Cons Of Outdoor Court Flooring
- Not fall height rated: Our court tiles are great for playing sports, but they dont absorb impact from falls. If you need flooring to install under playground equipment, consider rubber mulch or playground tiles.
Roof tiles protect rooftops from loud walking, punctures, and temperature transfer, which is perfect if you have a lot of people walking on them. Rooftop flooring can withstand moisture, UV radiation, and high traffic.
Which Is Better Concrete Or Pavers For A Patio
In terms of durability and looks, concrete pavers are your best option. Although the upfront cost of poured concrete is cheaper than pavers, youll get more value out of pavers. Its easy to replace individual pavers if they get damaged.
Concrete pavers are also better for high-traffic areas because they can handle more pressure per square inch than concrete. If you have heavy outdoor furniture, concrete pavers are the way to go.
So Can You Use Vinyl On Your Patio
The short answer is NO however, if multiple caveats are in place, then the use of vinyl flooring has a little better chance of survival. Your outdoor patio will ideally:
These points are not in any way meant to detract from the many benefits of vinyl flooring. However, the pure design of a traditional outdoor patio does not support this flooring option as being a practical one. Therefore, even if you met the caveats above, you might still be at risk of significantly reducing the product life of your vinyl flooring.
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Can You Put Vinyl Flooring Outdoors Yes
Vinyl is an outdoor flooring option. However: if you want your outdoor vinyl flooring to last more than a few months to a year, there are a few things you should consider first.
Most importantly, outdoor vinyl flooring can be divided into two categories:
- Vinyl specifically designed for the outdoors
- Vinyl that can survive in protected outdoor rooms
Maintaining Outdoor Decking Is As Easy As Getting Started
All outdoor patio tiles are suitable for hard, even surfaces, like concrete, stone and wood. While ALTAPPAN deck tiles are 100% cushioning plastic, all of the other available patio tiles are protected with comfy bottoms made with recycled plastic.
Cleaning all outdoor decking tile options is as easy as applying a mild, soapy solution and wiping dry with a dry cloth. For RUNNEN artificial grass decking, use a stiff broom or a vacuum cleaner when the decking is dry. Use our helpful guide to help you find just how much outdoor flooring you need for your space.
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Your Local Flooring Stores Offer The Best Value On Outdoor Flooring
Nevertheless, if outdoor vinyl still makes sense for your needs, wed recommend going straight to the source and finding a flooring store near you. Local retailers almost always offer a better value than the big box stores and can help you find the right outdoor vinyl for you!
Or if youre still looking for inspiration, check out our other articles below. And either way, good luck with your outdoor vinyl flooring journey!
Reasons To Go With Vinyl Flooring For Your Outdoor Space
There was a time when wood and stone were the only flooring options available for patios and decks. But today, many other flooring materials have found their way outdoors. One of the flooring options that offer great value to your exterior area is vinyl flooring.
Lets explore why vinyl flooring is one of the most sought-after choice for outdoor areas.
Vinyl decking is very tough and durable. It is stain and scratch resistant and can withstand mildew, mold, and insect related damage. If you install vinyl flooring for your outdoor spaces, then it will last for many years.
- Low Maintenance
Vinyl flooring lets you enjoy your patio time as maintenance is easy. It doesnt require scrubbing, sanding or staining, and it gives your patio a tidy look. A quick periodic cleaning is all thats needed for maintaining the floor.
Vinyl offers both a traditional wooden look and the sturdiness of a manmade material. Wooden floors on the other hand, are usually expensive and not suitable for every climate. With vinyl floors, you can have a patio or deck floor that resembles the wood grain without compromising on versatility.
- Easy Installation
Installing vinyl for patio or deck flooring is simple. No extra preparation or removal of existing deck structure is required. Just clean, dry and level the floor and place the planks according to the shape and size of the area.
- Range of Colours
- Water Resistance
- Easy Installation
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Few Other Floors Offer As Many Styles And Designs As Vinyl Does
Outdoor vinyl flooring, and really all vinyl flooring for that matter, can be made to look like anything. Whether you want interesting wood floor patterns or unusual wood floor colors, or something entirely unique, someone makes it.
You can even find atypical wood floor designs that look like wide plank wood flooring. So: the options are basically limitless.
The only other materials that might offer a similar catalog are the many different types of tile that exist .
Can You Put Vinyl Flooring On An Outside Deck
When talking about a deck, it should be noted that a deck is not a patio. A patio typically is at ground level and made of concrete, brick, stone, gravel, or pavers, while a deck is raised, usually made of wood or concrete, and often attached to or abutting a structure. Additionally, patios seldom need a railing, but decks above a certain elevation do.
Vinyl is durable, cost-effective, hardy, visually appealing, and easy to clean flooring that can be used on an outside deck. Many products have a UV protective coating to decrease fading and discoloration, plus a strong protective layer that protects against scratches by pets, toys, and furniture.
Vinyl is also water-resistant, so it will help to decrease damage to wooden subfloor strata too. However, moisture should be mopped or wiped off and not allowed to pool on the vinyl as it can cause algae stains.
