What is the cheapest material to use for a patio?

The cheapest material you can use for your patio is concrete. It’s simple and relatively fast to install. Once cured, it’s durable against the harsh weather and whatever activities you plan to do on your patio.

What do you put down on a patio floor?

While many people leave their concrete patio bare, this isn’t very welcoming or interesting. You could build a wood platform over the concrete and turn your patio into a deck look. Or you can lay a large area rug or place carpet squares over the concrete for a living room feel. Interlocking tiles can give you a safe, non-slip surface that’s perfect for increased safety.

Can I use laminate flooring outside?

It is not smart to use laminate flooring to cover your patio. Laminate is not intended for outdoor use. While some “weather resistant” laminates are on the market, they aren’t as durable as other materials and are typically meant for use in outdoor yet protected areas. When exposed to excess moisture, laminate tends to warp and separate.

11 Patio Flooring Ideas to Style Your Home's Outdoor

”Spending time outdoors makes you feel great.” – Elizabeth Hurley

What does your backyard look like? If you have a dull and bland-looking outdoor patio, then you are overdue for a glow-up. The best way to approach it is from the floor up. Once you have your patio flooring handled, you can decide how you want to use the space. Start by comparing different patio design ideas to find the one that will look best on your patio. Perhaps your patio could benefit from tiles, wood flooring, or a fresh coat of paint. Consider the look and feel of your home’s exterior architecture and what will complement it best.

Which one of these patio floor ideas will improve the floor of your patio?

1. Red Bricks

Brick pavers are a perfect patio floor for your outdoor kitchen. A brick or paver patio is durable and easy to clean should you drop food or grease. If you have a traditional home, then a brick patio will add to the look. A natural stone patio will create a more rustic look that’s perfect for blending in with the countryside. For a contemporary look, flagstone is a perfect option.

Patio with a round inflatable hot tub, gazebo, and dining set on a red brick floor, nestled beside the house and lawn — Source: @jjbrickpavers via Instagram

Outdoor patio with tables and chairs on a red brick floor, surrounded by trees and wooden fences in the background — Source: @knapsteindesign via Instagram

Red brick patio floor with herringbone pattern, flanked by wooden steps and recycling bins, next to a brick house and gravel area — Source: @kylejbauer via Instagram

A red brick patio floor with wooden chairs and fire pits, surrounded by lush greenery and trees, leads to a garden in the background — Source: @mciandella via Instagram

Red brick floor patio with circular plant beds, bordered by a white house and wooden fence, surrounded by lush greenery — Source: @sweetbriargardens via Instagram

Red patio floor with two white chairs and a bench around a cozy fire pit, overlooking a green lawn and trees in the background — Source: @brianlikestolift via Instagram

Wooden patio furniture set with a table and chairs on a red brick floor, surrounded by lush green grass and plants — Source: @blakeandsons_design via Instagram

Red brick and stone patio with garden beds, vibrant foliage, tree, wooden fence, and house with large windows in the background — Source: @milieulandscape via Instagram

Covered patio with cushioned chairs and a table on a smooth floor, overlooking a grassy yard and pond, with houses in the background — Source: @a_tribe_called_chris_81 via Instagram

The biggest choice you’ll have to make with your brick patio is how you’ll lay the bricks. You could lay them in straight lines. This could create an optical illusion in your favor that the patio is wider or longer than it really is. An interlocking design like a herringbone pattern can add visual interest to your patio.

2. Carpet

Cover your patio or porch floor with outdoor carpet and give your patio a living room feel. These modern carpets look beautiful and are durable enough to stay looking beautiful. Skip the carpet tiles and opt for a single large carpet for an elegant look and feel. You also won’t have to struggle with carpet tile corners lifting or the adhesive giving way when exposed to moisture, extreme heat, or cold.

Covered outdoor patio with wooden furniture, black cushions, a fire pit table, floor dartboard with carpet on it, and ceiling fan creating a cozy vibe — Source: @and_marquis via Instagram

Outdoor patio with two wicker chairs, cushions, a small table, potted plants, and a patterned rug on the stone floor. — Source: @hattieintheattic via Instagram

Charming outdoor patio with a white and blue dining table sitting on a carpet, four white chairs, and a gas grill on a stone floor, surrounded by lush greenery — Source: @thethriftyteacherlady via Instagram

A spacious outdoor patio with wicker furniture, cushy seats, a glass-top table on a patterned rug, surrounded by trees and lush greenery — Source: @couristan via Instagram

Cozy floor patio with a dark gray sectional, patterned pillows, geometric rug, and potted plants. String lights hang above — Source: @haycocreative via Instagram

A small dog lounges on a patterned rug, surrounded by outdoor furniture and a porch swing, with a green lawn stretching across the patio — Source: @levibuilds via Instagram

Charming outdoor patio with light wooden furniture, a blue rug on the floor, striped umbrella, and cushions; a fence and lush greenery in the background — Source: @theprettylittlehome via Instagram

Outdoor patio with a beige sectional sofa, throw pillows, patterned rug and fall decor. String lights hang overhead. — Source: @west_and_co via Instagram

While you could cover your entire patio in carpet, you don’t have to. Covering the entire patio will mimic the look of the interior carpet. However, leaving the patio bare around the perimeter will create an area rug feel. This will be easier to keep clean, create more defined space, and be more affordable.

