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Choosing flooring is like finding the perfect pair of shoes. Style matters (for some more than others!) but they also need to be sturdy, comfortable, and durable enough to hold up through years of foot traffic. The same goes for picking the best flooring inside and outside your home.
You might not think of outdoor flooring as another design choice you need to make, but a quality foundation can make all the difference in your outdoor oasis. And for many of the newest generation of homeowners, a patio, deck, or even an outdoor kitchen area is quickly becoming a "must-have" rather than a "nice to have."
According to U.S. News & World Report, a 2021 survey of real estate agents concluded that outdoor space was the third-most prioritized feature for homebuyers. Kiplinger reports that 86% of buyers want a patio.
There is a wealth of flooring options to choose from that can set the tone, define the space, and provide the durability needed to withstand the elements. Here are six options to transform your outdoor area into a stylish and comfortable retreat.
Tile
Tile is a versatile, wallet-friendly option for a patio, pool deck, or outdoor kitchen. You'll have your pick of literally hundreds of styles ranging from modern to rustic. Tile is the option where you can get the most creative: think painted designs, unexpected colors, and fun installation patterns like herringbone. Tile is water-resistant and easy to clean but may not be as durable as other options, so keep that in mind when deciding what you'll be using your outdoor area for.
Concrete
Ahh, concrete. The old standby. But forget that boring little slab of concrete you're picturing, because there are new ways to use this versatile workhorse in an outdoor space. You can have concrete poured in unexpected shapes, with lines or squares to make it appear more like tile, or you can coat it with a luxurious finish that completely changes the look. This Architectural Digest article is full of inspiration for unique concrete patios.
Concrete is affordable, durable, and long-lasting. However, it can crack over time and will last longer if it is sealed regularly.
Natural stone
If you're after a luxurious, timeless look, natural stone is hard to beat. A natural stone patio fits any aesthetic, be it rustic farmhouse, mediterranean-inspired villa, or modern and sleek. Stone looks fabulous in a fire pit area, pool deck, outdoor dining area, and walkways or garden paths.
Stones like granite, slate, and limestone offer a variety of colors and textures. Of all the options here, natural stone is the most durable and long-lasting. It can handle heavy foot traffic and any weather conditions. Stone can be styled a multitude of ways: with cement or grout in between tightly placed slabs, or more spread out with grass or gravel in between each piece.
The negatives? Natural stone can be pricey. Also, most types of stone require sealant, and stones can be slippery when wet.
Carpet
This isn't your grandma's orange shag or the fake green turf that was popular in the 1980s.Today there are carpets made specifically for outdoor use and they are ideal for softening the look and feel of outdoor spaces. Bobvilla.com reports, "The best indoor outdoor carpeting will hold up to rain, shine, and pretty much anything else you can throw at it, and still look beautiful for years to come."
Wood
There's something undeniably appealing about the warmth and natural beauty of wood to the human eye. Wood flooring adds rustic charm to any outdoor space. Typical options include cedar, redwood, or tropical hardwoods and can be stained in a rainbow of options from clear to black. A wood deck adds value to your home but can fade over time and requires yearly maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Composite decking
Composite decking has become a popular choice for outdoor spaces because it mimics the look of wood, minus all the maintenance. Composite decking gives the same natural look as wood, but you don't have to worry about rotting, sharp splinters, or insect invasions.
If you want continuity and flow between your home and outdoor space, you can choose a similar color and size of the flooring inside your home. A deck or porch looks great with composite flooring and will last for years. You can expect to pay more than you would for natural wood, but not as much as some stone or tile.
Visit the flooring experts at Giant Carpet One
There are pros and cons to any type of flooring you choose. That means choosing the best flooring, in most cases, simply comes down to your budget and preferences. If you could use some guidance, the flooring experts and design team at Giant Carpet One can help you pick out the perfect flooring for your indoor or outdoor space!
For help designing an outdoor oasis that's beautiful and comfortable, visit a showroom near you or giantcarpetone.com to learn more.
