Outdoor living space is a desirable feature in any home. The terrace surface is a cornerstone of any outdoor design. The quality of the chosen material affects the aesthetics, feel, and durability of your dream terrace.
Choosing the right flooring is a crucial decision in terrace design. The 5 best and worst options are listed below.
| Best Terrace Ground: | Worst Terrace Ground: |
| Flagstone | Gravel |
| Concrete Pavers | Wood |
| Stamped Concrete | Sand |
| Clay Brick | Outdoor Carpet |
| Outdoor Tiles | Rubber Tiles |
In the world of do’s and don’ts for terraces, we’ll start with the do’s. Here are the 5 best terrace flooring materials based on price, aesthetics, and durability.
Contents
Flagstone
Flagstone is perhaps the most coveted option on this list, and for good reason. Stone slab terraces are beautiful, they make a statement, and they last a lifetime. While they are likely the most expensive option on the market, they top this list of best outdoor terrace flooring.
Flagstone is absolutely stunning. Terrace pavers or stamped concrete look beautiful because they mimic the beauty of the patterns you get with a paved terrace. The color of the stone is what sets these terraces apart.
Earthy blues, grays, and even reds give a tiled terrace its desirable look. These colors naturally occur in the stone itself. Flagstone terraces are usually made from these common stones:
- Limestone
- Bluestone
- Basalt
- Sandstone
- Slate
These stones give your terrace the most natural look because they come straight from nature.
They can be bought in a variety of shapes and sizes that lend themselves to many patterns. Two common patterns with flagstone are:
- The random rectangle pattern – suitable for more formal terraces
- The irregular pattern – maximizes the natural look.
In addition to being easy on the eyes, there are a few more benefits to consider before we discuss how durable they are.
- They can be dry laid. This allows for excellent drainage, and even moss or ground cover can grow between the stones for additional aesthetics.
- They are naturally slip-resistant. This could be something to consider if your outdoor area includes a pool.
Flagstone terraces last a lifetime. If you decide to install a flagstone terrace, make sure you like it because it’s not going anywhere after installation. The stone they’re made from has been around much longer than you or I, and will continue to exist far beyond our lifespan.
Expect a paved terrace to last over 100 years. They are also relatively low maintenance.
Cost of Flagstone
As with many situations, you get what you pay for when purchasing a terrace surface. Flagstone is at the top of the list and comes with a price tag that matches its quality. The stone itself is pricey, but there is potential to save money during installation.
In addition to drainage, a benefit of dry laying flagstone is cost savings. It is generally more expensive to lay flagstone with mortar onto a concrete base.
Expect costs between $15 and $30 per square foot.
Concrete Pavers
Paving stones are perhaps the most versatile option for your outdoor flooring. They are usually made of concrete, come in many colors, and can be laid in virtually any pattern.
Almost endless design possibilities. Here’s where paver bricks shine. The number of combinations that can occur when you mix shape, color, and pattern of paver bricks is astounding.
Concrete pavers are manufactured by pouring concrete into a mold, so virtually any shape is possible. However, you are usually limited by the molds offered by the manufacturer. But worry not, there are plenty. Common shapes of concrete pavers are:
- Square
- Round
- Rectangular
- Hexagonal
These shapes come in various dimensions, of course.
Another advantage of concrete pavers is that they can be easily stained. All it takes is a dye added to the concrete, which provides for many color options. Most manufacturers offer a wide range of gray, brown, and tan paver bricks.
When it comes to patterns, the only limit is your imagination. A paver pattern can make a statement and align it with the style you’re aiming for.
- Circular – great way to accentuate fire pits or fountains
- Herringbone – a classy, versatile look
- Basket Weave – great for vintage, old-time styles
- European Fan – the top choice for a European-style outdoor area.
- Running Bond – easy to lay, little to no cutting required
These are just some pattern options when it comes to paver bricks, there are many more, and a good paver supplier probably offers design consultation. Patterns can be combined or used to highlight features of your outdoor area.
The level of variation you get with paver bricks really makes them one of the best options.
Paver bricks are durable. We’re talking about concrete here. Of course, a stone slab is a bit more durable, but a properly installed paver terrace will last about 50-100 years. They are also low-maintenance surfaces.
Paver bricks can be more affordable. The flexibility in design is what causes the price of your paver terrace to vary. Paver bricks alone fall in the mid-range of terrace costs. Expect $13 to $20 per square foot.
Stamped Concrete
If you’re looking for some of the fantastic patterns you get with paver bricks, but at a fraction of the installation cost, consider stamped concrete. This terrace surface is typically a concrete slab. Before the concrete cures, it is stamped with a rubber mold, leaving an embossed pattern.
Pattern flexibility. While the options for paver patterns may not be as endless, there are still many for stamped concrete designs. There are even some that you can’t achieve with paver bricks!
The most common patterns are those that mimic popular tile terraces or paver brick patterns. Additionally, a cool feature of stamped concrete is the ability to imprint a wood grain pattern. This provides for a cool terrace look without all the splinters!
Like with paver bricks, concrete is quite easy to stain. The standard colors for concrete terraces match the colors available for paver bricks. Think grays and earth tones. Red is also available for stamped brick patterns and brown for wood patterns.
Also, don’t think that you’re limited to just one color for the entire terrace. A desirable feature of paver terraces is the ability to mix paver bricks of different colors. This option does not get lost when you opt for a stamped concrete terrace.
Most suppliers can color individual “paver bricks” in a stamped design to highlight them.
