Outdoor flooring options for your rental property is the maintenance checkup from Keepe as we look at the pros and cons of four different types.
Damaged or worn outdoor flooring, pavement and surfaces can be responsible for making your property look poorly kept.
These surfaces can also endanger the safety of your tenants. Cracks, holes and general wear make it easier to slip, trip and fall.
Our expert contractors have provided a breakdown of common materials for outdoor flooring. We have included the pros and cons of each material. This should help you choose what works for your design preferences, pricing, weather-resistance and overall longevity.
No. 1 – Natural stone is a beautiful outdoor flooring option
Natural stone can present unique options in a variety of colors. It can produce results in a beautiful, one-of-a-kind accent in your outdoor space. It can be custom-cut to be arranged to a preferred pattern and look. Or, done with irregular shapes and meandering mosaics. Modular stones can be used when a more regular and symmetrical appearance is desired.
Pros
- Extremely durable. Natural stone is rather tough. It stands strong against the elements. Wear and tear is minimal and it usually requires little to no maintenance.
- Environmentally friendly and safe. Stone is not engineered with chemicals or other substances. It is not toxic to humans and the environment.
- Affordable when local. Local natural stone is generally more affordable. Purchasing a type of stone that is characteristic to your area gives you the options. You can source materials in a more eco-friendly and affordable way.
- Versatile. Natural stone can be used to pave a variety of outdoor spaces. It works for driveways and walkways to pool decks. Stone is not sensitive to temperature and moisture like other materials.
Cons
- Longer installation time. Installing stone pavements requires very precise planning. It is typically a rather labor-intensive project. This means that completing the project will generally take longer.
- Can be pricey. Installation is labor intensive. Certain varieties of stone will have to be sourced from places that are not located nearby. A natural stone pavement project can be more expensive.
No. 2 – Wood is a common outdoor flooring
Wood is one of the most common flooring materials for decks and porches. It has been a favorite for generations.
Pros
Visual appeal and versatility. The natural look of wood – with numerous colorations and designs made available by all the different varieties of wood that exist – is preferred by those wanting to achieve a warmer or one-of-a-kind, custom look.
- Local is more affordable. As for natural stone, turning to locally-sourced varieties of wood will make it more affordable to opt for wood.
Cons
- Vulnerability and durability. Wood is one of the most sensitive materials. It is vulnerable to scratches and discoloration from prolonged directed sunlight exposure. It can also rot and warp following moisture exposure. Opting for wood will mean keeping in mind that you will need to plan for protecting your investment.
- High maintenance. As a delicate material, regular preventative maintenance will become a necessity. W needs to be regularly sealed. Avoid letting wood become damaged and worn. It is fundamental to be ready and expect to be investing in regular maintenance frequently.
No. 3 – Concrete outdoor flooring
Concrete pavements are simple. Their simplicity can make them the ideal element to feature along with minimalist, modern décor. Or, make them a definite “no-no” for those wanting their outdoor flooring to be a more visible accent piece.
Pros
- Accessible. Concrete slabs are inexpensive generally costing a third of what natural stone would cost. It can be laid out by most contractors.
- Durable. Overall, concrete requires little to no maintenance. Concrete pavers are most resistant and preferable to slabs.
- Customizable. Modern advancements in manufacturing have made it possible to stamp concrete. It can resemble the textures of other types of pavements, such as brick and stone.
Cons
- Cracking and chipping. Concrete can chip or crack with prolonged exposure, especially to cold or harsh weather. Those cracks can be difficult to repair in a way that does not make the space look “patched up.” Our experts point out that is common for concrete slabs. Concrete pavers are less likely to exhibit this quality.
- Slipping hazard. Concrete can easily freeze when temperatures drop. Slipping becomes a serious concern during the winter months.
- Simplicity. To some, the look of concrete is rather bleak. Sometimes the simplicity of concrete might not be ideal. However you can add a unique touch of color or texture so it may not even look like concrete.
No. 4 – Tile outdoor flooring
Tile is a common pavement type. It allows you to achieve both uniform, subtle pavements but also incredibly intricate decorative designs and contrasts.
Pros
- Design potential. Tile is highly-customizable. It makes it possible to create beautiful accents and designs for your outdoor areas.
- Easy to install. Installing basic tile is an easy project contractors can complete quickly.
Cons
- Slipping. Tiles freeze easily and become incredibly slippery when wet. To avoid dangerous falls, our experts highly encourage considering highly slip-resistant types only.
- Cracking. Freeze-thaw cycles take a serious toll on ceramic tiles. They can easily crack and chip following repeated exposure. Again, our experts find it best to only consider denser tiles that are formulated for the outdoors.
- Grout maintenance. The grout joining tiles together adds an extra element to take care of. Grout can crack, stain and chip off over time. Consulting the manufacturer or a trusted contractor on what ideal upkeep would look like.
Summary:
As the weather starts to warm – and dry – up, there is no better time to tackle your property’s outdoor flooring. The weather should make it easy and usually fast to complete flooring projects. Remember now is the best time to check your property for any wear or damage has occurred over time.
Other recent rental property maintenance Keepe posts you may have missed:
20 Easy, Affordable Maintenance Projects To Update Your Rentals
If Your Tenant Wants A Fence What Type Should You Install?
About Keepe:
Keepe is an on-demand maintenance solution for property managers and independent landlords. The company makes hundreds of independent contractors and handymen available for maintenance projects at rental properties. Keepe is available in the Greater Seattle area, Phoenix, San Francisco Bay and San Diego areas.