If you are trying to figure out what material to use for the flooring on your alfresco, you have plenty of options. If you need some advice, you can use this flooring guide to help guide you in the right direction.
Many people love to enjoy the outdoors when they dine, relax, and entertain. If you are living in Perth and most other parts of Australia, you know that one of the best parts of living there is enjoying the nice weather in your backyard.
In most modern homes, the alfresco is one of the most important and widely used areas of the home. It is best to have it designed so that it integrates the indoor and outdoor area of the home. At the same time, it should compliment the home’s landscape.
It is important that this area is functional all year long. The floors should be able to withstand the direct sunlight, the strong winds, and still look attractive.This is something you could get from vinyl flooring, however, you do have other options.
Types of Alfresco Flooring
There are some people who use the slab on their alfresco as their flooring, however, there are many homeowners who choose to lay flooring over the slab to give the area more character and even a touch of elegance and luxury. There are a few popular flooring options for the alfresco which include the following:
Natural Stone
Natural stone is one of the best looking flooring options, however, it is also one of the most expensive. Not only does natural stone have a gorgeous appearance, it is very durable. In most cases, it can last as long as your home will and it is virtually maintenance free. If you choose to use natural stone, you have a couple of options to choose from including irregular shapes to create a unique mosaic effect. You can also go with straight cut stones if you are going for a more uniformed look.
Concrete
Concrete has come a long way over the years. It is possible to give concrete the look of natural stone for a much lower cost than actual stone. Concrete is very durable, however, it tends to crack easier than stone. Fortunately, if it does crack, it is very inexpensive to replace. Finally, concrete is maintenance free.
Wood
In Western Australia, one of the most popular floor options for an alfresco is wood decking. Wood is less expensive than most flooring options, however, it requires a lot of maintenance. The wood decking would need to be cleaned regularly and refinished and resealed every couple years. If the ground where the alfresco will be placed is uneven, wood is a great option. This is because the wood deck can be built above the ground.
Tile
Like concrete, tile has come a long way over the years and it is a very popular flooring option in Perth homes. One of the biggest benefits of tile floors is that they come in plenty of colours and effects, making it easy to find the right tile to fit in with the style of your home. When choosing the tile, you will need to find something that is slip-resistant. You will also need to choose a tile that is able to withstand the extreme temperatures outdoors without cracking. Finally, it is a great option in high-traffic areas.
Brick
If you are looking for an inexpensive option for your alfresco floor, brick is a great choice. Not only is brick cheap, it is extremely durable and resilient. Depending on the look that you are aiming for, brick could work perfectly because it can create a clean cut look.