Are you thinking of renovating the terrace? Is the current pavement in poor condition and do you need to replace it? Looking for an alternative with less maintenance? This is the ideal time to find out about the qualities of the different terrace flooring and make a decision.
Choosing a floor that, in addition to being beautiful, meets certain requirements will make a difference on the terrace. To be durable and resistant both to temperature changes and inclement weather is something that we should demand of any exterior floor. They are also desirable characteristics that it is non-slip and that its maintenance is minimal, given our pace of life. Is it possible to achieve all this? You may be wondering. If possible.
There is a great alternative of suitable flooring for a terrace. Finding out about each of them is key to making a good decision. The climate and the time you want to dedicate to maintaining it will have a great influence when it comes to tipping the balance for one or the other. We review the best floors for terraces, will you join us?
Composite
The composite has a extraordinary durability and it presents a magnificent behavior in the open air. It won't crack, splinter, swell, rot, or discolor. It is highly resistant to water, humidity and ultraviolet rays from the sun. In addition, it is a recycled and recyclable product.
Does not require maintenance; With a composite floor on the terrace you will not have to deal with applying treatments or varnishes as with wooden floors. And you will achieve a finish similar to this one, being able to choose from a wide variety of tones and formats, all of them easy to install.
Composite terrace floors, in addition, they are non-slip, which will prevent numerous accidents when a storm falls or you hose it down to clean it. Can you ask for more from a terrace floor? Let's talk about the price. You will find alternatives from € 31 per square meter.
Wood
The wooden floors add a lot of warmth to the terrace, but require rigorous maintenance to stay in good condition. They suffer a lot if they are exposed to sudden changes in temperature and conditions of constant humidity, so it is necessary to apply at least one protective treatment a year.
Pine wood is the cheapest; You will find it in tiles or slats treated in an autoclave from € 11 per square meter. However, this is not the most suitable. The best woods for exterior are tropical woods; denser, harder and more resistant to climatic factors.
Ipé, Bangkirai, Pucté, Acacia, Santa María or Teca are some of these woods suitable for paving outdoor spaces. Teak wood It is the most popular among these. They are generally presented in planks with a smooth or grooved finish and offer a guarantee against termites, fungi and mold. It requires little maintenance compared to other types of wood, one treatment a year, which has made it gain followers. The only "but" is found in its price; approximately € 90 / m2.
Ceramic stoneware
Ceramic stoneware is one of the best materials for paving terraces. They have a high durability, they are resistant to inclement weather and do not scratch easily. The lower its porosity, the greater its resistance to humidity, for this reason porcelain stoneware is the most suitable for outdoor use. Also the most expensive; 50% more than ceramic stoneware.
The decorative possibilities of stoneware terrace floors are enormous. They perfectly imitate textures made of natural materials such as stone, marble, rust or wood. They are also presented in different formats and finishes, these being able to be non-slip. The larger the piece, the greater the sensation of uniformity and the easier it will be to clean. Placing it will be relatively easy with the help of a professional and once placed, you can forget about it!
Hydraulic floor
The hydraulic mosaic used as pavement until the 70s, now offers us all the benefits of current ceramic materials. Is decorative pigmented cement tile that allows you to create unique corners, is weather resistant and easy to clean. Hydraulic tiles also do not require great maintenance if they are treated properly for outdoor use, which will undoubtedly influence their price. You can find them with prices that range between € 30 and € 90 per square meter
Natural stone
Natural stone is another of the most durable alternatives for paving the terrace. Among the most used in outdoor spaces are stones, slabs and quartzite and slate slabs, very resistant to drastic changes in temperature and humidity. Although proposals are also easily found in sandstone or ignite. The most appropriate choice will be the one that best responds to the climatic conditions of your area and the type of environment you want to create.
Cement
Polished cement or microcement floors are waterproof thanks to the sealant that is applied to them and therefore, a good option for dressing outdoor spaces. Its aesthetics also provides contemporaneity and modernity, especially when used continuously, eliminating joints. The possibility of dispensing with these gaskets also contributes to their cleaning and maintenance being very simple.
Can't decide with the floor that you like the most for your terrace? You don't have to choose just one of them. You can combine different materials to make the result unique and personal.