Time To Hit The Deck
Stone Floor
Everything about your new home is
perfect: the furniture, the lawn and garden, the different themed rooms, even
the placement of every little trinket and décor is made with attention to the
minutest details. Now everything is taken care of, right? Not quite. Even if
you have spent countless hours poring over every detail, there are still home
improvement projects that beg your attention. Your garden and lawn would be
best viewed from a distance, preferably from a bird’s eye view. Yes, you are
getting the hint – you need a patio.
A patio has a unique set of requirements for its flooring. The following are some likely candidates:
- Natural stone or rock is literally timeless. These flooring materials will outlive everything else. They are hard-wearing and look good paired with any motif. The only drawback is that they require a more substantial patio foundation and laying them out is not exactly a weekend project that you can tackle by yourself.
- Concrete pavers are becoming popular because they are inexpensive and easy to lay down. However, there is a fine line between inexpensive and cheap, so you have to be careful in choosing. Plain concrete is always easier but it could end up looking even cheaper and more plain than the most entry-level concrete paver.
- Wood is what comes to mind when people mention the word, “patio”. The right kind can certainly weather the elements and will definitely last a long while. The key word here is the right kind of wood as many kinds are perfect for some locations while being inappropriate for others. Tropical weather is definitely different from a mild climate so a wood variety that withstands extreme heat is not guaranteed to last in freezing snow. Same goes for moisture and humidity. Teak is a good variety, provided that it got prepared with the appropriate treatment for the local environment. Some basic precautions include keeping the wooden deck from excess moisture, insects, and other natural enemies. Keep it located in places that minimize exposure to said offenders.
- Decking squares give the look and feel of a full-blown patio without the cost or effort. These premade decking materials are fitted together like a jigsaw puzzle and are the easiest to install.
In deciding on the best flooring material, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Your budget, of course.
- The climate and the prevalent weather conditions.
- The overall look of your home should be matched and the deck should complement the existing design theme.
- Resources. If you decide to do it yourself, can you see the project through? It is a common sight to see half-finished do-it-yourself weekend projects. If you decide to have a professional do it, prepare your budget beforehand.
After all these factors are decided, you may want to divert your attention to the actual contents of your patio. Perhaps a strategically-placed area rug can make ordinary tile flooring more inviting. Just make sure that whatever you put in can take the punishment of being exposed to the elements 24/7.
A patio has a unique set of requirements for its flooring. The following are some likely candidates:
- Natural stone or rock is literally timeless. These flooring materials will outlive everything else. They are hard-wearing and look good paired with any motif. The only drawback is that they require a more substantial patio foundation and laying them out is not exactly a weekend project that you can tackle by yourself.
- Concrete pavers are becoming popular because they are inexpensive and easy to lay down. However, there is a fine line between inexpensive and cheap, so you have to be careful in choosing. Plain concrete is always easier but it could end up looking even cheaper and more plain than the most entry-level concrete paver.
- Wood is what comes to mind when people mention the word, “patio”. The right kind can certainly weather the elements and will definitely last a long while. The key word here is the right kind of wood as many kinds are perfect for some locations while being inappropriate for others. Tropical weather is definitely different from a mild climate so a wood variety that withstands extreme heat is not guaranteed to last in freezing snow. Same goes for moisture and humidity. Teak is a good variety, provided that it got prepared with the appropriate treatment for the local environment. Some basic precautions include keeping the wooden deck from excess moisture, insects, and other natural enemies. Keep it located in places that minimize exposure to said offenders.
- Decking squares give the look and feel of a full-blown patio without the cost or effort. These premade decking materials are fitted together like a jigsaw puzzle and are the easiest to install.
In deciding on the best flooring material, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Your budget, of course.
- The climate and the prevalent weather conditions.
- The overall look of your home should be matched and the deck should complement the existing design theme.
- Resources. If you decide to do it yourself, can you see the project through? It is a common sight to see half-finished do-it-yourself weekend projects. If you decide to have a professional do it, prepare your budget beforehand.
After all these factors are decided, you may want to divert your attention to the actual contents of your patio. Perhaps a strategically-placed area rug can make ordinary tile flooring more inviting. Just make sure that whatever you put in can take the punishment of being exposed to the elements 24/7.
