My Outdoor Flooring Journey: Pros, Cons, and How I Installed It Myself

Upgrading my backyard had been on my wish list for years. Like many homeowners who love gardening and relaxing outdoors, I always dreamed of transforming my rough, plain cement patio into a beautiful and cozy outdoor retreat. During the pandemic, with more time spent at home, I finally decided to take action. In this article, I’ll share my real-life experience with choosing the best outdoor flooring, walk you through the pros and cons of popular materials, and give you a step-by-step guide to installing it yourself — no professional crew needed.

Whether you’re considering tile, wood, composite decking, or even outdoor carpet, there’s a lot to explore. For those interested in how to install outdoor carpet on concrete, that was actually one of the first options I looked into. And even though I ended up choosing a different material for most of my patio, I did use outdoor carpet in a separate seating area, so I’ll share what I learned about that, too.

Let’s dive into the journey, with all the wins, missteps, and helpful discoveries along the way — especially from a DIYer’s perspective.

Why I Decided to Upgrade My Backyard Flooring

Before the renovation, my backyard was simple — just a bare concrete slab that was hot underfoot in the summer and slippery during the rainy season. It didn’t match the warm, welcoming feel I wanted for my outdoor space. I have two kids and a dog, so I needed something durable, safe, low-maintenance, and family-friendly.

But most importantly, I wanted a flooring material that made the space look beautiful and feel like an extension of our home — a place to relax with friends, do yoga in the morning, or enjoy BBQ weekends.

The Outdoor Flooring Options I Considered

After researching and visiting a few home improvement stores, I narrowed it down to three main types of outdoor flooring: natural wood decking, composite decking, and outdoor carpet. Each had its appeal, but I’ll break down the real-life pros and cons I found — not just the marketing pitch.

1. Natural Wood Decking

Pros:

• Gorgeous aesthetic with a warm, organic look.
• Great for barefoot walking, especially in cooler climates.
• Can last many years with proper care.

Cons:

• Expensive — especially hardwoods like teak or ipe.
• Requires regular sealing and maintenance.
• Susceptible to rot and insects in humid environments.

Verdict: Beautiful, but too high-maintenance for me, especially given the weather where I live.

=>> Follow this step-by-step DIY guide to install and remove outdoor carpet on concrete yourself.

2. Composite Decking (My Final Choice)

Pros:

• Water-resistant, insect-resistant, and warp-resistant.
• Virtually maintenance-free — no sanding or staining required.
• Comes in wood-like textures and multiple colors.

Cons:

• Not as “natural” in feel or scent as real wood.
• Still relatively pricey — more than outdoor carpet, but less than hardwood.

Verdict: This is what I chose for the main area of my patio. It offers a good balance between style, durability, and low upkeep — especially with young kids and pets around.

3. Outdoor Carpet (Used in My Lounge Corner)

Pros:

• Affordable and easy to install, even over old concrete.
• Soft underfoot — great for lounge or play areas.
• Available in various patterns and colors.

Cons:

• Can trap moisture if not installed properly.
• Less durable than wood or composite in high-traffic zones.

Verdict: I used this in a shaded corner with chairs and a coffee table. Before installation, I read a detailed guide on how to install outdoor carpet on concrete to make sure it wouldn't lift or trap water. This step was crucial, and I’m glad I took the time to get it right!

Why I Chose KATAmats Composite Decking for the Main Area

After testing sample boards from different brands, I settled on KATAmats composite decking for the majority of my patio. Their boards had a realistic woodgrain finish, were easy to snap into place, and came with a 10-year durability guarantee. Plus, I appreciated their commitment to eco-friendly materials.

What sold me was how KATAmats decking stayed cool underfoot, even in direct sun. That was a game-changer for my kids, who run around barefoot all the time.

How I Installed My Outdoor Decking (DIY-Style)

Let me be clear: I’m not a professional contractor. I’m just a homeowner with some basic tools, a weekend of free time, and a lot of motivation. That said, installing the composite deck was much easier than I expected.

🔨 Tools and Materials I Used:

• KATAmats composite deck boards (interlocking)
• Rubber underlayment (for slight leveling)
• Deck screws
• Electric drill
• Measuring tape and pencil
• Hand saw or circular saw

✅ Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Clean and Prep the Base

First, I cleaned the concrete thoroughly. If you’re going to install over concrete — especially with outdoor carpet — this is where that "how to install outdoor carpet on concrete" advice really matters. I used a degreaser, pressure washer, and allowed the surface to dry for 24 hours.

Step 2: Layout Planning

I arranged the deck boards loosely to figure out the best layout and make sure I wouldn’t end up with awkward edge pieces.

Step 3: Cutting Boards to Fit

For edges and corners, I measured and cut the boards with a hand saw. This part was satisfying, like solving a big outdoor puzzle!

Step 4: Securing the Decking

I used deck screws to fasten the boards to the base. In the outdoor carpet zone, I used carpet adhesive rated for outdoor use and followed all the drying times precisely. This combo of methods allowed me to mix decking and carpet zones beautifully.

=>>> Discover the secrets to having a beautiful outdoor space with outdoor carpeting.

Bonus Tips I Learned Along the Way

1. Test your slope: Make sure the area drains properly. Standing water under any flooring — especially carpet — can lead to mold and damage.
2. Use weatherproof adhesive: If you’re gluing outdoor carpet to concrete, use a strong, moisture-resistant adhesive.
3. Trim as you go: Cutting all the pieces in advance sounds efficient, but I found that trimming as I installed gave better precision.
4. Use joint covers or trim for a more polished finish.

How It Turned Out (And What I’d Do Differently)

Now that it’s been over a year since I installed the new patio, I can confidently say I love it. The KATAmats composite decking still looks new, and the outdoor carpet zone is holding up surprisingly well. The kids love lounging on the soft carpet under our shade sail, while the main area feels like a true extension of our living room.

If I were to do anything differently, I might add a drainage layer under the carpet section for extra airflow. I also learned that investing in quality outdoor furniture helps complete the look — the flooring sets the stage, but the furniture brings it to life.

Final Thoughts: You Can Do This Yourself

Upgrading your outdoor flooring might sound like a big job, but with the right research and tools, it’s absolutely doable — even for beginners. Whether you go for the timeless look of wood, the practicality of composite, or the comfort of outdoor carpet, what matters most is choosing what fits your lifestyle.

If you’re thinking of using outdoor carpet and have a concrete base like I did, make sure you check out guides like how to install outdoor carpet on concrete. That insight helped me avoid beginner mistakes like moisture buildup and loose edges.

And if you’re leaning toward composite decking, I can confidently recommend KATAmats for their quality, style, and long-lasting performance. Their products helped me turn a forgotten patio into one of my favorite spots at home.

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