Design The Rustic Sanctuary of Your Dreams: Outdoor Wood Flooring Options

Living in the concrete jungle of Singapore can make attempts to achieve a harmonious way of cohabiting with nature, a tricky feat. With homes being a source of reprieve for many after a long day of work, the need to redefine one’s home as a sanctuary away from the hectic city has become popular amongst homeowners. However, when it comes to designing additional features such as balconies or swimming pool decks, many abandon aesthetics for practicality, for fear of challenging conventions.

It is a common misconception that utilising one primary material throughout a house is the only way to embrace a minimalistic and seamless style. Similarly, when planning an outdoor decking space, it is thought that choosing the same or similar flooring as the indoor area will root the entire space in exquisite simplicity. This thought could not be further from being a design myth. When playing with colours and textures, homeowners can create a conventional, yet modern outdoor space with an artistic vision.

In this article, we take a look at two types of wood decking that will complement and integrate with any texture, flooring or colour with a display of sophisticated luxury that will leave guests and passers-by in awe.

1. Timber Decking – Natural Wood Flooring

Wood tends to be the choice of flooring when a warm and welcoming aesthetic is at the forefront of a home project. Yet, when conceptualising the appearance of decks in an outdoor space, wood tends to be an unpopular choice due to its high maintenance needs. This would not be true if matured, high-grade timber is sourced.

Chengal Timber Decking
Image source: Editlounge Pte Ltd Project

With a variety of colours and finishes such as chengal and teak to choose from, timber decking can complement and coexist harmoniously with commercially modern architecture. Whether the rest of the flooring is cemented or tiled with natural stone, the weathered, edgy look of timber will add texture and punctuate the area. Integrating such a homely decking material with unexpected finishes into an outdoor space will not only set your home apart from conventional balcony designs that often look mediocre but will also operate as a bridge to a less than predictable, timeless outdoor sanctuary.

Aesthetics Aside, Why is Timber Decking Ideal?

When one thinks of outdoor spaces, wet weather is in the forethought of flooring selection. Hence, with moisture and rot-resistant materials as the top priority, plastic decks immediately come to the minds of those unaware of the array of alternative options. No matter how water-resistant a composite deck is, its linear expansion, weather susceptibility and eventual ‘bouncy deck syndrome’ are problems that can only be beaten by timber decking. Since timber is from nature, it is weather-resistant, and durable. Our wood decking options, which include Chengal and Ironwood, are also known to have the highest density amongst solid woods like teak. This provides the deck strength to support and resilience to withstand heavier loads and impacts.

It is said, “simplicity is the essence of elegance”- the subtlety of natural wood decking will exude a sense of calm and influence any design by injecting an old-world charm. Moreover, with a range of wood species to choose from, timber decking will complement the look of any outdoor patio or balcony deck.

2. Eco-Friendly Decking – WPC Flooring

If you are a parent, pet owner or a green-living advocate, you might have several concerns when selecting the right flooring for your property. Will it be child-safe, splinter-free or ethically-sourced, yet still sustainable and evergreen in its design? The answer to your questions lies in the array of eco-friendly flooring. Our eco-friendly options include Eco Wood Composite and Eco Fusion decking that also come with a clip system option. In broader terms, they fall under what is known as Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) flooring.

With more people becoming aware of environmental issues and the need to conserve resources, the relentless pursuit of sustainable decking without sacrificing style can be exhausting. WPC is an eco-friendly option manufactured out of composite materials, such as wood compound and plastic fibres, that can imitate almost every aspect of wood while not being completely artificial. From the look, feel and even smell, WPCs have finishes that make it hard to differentiate such flooring from natural wood. Selecting composite material might seem like a small detail in a design process, but it plays a big role in reducing global deforestation.

Eco-Friendly Accreditation Aside, Why is WPC Flooring Ideal?

Besides its eco-friendly properties, there are several other benefits of WPC decking. Due to its composition and manufacturing process, composite flooring is splinter and crack-free. Parents and pet owners will thus not have to worry about their loved ones being hurt.

Eco-Friendly Wood Composite Flooring
Image source: Hertford Road Project

The hybrid material of Eco Wood Composite makes it maintenance-friendly. Simply washing the flooring will suffice in keeping it clean. Since it is a semi-artificial material, it is also extremely durable. With anti-UV and all-weather resistant properties, it retains its colour without the need for re-painting or re-varnishing, and is heat resistant so you can walk comfortably bare-foot. In addition, WPC is naturally waterproof and slip-resistant making it the ideal choice for outdoor decks such as those around swimming pools.

Moreover, our selection of WPC has WAX (PNS) on its base. This acts as a moisture barrier from below, ensuring that no rotting occurs after exposure to water. In addition, selecting options with a nail and screw-free system allows for the easy removal of any deck that needs replacement.

Ready to deck out your balcony, patio or swimming pool area with durable decks that will give it an atmosphere of sophisticated luxury? Reach out to discuss the best decking options for your space.