What is the cheapest outdoor floor covering?

concrete slabs Basic concrete slabs are the cheapest outdoor flooring option. However, if you want to create a more expensive look, concrete can easily be coloured or stencilled to replicate the appearance of costlier materials such as brick or tile.

greataussiepatios.com.au - Outdoor Flooring Ideas - Which Is the Best Choice for Your Patio?

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New outdoor flooring is one of the most effective ways to update the look and feel of your patio and backyard. With so many different patio flooring options available, which should you choose?

At Great Aussie Patios, we have been building quality patios in Perth for over nineteen years. In this time, we have seen many great outdoor flooring ideas and designs. In this blog, we will take you through the different types of outdoor flooring and the factors you'll need to consider when deciding which is the best flooring option for your patio.

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What Should You Consider When Choosing Outdoor Flooring?

There are several factors you will need to consider before landing on the right outdoor flooring idea for your backyard and patio:

Budget

Before you choose your outdoor flooring, you will need to take a realistic look at what you can afford. Material costs vary widely, and you will need to also factor in the cost of installation and ongoing maintenance expenses. This is even more important if your outdoor flooring is part of a wider backyard makeover project where you will need to consider many different elements.

Lifestyle and Usage Needs

Do you want outdoor flooring which looks stylish and sleek? Or would you prefer something more durable and that is capable of withstanding a lot of wear-and-tear?

You will need to consider how you want your outdoor space will be used. This is particularly crucial if you have children as you will need a flooring material that is safe enough for them to play on. Additionally, if you regularly entertain friends, your outdoor space will need to be robust enough to not be damaged by heavy foot traffic. Pets are also an important factor - you can read some of our tips for a pet-friendly patio here.

Environmental Issues

Each type of outdoor flooring has a varying level of environmental impact. You will need to work out your priorities based on the environmental benefits and disadvantages prior to making a decision.

What Are the Different Types of Outdoor Flooring?

1. Concrete

When correctly used concrete can be used to create some stunning effects both inside and outside the home. If you were in the need of a hardwearing surface, concrete is an ideal patio flooring material as it is extremely strong and durable. It is also a very low-maintenance option, only requiring the occasional sweep and hose down to keep clean. One of the best benefits of concrete is its low price. Basic concrete slabs are the cheapest outdoor flooring option. However, if you want to create a more expensive look, concrete can easily be coloured or stencilled to replicate the appearance of costlier materials such as brick or tile. There are also various seamless flooring solutions that can be applied as a solid colour or adding coloured chips to give it a decorative finish. As a result, it is the most versatile flooring option.

2. Decking

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Wooden decking is timeless and stylish, making it the perfect patio flooring choice for those who want to achieve stunning aesthetic effects. However, natural wood requires a considerable amount of maintenance. It can expand, contract or even rot due to exposure to the elements. It is also at risk of catching fire in hot conditions. If you want to negate these issues, you can choose composite decking, which is made from a mixture of wood particles and plastic. Composite wood decking mimics the appearance of natural wood but is more hardwearing and weather-proof. The only downside is that it uses plastic, which is something we are all trying to use less of.

3. Paving

Brick paving is a versatile patio flooring option due to the huge variety of colour and pattern choices it offers. It can be smooth or textured and can be arranged in any style you choose, giving you a large degree of creative control over the appearance of your patio. Brick is also an extremely low-maintenance option and ages well. Despite being one of the more expensive flooring choices, the costs are counterbalanced over time as it is one of the most durable, long-lasting materials you can buy.

4. Tiles

Natural stone or porcelain tiles are effortlessly stylish and will make your backyard look stunning. There is practically an endless choice of colours, shapes, sizes and designs, so you won’t have any trouble finding tiles to suit your tastes. They are also very low-maintenance, requiring only sweeping and mopping from time to time. Tiles aren’t necessarily the safest option if you have children as they can become very slippery when wet. Additionally, the cost of tiles varies widely, so if you are on a budget, you need to look carefully for an affordable option.

Choosing the Right Outdoor Flooring for You

The right patio flooring for you will always depend on your individual circumstances, usage needs and tastes. If you are in the Perth area and looking for a patio and flooring makeover, the team here at Great Aussie Patios are always happy to help! Please feel free to contact us for more information.