Most vinyl flooring is waterproof and warrantied to withstand moderate temperature fluctuations between 40°F and 80°F in climate-controlled or interior locations. Unfortunately, few types of vinyl flooring are temperature proof and can stand up to harsh temperature extremes and exposure to moisture, humidity, direct sunlight, heavy furniture, and high traffic.
Prolonged exposure to these conditions can cause the flooring to fade, crack, swell, separate, bubble, and otherwise reduce the floorings lifespan. It can also lead to mold, mildew, and rot in the subflooring.
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The Problem With Vinyl Flooring
We talked about the pros and cons of this material in our vinyl flooring guide, and while the positives outweigh the negatives, one thing stands out. Vinyl flooring is susceptible to fading from sunlight, which is hard to impossible to avoid in many outdoor areas.
Prolonged exposure can cause even the best vinyl flooring to fade over time, regardless of the wear layer or guarantee. The warranty on vinyl flooring is for indoor installations, not patios. Using it outdoors can void that warranty, and extreme temperature can cause issues as well. In other words, there are better options for patios, although you can use LVP and LVT outdoors if you keep a few things in mind.
How To Use Vinyl Flooring Outdoors
To successfully install vinyl flooring tiles and use vinyl flooring on your patio or porch, ensure to clean the surface first to remove dirt and debris, as these will limit the adhesion of the vinyl tiles to the surface.
Whether the subfloor on which youll be laying the tiles is a concrete or wooden surface, proper cleaning with a power washer will be necessary for proper sticking. Failure to ensure proper adhesion will most likely lead to wrinkling of the vinyl tiles down the line.
Moving on, when considering vinyl flooring for outdoor spaces, youll want to ensure that the area is somewhat secure from the extreme changes in outdoor temperatures. This is because extreme temperatures trigger welling and cracking in this type of flooring.
As such, wed recommend installing side-screening on your porch or roofing on your patio to convert it to a pergola prior to the installation of vinyl flooring. Such enclosed spaces are usually less exposed to temperature changes and sunlight, and your vinyl flooring will be less likely to be damaged from exposure to the elements.
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Artificial Grass Deck Tiles
Artificial grass tiles are the perfect solution for homeowners who might not have yard space but crave that yard-like experience.
They interlock together quickly and are self-draining a plus for rainy days. Additionally, they fit together with our Helios Composite Deck Tiles so that you can have a seamless transition between decking and artificial grass.
Pros of Artificial Grass Deck Tiles
- Green year-round: You can achieve a lush, green paradise year-round with artificial grass tiles.
- Self-draining: A self-draining system means no standing water after a big rainstorm. This also keeps the surface from getting too slippery.
- DIY Installation: Interlock the tiles together like pieces of a giant puzzle no need for adhesives or tools.
- Long-term cost: As you save on watering and maintenance, these tiles will pay for themselves.
- Pest-free: Bugs arent as attracted to artificial material as natural grass. Plus, allergens associated with grass are eliminated.
Cons of Artificial Grass Deck Tiles
- Upfront cost: Over time, artificial grass will pay for itself, but that initial cost will be more than natural grass. Consider these tiles an investment for a brighter, more easily maintained deck in the future.
Typical Flooring For Outside Patios
I noted earlier in American suburbia that homeowners usually pave their patio floors. Typically, patios come paved with concrete, bricks, tile, or some version thereof.
A patio sits upon a concrete slab or a sand and pebble base. Depending on the material, a patio will not require the same level of attention as a deck or porch. However, regular cleaning is critical, and some repairs may be necessary further down the road.
However, peoples satisfaction with the durability and versatility of vinyl has lent to an increasing demand to move this popular flooring option to the outdoors.
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What Is Vinyl Buckling And What Causes It
Your vinyl flooring can start buckling when exposed to extreme temperatures. The material expands slightly as the flooring becomes warm, which causes the floor to buckle. Also, during the cold weather, the floor can contract and leave gaps between the flooring.
You may experience buckling on areas exposed to direct sunlight, which could be near big windows or along with sliding glass doors. If the plank is glue-down or self-stick, too much heat can release the bond of the glue, making the tiles shift out of place. The buckling mostly happens with vinyl flooring that contains a fiberglass inner layer. Luxury vinyl materials undergo less buckling.
Another reason why you may be dealing with buckling is when moisture or water starts to seep up under the flooring. That weakens the adhesive, resulting in buckling. However, quality material is less likely to buckle because of moisture. Also, using a waterproof vinyl flooring in your kitchen or bathroom also prevents moisture from seeping inside the floor.
Vinyl flooring expands and contracts in the heat and cold naturally. Installing flush with the wall means theres no room for growth in the hot seasons. That could make the loose-lay floor buckle.
Dragging objects over loose lay vinyl flooring can also result in buckling. This type of flooring is simple and affordable compared to the glue-down installation. Heavy furniture and other items, when dragged across the floor, can damage the floor, leading to buckling.
Sheet Vinyl Vs Luxury Vinyl Plank
You might remember your parents or grandparents having floral print floors in their kitchens and bathroomstheres a good chance those floors were sheet vinyl and theyre still sold today .
