Building Tips

Five Porch Flooring Options

When planning a porch or deck area, flooring is a very important component. A porch should be a place that conveys comfort and coziness while still remaining stylish and inviting.

There are several options to look at and consider, really depending on what look you are going for and whether you are flooring a framed deck or a concrete porch. Here are a few of our favorites that are all very beautiful, but different in appearance and style.

Solid Pressure Treated Wood

I would have to say one of our favorites is solid pressure treated wood flooring. I guess there isn’t anything special about it, but it includes lots of natural and rustic elements that we love and it’s very affordable. Using pressure-treated wood is necessary for an outdoor space because it is resistant to weather, mold, and rot.

After installing pressure-treated wood, the choice of stain will be what makes your wood flooring unique. While we chose a classic darker stain on our current modern farmhouse decking, there are many lighter options that can create a totally different look.

Another thing to consider when using solid wood flooring is to use different patterns when installing. This is another way to give ordinary wood some interest. On the front porch of our current home, we did somewhat of a fan pattern in the corner. This mixed it up and added some more detail to the area.

There are different types of the pressure-treated wood decking including pine and fir. We normally prefer pine due to the wood look, less expensive price, and it’s normally in stock at most local lumberyards.

Composite Decking

Composite flooring is another option. While not being our favorite, we are going with composite decking for our new build. This type of flooring is extremely durable and resistant to weather, mold, stains, and water. If you are looking for very low maintenance that has the look of natural wood, this should be your choice. It can be a little expensive but will pay off over time. Most companies offer great warranties and have plenty of color and style options.

Brick Pavers

Brick pavers are probably in my top two of flooring options. They offer a rustic feel while adding so much charm. Brick is always such a timeless, classic look no matter where it’s included.

They tend to be more expensive due to material and time-intensive labor, but they are offered in many styles and colors and can be laid in several different patterns. This makes pavers an excellent porch flooring choice. A herringbone pattern is always my favorite!

Stained and Stamped Concrete

Another porch flooring option is stained or stamped concrete. We have never gone with this option, but I do like the look. It is a very clean, contemporary look that offers an array of customization options. Stained or stamped concrete offers a high-end look with lots of decorative appeal. This is a great option for open porch areas that will be out in the elements. Stained and stamped concrete can give you the look of natural stone, brick, or tile without spending as much money.

Natural Stone

This is what we’ll be using for our front and friends entry porches. Stone is expensive in both material and labor, but as I’ve always said, you can’t deny the beauty of natural material.

If you’re on a budget it’s best to use stone on smaller porches. This was our approach with our new build. Since the entry porches will be focal points as people come and go, we thought the stone would help make these areas look extra special!

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4 Comments

  • Reply Ashleigh Brock

    HI! My name is Ashleigh, I live in Northern Vermont with my husband Jordan, son Kiptyn,daughter Harper, our energetic chocolate lab Bruin and lastly our ragdoll cat Remy.
    I’ve just convinced my husband to jump on an adventure with me. In 2020, we hope to find some land, sell our house, move into our RV, while building our dream custom icf house ourselves.
    My husband is super handy and a plumber & heating guy by trade. I’ve thought about starting a YouTube channel to document out process, who knows?.
    I’m so happy I came across your blog as we haved so much in common with you! Great blog, you do an fantastic job! Happy New Year!

    December 31, 2019 at 4:14 pm
  • Reply Marianne

    What color is used on kitchen cabinets using dark and lighter granite?

    January 14, 2020 at 3:07 am
  • Reply Melissa

    I assume the first picture is of your own porch. It’s beautiful! I am in the process of replacing the floorboards on my farmers front porch.
    I will be using pressure treated wood and I would love to know what product you used to finish your floor. Please and Thank You!

    June 29, 2022 at 12:10 pm
  • Reply Adrian

    Brooke Henry, I’m also wondering what products you used to stain your deck it looks glossier than any stain I’ve ever come across the color and shine are spectacular

    December 27, 2022 at 9:23 pm
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