OUTDOOR FLOORING
What to consider before choosing outdoor flooring
Choosing outdoor flooring depends on several factorsthat should be weighed together — not just the price per square meter. Outdoor surfaces are exposed to demanding conditions: intense sun in summer, frequent rain in winter, temperature swings throughout the year and, in many cases, contact with pool water, soilor salt.
Before deciding, consider the following criteria: durability and weather resistance, maintenance requirements over the years, slip resistance(especially in wet areas), barefoot comfort, ease of installation and total long-term cost (materials + installation + maintenance).
On this page we compare the five most widely used materials for outdoor surfaces, with the advantages, disadvantages and best uses for each.
TYPES OF OUTDOOR FLOORING
Types of outdoor flooring: a material comparison
Composite outdoor flooring
Composite (or composite decking) is a material that combines wood fibres with polymers, offering the look of natural wood with greater durability and reduced maintenance. It has grown in popularity in recent years, particularly for terraces, balconies, gardensand pool surrounds.
Key advantages
- High durability (service life that can exceed 30 years);
- Very low maintenance (no sanding, painting or varnishing required);
- Slip-resistant surface even when wet;
- Comfortable for walking barefoot (no splinters, knots or visible screws);
- Resistant to fungi, insects and termites;
- Installs over different base types (concrete slab, compacted earth or waterproof membrane).
Key disadvantages
- Higher initial cost than ceramic or concrete;
- As with any dark-coloured material, darker shades can warm up in the sun — lighter colours and hollow boards minimise this effect;
- Quality varies significantly between brands — choosing a high-quality composite with a long-term warranty is essential.
Best suited to: terraces, balconies, gardens, pool areas, hospitality.
Natural wood outdoor flooring
Wood is the most classic material for outdoor surfaces, valued for its natural beauty and organic feel. Hardwood species (ipé, cumaru, teak) are preferred for their superior moisture resistance.
Key advantages
- Unmatched natural beauty;
- Naturally slip-resistant surface;
- When properly cared for, wood can have a long lifespan.
Key disadvantages
- Requires regular and significant maintenance (sanding, painting, varnishing or oiling, typically 1–2 times per year);
- Can rot, crack, warp or splinter if poorly maintained, with a risk of splinters over time;
- Susceptible to fungi, insects and termites;
- High-quality hardwoods come at a significant cost.
Best suited to: gardens, terraces, seating areas — where the owner is prepared for regular maintenance.
Ceramic outdoor flooring
Ceramic — including porcelain stoneware — is one of the most traditional options for outdoor surfaces. It offers an enormous variety of designs, colours and textures, including wood and natural stone effects.
Key advantages
- High resistance to abrasion and staining;
- Wide aesthetic variety (colours, patterns, imitations);
- Easy to clean;
- Good dimensional stability.
Key disadvantages
- Can become slippery when wet (especially after a period of use and dirt build-up);
- Prone to cracking from impacts or large temperature swings;
- Can be uncomfortable for bare feet on hot days;
- Grout lines tend to accumulate dirt and darken over time;
- Generally requires a level concrete base for installation.
Best suited to:patios, covered areas, zones with low moisture.
Natural stone outdoor flooring
Natural stone — granite, slate, limestone, flagstone — is a noble and long-lasting material, valued for its organic beauty and resilience. Granite is particularly common in northern regions.
Key advantages
- Exceptional durability (can last decades without significant degradation);
- Premium, one-of-a-kind aesthetic (every piece is unique);
- Good weather resistance and significantly increases property value.
Key disadvantages
- High cost (material and installation), complex fitting requiring specialist labour;
- Surface can be uneven and uncomfortable for bare feet;
- Can be slippery when wet (depending on the finish);
- Heavy weight may limit use on balconies and rooftops.
Best suited to: driveways, pathways, walls, rustic settings.
Concrete outdoor flooring
Concrete is one of the most affordable and versatile options. It can be moulded, textured and pigmented during curing, allowing a range of finishes — including stone, brick and wood effects.
Key advantages
- Affordable price;
- Good durability and design flexibility (moulded, stamped, polished);
- Low maintenance and relatively straightforward installation over large areas.
Key disadvantages
- Can develop cracks over time (especially from ground movement or temperature swings);
- Hard surface, uncomfortable for bare feet, retains heat in warm weather;
- Appearance may be less appealing than other materials without additional treatment.
Best suited to: garages, vehicle access, service areas, large-scale paving.
HOW TO CHOOSE
How to choose the right outdoor flooring
There is no universally “best” outdoor flooring — the right choice depends on the space, intended use and willingness to maintain it. Some practical criteria to help you decide:
- If you are looking for the lowest upfront cost, concreteand ceramicare the most affordable options
- If you are looking for the lowest long-term cost(materials + maintenance over 20–30 years), high-quality composite tends to be the most economical, as it requires no treatments.
- If slip resistance in wet areas is the priority, compositeand woodare the safest materials.
- If the area is in contact with pool water(chlorine or salt), compositeis the most suitable material.
- If you want a surface that is comfortable barefoot, compositeand wood are the most pleasant
- If you value a natural look and are prepared for the upkeep, natural woodis unbeatable in beauty.
- If you need a prestige material for an architectural project, natural stone is the benchmark
GET IN TOUCH
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions about outdoor flooring
It depends on the type of durability. Natural stone (granite) is the most mechanically resistant. High-quality compositeoffers the best combined resistance — to moisture, UV, insects and biological degradation — with an estimated service life exceeding 30 years. Concrete is robust but may crack over time.
Composite and concrete require the least maintenance. Composite only needs regular cleaning with water and a neutral detergent. Concrete needs little upkeep but may require occasional repairs. Wood is the material that demands the most regular maintenance.
Composite and wood offer the best grip on wet surfaces. CDECK, for example, holds a Class 3 slip-resistance rating (EN 15534) — the highest level. Ceramic can become slippery when wet, especially after a period of use.
The price per square metre varies considerably depending on the material and quality. As a general guide: plain concrete is the most affordable, ceramic and porcelain stoneware sit in the mid-range, high-quality composite is positioned in the mid-to-upper range, and natural stone and hardwoods are the most expensive options. The total cost should include not only the material but also installation and expected maintenance over the years.
The initial cost per square metre for composite is typically higher than ceramic. However, the total cost over 20–30 years tends to be lower, as composite requires no grout, sealants, replacement of broken pieces or periodic treatments. The decision should factor in the total cost of ownership, not just the installation price.
For gardens, composite is one of the best options because it does not rot in contact with the ground, resists leaves and organic debris, and can be installed directly on compacted earth without a concrete base. Natural wood is also a good aesthetic choice but demands regular maintenance.
For pool areas, the surface must be slip-resistant, resistant to chlorine and salt water, and comfortable for bare feet. High-quality composite meets all of these requirements. Ceramic can be slippery and stone can be uncomfortable in the sun.
CDECK® — composite outdoor flooring manufactured in Portugal
If, after evaluating the options, composite is the most suitable material for your project, CDECK is the solution manufactured in Portugal by IHT. With a warranty of up to 25 years and an estimated service life exceeding 30 years, it is available in two ranges — CDECK Original and CDECK WUUDE — suited to gardens, pools, balconies, terraces and commercial spaces.