Outdoor Stone Tile Floors
Welcome to the world of Outdoor Flooring excellence, brought to you by South Florida’s trusted flooring experts, East Coast Flooring & Interiors. Since our humble beginnings in 1985, under the visionary leadership of founder Robert Higgins, we have continually aimed to be the foremost authority in the flooring industry, including the realm of outdoor flooring solutions. Our commitment to offering the finest selection, nurturing a team of highly knowledgeable experts, delivering unmatched service, and earning the unwavering loyalty of our valued customers has fueled our growth over the years. Today, as the third and fourth generations of the Higgins family actively contribute to our legacy, our dedication to excellence in outdoor flooring remains steadfast.
Types of Outdoor Flooring
When it comes to outdoor flooring, stone and tile floors can complete the look and feel you want for pool decks, patios, lanais, and porches, just to name a few of the possibilities.
FLAGSTONE
Flagstone floors use stones of different sizes and even shapes to create an incredibly natural look. The irregular sizes and shapes signal to people that this is an informal area. It’s designed for fun.
Flagstone is one of the most durable outdoor floor choices. It can take direct strikes and repeated foot traffic with minimal risk of showing wear. It’s best used in shady, dry areas since the stone can heat up or get slippery. It’s good for garden paths, but consider other options for pool decks.
MARBLE
Marble is beautiful and has a classic look. It conveys a sense of refinement and history. The natural veins and patterns in it make it look bold and unpredictable. It can be made very reflective to show off certain design elements or amplify your outdoor lighting.
Outdoor marble should use a protective coat to help it resist water absorption. It does require regular upkeep, but this is fairly simple. Marble gives you a sense of escape to another place and time. It can be used anywhere outside, but is visually suited to cover a wide area.
LIMESTONE
Limestone has a more raw and natural look. Limestone pavers are smoothed. They make an area look slightly Western, open, outdoorsy. They can even have a unique chalky, pastel appearance in the sunlight.
Alternately, limestone can be left with some of its rough texture intact. This evokes a very natural sense of living and communicates a tone that balances rustic and refined. Like marble it requires a protective coating to repel water.
TRAVERTINE
Travertine is a natural stone that comes from hot springs and limestone caves. It’s a type of limestone that’s undergone even more heat and pressure. It has unique visual qualities that might make you compare it to the bark of a tree.
Travertine is exceptionally unique and comes in a wide range of finishes. Everything from gloss to matte, and even brushed brings out different qualities in its deep textures. It’s a type of stone that can be difficult to find the right place for, but if you do it can enliven that area with an utterly unparalleled look.
SLATE
Slate gets used more indoors, but it should be considered more often for outdoor floors. It’s waterproof and has a deep color. Slate floors are visually engrossing and draws your eyes in. It’s also incredibly versatile. It fits just about any area.
Slate is also strong and waterproof. Keep in mind slate is used in the roofs of many historical homes – and those roofs still stand centuries later. Despite its dark look, slate stays very cool to the touch.
GRANITE
This is the strongest natural material for outdoor floors. Granite isn’t just durable, it’s also resistant to wear from the weather. It has a finer visual texture than other stone; its details are appreciated the closer you look. It retains that look for ages without having to worry about fading.
Granite gives you strength and the highest resistance to wind, rain, even scratching.
Get a FREE estimate on the installation of your outdoor flooring by calling 954-626-8053 today!
PORCELAIN TILE INSTALLERS
Porcelain tile performs in all weather conditions except the freezing cold, and it’s very easy to maintain. Porcelain has become an incredibly strong and durable material. It’s essentially a dense form of ceramic – making it more water resistant.
Matte tiles without a glossy surface are slip resistant. Porcelain can get hot, so choose a lighter colored tile for outdoor floors in the sunlight.
CERAMIC TILE
Ceramic is similar to porcelain and shares many of the same strengths. The benefit of porcelain and ceramic rests in the sheer range of looks you can design. You can even achieve a wood look with ceramic.
Outdoor Tile flooring gives you a limitless range of flexibility when it comes to the design of your dreams. Ceramics can look like anything, and best of all this can all be achieved while remaining relatively affordable.
QUARRY TILE
Quarry tile is an impervious tile that’s made from ground minerals. They’re harder than bricks because of the materials used in them. They’re also very water resistant and don’t even require a glaze layer.
Quarry tile comes in multiple colors and is thicker than ceramic. It’s an exceptional choice if you’re looking for deep earthy colors – reds, grays, browns. This makes them a good choice for fire pits and BBQ areas – where these colors help accentuate the purpose of that outdoor space.
MOSAICS
Mosaics are made from incredibly small tiles. They can incorporate stones, smooth glass, and other features. Their design is precise, and they can make an outdoor area sing.
Mosaics can create patterns or images as you like. They can turn outdoor flooring into works of art. Repeating mosaic patterns can introduce elements of a wide range of cultures, making an outdoor space into a truly unique escape.
East Coast Flooring & Interiors’ exterior stone and tile flooring installations are fixed with mortar, not sand-set. Outdoor stone and tile installers choose between these two approaches. Mortar means replacing an individual tile takes a bit more work, but the entire floor will last much longer without needing replacement. Since stone and tile are so durable, this is the better, stronger option for having an outdoor floor that lasts and maintains its look for a long time to come.
For the best outdoor flooring solutions, contact the experts. East Coast Flooring & Interiors is here to ensure your project is a success – now and years from now!
What are the best materials for outdoor flooring in Florida?
In Florida, where the climate is humid and often sunny, materials like concrete, natural stone, and composite decking are excellent choices for outdoor flooring. These materials withstand the heat and humidity well. Porcelain tiles are also a good option, especially in shaded areas, as they resist fading and are easy to clean.
How do I maintain outdoor flooring in Florida?
To maintain outdoor flooring in Florida, regular sweeping to remove sand and debris is essential. Given the humidity, it’s also important to wash the surfaces regularly to prevent mold and mildew, especially on more absorbent materials like wood.
What is the cost of installing outdoor flooring in Florida?
The cost of installing outdoor flooring in Florida can vary. Generally, materials like concrete and composite decking are cost-effective, while natural stone tends to be more expensive. Labor costs in Florida can also influence the overall installation price.
Are there any eco-friendly outdoor flooring options suitable for Florida?
Yes, there are eco-friendly outdoor flooring options suitable for Florida, such as recycled composite decking and reclaimed wood. These materials are not only environmentally friendly but also durable enough to withstand Florida’s climate.
Can outdoor flooring be installed over existing surfaces in Florida?
In Florida, outdoor flooring can often be installed over existing surfaces. This is especially true for deck tiles or floating wood tiles, which can be placed over old patios or decks. The key is ensuring the base surface is stable and even to prevent any future issues.
What are the pros and cons of different outdoor flooring materials in Florida?
In Florida’s climate, each material has its unique advantages and challenges. Concrete is heat-resistant and durable but can feel hard and hot underfoot. Natural stone resists heat well but may require more maintenance to prevent weathering. Composite decking is low maintenance and resists mold and mildew, but it might not feel as natural as wood. Porcelain tiles are excellent in shaded areas and easy to maintain, but can be slippery when wet and may crack in extreme temperature fluctuations.
