Outdoor decks are slowly gaining popularity as new private homes and HDB flats are introducing the balcony and patio space for today’s homeowners. Investing in a good outdoor flooring material is paramount to creating a stylish and comfortable oasis where you can sit back and relax on sunny afternoons.
There are plenty of options out there. To help you make the best decision for you, here are the top five materials our flooring experts recommend, and their pros and cons.
#1 Wooden decking
The most common outdoor flooring is none other than wooden flooring. Available in Chengal wood, ironwood and teak, natural wood decking is commonly used for the exterior of Singaporean properties due to its refreshing characteristics. Depending on age, wood species are classified in terms of variable strength and durability, Janka hardness, and dimensional stability properties. Wooden decks create a small space of nature in your outdoor area. To ensure its longevity, it is important to maintain it at least once every 6 months, giving it a new coat of paint or varnish. More importantly, incorrect installation can result in deformation of the covers. Therefore, hiring an experienced exterior decking contractor to carry out a professional installation is just as crucial.
#2 Ecological wood composite decks
The eco-friendly wood composite decking is considered to be one of the latest entries in the Singapore market. An improvement over conventional ones, Eco Wood Composite Decks are manufactured in an environmentally conscious way with a blend of wood and composite that further increases the strength and durability of the entire deck material. As such, good quality composite decking can be relatively more durable and strong than conventional wood decking material. As the technology of its materials is more advanced, eco-wood composite decking is relatively better than conventional composite decking in terms of UV resistance. This is an important thing for homeowners to know, as poor quality composite decking can change color due to the impact of UV rays. Heat resistance is another important aspect for homeowners in sunny Singapore to consider, especially when the deck is installed in an unprotected outdoor area such as a swimming pool. Eco-friendly wood composite decking has relatively better heat resistant properties. This is due to the higher percentage of natural wood it contains.
#3 Resilient tile flooring
Resilient tile roofs are not as common in Singapore, but we are starting to see them in some commercial properties. This outdoor terrace option is simply made up of engineered tiles that are installed outside. They have a healthy level of durability and resistance to rain and sun. However, flexible tiles may not be suitable if the deck is constantly in strong sunlight, as this can lead to color fading. Compared to composite wood decking, resilient tiles are not as slip-resistant. This can result in a slippery outdoor floor if the deck is left wet for an extended period of time.
#4 Treated softwood
These are primarily softwood species that may not be recommended for outdoor decking or high-traffic projects. However, due to chemical treatment, softwood becomes stronger, more durable and even harder than some species of wood with high janka hardness. Therefore, making this type of product is good for cover purposes. However, these softwoods are not normally grown in tropical countries like Singapore or Malaysia. Being somewhat malleable, constant foot traffic on a softwood deck can cause such wear that the surface looks dirty. Therefore, the coating should be implemented at least three times a year using a darker wood paint instead of light or light wood paints.
#5 Conventional Composite Decks
Conventional composite decking group is another common type of decking product in Singapore. We can say that even in conventional composite roofing materials, the quality varies. It is relatively difficult to determine which particular composite decking material is of the highest quality. The reason is that such decking products are relatively easy to mass-produce, leading to multiple brands of conventional composite decking in the market. Apart from depending on your luck in finding a reliable composite decking product, it is more important to choose a reliable composite decking supplier in Singapore. This is because credible decking contractors would select good quality composite decking to ensure consistent quality on your residential and commercial projects!
There you have it: the top 5 outdoor deck options in Singapore, and their pros and cons.