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Outdoor Flooring Options for Style and Comfort: 10+ Ideas for 2023

Get your backyard, poolside, and patio flooring ready for summer 2023! Learn the pros and cons of the best outdoor flooring options and make the best choice for you!

Composite Decking

Helios Composite Deck Board Tiles (6 Slat)

Composite decking gives you the best of both worlds. With modern technology, you can achieve a gorgeous, realistic wood look without the challenges of traditional wood. Think of these DIY composite deck tiles and boards as a trendier and less expensive alternative!

Related Content >> Best Composite Decking

Pros of Composite Decking

  • Maintenance: Natural wood is notorious for high maintenance – coming from expansion and contraction, termites, wood rot, resanding, refinishing, etc. With composite decking, clean off your deck with soap and water when it gets dirty. 
  • Fire-resistant: Composite floors are fire resistant to keep your floor and, more importantly, your family safer.
  • Great for balconies: Renters and homeowners alike use composite decking to make their small balconies strikingly beautiful.
  • Installation: Composite deck tiles connect in a snap, and you can cut them to size with a tile cutter or utility knife.
  • Eco-friendly: Newer composite decking is 100% recyclable, made from bamboo, wood fibers, and recyclable resins.

Cons of Composite Decking

  • Heat: Plastics retain heat more than traditional wood and will get warmer in the summer months. They will remain cooler than concrete, and you can combat the heat by choosing a lighter deck color.

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Related Content >> Best Decking Ideas for Your Outdoor Space

Outdoor Tile

wood-look tile in an outdoor porch setting

Is there anything more gorgeous than classic stone patio tiles or a wood patio? Most of those “stone” or “wood” patios you see aren’t stone or wood but tile.

Patio floor tiles, specifically porcelain exterior tiles, are often even more durable than natural materials, depending on the PEI rating, so get the best of both worlds!

Pros of Using Outdoor Tile

  • Upscale look: Tiles come in various stone, patterned, and wood looks. 
  • Maintenance: Outdoor tile is easy to clean and maintain. Just sweep and mop occasionally, and you’re good to go. Note: Indoor tile typically needs more attention to keep the grout lines perfect. 
  • Great for entertaining: A tile patio or fire pit area is the perfect place to entertain guests outdoors.

Cons of Using Outdoor Tile

  • Elements: After exposure to harsh environments, tile can become damaged, especially if it’s ceramic and not porcelain.
  • Slipping hazard: Some tiles can be extremely slippery, making them a less-than-ideal choice for near pools and other areas with a lot of water.

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Related Content >> Tile Flooring Trends

Artificial Grass

Beverly Turf Rolls

Artificial grass is an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to natural grass. Over the years, manufacturers have designed fake grass to look and perform just like the real thing so that you can have a fresh, green lawn the whole year!

Pros of Artificial Grass

  • Maintenance: No more time spent mowing the lawn, setting up sprinklers, or staying home for your irrigation.
  • Soft texture: Artificial grass texture now feels more realistic than ever. Choose from a variety of plush materials for your lawn. 
  • No harsh chemicals: Artificial grass doesn’t need heavy-duty pesticides or herbicides that may be unsafe for kids and pets to be around.

Cons of Artificial Grass

  • Upfront cost: Although it is less expensive over time, you need to be able to spring for the initial cost of material and installation.
  • Heat: Artificial grass retains heat. For hotter seasons, we suggest pairing your artificial grass with Hydrochill infill, which can keep the surface 30-50 degrees cooler. 

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Artificial Grass Deck Tiles

Helios Artificial Grass Deck Tiles

Artificial grass tiles are the perfect solution for homeowners who might not have yard space but crave that yard-like experience. 

They interlock together quickly and are self-draining – a plus for rainy days. Additionally, they fit together with our Helios Composite Deck Tiles so that you can have a seamless transition between decking and artificial grass.

