Fabulous floors spice up outdoor entertaining
With gas prices soaring, the most cost-effective place to throw a party this summer might be our own backyards.
There are a number of inexpensive ways to turn your outdoor space into an entertainment haven. Start with the flooring, which offers a seemingly infinite number of choices, from pavers to gravel tops to outdoor tiles. Next, think about furniture that is both comfy and can withstand the weather.
“Given the increased amount of entertaining people are doing at home these days, it’s only natural that the outdoor living areas are increasingly important to consumers,” says Colleen Carbott, spokeswoman for Lowe’s. She adds, “Aesthetics of deck and patio areas takes precedence, and people continue to think creatively about every inch of existing space outside the home.”
We found several ideas for outdoor flooring, including a product that overlays directly on top of your existing concrete.
Here are some of our favorites.
Pea Gravel
Pea gravel is offered as small or large gravel depending on the desired use. This light brown, translucent white river rock, often called speckled pea gravel, can be layered on top of existing gravel, to create a colorful outdoor area ($2.79 a bag and covers about 6 square feet) at Lowe’s. Home Depot carries Vigoro decorative stone pea pebbles ($2.58 a bag and covers up to a 6-foot square area).
Pavers
There are several types of pavers: interlocking, mortared and mortarless. Interlocking pavers are designed specifically to leave gaps in between each brick. They do not sit exactly flush to one another. The gaps can be filled with sand. Mortared pavers have mortar between the pavers and create a hardened nonflexible surface. This type of surface is prone to cracking and makes replacing a section of a paver more difficult. Mortarless pavers, such as bricks, use a special mixture of sand.
Stones
Many varieties of stone are available at landscape and masonry stores. Slate is a common choice, and it creates a smooth, flat surface. Other natural stones can be used as borders and can give patios a more organic look. Rough stone can be used in conjunction with manmade pavers and other smooth natural materials, like the slate.
Decorative Concrete Overlay
This design system can be hand-applied over existing concrete or tile. StoneScape Designs uses an innovative resurfacing system by ICoat Products. You can create any look from natural stone to elegant tile. This product would be ideal for loft living, turning concrete floors into patterned tile. To learn more about this step-by-step procedure, visit stonescapedesigns.com. Prices range from $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot (for product only). If an installer is needed to apply the design system, you could spend $4 to $7 per square foot for installation.
‘Green’ Choices
Porphyry is a type of stone popping up in patios, driveways, sidewalks and other outdoor areas. Porphyry has a lower carbon footprint than concrete or asphalt, and it’s in the granite family. It resembles flagstone. The stone is quarried using a process that doesn’t require much water or energy. Once installed, the product allows for a maximum amount of water runoff to trickle into the soil. It’s maintenance-free and remains undamaged by harsh climates or chemicals. (Material will run about $7.50 a square foot) at milestoneimports.com or call 1-866-641-1999.
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