When one thinks of home improvements, many think of upgrades to a kitchen, bath, or main bedroom suite. More and more homeowners are discovering the value of improving their outdoor space.
Patios, decks, walkways, and garden areas can not only improve the livability of a home but could also increase its value. Adding outdoor pools can make a home a getaway, especially for a family with kids.
No matter the size or shape of your yard or lot, a relatively small investment could make a large improvement. A significant decision to be made in upgrading outdoor living space is choosing the right flooring material.
There Are a Lot of Factors and Options To Consider
Factors you should consider include costs, durability, maintenance, climate, and esthetics. Material options range from natural or synthetic grass to concrete, natural woods, and composites.
If you are contemplating an outdoor upgrade, here is what you should know about outdoor flooring choices.
The Importance of Making The Right Outdoor Flooring Choice
Your outdoor flooring decision will not just impact your initial budget, but ongoing maintenance and replacement costs. It will affect the beauty and acoustics of your space and your overall environment. It can make a dramatic difference in the overall comfort of your outdoor area. It is worth careful consideration.
Natural Stone Flooring Options
Natural stone flooring provides homeowners a wide choice of colors and textures for their outdoor space. Options include:
- Marble
- Granite
- Travertine
- Sandstone
- Flagstone
- Slate
- Limestone
- Basalt
- Quartzite
- Porcelain
Costs for natural stone flooring and installation can range on the higher end. DIY instillation has been made easier with rubber interlocking frames that connect natural stone tiles over many existing surfaces, like decking. Maintenance is simple, and the material is durable. These are an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. About 73% of homeowners will select natural stone in some form or another as part of their outdoor flooring materials.
Brick, natural stone, and stone tile are a superior choice to vinyl and linament flooring for outdoor use.
Natural stone, tiles, and brick are an excellent selection for almost any climate. You should be aware of styles of natural stone with smooth surfaces like marble may become slippery when wet. This makes them a poor choice for areas around pools.
According to a recent study by the National Association of Home Builders, natural stone patios can provide an average return on investment (ROI) of 69%, making them a valuable addition to any home.
Wood Decking Options
Treated lumber has long been a popular option for ground-level flooring and even multi-level decking. It is naturally appealing in outdoor spaces and easy to work with for DIY installs. Natural wood decking options include:
- Cedar
- Redwood
- IPE
- Oak
Wood decking is easily customized and generally affordable. It takes routine maintenance like cleaning, waterproofing, and staining. Well-designed and maintained wood decking made with quality materials can last decades. Wood decking also provides a warm look that is timeless. Wood decking remains a favorite of consumers, accounting for 63% of all outdoor flooring materials purchased.
Experience shows that wood decking can be reliable in any climate. Pieces of wood decking can be replaced over time if damaged by accident or aging.
Concrete and Pavers for Outdoor Spaces
Perhaps the most popular flooring materials for outdoor spaces are concrete and pavers. Concrete and pavers are versatile enough for larger patios and outdoor kitchens. Pavers are available in a wide selection of shapes, sizes, and even color tones. Pavers can be a DIY project. A pathway can be created with just a shovel, sand, and concrete or brick pavers.
But concrete patios should be professionally installed for the best, longest lasting results. This material is easy to maintain. For every 100 outdoor flooring installations, 84 include some form of concrete paver.
Pavers are an inexpensive alterative to many other choices for pathways/sidewalks. Both pacers and concrete are long-lasting in any climate.
Proper maintenance of concrete and pavers involves regular cleaning, sealing, and joint sand replacement. Pressure washing can effectively remove dirt and stains, while sealing helps protect against moisture, UV rays, and chemical damage. Replenishing joint sand between pavers prevents weed growth and maintains structural integrity.
Composite and Synthetic Decking Materials
While early synthetic decking materials had their issues, modern synthetic decking is durable, resists fading, and is virtually maintenance-free. It is mold- and mildew-resistant and impervious to insects. It is easy to customize and available in a selection of colors. Insects want little to do with composite decking. Composite decking can be fairly expensive, but it delivers a solid ROI with durability, low maintenance, and an increase in your home’s value.
