Outdoor Flooring Ideas Over Concrete

December 2023
Anton White

Revamping your outdoor concrete areas can transform them from plain, utilitarian spaces into vibrant extensions of your home.

With the right outdoor flooring ideas over concrete, these areas can become cozy nooks for relaxation, lively spaces for entertainment, or serene retreats for enjoying nature.

In this article, we'll explore a variety of outdoor flooring ideas over concrete, particularly our composite decking solutions at Ovaeda, to help you create fantastic outdoor spaces that reflect your personal style.

Let's get started!

Inexpensive Outdoor Flooring Ideas

Let's look at some affordable ways to revamp your outdoor flooring.

Terracotta Tiles

Terracotta tiles are a timeless choice for outdoor flooring over concrete. Their warm, earthy tones create a Mediterranean feel, perfect for a cozy patio or garden path.

Our findings show that terracotta tiles are not only aesthetically pleasing in your outdoor decking area but are also durable and cost-effective.

They blend beautifully with natural elements and can be complemented with terracotta pots for a cohesive look.

However, we recommend utilizing professional installation to ensure the longevity of your terracotta paving, so you can ultimately avoid costly mistakes.

concrete outdoor flooring

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete offers a versatile and budget-friendly alternative to more expensive materials.

It provides dynamic garden decking colours that can mimic the look of terracotta tiles, stone, and other textures, providing a customizable solution for your outdoor space.

Stamped concrete is not only affordable but also comes in a range of patterns and colours, allowing for creative and unique patio designs.

An excellent alternative to stamped concrete is our versatile porcelain paving at Ovaeda, which comes in inviting shades of grey.

Textured Stamped Concrete Patio Flooring

Textured stamped concrete adds another layer of visual interest and tactile experience. This method combines various patterns and colours, making it possible to create a unique and artistic outdoor floor.

It's an excellent choice for those who want to add a personal touch to their outdoor spaces without breaking the bank.

Artificial Grass Flooring

For a touch of green without the maintenance of natural grass, artificial grass is one of many terriffic outdoor flooring ideas over dirt. It's easy to install over concrete and offers a lush, green appearance year-round.

Drawing from our experience, artificial grass is not only cost-effective but also comfortable underfoot, making it ideal for family-friendly outdoor areas.

Additionally, our Luxxe™ Natural Woodgrain brown decking boards pair easily with artificial grass floor, giving your outdoor area a lush and natural aesthetic.

outdoor flooring over concrete

Artificial Grass And Stone Paving Blocks

Combining artificial grass with stone paving blocks creates a dynamic and textured look. This combination breaks up the monotony of a single material and can make a small space appear larger. It's a practical yet stylish solution, offering the softness of grass alongside the stability of stone pavers.

Paving Stones, Paving Slabs, And Green Growth

Paving stones and our Ovaeda dark brown deck slabs interspersed with greenery offer a charming and rustic outdoor flooring solution.

Through our practical knowledge, this approach is not only inexpensive but also environmentally friendly, allowing for natural drainage and the integration of greenery into your patio design. It's a perfect choice for creating a quaint, cottage-style outdoor space.

As you can see, there are numerous creative and cost-effective ways to enhance your outdoor concrete areas.

From the timeless appeal of terracotta tiles to the innovative use of artificial grass and stone, each option offers its own unique charm and functionality.

With these ideas and products on offer from us at Ovaeda, you can transform your outdoor spaces into beautiful, inviting extensions of your home.

best outdoor flooring over concrete slab

How to Choose the Perfect Patio Flooring

Here is a comparison table based on the flooring options discussed earlier in this article by us, which are determined by balancing aesthetics, durability, and practicality.

Table: Comparison Between Patio Flooring Options

Flooring Option

Durability

Safety And Practicality

Maintenance

Style

Terracotta Tiles

High

Can be slippery when wet

Easy to clean and may require sealing

Timeless Mediterranean look

Stamped Concrete

High

Provides good grip

Easy to clean and weather-resistant

Versatile designs and colours

Textured Stamped Concrete

High

Enhanced grip with textures

Easy to clean and durable

Unique artistic patterns and colours

Artificial Grass

Moderate

Soft and safe to play on

Easy to clean and doesn't need mowing

Natural grassy look

Artificial Grass and Stone Paving

High

Combines softness of grass with stability of stone

Needs some cleaning and maintenance

Aesthetic blend of textures and natural colours

Paving Stones, Slabs, and Green Growth

High

Dependent on installation and stone type

Needs some cleaning and weeding

Rustic and natural look

Durability

When considering durability, both terracotta tiles and stamped concrete are excellent choices. They withstand weather elements and heavy use.

This makes them ideal for high-traffic outdoor areas, particularly if you enjoy entertaining at home. Our investigation demonstrated that textured stamped concrete and paving stones also offer robustness, ensuring a long-lasting patio surface.

Safety And Practicality

For safety, textured stamped concrete and artificial grass score from moderate to high due to their non-slip surfaces and soft textures, respectively.

Our research indicates that artificial grass and stone paving provide a safe play area for children, combining the softness of grass with the firmness of stone.

