The ideal properties of outdoor floors

Taking the right decision when choosing the outdoor floor is vital in order to procure good quality services for a new project or renovation. We will go through the ideal criteria and properties of an outdoor floor so you can select one easily:

Durability

Outdoor porcelain tile

The material you opt for has to resist adverse weather conditions, keeping well in mind the direct action of the sun and the frost. It is also important to think about its resistance to erosion, which will depend on whether it will have to sustain a high transit, and the impermeability it features. Ceramic tiling is one of the best options given its strength and low water absorption, along with slate.

Installation

It is necessary to analyse the surface on which the outdoor floor will be placed, to determine if it needs or not to be prepped. The foundation has to be always levelled, but this is especially essential in the case of ceramic floors. Using wood, you have to choose a platform or install tiles; the foundation has to be flat, dry, clean and be free of cracks and fissures. Working with stone, a flexible concrete foundation is required, which complicates its installation. It is also important to remember that the material required for this process is more delicate than others.

Top coats

Outdoor porcelain tile

Wood is a non-slippery material, but it requires more maintenance than other types of outdoor floors

If there is going to be a source of humidity close by, such as irrigation for the plants or a pool, opting for a non-slippery outdoor floor is advised to avoid sliding. If that kind of treatment is then used, remember it will make the material more porous and, therefore, easier to stain. Grey colours with patterns are a good choice, as well as textures that can sustain mechanical cleaning. Sandblasted, aged, etc. top coats are perfect for the outdoor, where matt and smooth floors have to be avoided. Ceramic materials also offer top coats which imitate wood, getting rid of its disadvantages when used outdoors.

Outdoor floors maintenance

Outdoor porcelain tile

Being outdoors, the chosen material might require frequent maintenance, or if not desired, be resistant and unalterable. Ceramic is one of the best options for the outdoors because of its low upkeep needs. On the other side, you can go for wood. Aesthetically very attractive, it requires much more maintenance and is less durable. The latest generation of composite pallets can be used as an alternative as they have almost the same aspect, but are much more resistant and long-lasting.

Aesthetics

The floor has to blend in with the other materials of the outdoor space to look uniform and aesthetically attractive. To this effect, the ceramic stone is very polyvalent: it allows for colour gradients, square, rectangular and hexagonal formats, and reliefs which infuse personality when installed. It offers a large range of colours and textures that adapt to any design.

Natural stone fits very well in different environments, also offering further design possibilities, as larger pieces can be used. Concrete and micro-concrete are perfect when looking for a Mediterranean style, in addition to being resistant and low maintenance.

Choosing the right outdoor floor for a new project or renovation is key to the design, functionality and upkeep of this space. Ceramic outdoor floors, like the one offered by Consentino with its Dekton line, push the limits to allow complete freedom in the design,  are easy to install, and long-lasting. Installation is similar to the one for traditional formats, but offering all the benefits of its larger format.