A balcony, patio, or deck, no matter how big or small is just another room. As such, it can be decorated in accordance with your imagination. Your outdoor living space can be turned into a cozy place to sit, read, eat, and relax.
Designing an outdoor living space is a creative process, which requires a lot of imagination and time. The balcony design must match the interior, as well as the rest of the house.
When planning to rejuvenate your outdoor living space for summer–and many years to come, the first item you should consider is flooring. Outdoor flooring is a simple way to infuse your balcony, patio, or deck with your unique style.
Choosing the right outdoor flooring for your outdoor living space is an important and often overlooked renovation. However, with many outdoor flooring options available in the marketplace today, choosing the right product can seem like a daunting task.
Not sure where to start?
Urban Balcony and patio flooring can help. We have assembled a few of our favorite outdoor flooring options.
Let’s dive in!
Tile
When selecting tiles for your outdoor flooring, you want to choose tiles made specifically for outdoor use. Porcelain, quarry, slate, and stone tiles are durable. These tiles have a long history of performing well as outdoor flooring.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are versatile and suitable for both interior and exterior applications. It’s an ideal option for outdoor flooring. It comes in a wide variety of colors, which can give your outdoor floor design a unique look.
Porcelain tiles are pressed from clay and then fired in a kiln at high temperatures. Since porcelain is produced under high temperatures, it can tolerate fluctuations in weather conditions, such as extreme heat and freezing. As a result, they will not crack, mildew, or stain.
Porcelain tiles offer a low maintenance, affordable option for both sloped and even surfaces. Porcelain pavers come in 2 x 2 feet or 1 x 4 feet sizes and are used with a pedestal system. Since porcelain pavers can be quite heavy and require specialized tools to cut, they are not the best option for a DIY backyard project. Porcelain tiles are also available in a wood-like finish.
As previously stated, porcelain tiles come in a variety of colours, patterns, and textures and are a stylish option for upgrading any outdoor floor.
*Porcelain tiles range in cost from $20 to $35 a square foot.
Quarry tiles
Quarry tiles offer a more traditional option than other tile flooring. Made from clay, quarry tiles are rugged yet durable. In addition, these tiles offer a natural, earthy appearance that mimics a Mediterranean look and feel.
*Prices start at $10 a square foot and can increase to more than $30 a square foot depending on design.
Slate and Stone tiles
Both slate and stone tiles are prized for their natural beauty. They work well when used as an outdoor flooring for balconies, patios, and decks.
Slate tiles are timeless and appeal to homeowners who are looking for either a rustic or contemporary feel. Slate also offers a more textured and uneven surface compared to porcelain tiles. Therefore, slate is considered slip-resistant and is beneficial when used around hot tubs and in regions where high rainfall is a reality.
Slate requires sealing to prevent staining and scratching. Slate is also prone to cracking and is not recommended for use in regions where freezing temperatures exist.
*Slate can range in price from $18 to $30 a square foot
Stone tiles
Stone tiles have been used as a building material for thousands of years and have proven their longevity. Stone tiles are available in many different textures, patterns, and finishes. However, like slate tiles, stone requires sealing so that stains are not absorbed.
*Prices start at $18 to $25 a square foot
Traditional Wood Flooring
Traditional wood flooring, such as redwood, cedar, and cypress, has become commonplace for many balconies, patios, and decks. Known for its versatility, traditional wood flooring never appears outdated and is versatile.
The attractiveness of wood flooring is due in part to the wide variety and availability of colors, finishes, and textures. Different woods offer different looks, so it’s important to choose a product that’s appropriate for your home.
If you want a more expensive look and feel to your outdoor space, exotic wood will add visual appeal to any room. For example, Brazilian cherry hardwood has a warm tone that complements a variety of decorating styles.
Bamboo flooring is another eco-friendly option that’s growing in popularity. It’s harder than typical wood flooring, which makes for an elegant and sleek appearance. It’s also moisture resistant, making it an ideal choice around hot tubs or pools.
These are only a few of the many varieties of wood floors that are available. If you’re having trouble deciding, talk to a flooring professional. They can suggest products that will compliment your outdoor patio design.
Wood flooring is perhaps one of the most common outdoor flooring options available.
Traditional wood decking and exotic wood flooring can be expensive. Prices range from $4 to $35 per square foot for traditional wood, depending on type.
*Exotic wood starts at $20 to $22 a square foot.
Are you looking for an economical solution? Composite deck flooring is an option.
Composite Deck Outdoor Flooring
Composite decking is a low-maintenance alternative to wood. Composite decking is made from a combination of plastic and wood fibers and is available in a variety of colors, textures, and styles. Composite decking is often designed to look and feel just like traditional wood flooring.
Composite decking is long-lasting, durable, and resistant to stains and scratches. Thus, it is an ideal outdoor flooring for pet owners and those homeowners with small children.
Composite decking is also resistant to fading, splintering, mold, and mildew.
Installation of composite decking requires less trimming and less sealing than wood. Thus, homeowners can enjoy the look and pizazz of a wood deck without the same upkeep. In addition, since composite floor tiles are versatile, inexpensive, and easy to install, they are suitable for any DIY project.
According to Realtor.com, homeowners that use composite flooring in their outdoor living space increased the value of their home. Therefore, by choosing composite tiles as your outdoor flooring option, you will not only freshen up a drab outdoor patio, balcony, or deck but increases your property value at the same time.
Composite wood tiles are available in 1 x 2-foot tile pavers that sit on a base that clicks together.
They offer a competitive warranty and are perfect for a level surface! However, these deck tiles may not be suitable on a membrane roof or uneven surface.
Prices for composite deck tile flooring ranges from $20 to $24 dollars a square foot.
With all these options for outdoor flooring, simply contact a professional to help you design the balcony and patio of your dreams.
Happy designing,
Dave Rea