An overview of the different exterior floor coverings

Once the choice of exterior cladding has been made, the first decision to be taken will be one of purpose and aesthetics.

In the case of hard surfacing, the solution will depend on a number of factors, such as climate, exposure and location. Depending on whether you'll be walking barefoot, in light shoes or country shoes, you'll need to take into account scratch and slip resistance.

This article reviews the various materials and solutions available (stoneware, terracotta, ceramic and imitation wood tiles; natural and reconstituted stone paving; granite, porphyry, marble and bluestone pavers; wooden pavers, slabs, flagstones and wood composites; concrete pavers, cast-in-place, floated, swept and deactivated concrete; etc.), and explains the advantages and disadvantages of each wherever possible.

For lawns, depending on the size of the surface or the location, it can be seeded or made up of turf tiles or rolls, or even synthetic turf.

For driveways, aggregates such as sand, gravel or pebbles are good solutions.

We'll also look at the different methods of installation, which will influence cost and durability.