Among the various outdoor structures, a pergola is the most sought-after design to liven up the space in gardens, backyards, or patio areas. One of the major decisions that you will have to make is choosing the type of flooring to be used in your pergola. The choice of flooring will not affect solely the looks of the outdoor space, but also its durability, comfort, and ease of cleaning. Your flooring should be a perfect blend with your overall design, easy to maintain and also resistant to the effects of nature and foot traffic. Here, we explore some of the common and trending pergola flooring ideas.
Overview of Pergola Flooring
A pergola floor can be made with several materials, all of which have different merits and demerits. The floor under your pergola must be more than the “eye candy.” In addition, it needs to be usable and adaptable to outdoor conditions such as sunlight, rain, and foot-traffic. Usually, wood, stone, and concrete are among the top choices, together with other synthetic flooring systems.
While choosing the floor, you must consider such aspects as,
- Weather: Wood may become twisted or rotted after some time in the area of high humidity or moisture, for example.
- Colours: The floor should be a part of the design of your pergola, house, and garden/ outdoor space.
- Care: If you pick a floor with low maintenance, it will be great in saving long-term costs, especially if the area is highly used.
- Strength: Some materials, like natural stone and concrete, can be a lot more durable than wood or synthetic materials.
Top Pergola Flooring Ideas
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top pergola flooring options.
1. Wood Flooring
Wood flooring can be used to make a pergola that feels more natural and is full of life. A pergola made from the most solid wood will be the eye-catching element of the deck and will instantly bring a warm and organic vibe to your backyard area. This flooring has good corrosion resistance (especially cedar and redwood), but needs to be treated with polish/coating for moisture resistance. If you are sure that the floor is not going to be subjected to excess moisture or UV rays, then this is a good choice.
Common Types: Cedar, redwood, teak, pressure-treated pine.
Finishes: Painted, stained, polished or natural.
Cost: ₹150 – ₹500 per sq. ft., based on wood type and finish.
2. Tinted Concrete with Geometric Patterns
Concrete is a long-lasting and multi-purpose flooring choice for pergolas. The implementation of tinted concrete mixed with geometric patterns is a distinctive and sophisticated way to refresh your faded pergolas. Tinted or stained concrete is made by adding colour oxides and is quite easy to work with. Geometric patterns might be created with the help of methods such as brushing, molding, stamping, and the use of inlays. These patterns not only attract viewers but also create a lot of visual impact. Tinted concrete practically demands minimal care, and if properly executed, it has high weather resistance, which makes it a good choice for any area. On the other hand, it may have a slippery surface if it is wet, unless a non-slip coating is applied or rough concrete textures are created.
Finishes: Matte or textured.
Costs: ₹100 to ₹700 per sq. ft. It varies with the intricacy and type of finishing.
Features: Almost unlimited durability; patterns and colours that can be changed to your liking; simple maintenance.
Note: Due to freeze-thaw cycles in cold regions, concrete may crack, and it is recommended that it be sealed for protection against stains.
3. Terrazzo Flooring
Terrazzo flooring is made by combining chips of marble, quartz, granite, and/ or glass with cement or resin. Its surface treatment is plain and polished, which complements both modern and rustic designs. Terrazzo is quite a hassle-free product, and generally, it is a very long-lasting product; still, it can lead to cracking if not done correctly. It is a perfect product for high-traffic areas in pergolas and can be completely customised.
Materials: Glass chips, quartz, marble, or granite powder mixed in a resin or cement binder.
Finishes: Polished, satin, or matte.
Cost: From ₹200 to ₹1,500 per sq. ft. It varies depending on the materials and finish opted for.
Advantages: It is a product with great longevity, you can have it in a wide range of colours and patterns and it requires very little maintenance.
Considerations: It’s a procedure that you have to rely on a skilled professional for; it can be slippery when wet.
4. Stone Pavers
Stone pavers made of natural limestone, slate or granite are some of the most durable and natural floorings for your pergola. They can be mixed with various patterns and colours, thus giving you a one-of-a-kind and customised look. Apart from giving a rustic and chic aura, they can also ‘wear’ the space nicely as they can attain slight colour tints over time. Stone paving is both strong and resistant to all types of weather, and it almost does not require any maintenance. Conversely, they can be quite heavy and expensive to put in place.
Materials: Flagstone, travertine, granite, slate, etc.
Finishes: Semi-polished, flamed, lappathro, etc.
Cost: ₹100 to ₹1,000 per sq. ft., depending on stone type and finish.
Advantages: Natural appearance; durable; good drainage properties.
Considerations: The joints may need to be sealed in order to be kept clean from debris. Besides that, the surface could be slightly uneven.
5. Natural Slate Flooring
One more great idea for a pergola floor is natural slate tiles. The overall effect of the use of slate is simple, yet it tends to be very elegant and timeless. Slate is available in various riven (rough) finishes, so it is equally suitable for wet areas as a non-slippery surface. Slate flooring is very durable and resistant to bad weather. However, it can be costly and needs a professional installation process as it is heavy and fragile. The slate surface, if it continues to age and get worn down, can be very slippery.
Finishes: Riven, honed, or polished.
Cost: ₹80 to ₹500 per sq. ft., depending on quality and finish.
Advantages: Unique textures and colours, durable, slip-resistant.
