Best Patio Floor Ideas for Your Climate and Budget

Patios are a personal retreat and offer a space to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors. When well designed, they can dramatically improve the curb appeal and overall aesthetic of any home. Covered patios are the most sought-after outdoor living space option and can be installed in any climate to provide an easy and budget-friendly upgrade to your home. Selecting the right materials that can resist weather typically present in your climate is extremely important when planning your patio installation. On average, the cost of patio flooring ranges from $1,000 to $5,250; however, it is possible to stay within your budget and still choose a durable option suitable for your region. Below, we explore the best patio ideas for each climate type and your budget.

The Best Patio Floor Ideas for Each Climate and Budget

When selecting a patio flooring material, it is critical to consider how the materials hold up to the elements in your specific climate. Factors like heat, moisture, and freezing temperatures play a significant role in the durability, longevity, and overall maintenance of the materials chosen.

In hot and dry regions, like the Southwest, materials that resist heat buildup are ideal. Travertine or decomposed granite are perfect for these conditions. 

For those in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern states, where it is a mixed climate, moisture-resistant options like composite decking or slip-resistant concrete pavers are key. In the marine climate of the Pacific Northwest, where there is frequent rain and humidity, flagstone and high-end composite decking will resist rot and be long-lasting. 

In cold, snowy regions, including areas in the Upper Midwest and Northeast, materials suited for freeze-thaw cycles, like bluestone, are excellent choices. If feasible, heated concrete is another great option, as it helps minimize shoveling duties while providing durability in winter conditions.

In very cold or subarctic areas, choosing frost-resistant and thermally stable materials like basalt or interlocking pavers is best.

Below is a breakdown of the top material ideas for patios, including their pros, cons, and overall costs.

Breakdown of Patio Floor Material Ideas

1. Gravel and Decomposed Granite

Cost: Low ($15 - $75 per cubic yard)

Decomposed granite and gravel are affordable, easy to install, and highly permeable to allow for good drainage. Decomposed granite is considered to be better suited for offering stability in high-traffic areas, whereas some gravel options are smoother and more comfortable to walk on.

However, both require some maintenance. Material levels shift over time, making for uneven surfaces that will require occasional refilling.

Optimal climate conditions:

• Hot-dry / mixed-dry climate: decomposed granite, compacted gravel

• Hot humid / mixed-humid and marine climate: Crushed gravel

• Cold climate: Pea gravel

• Very cold climate: Frost-resistant base gravel

2. Compacted Stone Dust

Cost: Low ($10 - $25 per yard)

Compacted stone dust is affordable and easy to install. It provides fair drainage, but is not as good as gravel. When compacted properly, it provides a strong surface for walking with some resistance to shifting, settling, and erosion. Its permeability qualities may not be as good as other materials such as gravel, which could potentially result in water pooling if the surface level is not maintained.

Optimal climate conditions:

• Cold and very cold climates.

3. Concrete

Cost: Low to medium ($6 - $30+ per square foot installed)

Concrete is highly customizable, and once installed requires minimum maintenance. It is more expensive than other options and requires professional installation. Because concrete can crack under extreme temperatures, it is important to select and install an option suitable for your location.

Optimal climate conditions:

• Marine climate: Basic concrete slab and concrete pavers

• Hot-dry / mixed-dry and cold climates: Stamped concrete

• Very cold climate: Heated concrete or concrete pavers

• Hot-humid / mixed-humid climate: Concrete pavers

4. Brick Pavers

Cost: Medium ($8 - $12 per square foot)

Brick patio pavers have a traditional and classic look that never seems to go out of style. They are an eco-friendly option and can be used in nearly any patio project due to their exceptional durability and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions. In addition, bricks provide a solid and slip-resistant surface. It is not recommended to use brick pavers in very cold climates that experience significant ground movement due to the potential for shifting.

Optimal climate conditions:

• Hot-dry / mixed-dry, marine, and cold climates.

5. Natural Stones 

Cost: High ($10 - $40 per square foot installed)

Natural stone patios retain their beauty and value over time, but they are considered a high-end option. Natural stone works well in various climates and is considered low-maintenance; although, it is important to note that some stones may require periodic sealing and cleaning to maintain their quality.

Optimal climate conditions:

• Hot-dry / mixed-dry climate: Travertine and limestone

• Marine climate: Travertine and limestone, honed finish

• Hot-humid / mixed-humid climates: Granite and slate

• Cold climates: Bluestone, flagstone, granite, and slate

• Very cold and subarctic climates: Basalt, bluestone, flagstone, granite

6. Wood Decking

Cost: Medium to high ($15 - $40 per square foot installed)

Wood decking provides a warm and welcoming aesthetic to any patio space. It is comfortable underfoot, maintains a natural and earthy appearance, and can be tailored to any space. Depending on the type and style, costs can be high, and maintenance can be laborious.

Optimal climate conditions:

• Hot-humid / mixed-humid climate: Pressure-treated wood or teak

• Marine, cold, and very cold climates: Composite decking

7. Porcelain Tiles

Cost: Medium to high ($9 - $40 per square foot installed)

Porcelain is a non-porous material and can resist extreme weather better than other materials are able to. It is highly durable and moisture-resistant. It is crucial that proper installation takes place to ensure their long term durability, and be sure to note that while moisture does not harm porcelain, it can make the surface very slippery!

Optimal climate conditions:

• Hot-dry / mixed-dry and hot-humid / mixed-humid climates

• Cold and very cold climates: Thick tiles rated for freeze-thaw cycles

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Patio Flooring

Patio flooring materials are plentiful, and choosing the best material to make your patio floor ideas into a reality depends on many things. While climate and cost are key factors that need to be considered, they’re not the only ones. The material’s maintenance requirements, aesthetic appeal, and ability to match your home’s style, level of comfort, and safety offerings are all important items to consider before settling on your design.