Finding suitable outdoor flooring for your property can be challenging with all these choices. The right flooring goes beyond “coverage” for your outdoor space; it also transforms the overall look, accentuating style and functionality. Creating beautiful, high-quality outdoor decking for your Singapore home, office, or commercial area can also be a long-lasting and valuable investment. Read on to find out the common types of outdoor decking available in Singapore.
1. Wood plastic composite
Wood plastic composite (WPC) is created from natural wood and plastic fibres. Materials such as bamboo, sawdust, peanut hulls and pulp are usually blended with plastic powder to form WPC. It is secure and suitable for construction purposes, making it one of the more popular choices for outdoor flooring. WPC is flexible as it can be molded to any shape and size and dyed for any design theme.
Pros:
- WPC decking is lightweight and easy to carry around.
- The material has high resistance to fire.
- The material has high resistance to stains & scratches.
Cons:
- WPC material is more expensive than others that serve the same purposes.
- WPC board still needs to be maintained to remove debris on it.
2. Solid timber
Suitable for different design styles and settings, solid timber is cut in a length form, directly from the tree. Typically, solid timber is made from hardwood or softwood species. Without compromising its stability of finishing, solid timber can be sanded to eliminate any flaws. Over time, its colour changes from golden brown to dark brown.
Pros:
- Solid timber adds aesthetic to your outdoor flooring. It is unique and one of a kind because there will never be two planks that are exactly the same.
- Solid timber flooring comes in different finishes and colour tones.
Cons:
- Installing solid timber flooring is not easy. Improper installation may result in the following:
-Damage to the flooring
-Damage to walls and other surrounding structures
-You may have to pay twice the cost to fix any mistakes that occurred during the flooring installation
- Solid timber is prone to damage from water or environmental conditions. It may grow or shrink if exposed to extreme temperature or humidity.
- Timber decking is more expensive than other flooring materials.
3. Artificial grass
Artificial grass can be one of the many outdoor flooring options for most properties. It is usually made of waterproof PE or PP material. By installing artificial grass flooring, drainage is no longer a cause of concern as artificial grass flooring can double as an effective drainage solution.
Pros:
- Artificial grass is easy to maintain because it does not grow like real grass. Therefore, mowing and watering is not required.
- Artificial grass is pet-friendly. Pets cannot dig up and spoil the artificial turf. This makes it perfect for outdoor flooring at properties with large families and pets.
Cons:
- Artificial grass may become a breeding ground for some bacteria.
- Some artificial grass may contain toxic chemicals. It is crucial to purchase the product from a renowned and reliable vendor.
4. Stone
Stone floors, stunning and durable, are highly sought after these days. They are a great investment for outdoor decking among Singapore property owners because they can be beautiful and long-lasting if well-maintained on a regular basis.
Pros:
- Stone flooring minimizes allergens, thanks to its nonporous surface. This makes it impossible for dust or pollutants to hide.
- Stone is durable and does not break easily, guaranteeing you extra peace of mind.
Cons:
- Stone flooring is expensive due to high shipping and installation costs.
- Stone is susceptible to water damage. When exposed to water, it can stain easily.
5. Brick
Brick is among the most common building materials across the globe. Traditionally built from earthen clays, bricks were then made as rectangular blocks for building purposes. The bricks developed for flooring are called clay pavers, and they are a common choice for outdoor flooring due to their durability and “rugged” appearance.
Pros:
- Brick is more resistant to extreme heat than other flooring materials.
- Brick is naturally anti-slippery.
Cons:
- It is expensive and troublesome to replace brick flooring because you must smash brick pavers before removing them.
- Brick has a very solid surface which may cause discomfort when walking barefoot.
You should consider both aesthetics and functionality when choosing the right flooring material for your outdoor area. Other than that, you should also consider the following factors when looking for your ideal outdoor flooring:
1. Porosity
Porosity is an important factor to consider for outdoor flooring. Hard surface floor types are mainly classified into porous and non-porous types, and your surroundings and external conditions play a huge role in the type you should choose.
Porous floors easily absorb moisture and soils. This may cause discolouration over time and even result in the development of bacteria and malodor. Some may prefer adding a protective coating to their porous floors to prevent this.
On the other hand, non-porous floors do not easily absorb water or soils, making them easier to clean and maintain. They are also more durable and have high resistance to scratches.
2. Thickness
Durable, impact-resistant, thicker flooring is known to be better for outdoor spaces. Other advantages include reduced sound migration, enhanced insulating properties, and softer footfalls.
In addition, floor thickness also determines the aesthetics of your living space. Thicker flooring provides better bridging of subfloor imperfections.
Some prefer double-thickness flooring, which can be placed directly over different surfaces to build a raised path. Therefore, this type of outdoor flooring can create a different ambience for your space overall. Cables and pipes are well “hidden” underneath, thanks to the practical installation of this elevated flooring.
3. Tile size
There are different styles, sizes and designs of floor tiles that may even be blended to meet your design goals. Read on for helpful tips to improve the perception of spaces through tile size.
- Small tiles help to enhance the flow of small and compact floor plans. It creates a more streamlined look with fewer cuts.
- Larger tiles create the illusion of spaciousness. When you use larger tiles, smaller rooms appear bigger because grout lines are fewer and thinner.
- Plank tiles are ideal for adding depth to your living space.
- You may also leverage the shape of tiles to add visual interest to your room. For instance, diagonal tiles can make a small room appear more spacious, while rectangular-shaped tiles help to define an extra-large room.
4. Non-slip feature
When it comes to flooring, safety is of priority. Non-slip flooring is essential for an outdoor decking setup.
There are three levels of slipping features for floor tiles, ranging from non-slip properties (GRIP) to class 3, or R11, being the highest.
Ultimately, remember to use the right procedure to maintain your outdoor flooring, regardless of the floor type installed you choose.
Floorrich is a professional wood and vinyl flooring supplier in Singapore, ensuring the best flooring solutions Contact us today to learn about the right flooring for your HDB, residential, or commercial property!
