Outdoor flooring is more than just a base – it’s the foundation of your entire landscape design. The right surface can elevate the look and feel of your space, improve functionality, manage water flow, help regulate surface temperature and reduce maintenance over time.
At Lynx Landscaping, we design and build complete outdoor transformations, including patios, pool surrounds and full-yard makeovers. Our team helps clients across the Gold Coast choose the most suitable flooring for their space, lifestyle and home aesthetic.
In this guide, we walk you through the most popular and practical outdoor flooring types. We’ve grouped them by area of use so you can easily compare materials and features for patios, gardens and pool areas.
Key Takeaways
- Outdoor flooring impacts the comfort, safety, drainage and long-term function of your landscape.
- Each area of your yard may need a different material – there’s no one-size-fits-all solution and the aim is always cohesion.
- There are pros and cons to every option, from natural stone to concrete, decking, tiles and turf.
- Working with a professional landscaping team ensures the materials you choose are right for your space, lifestyle and budget.
Ready to plan your new outdoor space? Enquire online or call us on 0491 303 867 for expert advice and a tailored quote.
Outdoor Flooring for Patios & Alfresco Areas
Patios and alfresco zones are an extension of your home, so the flooring here needs to be attractive, weather-resistant and practical. The goal is to create a surface that suits how you use the space – whether that’s relaxed outdoor dining or entertaining friends year-round.
Concrete (Plain, Stamped, Exposed Aggregate)
Concrete is a poured surface that can be finished in various ways. From plain grey to decorative stamped patterns and exposed aggregate, it suits many home styles. It’s a popular choice for modern patios and alfresco spaces because it’s hard-wearing and low-maintenance. Over time, concrete may crack slightly, but proper installation helps reduce this risk.
If you want a sleek, durable surface that works in all weather, concrete is a solid choice. For clients wanting something more textural, we also explore stone or paving alternatives.
Durability/Maintenance: Long-lasting, easy care, may crack over time.
Alternatives: Paving, stone, decking.
Stone (Natural Stone, Crazy Paving)
Natural stone adds elegance and texture to outdoor spaces. Options like sandstone, bluestone or travertine offer timeless appeal and can complement both modern and rustic homes.
Stone is ideal for clients wanting a high-end finish. We often recommend it for feature patios or where aesthetics are a top priority.
Durability/Maintenance: Extremely durable, may require sealing and occasional weed control.
Alternatives: Concrete, porcelain tiles.
Outdoor Tiles (Porcelain, Ceramic)
Porcelain or ceramic tiles made specifically for outdoor use offer a clean, consistent look with excellent slip resistance when rated correctly. They’re perfect for undercover patios and alfresco entertaining areas.
We often use these tiles when clients want a contemporary finish that mimics indoor floors for a seamless inside-outside flow.
Durability/Maintenance: Highly durable, easy to clean, grout lines may need attention.
Alternatives: Stone, concrete.
More about our paving and tiling services.
Timber Decking (Hardwood, Composite)
Decking remains a classic choice for elevated patios or split-level spaces. Hardwood decking gives a natural, warm finish but does require regular oiling to stay in top shape. Composite decking offers a timber-look alternative with minimal maintenance, ideal for busy households. It also performs better in wet areas, making it great near pools or spas.
If you’re after comfort underfoot and a more organic aesthetic, decking can be a great option.
Durability/Maintenance: Hardwood is durable with regular oiling; composite is long-lasting with minimal upkeep.
Alternatives: Tiling, concrete, artificial wood-look materials.
Outdoor Flooring for Yards, Gardens & Walkways
These areas often get more foot traffic and need to handle the elements without much upkeep. The best surfaces here strike a balance between durability, drainage and aesthetics.
Pavers (Concrete, Brick, Natural Stone)
Pavers are modular blocks available in different materials and styles, giving you flexibility in layout and design. We use them for garden paths, courtyards and BBQ areas. They’re extremely durable and, if laid well, will last for decades.
Some maintenance like weed control or occasional re-levelling may be needed, but they’re generally easy to care for.
This option suits most garden areas and works beautifully with plants and garden beds.
Durability/Maintenance: Very high; occasional weeding or re-levelling may be needed.
Alternatives: Gravel, poured concrete.
Gravel or Crushed Rock
Gravel is a loose surface made from decorative stone or crushed rock.
It suits informal paths, around firepits or as a base under seating areas. When installed with proper edging and compacted base layers, gravel holds up well.
Gravel works well in modern or coastal gardens where a softer, more natural look is desired.
Durability/Maintenance: Holds up well with base prep; requires raking and weed control.
Alternatives: Mulch, paving.
Natural Grass
Natural turf offers comfort and cooling that’s hard to beat. Varieties like Sir Walter and Empire Zoysia are well suited to our climate and thrive in Gold Coast yards. It’s great for families, pets and kids who need space to play. However, it does require mowing, fertilising and watering.
If you want that soft, green lawn feel, this is still a solid choice. We help clients choose the right turf for their lifestyle and layout.
Durability/Maintenance: Varies by turf type and use; requires watering, mowing and fertilising.
Alternatives: Synthetic turf, gravel.