3. Concrete

The majority of patios have a concrete floor. This is because it’s easy to extend the home’s concrete slab out beyond the house’s exterior. It’s also easy to add concrete flooring should you not already have a patio built onto your home.

Backyard of a house with gray siding, expansive concrete patio floor, sliding glass door, and several windows under an overcast sky

A cozy backyard patio with string lights, a dining set, and a grill on a sleek concrete floor adorned by a blue rug — Source: @itshoneydone via Instagram

Outdoor patio with a stone fire pit, surrounded by chairs draped with blankets, pumpkins and lanterns decorate the space on the concrete flooring — Source: @west_and_co via Instagram

While poured concrete is the most affordable, it isn’t your only option. Concrete pavers can give your patio a modern feel. Innovative concrete patio ideas lean towards using large square or rectangle pavers. Space them apart slightly and grow moss or use artificial turf between the pavers. This adds texture and greenery to what would be a plain concrete patio.

4. Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers offer a blend of durability and aesthetic appeal, making them an ideal choice for patio flooring. Their versatility allows for a variety of designs, from sleek, modern looks to more traditional patterns. The key is in the installation; a well-laid concrete paver patio can resist weathering and heavy traffic.

A modern backyard patio with stone tile flooring, cozy seating, lush plants, and a brick wall divider; suburban houses peek in the background — Source: @mymodernwarmth via Instagram

Backyard featuring a stone fire pit, lounge chairs, and a red umbrella on the patio with concrete pavers, with a white house and green grass beyond — Source: @royalstonemasonry87 via Instagram

Cozy concrete paver patio with outdoor seating, autumn decorations, and pumpkins on the floor beside a modern fire pit nestled between two houses — Source: @simplyheatherz via Instagram

Maintenance is straightforward, usually involving regular cleaning and occasional sealing. Plus, with the ability to mimic more expensive materials like stone, concrete pavers provide a cost-effective solution that doesn’t sacrifice style.

5. Stone Pavers

Stone pavers bring a touch of natural elegance to any patio. Each piece’s unique texture and color variations create a rich, organic look that’s hard to replicate. When choosing stone pavers, consider the local climate and the stone’s susceptibility to weathering. For instance, slate and bluestone are great for cooler climates, while limestone and travertine fare better in warmer areas.

Sunny patio with stone pavers, potted plants, outdoor seating on a stylish floor, and an umbrella near a house, surrounded by lush greenery

Stone patio with a water feature, lush greenery, and ornamental garden decor create a tranquil backyard floor setting

Stone patio floor with a decorative pattern of light and dark cobblestones, showcasing geometric and circular designs — Source: @dbnlandscaping via Instagram

Remember, proper installation and drainage are crucial to prevent shifting and cracking. The initial investment might be higher, but the timeless beauty and longevity of stone pavers are well worth it.

6. Interlocking Deck Tiles

Interlocking deck tiles are a fantastic solution for homeowners seeking a quick and straightforward patio upgrade. These tiles snap together effortlessly, making installation a breeze without needing professional help. They come in various materials, including wood, composite, and stone, allowing for customization to suit any design preference.

Patio with wicker chairs, a red-cushioned swing, and fern plants on a wood-tiled floor, surrounded by trees and green carpet strips — Source: @tracilipple via Instagram

Modern balcony with a patterned patio floor, wicker chairs with cushions, potted greenery, and a railing overlooking a view — Source: @ietailoredliving via Instagram

Two wooden chairs with green cushions sit on a geometric-patterned patio floor, accompanied by a small dark side table — Source: @garagestyleltd via Instagram

A small balcony with a patterned wooden floor and dark, angled panels, resembling a cozy patio against the red brick wall — Source: @recyclester via Instagram

Plastic chairs on the patio's red mat, wind chimes sway with the breeze, and a grassy area peeks beyond the outdoor floor — Source: @greatmats via Instagram

Interlocking deck tiles are especially appealing for renters or those who anticipate future moves, as the tiles can be easily disassembled and taken along. Their ease of installation and versatility make them a popular choice for transforming patio spaces efficiently.

7. Outdoor Tiles

If you already have a poured concrete patio, then consider covering it with outdoor tile. A tile flooring like porcelain tile is colorful and durable, making it a long-lasting option for your backyard space. Choose a patio tile that isn’t glazed or polished, as these become very slippery when wet. This creates a dangerous surface to walk on. Consider the size of the tile and the width of the grout, as this can also impact how much non-slip resistance there is.

