Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Outdoor Flooring

Finding a suitable flooring for your outdoor area can be quite the challenge with the variety of choices available. The right flooring goes beyond “coverage” for your outdoor space, it also transforms the overall look, accentuating stylishness and functionality. Creating a beautiful, high-quality outdoor space flooring serves as a long-lasting and valuable investment. Read on to find out the common types of outdoor flooring in Singapore.

1. Wood plastic composite

Wood plastic composite (WPC) is created from a combination of natural wood and plastic fibres. The common 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. WPC is flexible as it can be moulded 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 occurred from 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 is an ideal flooring option for most properties. It is usually made of waterproof PE or PP material. By installing artificial grass flooring at your outdoor space, drainage is no longer a cause of concern as artificial grass flooring considers itself to be 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.

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 when well maintained on a regular basis.

Pros:

• Stone flooring minimises 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.

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 will need to smash brick pavers first before removing them.
• Brick has a very solid surface which may cause discomfort when walking on it barefoot.

Choosing the right flooring material for aesthetics and functionality is undoubtedly essential. Nonetheless, you should also consider the following factors when looking for an ideal outdoor flooring:

1. Porosity

Hard surface floor types are mainly classified into porous and non-porous types. Surrounding and external conditions of the installation area plays a huge role in the type you ultimately choose. Porous floors easily absorb moisture and soils. This may cause discolouration over time and even result in the development of bacteria and malodor. To prevent this, some may prefer adding a protective coating to their porous floors. On the other hand, a non-porous floor does not easily absorb water or soils, making it easier to clean and maintain. It is also more durable and has high resistance to scratches.

2. Thickness

Thickness is another factor to take into account. Durable and impact resistant, thicker flooring makes for a better choice. 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 as it can be placed directly over different surfaces to build a raised path. 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.
• Planks 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-slippery feature

When it comes to flooring, safety is of priority. A non-slip flooring is essential for an outdoor decking setup. There are three levels of slipping feature for floor tiles, ranging from non-slip properties (GRIP) to class 3, or R11, being the highest one.

Today, more home and business owners are in favour of WPC and solid timber as their outdoor flooring options. For composite decking material like WPC, its low maintenance, durability, high performance and eco-friendliness makes it ideal in outdoor spaces. On the other hand, solid timber is also an affordable, popular flooring option. Replicating the look of natural wood, it is durable and aesthetically pleasing.

Ultimately, remember to use the right procedures to maintain your outdoor floor condition for longer service years, regardless of the floor type installed in your outdoor space.

Floorrich is a professional wood and vinyl flooring supplier in Singapore, ensuring the best flooring solutions Contact us today to install your desired flooring.