor matting. Outdoor rubber flooring provides comfort and slip resistance, enhancing safety for walking on outdoor surfaces. It is a popular choice for patios, decks, and playgrounds.
Sports Court Flooring
Court flooring is designed for use in backyards, sports arenas, and gymnasiums, providing a suitable surface for practice and games. Available in durable tiles or planks, court flooring is easily installed and designed for outdoor use. Some options are multisport, suitable for various sports, while others are specific court flooring kits for basketball, tennis, pickleball, and more. This guide helps navigate the types of court flooring and recommends the best options for specific sports, ensuring a safe and level surface for various activities.
Conclusion
Selecting the right outdoor flooring is crucial for achieving a cohesive and functional design. Whether prioritizing aesthetics, durability, or safety, each flooring type – from stamped concrete to sports court surfaces – offers unique advantages. The choice ultimately depends on specific needs, climate considerations, and maintenance preferences. As the real estate sector embraces sustainability and technology, the evolving outdoor flooring options contribute to creating inviting and resilient outdoor spaces across various settings.