LVP or LVT is a big upgrade over sheet vinyl. Its hardier, longer-lasting, and mimics stone and wood floors exceptionally welland yet, its still cheaper than real hardwood.
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Outdoor Vinyl Flooring Options For Decks
Stones and woods were used as the only flooring materials of the patio and deck for a long time. But now, many alternative materials have been discovered for indoor and outdoor flooring and among them, vinyl flooring is one of the most popular ones, especially, outdoor vinyl flooring options for decks and patios have become great choices for their uniqueness.
People love vinyl flooring materials because of their versatility, durability, and stylish look. Also, some of the vinyl flooring is water-resistant and lasts for years.
Here I will discuss the different vinyl flooring options that can be used in your outdoors.
Contents
Can You Use Vinyl Flooring For Outdoor Patio
I am excited to know that you are in the market for designing an outdoor patio. Your finished product will indeed become a special place in your home where you are sure to make so many wonderful family memories.
So, are you ready to choose a flooring surface for your outdoor patio? Vinyl is a beautiful flooring choice aesthetically and quite popular due to its durability and versatility. But is it suitable for your outdoor patio?
Because of its low-to-the-ground structure, we will find out that vinyl flooring may not be the most suitable option for your outdoor patio .
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Vinyl Flooring Isnt Particularly Eco
If you want eco-friendly flooring there are better options than vinyl .
But even if you buy low-VOC flooring , there are still environmental concerns. Some vinyl brands, like Proximity Mills, make products that are at least partially recyclable and/or made with sustainability in mindbut theyre not the norm.
A Varied Range Of Outdoor Tiles
Outdoor spaces can be wonderful to spend time in with friends and family, but you need the right patio tile products to make these spaces look their best. Outdoor patio tile floors also need to be strong and sturdy to stand up to the elements and changing temperatures throughout the year.
All of our outdoor floor tile products are made to the highest standards with the best materials, including natural stone, porcelain, and glass. Buyers can also choose from many different colors and patterns, including matte black patio floor tile and decorative patterned outdoor stone tile.
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Climate And Temperature: Outdoor Vinyl Flooring May Still Be Sensitive To Environmental Changes
Outdoor vinyl flooring can be sensitive to rapid changes in temperature, humidity, and so on.
Now, the best vinyl plank flooring brands are likely to be protected against sharp, frequent changes. However, the more stable your environment the longer your vinyl is likely to last.
Even if you get designated outdoor vinyl, you still need to read the manufacturers recommendations. All flooring products have different needs and caveats.
Cons Of Artificial Grass
- Upfront cost: Although it is less expensive over time, you need to be able to spring for the initial cost of material and installation.
- Heat: Artificial grass retains heat. For hotter seasons, we suggest pairing your artificial grass with Hydrochill infill, which can keep the surface 30-50 degrees cooler.
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Best Outdoor Flooring Material For Snow
Porcelain or slate pavers stand up well to cold temperatures. Concrete and brick flooring are more porous which can lead to cracks over time. But quality concrete and brick pavers are a safe option as well. Check out the manufacturers instructions to confirm that your outdoor material is safe in cold climates.
But Most Vinyl Will Only Last If Certain Conditions Are Met
Some of the best vinyl plank flooring brands make products that really can go anywhere. While they may not be designed for outdoor use, they will still survive outside, especially in more temperate climates .
Products that arent explicitly meant for outdoor use are better used in enclosed outdoor spaces . These areas offer just enough protection from the elements that your outdoor vinyl flooring can still thrive.
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So Can I Use Vinyl Flooring Outdoors
Vinyl flooring is popular due to its affordability and easy installation, but it is not the best option for outdoor use. If you are looking for affordable options that will stand up to all weather conditions without buckling or becoming damaged by sunlight, there are many other materials available like wood effect outdoor tiles or concrete that would work much better outside in a garden space.
How To Install Vinyl Plank Flooring Outside
Installing vinyl plank flooring outside on a deck, patio, porch, stoop, or veranda involves several extra steps or differences from an indoor installation. Most LVP flooring comes in 36 or 48 lengths with seams that may interlock, click-lock, snap-lock, T& G, or lap.
They may be designed to float on the subfloor or an underlayment, be peel-and-stick, or rely on friction to stay in place. Select a plank without an attached underlayment or one with synthetic or rubber backing that wont be damaged by moisture.
It should be noted too that vinyl flooring is designed for indoor use, so using it outside will likely void the warranty. If installing on concrete, make sure the surface is smooth and any chips, nicks, or cracks are filled and level, and it is clean and free of any debris.
If laying the planks on a wooden subfloor, all screw or nail heads need to be flush, plus any seams and holes need to be filled and level. Any unevenness will transfer through the vinyl and leave lumps, bumps, and depressions in the planks.
The first difference when using vinyl planks outdoors is that all their end seams be staggered. Once the first row is placed, make sure each successive rows end seams are 2 to 3 beyond the end seam in the previous row. This will create a luxurious staggered or step pattern that is strong and durable.
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