Improvements in composite and synthetic decking materials have accelerated their popularity, growing in market share by about 27% over the last five years alone.
Composite material and synthetic decking holds up extremely well in heat or cold conditions.
According to a study by Remodeling Magazine, composite decking can provide an average ROI of 63.6%, making it a smart investment for homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor living spaces.
Gravel and Pea Gravel as Outdoor Floor Coverings
One of the most affordable and versatile outdoor floor coverings is rocks, gravel, and pea gravel. There are a wide number of options available, and the material can be used for patios, paths, and edgings. It is relatively easy to install and maintain when the gravel is well-contained. With maintenance and replenishment, it can be maintained indefinitely.
With gravel, you can let your own ideas guide your project creatively. It is one way to fill areas of limited room, such as between spaces in pavers. It is useful in any climate.
Grass and Artificial Turf as Flooring
More and more homeowners are discovering the beauty, benefits, and softness of grass and artificial turf as an outdoor floor covering. Natural grass has some endearing benefits but some serious drawbacks.
Natural grass has a freshness about it that is hard to beat. It is also an affordable covering for outdoor surface areas. Natural grass has its challenges, however, in that it can be difficult to grow and maintain. It takes cutting, trimming, fertilizing, and weed and insect control. It is also not very practical for high-traffic areas.
Natural grass is also seasonally affected in almost any climate, whether it is by cold weather or a dry season. This is something to consider before the wide use of natural grass as outdoor flooring.
On the other hand, modern artificial turf has most of the benefits of natural grass, with few of its drawbacks. Artificial turf is visually appealing and soft to walk on, even when barefooted. It doesn’t require fertilizer or watering. Artificial turf does not need cutting, trimming, or weeding. The quality of artificial grass has improved to the point where it is visually indistinguishable from natural grass.
Artificial grass is moderately priced, works well in higher traffic areas, and doesn’t require natural light. It is also long-lasting. It is becoming a favorite of those who want the lush, green appearance of natural grass without the hassles.
Over the past 10 years, artificial grass has grown over 50% in popularity as an outdoor floor covering, according to Artificial Turf Supply.
One of the reasons for its growing appeal is its ability to maintain its appearance year round in any weather condition.
Incorporating artificial turf can also contribute to water conservation efforts. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), landscape irrigation accounts for nearly one-third of all residential water use, totaling nearly 9 billion gallons per day. By opting for artificial turf, homeowners can significantly reduce their water consumption and help protect this valuable resource.
Evaluating Your Choice For an Outdoor Floor Covering
If you are choosing outdoor flooring based on durability, it is tough to beat stone and concrete. If low maintenance is a priority, composite decking can be a wise option. If warmth and natural beauty are at the top of your list, hardwood decking and natural or artificial grass are an excellent selection.
If you are interested in a budget-friendly ground or floor covering, gravel and pavers are effective.
For those interested in eco-friendly choices, natural grass and stone may meet your goals. Concrete can be installed in a variety of shapes and in a selection of designs. It can boil down to your goals, tastes, and budget.
At Outdoor Productions, we are here to help.
Rethink Your Outdoor Space
For far too long, many families have either been ignoring or not taking full advantage of their outdoor space. Today, more and more consumers are realizing how the great outdoors can improve their quality of life and the value of their home. They are discovering that an investment in their backyard as an outdoor living space can pay big dividends.
Homeowners are creating gardens, ponds and fountains, spas, and even outdoor kitchens in space that has been traditionally underutilized. With the right patio furniture and umbrellas, patios can transform into dining areas and family rooms. Perhaps there is a pool with artificial grass carpeting in your future. The choices are almost endless.
It all starts, however, with the right choice for your outdoor flooring.
Choose the warmth of natural wood, the softness of natural grass, or the durability of natural stone. Let your imagination be your guide. Your backyard may be a blank canvas of opportunities.
When you need assistance and want to expand the value of your outdoor space, reach out to the team at Patio Productions. We look forward to joining you on your adventure.