Stamped concrete is durable but not quite as durable as stone. A well-maintained stamped concrete terrace typically lasts 20-30 years before a repair or replacement is necessary. They tend to fare better in areas with warmer climates, as freeze-thaw cycles in winter can accelerate cracking.
Concrete also needs to be resealed every 18-24 months.
The look of flagstone for less. A big advantage of stamped concrete terraces is their ability to mimic the beautiful look of stone or paver brick terraces but at a fraction of the cost. Expect to spend around $6 to $13 per square foot for a professionally installed stamped concrete terrace.
Clay Brick
Not to be confused with paver bricks, bricks are a desirable option for those seeking a more classic style for their outdoor area. It is also slightly more durable.
More colors than you think. When it comes to bricks, many think that their color options are limited to red and red. That’s not true! Bricks offer a variety of desirable colors to make designing your terrace fun. To name a few:
- Red (duh)
- White
- Pink
- Cream
- Brown
The great thing about the coloration of bricks is that they don’t fade like concrete paver bricks do. It’s inherent in the clay that each brick is made of. This is also advantageous for when one or more individual bricks need to be replaced. The new brick won’t stand out from the old ones.
While bricks don’t come in the same variety of shapes and sizes as paver bricks, there are still several patterns that can be incorporated into your design. Masonry is a rather ancient art form, so people have had centuries to get creative with it.
In addition to patterns like herringbone and basket weave that you see with concrete paver bricks, some common brick patterns are:
- Twisted
- Half Basket Weave
- Spiral
- Grid
Brick can be used to do things that you couldn’t achieve with paver bricks, like z
Durable. Have you ever seen a really old brick building and thought, “Wow, I can’t believe that’s still standing?”
Well, brick can endure for decades, even centuries. Just like your masonry terrace. They also don’t require much maintenance. Just some cleaning if you don’t like the weathered look of mossy bricks.
A well-maintained masonry terrace will last over a century.
Costs depend on the mason. If you hire a professional to lay your masonry terrace, expect to pay a bit more. However, it could be worth it depending on the complexity of the desired pattern.
A masonry terrace costs $14 to $20 per square foot.
Tile for the Outdoors
Tiles are not just for your bathroom floor or kitchen backsplash, they are also a practical option for a beautiful outdoor terrace! Outdoor tiles are an excellent option for high-traffic areas.
Looks clean. If you’re looking for a more formal or modern look, the long, clean lines that large outdoor tiles provide will work well in your favor. You also won’t be missing out on color options. If you opt for porcelain, your color options are as endless as designing a bathroom.
Another advantage of porcelain is its ability to withstand extreme temperature changes and moisture resistance. Just keep in mind that it is not as slip-resistant as paver bricks, bricks, or stone.
If your design calls for a more natural color palette and you’re apprehensive about your kids slipping on wet porcelain, then natural stone tiles might be a good option. There are a few common stones that outdoor tiles are made from:
- Granite
- Marble
- Slate
- Limestone
- Travertine
Each of these stone tiles imparts a unique natural color and texture. They are about as durable as porcelain, although in areas with extreme temperature changes, they may be more prone to cracking.
Surprisingly durable. A little-known advantage of tiled terraces is that they require a concrete slab and thinset mortar.
Wait. How is that an advantage?
Durability. While paver bricks and stone slabs themselves are made of durable material, many homeowners choose to have them dry laid to save money. In very high-traffic areas, this can lead to uneven settling. While it happens more with paver bricks than with stone slabs, both are tedious to repair.
Dry laying tiles is not a viable option. Therefore, the concrete slab and thinset mortar make outdoor tiles a very durable option.
Tile costs. While the tile itself is fairly inexpensive, the labor-intensive installation drives up the price. Labor costs always depend on location, so the cost of installing outdoor tiles can vary greatly. An outdoor tiled terrace can cost between $15 and $80 per square foot.
All in all, while considering the right design, all of the above options make for a beautiful, durable terrace area.
Now onto the least desirable terrace options
Perhaps your design is catered to a particular taste or purpose. If so, great! But here we’re talking about the best options for living and dining outdoors. If that’s what you’re looking for, we recommend avoiding the following terrace surfaces.
Gravel
Pea gravel tops this list because it is the “best of the worst.” Just barely making the cut for the best list. It has an appealing, picturesque look but is better suited for gardens or pathways rather than living and dining areas.
Function over form. A gravel terrace does sink a little, but never completely. This isn’t a big deal for garden furniture like benches or sofas, but consider an outdoor dining area.
The constant scooting in and out of chairs could become a chore while simultaneously excavating the gravel. This could be an issue if you intend to invite older friends and family members for a barbecue.
Another disadvantage is the tactile experience. If you’re like me, a favorite thing about a good outdoor living space is freely going in and out without putting shoes on. Walking barefoot on a gravel terrace is not necessarily the most pleasant feeling.
Gravel is plentifully durable but high-maintenance. Gravel is just a pile of small stones, right? In that regard, a properly maintained gravel surface will last as long as a solid stone slab terrace. However, it requires slightly more consistent maintenance.
- Raking. Gravel terraces need to be raked every couple of weeks (depending on use) to level out the stones. This also prevents weeds from growing through.
- Snow removal. The hardest part about gravel terraces. Leave your snow blower in the shed; you’ll need to meticulously shovel just deep enough to avoid scooping up the stones with the snow.
A benefit of gravel is the price. Certainly one of the cheaper options, typical gravel costs $6 to $10 per square foot. Could be worth it.
Installation is also rather simple and suitable for beginners or DIYers.
Wood
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