From marble, natural stone or wood to porcelain stoneware, there is a wide range of design materials for terrace and outdoor flooring. Take note of these tips to choose the best outdoor material and enjoy this highly sought-after space in homes without worries.

The home confinement caused by the health crisis has made habitability needs change to adapt to the new needs of their owners, and with them, the overall design of most homes.

Opting for open space through large windows that let light flow through and continuous surfaces that work as a cohesive element between rooms to achieve a greater sense of freedom. Now, multifunctional spaces that adapt to new activities that previously took place outdoors and terraces that have taken on a leading role in contributing to users’ well-being are some of the most significant changes in this new approach to spaces after Covid-19.

This new scenario has led terraces to be revalued and now considered a luxury space in homes that have them. This interest in outdoor spaces is reflected in the study published by the real estate portal Fotocasa, which shows a 40% increase in user interest in looking for a home with a balcony, terrace or garden after the start of home confinement.

 But what is the best construction material to achieve a highly resistant, easy-to-clean terrace floor with a continuous design?

At Grespania we offer you a series of ideas to renovate your terrace and recommend the best collections that will turn these spaces into the highlight of your home. 

Ceramic flooring for the terrace: What are its advantages?

Although there is a wide variety of materials to choose the flooring for your terrace, without a doubt, ceramic flooring is one of the most in-demand options by architects, interior designers and homeowners to achieve spaces with a natural aesthetic that recreate the textures of wood, stone or cement while including the technical properties of ceramics:

• Highly resistant to sudden temperature changes and the weather conditions typical of outdoor areas: rain, hail, snow... The low porosity (less than 0.3%) of ceramic flooring makes it an ideal alternative to natural materials thanks to its waterproof surface, which prevents it from being damaged over time and allows it to withstand humidity perfectly without stains caused by saltpeter or lime. 

• Very easy to clean and maintain. No special care or products are required; for example, if you are thinking of installing natural wood, you will need to use protectors, varnishes and oils from time to time so that its color does not wear out, a process that will not be necessary with ceramic wood.

• Variety of formats, designs and finishes. One of the great advantages of ceramic outdoor flooring is that there is a wide range of designs, formats and finishes that allow total customization of these spaces.

• Non-slip properties that have been designed exclusively to prevent falls and accidents outdoors. A material that provides greater safety in areas such as solariums and pool surroundings, critical points that are exposed to constant water splashes. 

20mm porcelain stoneware: the new thickness designed for outdoors

Designed to become a versatile, durable and resistant solution, the 20mm format is characterized by reproducing natural materials with great realism and by its double thickness, which gives it greater hardness against breakage and cracks typical of outdoor exposure. In addition, raised flooring with this format enhances the overall design of terraces because it allows electrical installations, pipes and cables to be hidden under the floor, achieving a space free of visible technical elements and helping water drainage.

Another advantage is that its installation is very quick and easy, it does not require adhesives and allows it to be laid directly on grass, gravel or sand making it possible to design original paths with high aesthetic value in terraces, beach establishments, parks and gardens.

Design and continuity for the interior of swimming pools

To create an infinity effect, the most modern pools opt to clad their surroundings with porcelain stoneware with non-slip properties and the interior (pool basin) with large-format Coverlam pieces to create a continuity effect, reduce the joints and the mold that usually forms in them. Far from traditional mosaic tiles, the new pool solutions make it possible to achieve an enigmatic design for ‘infinity’ pools and customize the color of the interior thanks to the wide variety of finishes in the collections.

A decorative tip: Coordinate the sun deck and pool steps collection with the terrace through a single flooring collection to add spaciousness and extend the dimensions of this chill-out area.

Visit the Grespania catalog to find the perfect collection for your terrace flooring