Best Outdoor Flooring Materials For Decks, Patios, & Terraces

Posted February 21, 2021

The 3 best outdoor flooring options for durability and style

When it comes to finishing an outdoor deck, patio or terrace, you have a vision: for comfort, living, style and use. Before you make your final decision, there are a few important considerations to make sure you have the right outdoor flooring materials for your project: surface exposure, geographical location, function, durability, and of course – style.

In today’s market, there is a wide array of consumer choices. The gap in quality between consumer ready products at big-box suppliers and materials used by flooring professionals can mean the difference between enjoying your deck for one to two years or more than 10 years before having to think about repairs or replacement.

When considering the best outdoor flooring materials, the top 3 choices are interlocking wood tiles, interlocking composite deck tiles, or porcelain pavers.

1. Interlocking or structural wood deck tiles

Hardwood interlocking deck tiles come in a variety of tones and designs, resulting in a surface that feels soft underfoot and reflects natural warmth and beauty. Professional grade, quality manufactured and sourced hardwood deck tiles are thicker, more durable, and have a better warranty. Consumer-ready products that come from big-box retailers often scratch, rot, cup, or warp in a short time.

Installation can often be done in one day and doesn’t require any glue, nails, or screws, preserving the original surface integrity and complying with most strata guidelines. Tile choices usually come in 12”x 12” or 12”x 24” sizes, allowing you to express your unique design preferences for any patio or balcony space. Once installed, the sealed surface is weather-resistant but will require regular maintenance depending on exposure level to ensure a longer life and comfortable use.

2. Composite interlocking deck tiles

Composite interlocking deck tiles are a hybrid product of wood and plastic, often composed of recycled materials. They come in various wood-look or contemporary colours and finishes to suit any style while still giving that soft, wood feeling underfoot. Compared to hardwood tiles composite is more durable, lower maintenance, more fade-resistant, stain-resistant, and have a slip-resistant surface for wet conditions.

Interlocking tiles have a raised base to allow moisture and small debris to flow away, preventing mould or algae underneath. Professional installation can often be done in one day and doesn’t require any grout, nails, or glue, complying with most strata bylaws. Like any product and service, there can be a big difference in quality and warranties with specialized professional installation versus most other companies or retail products.

3. Porcelain pavers

Porcelain pavers are the most popular choice of outdoor flooring materials. Modern engineering has created newer materials that are lighter and harder. Porcelain tiles can now rival the look of any natural stone or even a wood-look finish. Designed to withstand the demands of high-traffic areas, they are virtually fade-proof, weather, scuff, stain, and break-resistant. The porcelain surface has a slip-resistant finish and is pretty much maintenance free, requiring the occasional pressure-washing.

The light-weight, high-density design makes them ideal for roof-top terraces because their overall weight is lighter than typical concrete tiles. However, they can still withstand heavy loads of standard patio furniture and accessories like hot-tubs or heaters. Installed with pedestals on most deck surfaces, they can be levelled perfectly over warped or sloped surfaces and allow small debris and moisture to flow away underneath. Professional installation can often be done in one day, and there is no use of grout, nails, or screws.

Professional service and installation always makes the difference in the quality of materials, warranty, and overall finished surface. Visit our 7 Expert Tips page.