Outdoor Flooring Tips

Spending time outdoors is a highlight of the summer season, and what better way to enjoy the sunny weather than from your porch or poolside chair? But first, to have a thriving outdoor oasis, you need to invest in durable outdoor flooring that can withstand your everyday weather —rain or shine.

Design by LAURA HAY Photography by LISA PETROLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Now you might be wondering, what type of flooring is best for the outdoors? Well, the best outdoor floors will vary depending on the climate you live in. While the west coast might be able to keep up with green turf and whitewashed wood plank patios, those on the east coast need to choose flooring that can withstand the winter season.

Here are the top five flooring trends to consider when designing your outdoor oasis. These tips can help you find the perfect outdoor surface to suit your environment without compromising your exterior and interior design style.

Opt for Popular Wooden Floor Tiles

Tile: Saddlebrook XT in gravel road by Daltile

Everyone wants the look of wood for their outdoor spaces since its natural beauty is unparalleled and makes for an easy progression from inside to outside. While wood planks have been a go-to for years when it comes to building patios and decks, this material isn't exactly ideal as it can't hold up to moisture. The good news is that you can still have the look of organic wood, but now without worrying about rot damage. The simple alternative is wood-look stone tile. Wood-look tile is typically made from ceramic or porcelain and is built for exterior wear. Wooden floor tiles are a popular exterior surface and are even offered in planks to mimic original hardwood floors more naturally.

Since wooden floor tiles aren't affected by water, humidity, or sunlight and even offer freeze resistance, this flooring is ideal for deck tiles. They outperform when it comes to extreme weather conditions. 

Install Gorgeous Concrete Pavers

Design by KALU INTERIORS Photography by PROVOKE STUDIOS

Natural stone and cement pavers, on the other hand, are the perfect companions for patios, walkways, and outdoor kitchens due to their durable yet stylish surfaces. Not only are concrete pavers an inexpensive way to dress up your outdoor surface, but they also have an extensive list of benefits such as versatility, safety, and superior durability. 

Better than poured concrete, concrete pavers are less susceptible to cracking, offer better traction, and can help eliminate runoff in water-prone climates. This is an excellent investment for your outdoor areas since you won't have to worry about replacing or refinishing your floors; some concrete pavers can last upwards of 50 years! 

Concrete pavers are offered in unlimited styles and colors, so whether you're looking for a chic industrial washed look or a satin-smooth stone, you can rest assured knowing your style needs will be met. For those who want a more personal outdoor surface, try your hand at custom concrete paver designs.

Elevate Your Space with Traditional Porcelain Tile

Design by LAURA HAY Photography by LISA PETROLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Porcelain tile is a surefire way to elevate your outdoor oasis —specifically the pool area. Even more durable than natural stone, porcelain exterior tiles can give you a wood-look or stone-look while better weathering outdoor conditions. Since porcelain tiles are non-porous and fade-resistant, they're built for outdoor weather and will be able to stand heavy rains and harsh winters.

These floors can help you achieve a seamless indoor-to-outdoor transition since they're available in various natural stone and hardwood designs. Whether your aesthetic is rustic chic or polished elegance, porcelain tile will elevate your outdoor space.

Stick to Classic Composite Decking

Design by HIBOU DESIGN & CO Photography by MIKE CHAJECKI

Composite decking has been on the rise this past year due to an uptick in the warm minimalist trends. Since this type of flooring is made of recycled wood and plastic material, many homeowners are opting for the composite material in regard to sustainability. Although composite decking is typically a steep price upfront, the investment is worth it as it takes little time to install and outlasts most other outdoor materials. Composite decking makes for great outdoor patio tile as it's easy to assemble and provides simple, clean lines for a minimalistic look.

This material also mimics natural hardwood without the hassle of maintenance that comes with authentic hardwood decking. Hardwood doesn't fare well in moisture-prone climates and typically needs to be restained or sanded down, so composite decking is an excellent substitute for those looking to sit back and relax.

Design a Beautiful Inlaid Mosaic Patio

Design Sketch Matte/Satin Porcelain by Emser Tile

Inlaid mosaic tiles can liven up a space with a splash of color and provide a beautiful break from concrete pavers or natural stone tiles. Since mosaics are typically made from lighter ceramic materials, it's best to use these outdoor tiles as a decorative flooring material for custom areas like your entrance to the backyard or the fire-pit ring.

Bold geometrics and checkerboard styles are currently trending, with an emphasis on clean lines and color. If you're looking to take a more laid back style approach, look for nature-inspired tones and textures that evoke summer favorites like sand, sky, and sea.

Once you've settled on the best flooring material for your outdoor oasis, it's time to update your decor. Check out our blog detailing the seven quick tips for outdoor design to find further exterior design inspiration.