Pros of Artificial Grass Deck Tiles

  • Green year-round: You can achieve a lush, green paradise year-round with artificial grass tiles. 
  • Self-draining: A self-draining system means no standing water after a big rainstorm. This also keeps the surface from getting too slippery.
  • DIY Installation: Interlock the tiles together like pieces of a giant puzzle – no need for adhesives or tools.
  • Long-term cost: As you save on watering and maintenance, these tiles will pay for themselves.
  • Pest-free: Bugs aren’t as attracted to artificial material as natural grass. Plus, allergens associated with grass are eliminated. 

Cons of Artificial Grass Deck Tiles

  • Upfront cost: Over time, artificial grass will pay for itself, but that initial cost will be more than natural grass. Consider these tiles an investment for a brighter, more easily maintained deck in the future.

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Related Content >> Patio Ideas: Create the Ultimate Outdoor Space

Outdoor Carpet

On Trend Carpet Tiles

Our ribbed outdoor carpet tiles are often used under covered patios and areas not super susceptible to lots of water. The self-adhering backing makes for a simple but secure installation.

Plus, these carpet squares are resistant to mold and mildew – perfect for patios, basements, and other areas with the potential for moisture. If eco-friendliness is important to you, you’ll love that many carpet tiles are made from recycled materials.

Pros of Outdoor Carpet

  • Comfort: Carpet, even low pile carpet, is naturally soft and comforting. It gives you a much homier place to hang out outside, especially compared to brick and concrete.
  • Style: You have a lot more options than you would think. Many outdoor carpet options are carpet tiles, which means you can mix and match colors and create fun, unique designs.

Cons of Outdoor Carpet

  • Longevity: Outdoor carpet is very durable, but it requires a decent amount of maintenance to keep it in good shape.
  • Upkeep: It will require more maintenance to keep your carpet in good shape. It holds up to commercial traffic and the elements, but it’s still carpet, and that means you’ll have to vacuum and occasionally give it a legit carpet cleaning.

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Plastic Deck Tiles

DuraFlo Drainage Tiles

Plastic drainage tiles are like the ultimate outdoor flooring. They’re mold- and mildew-resistant and prevent those from slipping when they wet. The vented surface allows water to drain under the tile, so there aren’t any standing puddles after rain.

Pros of Plastic Deck Tiles

  • Slip-resistant: A safe surface is important around pools and other high-moisture areas. These vented tiles offer plenty of traction, even when wet.
  • Mold- and mildew-resistant: Outdoor flooring faces more exposure to moisture and warmth, which increases the chance for mold and mildew. Drainage tiles resist mildewing, so they stay hygienic. 
  • Drains water: Water can come from anywhere: rain, sprinklers, splashes from the pool, you name it. Prevent puddles with drainage tiles in water-prone spaces. 
  • UV stable: No need to worry about your flooring fading in the sun. Hard plastic tiles will stay vibrant and look new even after extended exposure to sunlight and UV radiation.

Cons of Plastic Deck Tiles

  • Comfort: Hard plastic tiles aren’t the most comfortable option for outdoor flooring. You probably won’t be doing much lounging on them, but they provide a solid, stable, slip-free surface.

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Rubber Flooring

rubber pavers in an outdoor patio

Rubber is one of the most versatile flooring options there is. Although it is primarily used as gym flooring, rubber flooring is durable, slip-resistant, and shock absorbent. Explore the different types of rubber flooring on the market below!

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Rubber Pavers

Flagstone Rubber Pavers

Rubber pavers can mimic the look of stone, brick, and concrete but give you the resiliency, comfort, and ease of rubber.

They’re versatile and safe, easing your mind if you have kids playing outdoors or giving you and your guests comfort during outdoor get-togethers.

Pros of Rubber Pavers

  • Comfort: Rubber is resilient and shock absorbent, making it super comfortable for walking and standing.
  • Slip resistance: Rubber is rare in that it gets more slip-resistant when it gets wet. It’s great for rainy climates, near a pool, or anywhere with lots of water.
  • Maintenance: A quick sweep or occasional mop.

Cons of Rubber Pavers

  • Longevity: While rubber pavers will last you quite some time, they won’t last as long as something like brick or concrete.
  • Look: You can get brick and cobblestone looks, but they are not the same as the real deal.

