Outdoor Flooring Options: From Natural Stone to Composite Decking

The foundation of any great outdoor space—literally—is its flooring. Whether you’re designing a patio, pool deck, outdoor kitchen, or full backyard retreat, the surface underfoot plays a major role in the look, feel, and longevity of your environment.

At Outdoor Makeover, we believe outdoor flooring is more than just a material choice—it’s a design decision that affects how you live, entertain, and maintain your outdoor space. From timeless natural stone to modern composite decking, we help our Atlanta clients select the right surfaces for beauty, performance, and lifestyle alignment.

Here’s your guide to the best outdoor flooring options, including their unique advantages, maintenance needs, and how they can elevate your landscape.

1. Natural Stone: Timeless Beauty and High-End Appeal

Natural stone remains one of the most sought-after outdoor flooring materials—and for good reason. It offers an organic, elegant look that’s never exactly the same from one project to the next. Each piece brings unique veining, color, and texture that adds depth and character.

Popular Natural Stones for Outdoor Use:

• Travertine – Cool underfoot, slip-resistant, and perfect for pool decks
• Flagstone – Irregular, earthy, and great for rustic walkways or patios
• Slate – Durable and richly colored for modern or transitional designs
• Bluestone – Smooth, uniform, and ideal for sleek entertaining areas

Pros:

• Naturally slip-resistant
• Long-lasting and weather-tolerant
• Luxurious look that ages beautifully
• Excellent for high-end, custom projects

Considerations:

• Higher upfront cost
• Requires sealing for stain and moisture resistance
• Can vary in texture and thickness, needing professional installation

Ideal for: Patios, pool decks, dining terraces, and elegant walkways.

2. Pavers: Versatile and Customizable

Pavers are a classic outdoor flooring choice for everything from driveways to fire pit areas. Available in concrete, brick, or stone, they offer incredible flexibility in design—allowing you to create intricate patterns, borders, and textures.

Pros:

• Easy to replace individual pavers if damaged
• Comes in a wide range of styles and colors
• Can mimic stone or wood at a lower cost
• Durable under heavy use

Considerations:

• Needs proper base prep for longevity
• Weeds may grow in joints without proper sealing or polymeric sand
• Regular cleaning may be required to prevent discoloration

Ideal for: Patios, pathways, outdoor kitchens, and driveways.

3. Concrete: Modern Minimalism and Endless Options

Concrete has come a long way in the world of design. Today’s decorative and stamped concrete options offer sleek, customizable flooring solutions for modern landscapes. Whether polished, stained, or textured, concrete provides a clean, contemporary look.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Can be colored, stained, or stamped to mimic higher-end materials
• Works well with modern architecture and minimalistic design
• Low maintenance when properly sealed

Considerations:

• Prone to cracking without proper installation or in freeze-thaw climates
• Surface can become slippery when wet (unless textured)
• Can retain heat in full sun

Ideal for: Driveways, modern patios, pool surrounds, and entryways.

4. Composite Decking: Low Maintenance, High Performance

Composite decking combines recycled wood fibers and plastic to deliver the natural look of wood without the high maintenance. It’s a go-to material for Atlanta homeowners who want the warmth of wood without the upkeep.

Pros:

• Resists rot, mold, and insects
• Won’t splinter or warp like traditional wood
• Available in many wood tones and colors
• Easy to clean—just hose and go

Considerations:

• Can be more expensive than wood upfront
• Some products retain heat in direct sun
• May look less natural than real wood (depending on brand)

Ideal for: Decks, balconies, rooftop patios, and transitional indoor-outdoor areas.

5. Wood Decking: Warmth and Classic Style

Real wood decking is still a favorite for clients who love traditional charm and natural materials. We source hardwoods like Ipe or mahogany for longevity, or pressure-treated pine and cedar for more cost-conscious projects.

Pros:

• Beautiful, rich textures and colors
• Can be stained or painted to match your aesthetic
• Cool underfoot and pleasant to walk on barefoot

Considerations:

• Requires regular maintenance (cleaning, staining, sealing)
• Can warp or crack if not properly installed or cared for
• Susceptible to pests and moisture in shady or damp areas

Ideal for: Backyard decks, elevated patios, and homes with traditional or craftsman architecture.

6. Gravel and Stone Chips: Informal and Flexible

For a natural, cost-effective surface with good drainage, gravel is a popular solution. Whether pea gravel, decomposed granite, or crushed stone, it’s perfect for low-traffic areas or casual walkways.

Pros:

• Affordable and quick to install
• Excellent drainage properties
• Rustic charm that blends into naturalistic landscapes

Considerations:

• Can shift underfoot and requires edging
• May not be comfortable for lounging or dining areas
• Weeds can grow through unless a base layer is installed

Ideal for: Garden paths, fire pit circles, and softscaped transitions.

7. Tile and Porcelain: Sophisticated and Easy to Clean

Porcelain tile is no longer limited to indoor spaces. Outdoor-rated porcelain is non-slip, water-resistant, and extremely durable, making it a favorite for luxury patios and poolside applications.

Pros:

• Sleek and refined look
• Easy to clean and stain-resistant
• Huge variety of styles—from wood-look planks to large-format slabs
• UV-stable and resistant to fading

Considerations:

• Requires a proper sub-base for longevity
• May crack if poorly installed or exposed to shifting soil
• Some surfaces can be slippery if not textured

Ideal for: Covered patios, pool decks, outdoor kitchens, and modern courtyard spaces.

How Outdoor Makeover Helps You Choose

With so many flooring options available, it’s important to work with a team that understands both the aesthetic potential and technical requirements of each material. At Outdoor Makeover, we help clients select flooring that fits their:

• Design goals
• Maintenance preferences
• Climate challenges
• Budget and long-term plans

We also integrate flooring into your entire landscape architecture—from lighting and drainage to color palette and furniture—so everything feels intentional, seamless, and built to last.

Let’s Build the Foundation for Beautiful Outdoor Living

Your outdoor flooring does more than support furniture and foot traffic—it sets the tone for the entire space. With the right materials and expert craftsmanship, it becomes the base for unforgettable gatherings, peaceful afternoons, and a lifestyle that moves effortlessly between indoors and out.

Call us at 404-301-8340
Or visit our Contact Us page to schedule your consultation.

Let’s create a surface that’s stunning, practical, and tailored to the way you live outdoors.

Hardscape, Patio, Porch