Flooring is a key component in developing a new lanai to relax in after a hard day. With so much foot traffic, the floor must be resilient enough to withstand parties but needs to fit in with the existing house aesthetic. It also needs to be able to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Thankfully, there are many lanai flooring options to choose from depending on your style choice, hardness, safety requirements, and budget constraints.
Hardwood and engineered wood flooring
Nothing says luxury and tradition as much as hardwood floors. They do, however, require some maintenance to remain as elegant as the day they were installed, but the effort (and the price tag) can well be worth it.
Engineered wood is easier to install and won’t cost as much as hardwood flooring. It will offer a similar finish as hardwoods and, with so many different style options on the market, you can design the floor to look like almost anything you want.
Cork and bamboo flooring
Both cork and bamboo have become increasingly popular for outdoor flooring due to environmental and economic concerns. Both of these options are much better for the environment and perform differently compared to the hardwood flooring.
Cork is a much softer material than wood and remains cooler for longer, perfect for long summer days when the scorching sun is beating down on it. There’s also very little preparation and underlayment required in the installation processing, allowing you to enjoy the new lanai in a short time.
On the other hand, bamboo is harder and more scratch-resistant than other options. Lower maintenance costs and overall hardiness offset its higher price point. A bamboo floor is a more significant investment in constructing a lanai but will most likely last the longest.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles
There are very few differences between these two types of floor tiles, the main one being their overall hardness. Porcelain is the denser of the two options, while ceramic tiles come in a range of hardness depending on the weather conditions they’ll be exposed to and style choices.
The main benefit of using tiled floors is the nearly limitless designs and colors available. A tile floor can be customized in countless ways and is more waterproof when installed.
There are downsides to tile flooring. It can be slippery when it gets wet, posing a safety issue. Harsh weather and foot traffic can wear the tiles down over time, and replacing it can be a messy endeavor.
When to call a professional
If you’re not sure which option to choose from, contact the Lanai Guy to help out. They have more than 25 years of experience with installing lanais and can consult with homeowners on the best available options according to their needs or budget.
Lanai Guy is a full-service screen company servicing Brandon, Riverview and the surrounding area for screen enclosures, lanais, rescreen and screen repair. Call 813-461-6159 to schedule an appointment!
