How to Choose Which Material is Right for your Outdoor Space
We know the amount of information, material and decisions that go into creating a custom deck can feel a bit overwhelming. Starting right off with “what material is the best fit for my space and lifestyle”? StoneDeks has endless decking solutions and the kind of material to choose is just the tip of the iceberg. Before you go down a google rabbit-hole about flagstone vs. travertine, let us break it down for you!
The first thing you need to consider is what area you’re putting the decking in or around.
For instance, if you have a pool, porcelain can be your best friend.
Not only is porcelain non-porous so it won’t absorb moisture, it’s slip-resistant as well! We’ve all been told to “slow down” by the pool a time or two, and this material can help alleviate those slip-fueled worries. It’s not a winner in every category, porcelain can get hot, can easily break during installation and will require specific tools for installation. In conclusion though, porcelain is tough, aesthetically beautiful and won’t fade in sunlight, making it one great choice for the poolside!
Another noteworthy competitor for poolside is outdoor travertine pavers. Travertine is a natural stone, heat-resistant and slip-resistant! If you live in an area where temperatures are hitting above 85 degrees, these stones have your back. Travertine is porous in nature, being the one drawback for installing poolside, however sealing every 3-5 years is a way to save the durability and look of your pavers. All in all, it’s a thick, beautiful, comfortable stone!
Flagstone pavers are the most common and hearty poolside decking option for those living in northern, cooler climates. Flagstone is the northern region’s highest quality stone and has a longer life-span because it’s less porous, making it ideal for cold winters. On the opposite side of things, they are very heavy stones and can be labor intensive to install. Overall, the durability and long life that flagstone has more than pays for itself, and no two flagstone decks look the same thanks to it’s naturally occurring patterns!
Concrete pavers boast the most options. Unlike other decking materials, concrete can be shaped and designed to look like just about anything you can dream up! These pavers are also extremely durable, lasting through the toughest conditions from weather, heavy foot traffic or even insect damage. It’s also the least expensive to maintain, hosing it down on occasion is about as far as you need to go. Concrete, however, can be slippery when wet and crack even if intentional breaks are made during installation. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a low-maintenance option, or a seasoned pro looking to customize your space on a budget, concrete is your answer!
Brick pavers are classy, permanent in color, environmentally friendly and easy to install! Brick is also a low porous material, making the maintenance on these little to nothing. Bricks come in a wide variety of color and shade options to match your home, they’re far less expensive than most other decking options and they are a 100% recyclable material! A few things to keep in mind is that you need to start with a level base, will need to buy extra bricks to eventually replace any broken ones down the line and that hiring a pro to build is always a good idea!
In summation, talking to a StoneDeks professional about your specific space, wants and needs in a deck can prove to be the best bet. Not only will you get trusted expertise, you’ll get the right material, setting you up to enjoy your deck for years to come!
