Are you looking for the perfect flooring material for your patio? Are you thinking about using natural stone but aren't sure which one to go for? Stone is one of the widely used materials for both indoor and outdoor flooring today. The material comes in a variety of options and is durable, aesthetically appealing and eco-friendly.
However, choosing the best stone from the myriad of options available can be a challenging task. In this piece, you will learn the top three natural stone options for outdoor flooring, their pros and cons and how to extend their lifespan.
1. Marble
Marble is one of the most beautiful and sought-after materials in construction today. Marble is translucent material, and it glows when exposed to light. This makes it the perfect flooring option for adding some radiance and vibrancy to your outdoor space. It is available in a wide range of patterns and designs, and it can be polished to add some shine to your flooring.
Like most types of stone, marble is porous, and this makes it feel cool underfoot. As a result, it's an ideal choice for outdoor use, especially during the hot months. However, high porosity means the material can chip and crack when exposed to moisture. Thus, you need to seal and coat it to prevent damage.
2. Limestone
Do you have a rustic outdoor theme and would like a flooring material that complements the theme? Wood would be an ideal choice, but it is susceptible to weather damage; thus, it is not a suitable choice for outdoor flooring. Limestone can mimick the wood look without suffering the same effects as wood when exposed to weather elements.
Limestone is a cheaper yet sturdy alternative to wood flooring. It comes in a variety of earth tones, including browns, greys, beiges and yellows. It is incredibly durable and can last for years when properly maintained. However, just like marble, it is porous and can chip when exposed to moisture. Thus, you have to seal and coat it during installation.
3. Granite
What if you're looking for stone flooring that isn't porous or prone to water seepage? Granite is your best bet. Unlike limestone and marble, it is not porous, and this makes it resistant to water damage. What's more, granite has a hard and durable surface that doesn't stain or scratch easily. This property makes it suitable for high traffic areas of your home, such as the patio.
Granite comes in a variety of styles and colours, from whites to soft greys to browns. It has a polished surface that makes it easy to clean and maintain, especially if you use it on your outdoor kitchen area. However, on the downside, the floor gets cold during the winter, and you may need heating when using the patio at night.
There you have it! These are some of the best natural stone options for your patio. Whichever material you choose, be sure to hire an experienced contractor for the installation so you can extend the durability of the flooring. Consider asking a professional more about your natural stone options.