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Related Content >> Rubber Flooring Myths

Rubber Playground Flooring

Playground Rubber Mulch - Bulk

While the rest of your backyard looks polished, invest in playground flooring to keep your kids safe and their area stylish! 

Pros of Rubber Playground Flooring

  • Safety: Rubber playground flooring is the safest option to protect you from falls, and even general outdoor roughhousing options are rated to protect people falling from as high as 12′!
  • Durability: This rubber is tough as nails. It will stand up to just about anything.
  • Maintenance: While rubber mulch requires more care, it is still relatively easy. Give a quick sweep and the occasional damp mop, and they are good to go.

Cons of Rubber Playground Flooring

  • Expense: Rubber playground flooring tends to be more expensive than traditional playground options, like sand or wood chips. However, your flooring will justify the investment with increased durability and a long lifespan.

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Related Content >> Playground Flooring

Court Flooring

outdoor court flooring for a basketball court

Whether you’re looking for an outdoor basketball court, pickleball court, shuffleboard court, or something else entirely, court flooring meets your needs.

Outdoor sports tiles can withstand the challenges of weather and temperature changes. These court tiles for sports are slip-resistant when wet. The perforated surface allows water and dirt to drain, reducing the need for upkeep.

They’re also UV stable so that the vibrant colors won’t fade over time. Best of all, you can choose from a wide selection of bold colors to customize your court.

Pros of Outdoor Court Flooring

  • Slip-resistant: Our court tiles provide players with a stable, slip-free surface even when wet.
  • UV stable: Since these plastic tiles are colorfast, they won’t fade in the sunshine. That means your basketball or shuffleboard court will look great for years.
  • Color options: Display your team spirit with our court tile colors. You can even use our flooring designer tool to create custom team patterns, logos, or themes.
  • Easy installation: The hook and loop system makes installation a breeze. 

Cons of Outdoor Court Flooring

  • Not fall height rated: Our court tiles are great for playing sports, but they don’t absorb impact from falls. If you need flooring to install under playground equipment, consider rubber mulch or playground tiles.

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Rooftop Flooring

deck top tiles in a rooftop patio

Roof tiles protect rooftops from loud walking, punctures, and temperature transfer, which is perfect if you have a lot of people walking on them. Rooftop flooring can withstand moisture, UV radiation, and high traffic.

Pros of Rooftop Flooring

  • Drainage perforations: Rooftop deck tiles optimize water drainage and prevent pesky puddles.
  • Resists fading: It won’t fade or discolor after an extended time under the unforgiving sun, so you don’t need to worry about replacing washed-out flooring.
  • Durable: Rooftop tiles add another layer of protection to your roof floor. They’re great for holding up in high-traffic spaces.

Cons of Rooftop Flooring

  • Price: Specialized rooftop tiles aren’t the cheapest outdoor flooring option, but they have extensive benefits.

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Related Content >> Flooring Trends

Conclusion

As you can see, there are lots of great outdoor flooring to choose from. Most of it comes down to location, personal preference, and budget. Ready to get started? Shop now!

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About Ciana Gitre

Ciana Gitre

Ciana Gitre is a proud Advertising graduate of Washington State University. She translated her love of interior design and creative writing into her career aspirations at IncStores. She hopes to educate and help buyers find optimal flooring solutions for all their commercial and residential needs.

64 Comments on “Outdoor Flooring Options for Style and Comfort: 10+ Ideas for 2023

  1. Like you mentioned, I am one of many homeowners drawn to concrete for outdoor flooring. I love that it is so durable and customizable. It is so fun to see the different designs people use in their yards. When I landscape my yard, I plan on getting a patent made of concrete.

    • If the wood deck is exposed to inclement weather….lots of rain and snow….moisture builds up under the paver and the wood will eventually rot. My deck had a partial roof with a barrier, but it wasn’t enough.

  2. I want to extend my patio. What are my options in outdoor flooring without using concrete. Something that I can put directly on the grass to extend the patio(Concrete).
    Thanks

    • Hi Mousumi,

      While you can absolutely add flooring without adding any concrete, we don’t typically recommend installing your floor directly on grass. We suggest removing the grass and compacting the dirt so you can lay your flooring directly on a level surface.