Synthetic Grass (Artificial Turf)
Artificial turf is a no-fuss option that delivers year-round greenery. It’s ideal in shady yards, rental properties or where maintenance needs to be minimal. Modern synthetic grass looks realistic, and with good drainage, it stays tidy and clean.
We often recommend this for smaller areas or clients who want a green space without the work.
Durability/Maintenance: High; minimal upkeep required.
Alternatives: Natural grass, paving.
Mulch or Bark Chips
Mulch and bark are organic ground covers that work well in garden beds and informal paths. They help retain moisture, suppress weeds and break down over time to enrich the soil. You’ll need to top them up once or twice a year, depending on the material. It’s a cost-effective, natural look that blends easily into garden surrounds.
Great for play zones or relaxed garden paths, mulch is often part of our soft landscaping approach.
Durability/Maintenance: Decomposes over time; requires topping up.
Alternatives: Gravel, grass.
Outdoor Flooring for Pool Surrounds
Surfaces around pools need to be safe, slip-resistant and cool underfoot. We work with materials that meet these needs while keeping the space stylish and easy to maintain.
Pavers (Slip-rated)
Slip-rated pavers are a reliable choice for pool surrounds. Made from concrete, natural stone or porcelain, they’re designed to provide grip in wet conditions. These pavers offer strong durability and, when sealed, resist water and pool chemicals. Their modular form also allows for creative layouts and design flexibility.
We often use them for coping edges, walkways and decorative borders around pools.
Durability/Maintenance: Highly durable; sealing helps resist moisture and chemicals. Requires sweeping and occasional re-sealing.
Alternatives: Outdoor tiles, natural stone.
Natural Stone (Travertine, Limestone)
Travertine and limestone are premium options that stay cool underfoot and offer natural slip resistance. Their organic textures and tones bring a resort-like feel to pool areas and integrate beautifully into surrounding landscapes. These stones hold up well outdoors, particularly when sealed every few years to protect against moisture.
We often recommend natural stone for clients who want a luxury, timeless finish around their pool.
Durability/Maintenance: Excellent when sealed; may require re-sealing every few years.
Alternatives: Porcelain tiles, composite decking.
Outdoor Tiles (Porcelain, Textured Ceramic)
Porcelain and textured ceramic tiles are made specifically for wet environments, offering excellent slip resistance. They’re available in a wide range of tones and finishes, making it easy to match your pool area with existing hardscaping. These tiles are low-maintenance and hold their look well under harsh sun and regular water exposure.
They’re a popular choice for modern pool areas, especially when creating a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor spaces.
Durability/Maintenance: Extremely durable with low upkeep. Easy to clean with good slip-resistance.
Alternatives: Natural stone, composite decking.
Composite Decking (Pool Rated)
Composite decking is ideal for pool surrounds thanks to its UV stability, moisture resistance and non-slip finish. Unlike timber, it won’t splinter, fade or need oiling, making it a safe and low-maintenance option for families. Available in a range of colours and grains, it suits both modern and classic pool designs.
It’s especially effective for raised areas or when integrating a deck directly beside the pool.
Durability/Maintenance: Excellent weather resistance with minimal maintenance. Does not require staining or sealing.
Alternatives: Timber decking, outdoor tiles.
Specialty & Design-Focused Options
Beyond the common surfaces, there are design-led options we use to create custom landscaping solutions. These features are often used to enhance specific zones, add visual interest or solve site-specific challenges.
While some of these materials lean toward premium finishes, they can be introduced in small, strategic ways to suit a range of budgets. Whether you’re looking to manage drainage, create a focal point or simply break up large paved areas, there’s always a way to integrate a creative solution.
Permeable Paving: Lets water filter through the surface, helping reduce stormwater runoff and erosion.
Stepping Stones in Gravel: Adds modern structure to pathways while allowing water to flow freely.
Concrete Slabs with Inlays: A creative way to mix materials like timber, tiles or stone within concrete.
Mosaic Tiles: Used for standout areas like water features or small zones that need a decorative finish.
Our design team works closely with you to incorporate these specialty features where they add the most value and visual impact.
Looking to personalise your outdoor space with something unique? Contact us to explore your options with our expert team.
Choosing the Right Flooring for Your Space
No two outdoor areas are the same, which is why flooring choices should always be tailored to suit your space. The right surface will support how you use the area, reflect your lifestyle and work in harmony with the overall design of your garden.
Some materials are better suited to high-traffic walkways, while others shine in quiet relaxation zones or around water. Factors like heat retention, drainage and slip resistance will all play a role in finding the right fit.
We also take into account how much maintenance you’re happy to do, and whether your chosen material will continue to perform well over time.
- When we work with clients on outdoor renovations, we consider:
- How much sun the area gets
- Whether the surface needs to manage water flow
- How much maintenance you’re comfortable with
- Your budget and lifestyle
- The architecture and colour scheme of your home
We help you make an informed decision, then take care of the installation to the highest standard.
Talk To Us
Choosing the right outdoor flooring makes a huge difference to the comfort, function and overall appeal of your outdoor space. Whether you’re upgrading a patio, revamping your backyard or designing a brand-new pool zone, the material matters.
Lynx Landscaping works with all types of outdoor flooring and can guide you toward the best solution for your space.
Planning an outdoor transformation? Talk to us today on 0491 303 867 and let us help you bring your vision to life.