The flooring of your porch is the foundation of the whole area. You will want something that complements the structure of your home, as well as will be resilient and weatherproof. So what is the best flooring for a porch? We researched this topic thoroughly to get the best answer so you can build with confidence!
While there are a variety of options, most homeowners use wood floors for their porch. The most common choices for this purpose are:
- Pressure-Treated Pine
- Reclaimed Redwood or Cypress
- Composite Wood
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the flooring for your porch. Keep reading to find out more!
Options For Your Porch Floor
Many homeowners use wood floors for their porch. There are a variety of natural wood options that will be ideal for the porch. Some may also choose vinyl flooring or concrete. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are also popular options, and they can hold up to a variety of weather conditions.
The best floor would be one that suits the homeowner's taste as well as their budget. Other concerns, such as weatherproofing, would additionally need to be taken into consideration.
A porch is more than an extension of your home. It is an outdoor entertainment area, as well as a peaceful refuge. Some people even use their porches as outdoor dining areas. Other people use it as a place to grow plants, or even as a play area for their young children.
Think about what you'll be using your porch for, and who will be using it. This will be a crucial step in figuring out the right type of floor to use.
What Kind of Wood Do You Use For a Porch Floor?
Before choosing a wood for a porch floor, consider some of these points:
Do you plan on painting the floor, and is the space covered or uncovered?
Another consideration is your locality. In the East and South, pine and fir are locally grown and are an excellent choice for decks. In the West, cedars and redwoods are common deck building materials. Any of these woods are fine if they carry an FSC seal of approval. They are all generally resistant to rot and can withstand elements.
More than 70% of deck builders choose wood for their porch. Just remember that unless it is treated and stained, it will lose its color. Wood is also non-toxic and can help to sequester carbon.
Many wood types are unethically harvested, and the wood is protected. Do your research and be sure that the wood you are using is sustainably harvested. This is one of the reasons composite wood or vinyl is so popular. They can be printed to resemble any type of wood, without the environmental cost. The FSC provides additional information on sustainably-sourced wood.
Pressure-Treated Pine
For an uncovered porch space, pressure-treated pine is a popular option. Tongue and groove planks are best suited for this type of flooring. Pressure-treated southern pine is the top choice for many contractors.
Pressure-treated pine is abundantly available, which makes it one of the top choices. The pressure treating helps the wood last longer, as otherwise, pine is a softer wood. Painting or staining can also help with longevity.
Reclaimed Redwood and Cypress
If you can find reclaimed redwood or cypress building materials, it is a great choice for an outdoor deck. These types of wood have a naturally occurring chemical that is resistant to rot and pests.
There are also ways to source reclaimed hardwoods. These types of building materials would be cost-effective and also environmentally friendly. Supporting sustainable and ethical initiatives is a win-win situation-- you get a beautiful floor, and in part, help to protect forests.
Composite Wood
Composite wood floors are some of the most versatile. With the look of natural wood and the durability of vinyl floors, there is a lot to like about this type of floor.
The maintenance of composite wood could not be any simpler. Simply wash it off with soap and water, and you have a clean, beautiful floor.
Composite wood is resistant to pests, and also will not give you any splinters. For composite wood floors, choose from hollow or solid varieties. While hollow costs less, solid can provide a better performance.
What is the Best Flooring For a 3- Season Porch?
For a three-season porch, look into floor options that are durable. Some of the top choices are concrete, tile, and laminate. Find options that can help keep the room warmer when the temperatures are low.
Concrete overlay is the starting point for many porch refinishing jobs, and can be dyed or stained. You also can put other types of flooring tiles on top of it.
Can Vinyl Plank Flooring Be Installed Outside?
Yes, vinyl plank flooring can be used outdoors. It is 100% waterproof, which makes it ideal for use in areas prone to wetness. However, for pest results, vinyl flooring should be used in outdoor, temperature-controlled environments. Be careful, as temperature change can cause swelling.
There are three methods of installation: glue down, loose lay, or click and lock. Click and lock and loose lay can be removed if necessary. If flooding is not an issue, then a strong waterproof adhesive is recommended.
There are three types of vinyl flooring: sheets, tile flooring, and planks. This type of floor has layers. The base layer is cushioning and fiberglass. On top of that, the next layer has a pattern. This can be made to look like stone, tile, hardwood, or any other kind of material. For special effects, many homeowners will choose planks or tiles.
What Flooring Is Best For An Enclosed Porch?
One popular type is outdoor carpet. This is especially true if it will be used more like an outdoor room. It is a great material to absorb noise, and it is soft.
Another option for outdoor enclosed porches is porcelain tile. This type of tile does not absorb as much water as other types of tile, such as ceramic. Also, porcelain tile is not at risk of shattering in the cold. They are denser than other types of tiles.
Pet-Friendly Outdoor Floor
If you have a pet that will also be enjoying your outdoor porch, then finding the right floor for them is another step.
Many vinyl floors are scratch-resistant and waterproof, which puts them at the top of the list for dog owners. It is stain-resistant and easy to clean.
Tile floors are also another option for pet-friendly floors. They are durable and scratch-resistant. Tile is also a good option for areas that have a lot of traffic.
Rubber tiles may also be another option for pet-friendly outdoor floors. It is slip-resistant and very durable.
How Do You Waterproof a Porch Floor?
Waterproofing your porch floor depends on the type of porch that you have. Some types of flooring, like vinyl or tile, are already waterproof.
There are a few ways to treat wood to help them have a waterproof finish. You can easily complete the project yourself for a way to beautify your wood and help it to last longer.
The first method is to use linseed or tung oil. There are many pre-made mixes available on the market. You can apply the stain to the porch with a paintbrush. After applying it, allow it to sink into the wood. Use a clean cloth to wipe off any residual oil.
Allow the wood to dry after applying the oil. Then, sand it with a fine-grit sandpaper.
Sealants are another way to protect your wood floor from water. They are also long-lasting. Some of the most popular types of sealants are polyurethane sealants, varnish, and lacquer.
For more great porch decor ideas, check out these other posts on Homedecorbliss.com!
Thank you for your suggestion of using carpet as an outdoor flooring material for porches and patios to prevent noise. Every time we schedule outdoor grilling parties for our family, a lot of people end up going and it makes people a little unruly when they walk around the house and get food. To prevent the usual habit of them stomping around and causing noise, I’ll be sure to look for any flooring contractors who can offer this kind of flooring and use it for my outdoor patio areas.