      At this point, you can choose any decking, pavers, etc. you’d like. We’d be happy to get you started with some free samples to see what interests you. Good luck with your project!

  3. I like that composite timber decks are actually fire resistant and can be washed off with water. I’ve been wanting to install a deck in my backyard, so thank you for listing the advantages of each type of deck material. Do you have any tips for finding a great contractor in my area?

    • Hi Bethany,

      We are not affiliated with any contractors, but we do recommend using sites like Angie’s List so you can check out reviews and find a great fit for you.

  4. We have a concrete patio covered above and on three sides but some water still flows in (we’re not in Arizona!). Currently has an outdoor carpet on top of the concrete, which holds some moisture. What flooring option is best over the top of concrete when some water may get to it from time to time?

  5. looking for a covering for a rooftop garden 525 sq ft, it needs drainage gap because it will be directly on the roof. would like to get it in a green color, we already have composites decking in place

    • Hi Janet,

      I think we can help you with that! I will have one of our flooring experts reach out to you shortly.

  6. Me and my husband have been wanting to get a pool deck. We want to make sure that it looks beautiful and safe. We love one of your suggestions. Just like you said, this type of deck can fit almost any style. We want to make sure the deck we get matches our home.

  7. I live in northeast Florida with hot sun and heavy rain in summer, and occasional freezing temps in winter. We have an uncovered screen porch. Considering ceramic tile as well as rubber or foam. Must be low maintenance. What do you suggest?

    • Hi Mary,

      Great question! All three of those options work great for outdoor flooring. however, porcelain or ceramic tiles are a really nice look for a patio! Porcelain can hold up to harsh environments better than ceramic, but both will be really easy to clean and maintain. While rubber is low maintenance and a strong, durable material, it may have a hard time with that Florida sun. Foam is not quite as durable as your other two options, although it is great for low maintenance.

      Good luck with your project, and let us know how it turns out!

  8. I realize you said you were highlighting your favorites and that other options are also available, but I’m truly surprised manufactured stone pavers didn’t make your list. I see porcelain and ceramic tiles at the top that resemble stone patios, but will you later do an article on paver products as outdoor flooring? Our contractor is suggesting those in lieu of a (more expensive) composite deck. I’d rather have natural stone, but he says the manufactured product has advantages and is less expensive. He also suggests LVT wood-look planks for our unheated Screen Porch, but we live in Northern Indiana. I read LVT isn’t a good choice. Any advice for me? Thank you!

    • Hi Brenda,

      I like your suggestion about manufactured stone pavers! Manufactured (or concrete) stone pavers are certainly more inexpensive than natural stone. They also are more customizable, and there are more choices in choosing your look. They’re also easier to replace if any damage occurred. It’s a great choice in lieu of a composite deck!

      As for LVT, we wouldn’t recommend it for an outdoor, screen porch. The weather will take its toll over time, and color fading will occur. Most of the time, using LVT outside will also void the warranty. Composite deck tiles, rooftop deck tiles, or outdoor carpet would all work well for a screened in porch.

      If you have any questions, we’re happy to talk! You can contact us here: (877) 292-4456

  9. Thanks for pointing out how natural brick can bring in a very unique aesthetic to your outdoor space. My wife thinks we need to renovate our home for us to be able to sell it quicker in the future. I will be happy to share this piece with her so that she can consider if natural brick floorings for our exteriors will be able to add a touch of sophistication to our home; making it more enticing for buyers.

  10. I’m working on a project dedicated for children and i am looking for an outdoors flooring that has designs that mimics natural stone or wood, but at the same time safe for children and durable against harsh sun and plenty of rain. it will cover a very large space. what would you recommend?

    • Hi Nada,

      Thank you for your question. I would highly recommend a rubber or foam flooring solution. Both of these materials are slip resistant and do well with water and harsh weather conditions. You can even find some natural outdoor looks with these floors. I suggest checking out our Premium Soft Wood Tiles or our Strong Rubber Tiles, which comes in several colors. Tiles are also great for covering a large space.

      Best wishes with your project, and please keep us posted!