Considerations: Can be brittle, may require sealing, can be expensive.
6. Interlocking Deck Tiles
Interlocking tiles provide a fast and uncomplicated solution to those who want to floor their place in no time and avoid unnecessary intricacy. They come in different materials such as wood, composite, and rubber. The ability of just “snapping” the tiles together without using glue or nails makes them extremely convenient. They are also available in various finishes, offering versatility. One disadvantage of interlocking tiles is that they may be less robust and have a shorter lifespan than traditional flooring, and over time, can shift & move.
Materials: Wood, composite, or PVC.
Finishes: By material, normally a matte or textured surface.
Cost: ₹50 to ₹300 per sq. ft., depending on material and quality.
Advantages: Hassle-free installation, no adhesives or nails are required, can be used to form a portable floor.
Considerations: Might not be as durable as other alternatives, can shift over time; requires a level base.
7. Gravel Flooring
Gravel flooring can transform a pergola into a unique and rustic setting. It is cheaper and easier to maintain for the user. Available in different sizes and colours, gravel is the easiest material to use if you want a different look. Gravel floors can last for many years and still be able to drain water properly. However, gravel may not be the ideal flooring if you plan to walk barefoot on your porch, and you may need to add gravel from time to time to keep the top level even.
Materials: Pea gravel, crushed stone, or decomposed granite.
Finishes: Natural; can be treated with a binder for stabilisation.
Cost: ₹30 to ₹200 per sq. ft., the price varies with material and installation.
Advantages: Great drainage, low cost, can be installed easily.
Considerations: It can be bumpy, may need to be replenished from time to time, walking on gravel with bare feet can be uncomfortable.
8. Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is not only stylish, but also environmentally friendly as its source is the bark of cork oak trees, the most protected trees when it comes to harvesting. Besides that, cork is also inherently water-resistant and can handle heavy foot traffic. However, it is unlikely that it will be able to endure the same amount of heavy traffic as the other floors, and it might also fade if exposed to direct light for a long period.
Finishes: Natural, stained, or lacquered.
Cost: ₹300 to ₹700 per sq. ft., depending on quality and finish.
Advantages: Soft underfoot, eco-friendly, good insulation properties.
Considerations: Not suitable for areas with high moisture, can be damaged by sharp objects, may require sealing.
9. Artificial Grass
Artificial grass is becoming a popular choice for pergolas since it is very convenient to use and gives a nice green look without the need for watering, mowing or other maintenance. Besides, it is soft and durable, quite easy to use, and also does well in low-sun areas. Despite being soft, the grass can get quite hot when exposed to direct sunlight, and it can be unraveled in some places and so it needs to be brushed.
Materials: Synthetic turf.
Finishes: Varies by manufacturer; typically realistic blade patterns.
Cost: ₹70 to ₹500 per sq. ft., depending on quality and brand.
Advantages: Minimal care, looks green at all times, minimal maintenance.
Considerations: Being in the sun can make it very hot, it might need infill and periodic replacement in parts.
10. Composite Decking
Composite decking is a product for outdoor decks constructed by combining wood fibers and plastic. The resulting deck has more durability and is marketed as a low-maintenance type of decking. Moreover, it will never get discoloured, stained, or scratched, and thus it is the perfect option for pergolas that are highly frequented. Composite decking comes in different colours and grains, so it can be given a fully contemporary look. The only problem is that composite wood is inferior to real wood in the aspect of being environmentally friendly, and it usually doesn’t have the same natural look that some people might like.
Materials: Wood-plastic composites or bamboo-plastic composites.
Finishes: Wood-like textures; available in various colours.
Cost: ₹50 to ₹200 per sq. ft., depending on brand and quality.
Advantages: Low maintenance, resistant to rot and insects, durable.
Considerations: May fade over time, can get hot in direct sunlight.
How to Choose the Best Flooring Option for a Pergola?
Choosing the best floor to build a pergola basically involves looking at different features that make the design fit your place perfectly. Some of the main determining factors would be,
- Climate: If the area is very humid and always raining, then the floors used in that area must be made of water-resistant materials like concrete, composite decking, or terrazzo.
- Upkeep: Floors made of low-maintenance materials can be gravel or composite decking; the second one will only need a little cleaning and maintenance.
- Decor: Selecting your flooring product should be based on your outdoor space’s look and feel. Both stone pavers and wood flooring have a classic design, whereas concrete flooring and terrazzo are more modern in aesthetic.
- Budget: Material and installation prices can differ a lot. Gravel and concrete would be very good choices if you have a limited amount of money. If you had more money, you could pick terrazzo or stone, which, although they are more expensive, will give you a durable product.
- Foot Traffic: If your area is expected to have a lot of foot traffic, your selection needs to be not only attractive, but also strong. You might want to consider floorings like composite decking, stone, and wood.
By reviewing these factors, you can choose the perfect floor that will not only match your pergola’s utility but also its beauty.
Conclusion
The floor of the pergola you choose can change your garden in several aspects. Beautiful wood, composite decking, or stone, each of them has its unique features and benefits. The flooring material should consider the weather, the upkeep, the budget, and the design. If you pick your pergola floor effectively, your outdoor living space will be enhanced with a fabulous look for a long time.
Apoorva H P Achar