Can You Use Vinyl Flooring on an Outside Deck? (4 Basic Benefits)

can you use vinyl flooring on an outside deck

There are too many options to pick from when it comes to flooring. However, you’ll always have to consider the location of the area you want to lay it, the durability of the flooring type, and the aesthetics you are going for, among other factors to consider.

Before you get over your head in the world of flooring options, check out Vinyl flooring and see if it’s suitable for you and your needs.

Can you use vinyl flooring on an outside deck? Yes, Vinyl flooring can be installed on the outdoor deck. Vinyl has many properties which make it suitable for outside flooring.

There’s no need to get overwhelmed or flustered. Once you understand your need, many people execute flooring as a DIY!

Some of the answers from this article are tips on using vinyl flooring outside, the best outdoor flooring options, the advantages of vinyl flooring, and how to install vinyl flooring successfully.

Related: Will Acetone Damage Vinyl Flooring?

Can you Use Vinyl Flooring on an Outside Deck?

Vinyl is a cost-effective and durable option. It is one of the top of those requirements. Since the location for laying the floor is of utmost importance, let’s take a look and see if vinyl flooring can be used outside.

The answer is a resounding yes! Vinyl flooring can be installed on the outdoor deck. Vinyl has many properties which make it suitable for outside flooring.

Suppose you’re looking for something that suits your lifestyle, probably flooring that can accommodate children’s pets without getting damaged.

Then, you’d love vinyl flooring. Here are some advantages of vinyl flooring for outdoors you can look forward to:

Benefits of Vinyl Flooring

Water-Resistant

Vinyl is moisture resistant; therefore, it doesn’t get ruined or folded up due to liquid. This is why it’s a good suit for flooring.

No more worrying about juice box spills and pets’  doing the number 1′ on the floor.

Instead of moisture penetrating and ruining it like wood or some other flooring type, it just rolls off the surface.

Durable

Its moisture resistance is a crucial factor in its durability. If you’re looking forward to a floor, you can make long-term plans, choosing vinyl well. With good maintenance, you will surely enjoy it.

Easy to Clean & Maintain

As with any flooring, use a broom, vacuum, or microfiber sweeper per cleans, a damp mop, and a mild cleaner to get the job done.

As a bonus, there’s no waxing required! Plus, vinyl plank flooring has a protective wear layer on it that allows it to maintain its luster.

Lots of Design Options

Vinyl comes in different designs, and they all look so similar to the real thing! Do you want it to look like marble, tiles, wood, or any design of your choice?

It’s most likely already in a vinyl firm. It’s like a two-for-one special!

Finally, vinyl provides a comfortable and durable playing space for kids and a good area for relaxation as you’ll be at peace. With vinyl on.

Read: Does Vinyl Flooring Expand and Contract?

How to Use Vinyl Flooring Outside

Even though it is easy to clean and maintain, certain conditions are put in place to get the maximum use out of your outdoor vinyl flooring.

Now, vinyl is waterproof but not temperature-proof. It reacts to shallow temperatures. It is advised that people living in icy regions should not use vinyl for outdoor flooring.

On the other hand, moderately cold temperatures can still use optimally as it is an insulator and therefore traps heat and keeps the floors somewhat warm during moderately cold seasons.

This is great for the people living in such areas and an added benefit.

Another way to get the best, most long-lasting use of your vinyl flooring is to create a shade over the floor.

This is because of the following weather conditions that could be dangerous to the floor over time:

  • water leakage
  • heavy outdoor furniture
  • extreme temperature ( cold)
  • humidity
  • direct exposure to sunlight
  • high-traffic on the deck

When any of these elements contact the vinyl flooring over time, it makes it susceptible to mold, cracking, rot, swelling, bubbling, and total reduction in quality.

Which is better? Deck or Patio?

They are not the same. A deck is attached adjacent to your house, but a patio is in the yard, not attached to the house.

They both overlook scenic parts of the home, and they are in place for when that extra outdoor relaxation mood hits. The sun on the face, the breeze on your skin, especially in the evening.

Vinyl flooring is recommended for the deck. Although more expensive to install for your vinyl flooring, a deck is a much better option as you’re likely to get a much better ROI on it.

Comparing decks with patios, although they have a longer lifespan, they eventually get cracks and stains and require constant maintenance.

Best Outdoor Vinyl Flooring Options

There are three main types of vinyl plank flooring:

Luxury vinyl plank flooring

Luxury vinyl plank flooring combines the natural look of wood or stone with the moisture resistance of vinyl. As the name is, this vinyl flooring type gives your home that luxury look.

Rigid core vinyl plank flooring

Rigid core vinyl plank flooring is a vinyl floor that has been manufactured so that the core is rigid and, therefore, more stable.

Asides from that rigid core is a click-type plank vinyl flooring that doesn’t require any adhesives to hold it in place. So, heavy outdoor furniture is not a problem.

With waterproof vinyl plank flooring

This one is obvious. It is more efficient in keeping water out.

All these options have similar features but based on your need in your home; some may be a better choice or preference.

How to Install Outdoor Vinyl Flooring

The process of installing vinyl planks is called vinyl plank staggering. It is the process whereby vinyl planks are cut out at random lengths to create a staggering pattern at the end joints of adjacent rows.

If you stagger vinyl plank flooring properly, you’ll need to get the correct tools needed. You’ll also need to measure the size of the floor and, afterward, lay your vinyl planks and fully cover the room.

Let us give you a bonus tip to effectively staggering vinyl planks, ensuring that every first plank is two to three inches longer than the first planks in the two rows. The finished look is put together and luxurious.

Read: How to Remove Vinyl Flooring Without Damaging It

Conclusion

Vinyl flooring has a wide range of advantages, and we can see that they are suitable for the outdoors. Your decks are in safe hands as you make this flooring decision.

We wrote this article about can you use vinyl flooring on an outside deck to help give you guidance when faced with making a choice about choosing a flooring material for your front deck.

We hope you found it helpful and informative. If you did, please share it across your entire social media pages.

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