  11. My husband and I want to add a deck to our property, but we’re having a hard time deciding what kind of wood we want to use for it. Your article had some great tips for choosing a material for our new deck, and I liked how you said to consider composite wood over natural wood, as it needs no treatments and will end up saving us about $23,000 a year in the long run. Thanks; we’ll keep this in mind when choosing the best material for our future deck.

  12. I’m glad you pointed out that concrete floors have the most simple maintenance requirements, since all you need to do is sweep or hose it off when it gets dirty. My husband and I want to have a patio put in our backyard, so I’ve been doing some research on our choices for material. I like the idea of easy maintenance, so I think concrete will be a good fit for us.

  13. I want to have a backyard area where me and my family can relax and have fun. I want something that least expensive and will last almost forever or until i sell my home. I need some ideas, I’m all that knowledgeable on these things but I want to get started. My wife wants wood decking for the back yard but i hear it can be expensive, any ideas? We want something where we can put some outside furniture and some kids toys. The only thing is we have no roofing area so i would need to build one over the relaxing area to keep it try. We live in Florida so it can rain a lot. I need help, I’m trying not to spend too much money less than 200.00 bucks if possible. Any ideas, suggestions or thoughts?

    • Hi Mark,

      Thank you for your question. I would highly suggest composite deck tiles as an inexpensive alternative to wood decking. Composite decking does not have to be stained or sanded year after year, which saves you time and money in the long run. It is very durable, safe for pets and kids and will hold up to the Florida rain. Please let us know if we can help you get started or answer more questions!

  14. Such a nice and helpful article!

    There are too many tile types like Contemporary Paving Slabs, for home outdoor area like garden, garage etc. This will give your garden area a classic look!

  15. Our back porch is wooden tung and groove. I like outdoor carpet on it but water has rotted the floor on the front edge. What can we use to replace the wood , or paint new flooring with to keep it from rotting under the carpet?

    • Hi Barbara,

      Composite decking is an excellent choice for a porch and makes a great wood alternative. You can get it in boards or tiles, and they’re weather resistant so they won’t rot under water.

      Hope this is helpful! Good luck with your project, and please let us know if we can help.

  16. My husband and I have been thinking about what kind of material we would like to use for our deck. We love the look of wood, but have been worried about the amount of maintenance it will require. It’s good to know that the maintenance for composite wood decking would be significantly less than what we expected which will probably help us to consider this over other options.

  17. Great idea. Outdoor Flooring is the best in our daily life. Because, After a tiring day, we probably just want to relax on our patio or on our deck. Additionally, we spend most of our time there while entertaining our friends and relatives.
    Thanks….

  18. We’re desperate. Please advise. We have a very large concrete terrace approx 30×40. The concrete is cracking and paint peeling. Water stands in puddles. We need a cheap solution to cover the entire area. We get 4ft of snow in winter about 5 months per year. I like your rubber flooring idea and my husband hates artificial grass. Where can we find rubber flooring or a better solution that withstand these harsh elements? Thank you in advance.

  19. This is a very interesting post. The 8 best outdoor flooring options to keep our home looking stylish from the outside in. I gain a lot of knowledge about reading your post.

  20. Awesome article! Easy to read and as a deck builder, it’s something I will definitely come back and reference in the future.

  21. These are some great ideas that any porch builder needs to be aware of. Great job putting all of this together.

  22. Love these outdoor flooring options! They look great – definitely going to do some more research on them. Thank you for sharing.

  23. Aloha! We are looking for a floor covering option for our Lanai in Waikiki. We have always had astro turf (currently in green, previously in blue) but now pigeons seem to be flocking out on our deck and making a terrible mess. It could be that they are attracted to the one soft green space outside in an otherwise concrete building. Looking for a suggestion for flooring alternatives. Our lanai gets really hot with lots of exposure to sun and water. Any suggestions that wouldn’t be so attractive to birds.

    • Hello Judy!

      Thank you for your question. If you really love your turf, and you only started having trouble with birds after you switched colors, I would first suggest trying another color other than green. If this whole bird experience has put you off turf completely, consider something like rubber pavers. Our rubber pavers are resilient and comfortable to stand on. They also offer slip-resistance, even more so when they get wet. That could be a big plus for you, since you mentioned there will be lots of exposure to water.