Additionally, we at Ovaeda provide outdoor installation solutions that prioritise your safety above all else, particularly with our anti slip decking boards and outdoor handrails.

Maintenance

Stamped concrete and artificial grass are low-maintenance options. Based on our first hand experience, they require simple cleaning routines without the need for constant upkeep.

While terracotta tiles are easy to clean, keep in mind that they may need sealing to maintain their appearance.

That's where our composite decking board solutions at Ovaeda come in handy. They're easy to clean and maintain on a regular basis, helping your outdoor area stay in pristine condition for years to come.

Style

Terracotta tiles and paving stones with green growth offer a timeless and natural aesthetic. Stamped concrete, especially in textured varieties, allows for creative and unique designs, making your outdoor space stand out.

Alternatively, our black composite decking solutions can make a bold and dramatic statement while entertaining in your garden.

flooring over concrete outdoor

Composite Decking

In this section, we'll take a closer look at composite decking and evaluate why Ovaeda's composite decking boards are an ideal choice for your outdoor living space.

Important Features

Gardens with composite decking are a modern solution that combines the beauty of wood with the practicality of synthetic materials.

Based on our first hand experience with paving, composite decking is known for its durability, low maintenance, and versatility in design.

At Ovaeda, products like our Luxxe™ Woodgrain brown composite decking are designed to withstand various weather conditions, resist fading, and prevent common issues like rot and insect damage.

Pros Of Composite Decking

There are several benefits when using composite decking in your outdoor areas:

  • Low Maintenance: Unlike natural wood, composite decking doesn't require sanding, staining, or sealing. A simple cleaning with soap and water is sufficient to maintain its appearance.
  • Durability: Composite decking is designed to resist fading, staining, and scratching, making it a long-lasting option for outdoor spaces.
  • Aesthetics: Offering a range of colours and finishes, composite decking can mimic the look of natural wood without the associated maintenance.
  • Eco-Friendly: Many composite decking options, like our Classic™ groove-styled light grey composite decking, are made from recycled materials, making them an environmentally responsible choice.

When choosing the perfect patio flooring, consider factors like durability, safety, maintenance, and style. Composite decking emerges as a strong contender, especially for those seeking a balance of aesthetics and practicality.

At Ovaeda, we're committed to providing you with high-quality, stylish, and durable outdoor flooring solutions that meet your specific needs and preferences to give you the very best composite decking ideas for garden.

outdoor concrete floor covering ideas

Outdoor Flooring Over Concrete FAQ

When it comes to enhancing your outdoor living space with flooring over concrete, several questions often arise.

Should I Use Cement Or Concrete For Patio?

While both cement and concrete are used in patio construction, concrete is the preferred material for patio flooring. Concrete, a mixture that includes cement, is more durable and suitable for outdoor use.

It provides a solid, stable base for various types of outdoor flooring, including our grey composite decking boards. Cement alone is typically used for smaller areas that require grout or as a binding agent within concrete.

How Thick Should Concrete Be For A Patio Cover?

The industry standard for a concrete patio cover's thickness is about four inches. This thickness ensures adequate support and durability for most patio uses.

If you're covering heavier structures like hot tubs or gazebos, we recommend installing concrete with a thickness of six to eight inches.

It's essential to consider the weight of the patio cover and any additional elements, such as our composite planks, to determine the appropriate thickness of your concrete.

easy outdoor flooring over concrete

Is It Necessary To Seal A Concrete Patio Floor?

Sealing a concrete patio floor is necessary to enhance its appearance and longevity. This protects the concrete from UV exposure, stains, and wear, preserving its look and functionality.

Depending on the type of sealer (which is usually polyurethane with wood finishings) and exposure to the elements, we generally recommend resealing your patio every two to three years.

This step is crucial, especially when laying decorative flooring solutions like our black wood decking, to ensure lasting beauty and performance.

How Can I Keep Concrete Flooring From Getting Hot?

Concrete flooring can get hot under direct sunlight, which might be uncomfortable during peak summer months.

While there's no additive to prevent this, you can manage the heat by spraying water on the concrete surface to lower the temperature temporarily.

For a more permanent solution, consider installing our porcelain paving slabs.

After trying out this product at our testing facilities, it's non-porous and designed to be heat-resistant, making it infinitely more comfortable for you to walk around your outdoor area.

How Can I Remove Marker Stains From Concrete Flooring Left Behind By Contractors?

One effective DIY solution is using nail polish remover containing acetone to remove marker stains. Gently rub the stained area with a cloth dampened with nail polish remover.

Alternatively, drawing over the marker stain with a dry erase marker and then wiping it off can break down the ink, making it easier to remove. Denatured alcohol and lacquer thinner are also effective in removing such stains.

outdoor cement floor covering

Conclusion

In this comprehensive guide, we've explored various outdoor flooring ideas over concrete, offering insights and solutions for enhancing your outdoor spaces.

From the durability of terracotta tiles to the innovative design of composite decking, we've covered a range of options to suit different styles and needs.

At Ovaeda, our composite deck board solutions stand out as a superior choice for their blend of style, durability, and low maintenance.

So, make the right choice for you and your home now and transform your outdoor area into a beautiful and functional extension of your home with us. 

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