Flooring options for terraces

There are multiple choices available for you to pick your best option. Read along to know more. Tiles Easy to maintain and available in abundance of variety, tiles are one of the most sought after options for flooring on terraces. They are resistant to the weather and clean easy. Be it sun, rain or mist, tiles are sure to go a long way. Another plus of this versatile option is the play on colours, design and texture. Tiles can bring out various personalities in the space and are one of the easiest ways to customize your terrace with a colour palette of your choice. Bring in the Mediterranean vibe or bright geometric designs with play of tiles in the space and transform it to suit your style. Various tiles made of porcelain, natural stone, cement or terracotta have a unique character which uplifts a terrace floor in its own charm. Stones Creating a natural rustic ambience in its raw-like state or carved out beautifully with more exotic options, stones are known to stand the test of time and weather all conditions on the outdoors. Therefore, being a favourite among those who work towards transforming your space. Natural flat stone in light shades brings a rustic charm to the space. Suitable for all weather conditions, it also blends well with outdoor furniture, bright and dark. Marble tiles, slabs and blocks include the possibility of a variety of finishes and make for a rich, long-lasting choice for outdoor spaces like a patio, sidewalk or terrace. A slate flooring is naturally gray in colour that blends with neutral tones of a space. This stone option is non-porus and naturally resistant to water, fire, stains and slips. Easy to maintain and clean, it fits perfectly as a terrace flooring option. Other exotic and man-made stones are created to suit the settings of your space, fit perfectly and bring personality to your terrace. Gravel For those taking the rustic route, there is no other option as earthy as gravel for terrace flooring. Fits well in the setting of a terrace garden with light furniture, but requires proper drainage to reduce damage while cleaning or during monsoon. This flooring can be carved out in beautiful shapes and styles to make the flooring look beautiful. With multiple finishes and accompanied stones, gravel floors make for a charming option in terrace flooring. Wood A very popular material while create indoors or outdoor spaces, wood in its various shapes, colours and textures makes for a warm and classy outdoor flooring option. While its beauty is undeniable, this flooring option requires proper treatment with oils and waxes to protect it from the harsh sun and monsoon. Terraces can be created in a stylish look using textured wooden slabs or compact wooden tiles. The final look is warm lounge-like and pleasing to the eyes that blends seamlessly in every setup and can be uplifted further by addition of colour through furniture, furnishings and lighting. Clay Those who love their terrace settings closer to their roots, clay is the perfect option for them. It has an earthy orange-brown colour unique to its character that brings depth to the flooring of your terrace. Modern day clay flooring comes in various carvings and a variety of designs to suit the style of the those choosing it. Native to Indian vibes, it is unique in its look. The maintenance of this flooring is easy. It weathers the tropical conditions and has a long durability. Concrete Concrete has a rough, rustic and industry like finish to it. It is highly durable as a terrace floor and weathers through harsh conditions of sun and rain. Its maintenance includes regular cleaning. However, those who aren’t fans of the raw finishing it has but require this durability can get more lucrative finishes to concrete flooring. Most furniture options pair well with this flooring on terraces. It can be complimented with delicate wooden chairs and planters to complete the look of the terrace. “The biggest worry in Indian micro-communities aka housing societies and large families who have an ambition and will to develop their terraces is maintaining it. For those with such concerns should avoid natural or artificial turfs. Using natural stone or clay flooring after correcting structural and leakage issues can help create great ambience to flow with indigenous, potted plants. They should make sure that the entry to the terrace and all frequented pathways have anti-slip flooring in any form. Floors in sit-out areas could be made with engineered wood planks which are low maintenance and go great with any stone or greens. Use of pebbles, gravel, loose stones can help one give the feeling of the space being organic, light & soft. To keep the ambience light & cosy its best to have some light fixtures strategically placed at lower levels to blanket certain flooring type or upplight planters” says Ankit Savla, partner at ASA – Architecture & Interior Design Artificial Turf Most apartments lack large open spaces and greenery. Artificial green turns mimic grass minus the maintenance, mud and watering. They are made of synthetic fibres that create a grass like floor appearance giving your terrace a garden look. It can be cleaned and replaced with ease. Most furniture compliments to this flooring, making the terrace look vibrant and welcoming. Combination of materials Why choose one when there is an option to include many. Terraces define personalities. It is an extension to your home and it can be made beautifully. Multiple combinations of floorings can come together bring out a perfect look for your terrace. From concrete being paired with wood and tiles, to gravel and stone making a play on the floor, the options are endless. “With respect to culling flooring options for any terrace, we should not forget about nature, planters, green walls, etc. Furthermore, depending on this, one should desire utilizing raw tiles or stone culminates in the floor. It gives an authentic feel to the outdoor space. Some people can withal endeavor putting wooden patterns in the floor as we have many options in that as well, for instance, wooden flooring, deck woods or vitrified tiles with wooden or stone prints” says Paristosh Bajaj, principal architect at Studio SabhSai.