      I hope this helps. If you want to know more about rubber pavers, you can check out our selection here: https://www.flooringinc.com/outdoor-rubber.html#!filter=409

  24. This is the perfect time of year to start thinking about your garden space in the summer as it can take time to get the cogs in motion and set on your ideal garden space if you’ve been thinking about a garden makeover. Thanks as ever for a very informative blog on the best outdoor flooring options!

  25. Ari, we are new to the Phoenix area and have a park model home with a deck under an awning. It is plywood laid on joists and covered with outdoor carpet. Unfortunately, one of our dogs has decided that she likes it as a potty, so we will need to replace the outdoor carpet with something “pee-proof.” What do you suggest?

  26. I have a house on stilts with concrete underneath. We do get rising water from time to time. What product would be best suited to put over the concrete? My concrete is unleveled as well. I’m thinking to use the leveling putty and epoxy over that, thoughts? There are expansion joints to deal with as well. TIA

    • Hi David!

      Thank you for your question. Yes, you can use epoxy in this situation. You could also install exterior-rated porcelain tiles for a permanent fix, or even use rubber tiles that you can pull up and place back for something more temporary if you wanted to.

      I hope this helps! Please reach out if you have any other questions and we will be happy to help.

  27. I have a 20 x 40 area that is level, outside and under an open hoop house 12′ tall. The soil has been under a tarp for 30+ years so it’s dead, and it’s also pure beach sand. I want to convert it to an open outdoor classroom, probably with solar: I’m near Goleta, where it seldom rains but it does get to 90/95 in the summer intermittently, and some students will sit on the floor. What’s the best flooring for us, and what’s needed before laying it so chairs don’t wobble?

    • Hi Sam!

      Thanks for reaching out, this sounds like a fun project! For this particular scenario, I would recommend either Rubber Pavers, Flagstone Rubber Pavers, both of which are easy to maintain, slip-resistant, and DIY-friendly, or Composite Decking which are weather, water, and insect-resistant. Any of these products will look amazing in a backyard setting, are easy to install, and will help your chairs not wobble.

      I hope this information helps, and I wish you the best of luck with your project. Please reach out if you have any other questions.

      • Thank you. What is needed underneath these so that weeds don’t come through? And won’t rubber heat up and be too hot to sit on in the summer? If not, why not?

        • Hi Sam.

          As for what goes underneath so weeds don’t come through, weed fabric should be used to stop growth. I suggest placing a weed fabric first on the ground, create an even subfloor with concrete (recommended) or crushed granite, then use any of our playground tiles over the subfloor.

          Concerning the flooring temperature, if any flooring is in direct sunlight, it will get hot regardless of the material. To help keep the floors cool, use an awning for shade, or hose off the floors before use. Be sure to use light-colored flooring as darker colors retain heat.

          I hope this information helps. Please reach out with any more questions you might have.

  28. Great article. Good information. I want to extend our concrete covered patio about 8 feet. I’m guessing that concrete would be the least expensive. Thinking about stamped concrete. But think transisting from plain concrete would not be attractive. Can concrete be added to existing concrete to add the stamped impression? Or would staining both the existing concrete and the new concrete be the best solution? Thanks

    • Hi Georgie,

      Thank you for your questions!

      The process you’re describing is a stamped concrete overlay, which can be added to existing concrete. According to concretenetwork.com, stamped concrete overlays duplicate the beauty and texture of a variety of materials including natural stone, brick, slate, wood, and more without having to replace your concrete.

      Before going through with this process, it’s suggested that you consult a professional to determine if your concrete can be resurfaced successfully.

      As for staining concrete, it depends on the condition of the existing concrete. While staining would help the new and old concrete match, you’ll want to make sure your existing concrete is in good shape before moving forward. There are also special considerations when attempting to match new and old concrete, which you can read more about here and here.

      I hope this information helps you with your project. Please feel free to reach out to us with any more questions. If you would like more patio flooring options, we have a wide selection of options to choose from.

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