Outdoor flooring plays an essential role, not only for its functionality but also as a central element in outdoor spaces where memories are made, and moments are enjoyed with friends and family. Whether on a balcony, garden, patio, pool, or panoramic terrace, the right flooring not only enhances the beauty of your space but also ensures its durability and functionality. Choosing the right material for outdoor flooring is crucial for the success of your project.

What is the best outdoor flooring?

There are several options for outdoor flooring materials that stand out due to their properties and aesthetics, namely composite decking, ceramic flooring, natural stone, concrete, and wood. Each flooring option has its advantages and disadvantages, so we will explore the most common options below.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is a material that typically combines wood fibres with polymers (plastics), providing the aesthetics of natural wood but with greater durability and reduced maintenance.

What is the price per m2?

When of high quality, it is considered an excellent option for outdoor use, offering a combination of durability, attractive aesthetics, and low maintenance, making it ideal for outdoor use due to the following factors:

  • High durability and longevity: Its resistance to decay, rotting, discolouration, and insect damage maintains its appearance and structural integrity for many years without frequent maintenance or replacement;
  • Low Maintenance: One of the main advantages of composite is its low maintenance requirement. Unlike natural wood, it does not require treatments with sealants or paints to maintain its appearance or resistance to the elements. Regular cleaning with water and mild detergent is usually sufficient;
  • Maximum safety and comfort: It is an extremely non-slip flooring, even when wet, and its surface is free of knots and splinters, providing more comfort for walking barefoot. It allows water to drain under the deck, thus eliminating the possibility of large puddles;
  • High resistance to climatic and atmospheric elements: Including rain, snow, heat, and UV exposure;
  • Elegant and timeless design: It offers a wide range of colours, textures, and finishes that can mimic the appearance of natural wood;
  • A sustainable alternative: For those concerned with environmental impact, composite decking is a more sustainable alternative due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and recyclability.

Despite potentially having a higher initial cost, it offers a good cost-benefit ratio in the long term due to its durability and low maintenance costs.

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Ceramic Flooring

This type of flooring offers a wide variety of designs and finishes that can imitate materials such as natural stone and wood or present a completely unique and distinct style.

Despite having high abrasion resistance and dimensional stability, these floors can crack or break relatively easily, particularly due to large temperature variations or falling objects.

They are easy to clean and stain-resistant; however, the joints in glued floors may require extra attention as they tend to accumulate residues and look unsightly.

They can become quite slippery when wet, especially after some time of use, and in hot climates, ceramics tend to absorb more heat, making it uncomfortable to walk on barefoot.

The installation of this type of flooring requires a solid and level concrete slab, particularly in the case of glued ceramics. In situations that require access to the underside of the flooring, pieces will need to be broken and the floor redone.

Natural Stone

Natural stone, such as granite, marble, slate, or limestone, is highly valued for its exceptional durability and unique aesthetics. Being a natural material, each piece is unique, presenting a variety of textures, patterns, and distinct colours.

However, natural stone has a high cost, both in acquisition and installation, and requires regular maintenance, including sealing to protect against stains and moss growth.

Although robust, natural stone is susceptible to damage such as cracks or breaks when subjected to strong impacts or extreme weather conditions. Additionally, in hot climates, some stones can accumulate heat, making it uncomfortable to walk on barefoot.

Concrete Flooring

Concrete is a common choice for outdoor flooring due to its robustness and design flexibility. This material can be moulded and textured during the curing process, allowing a wide range of styles that can mimic natural stone, brick, and even wood.

Concrete floors are particularly valued for their durability and low maintenance, and they are also one of the most economical options available. However, concrete can be susceptible to cracks due to ground movements, and its hard surface can be uncomfortable to walk on barefoot, especially in very hot climates due to its tendency to retain heat.

Wood Flooring

Wood floors, particularly wooden decking, are highly valued for their natural beauty and non-slip properties, intrinsic characteristics of this material.

When properly cared for, wood can have a long lifespan; however, to ensure its appearance and weather resistance over the years, regular maintenance is required, which may include processes such as sanding, painting, varnishing, or sealing.

This constant need for care can be a disadvantage, requiring regular investment of time and financial resources.

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