Homeowners tend to focus on renovating the inside of their home since they spend more time inside. This can cause them to neglect their outdoor spaces and deter them from wanting to spend more time outside of their home. Many people do not consider this, but it is imperative to take into account the outer appearance of your home as well. Not only does it enhance curb appeal, but it encourages you to want to spend more time outdoors when it is a clean, aesthetically pleasing space. Having a beautiful, easy to clean porch or patio can drastically improve the look of your home and the ambiance as well.
How can you enhance the look of your outdoor patio or porch?
There are many things you can do to enhance the look outside of your home. One of the biggest things you can do is enhance the flooring. Bare concrete is porous, susceptible to stains, unsightly, difficult to keep clean, and just all around dirty. Changing up the flooring can completely change the look of your space and make it easier for you to keep clean!
Now that we know one of the best ways to improve the look of your outdoor space is to enhance your flooring, what exactly are your options and which are best?
Concrete Coatings
Concrete coatings remain the primary choice for outdoor flooring options. They have an endless list of benefits and little to no cons (when high quality products are used). Concrete is porous so it is extremely susceptible to stains and is difficult to clean. When you have concrete coatings professionally applied you not only enhance the look of your space, but it will be much easier to clean and maintain.
It is important to know that it is not a good idea to apply just any coatings to your outdoor concrete surface. Epoxy and other paint products are not engineered for outdoor applications and are likely to fade, chip and peel. The best coatings for outdoor surfaces are polyurea and polyaspartic coatings as they are 100% UV stable and flexible so they are able to move with the concrete. When you apply polyurea and polyaspartic coatings to your patio or porch, you add a layer of protection that is going to increase the longevity of your concrete.
Tile
Tile can make for a great flooring option for your outdoor space. Patio stones are extremely durable and provide an upscale look while remaining easy to clean and maintain. The downside, however, is that while tiles may look beautiful and provide an easy to clean surface, they do not hold up well in frigid temperatures. The weather changes can cause them to shift and crack in a short period of time. They are also not ideal in wet conditions as they can become extremely dangerous and slippery when wet.
Outdoor Carpeting
Yes, outdoor carpeting is a real thing now. Carpet used to just be a flooring option for indoors, but in recent years its uses have expanded to outdoors and its popularity is growing. It provides a warm, plush feeling that is unachievable with any other flooring option. On the downside, it is not a good flooring option for damp climates as it will harbor moisture and cause mold and mildew to grow. This makes outdoor carpeting only a good flooring option for dry climates or covered areas.
Rubber Flooring
It isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing option, but rubber flooring is an excellent outdoor flooring when safety is a factor. It serves as a great option as it is slip-resistant, shock absorbent and durable. It is typically used in playgrounds and sporting areas, but it has recently found its way onto patios and outdoor spaces as well. Many people still do not find it an appealing option though due to the fact that it can be noisy when walked on and its artificial appearance.
If you are in the process or considering remodeling your patio, do not hesitate to give us a call to schedule your free, no-obligation estimate. We have endless color options that are guaranteed to fit your space and style!