Charming patio with a fan, brown tiled flooring, and two sets of white French doors with glass inserts, embraced by beige walls — Source: @aperfectpichome via Instagram

Modern house extension with large glass doors, stone patio steps on the floor, and a green lawn, with brick and white walls visible in the background — Source: @creativelandscapeslytham via Instagram

Outdoor patio with wicker chairs around a round fire pit table, set on a stone floor, overlooking a serene golf course — Source: @dcocommercialfloors via Instagram

If permanent tiles aren’t in your budget, a more affordable solution is to use interlocking deck tiles. They come in a variety of materials, including wood, carpet, plastic composite, and rubber flooring. The tiles you choose need to be meant for outdoor use. These tiles are designed to withstand changing temperatures, UV rays, rain, snow, and ice.

8. Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tile arrangements are colorful, detailed, and simply stunning. Typically, they use small tiles of varying colors that are arranged into a large design. The designs range from simple to incredibly complicated. A well-done mosaic design takes a long time to plan and install. Because of this, they can be expensive.

Patio with red umbrella and furniture, decorative mosaic tiles, potted plants, and a stylish floor in a cozy backyard setting — Source: @lowalisa92 via Instagram

A charming patio with a tiled mosaic flooring, black chairs, potted plants, brick wall, French doors with curtains, and a leafy hedge — Source: @thestencilstudio via Instagram

Most homeowners don’t try to cover their entire patio with a mosaic. Instead, you can use a mosaic design as an accent or a way of visually defining a portion of the patio. Try adding a mosaic design in the center of your patio or as a border around the perimeter. If you want the entire patio to be a mosaic design, consider using larger stones to scale the size of the design up.

9. Painted

If you’re looking for the ultimate in cheap patio design, look no further than paint. You can choose any color you want and have it mixed at your local home improvement store. Be sure to pick an exterior paint and one that’s designed to be used on the material your patio is made out of. Apply thin coats and allow to dry between each application.

Charming outdoor patio with pastel painted stripes and a white table under a pink umbrella, nestled against lush greenery and a pristine white house — Source: @abeautifulmess via Instagram

Striped patio floor with white and gray diagonal lines, wooden columns, and a small garden chair nestled in the corner — Source: @emily.scott093 via Instagram

A vibrant, geometric pattern painted on square floor tiles in red, orange, and yellow hues brightens the patio — Source: @heatherhunt.art via Instagram

Colorful chalk drawings of large flowers adorn the brick patio floor, with steps and a brick house wall in the background — Source: @lauraannterp via Instagram

Vibrant patio with a rainbow-painted wooden floor and blue mandala. Grill and chairs rest under a canopy near lush greenery — Source: @rose_child666 via Instagram

Modern patio with geometric floor, white table, wire chairs, hanging chair, and sofa. Glass doors lead to the house. Green grass edges — Source: @sellingyourdwelling via Instagram

For the best results, clean your patio really well before you start painting. This will help your paint get the best adhesion and have a more polished finished product. If your patio is made of concrete and has a smooth finish, you may need to etch it first. You can do this with a chemical bath that will rough up the surface to help the paint stick better.

10. Concrete and Brick

Combining concrete and brick in patio flooring creates a visually striking and functional outdoor space. This approach allows homeowners to play with contrast – the smooth, consistent surface of concrete pairs beautifully with the textured, varied hues of brick. This combination not only offers aesthetic appeal but also provides practical benefits.

A charming patio with red brick and concrete squares, bordered by lush grass and vibrant flowerbeds, sits beside a sliding glass door — Source: @highlandlandscapingllc via Instagram

Concrete areas can define dining or seating zones, while brick pathways can guide foot traffic through the garden. This blend is not only visually appealing but also durable and relatively low-maintenance, making it a practical choice for busy homeowners.

11. Wood

Covering your concrete patio with wood will give it a deck feel. The rich color and natural material will give your backyard living space a warm and welcoming feeling. You could use real wood flooring for a natural look to your decking. However, a modern and low-maintenance alternative is composite decking. It can have the look of a wood floor or be any color you want.

Cozy patio with a wooden deck, hanging chair, green chairs, potted plants, lanterns, and patterned tiles adorning the floor — Source: @doxyinterior via Instagram

A charming patio with a wood-look tiled floor in brown and gray hues, bordered by red brick and a wooden railing — Source: @floorsbyanton via Instagram

Composite materials are made from recycled plastics, which makes them eco-friendly and durable. However, be careful where and how you use it; some varieties can get incredibly hot when exposed to the sun for extended periods. You could lay down a large outdoor rug to cover the majority of the decking and give your backyard a more living room feel.

11 Patio Flooring Ideas to Style Your Home’s Outdoor