Five options for your garden patio flooring

If you’re looking to upgrade your patio this Spring, one of the most prominent, effective and refreshing ways to do this is by starting with the flooring. New patio flooring can completely transform a space, and indeed the wider garden and these days there are so many options to consider.

Some come as a bigger investment than others, while others are easier to maintain and more hard wearing too, which makes making that decision on which to go with quite tricky.

Whether you’re at the research stage or about to make your decision though, there are some options that are better than others and here are five you almost certainly should be considering.

Natural Stone

Tiles made of natural stone, like limestone, sandstone and slate are among the more timeless options for patio flooring. They offer a rustic charm that can really complement outdoor settings, while they are also a good option if you want a flow from your kitchen through to your patio space.

Importantly, and one of the reasons they remain so popular is that they are incredibly durable and easy to maintain, while also being able to be laid in various patterns and purchased in different sizes and textures.

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are another option for durability and low maintenance. They’re also resistant to moisture, which can reduce any slip hazards.

Interestingly, where they can really come into their own is the various colours and styles you can get them in these days, so you can opt for some of the more common colours to expect in a garden, or go a little bit out there too. They’re modern, sleek and definitely an option to consider.

Composite Decking

Using wood fibres and recycled plastics, composite decking is an eco-friendly option that offers the look of natural wood without some of the hassles that usually comes with that, such as staining and sealing.

Composite decking is also resistant to rot, mould, and insects, making it suitable for outdoor use throughout the year, so ideal for the UK.

Gravel

For a more informal and budget-friendly patio flooring option, consider gravel. Gravel is easy to install and allows for good drainage, making it ideal for areas with heavy rainfall. It can be combined with stepping stones or pavers to create pathways within the patio area. Gravel comes in various sizes and colours, allowing you to customise the look of your outdoor space. Regular maintenance, such as raking and topping up, will keep gravel patios looking neat and tidy.

Timber Decking

Finally, classic timber decking continues to be a popular choice and provides a warm, natural look to a garden. Materials such as oak and teak are among the most durable for this and resistant to weathering, though it does also require regular maintenance.

Softwood decking like pine and cedar is more affordable, but with that you are going to have to treat it regularly and if that’s something you can’t keep up, probably isn’t the best bet, and you’re better opting for one of the above.