Outdoor flooring is becoming popular for making patios, balconies, rooftops, and backyards usable, comfortable, and welcoming. It improves the comfort & aesthetic look of your outdoor area by adding luxury and resisting weather factors (rain, frost, heat & wind).
When choosing the right outdoor flooring in Dubai, it’s best to consider the climatic conditions, budget, and your lifestyle. Understanding the costs of different outdoor flooring options will help you select the best solution to complement your existing decor.
Average Cost of Outdoor Flooring in Dubai
In Dubai, the average price of external flooring ranges from AED 50 to AED 250+ per square meter. But if the installation cost is added, the cost of the exterior floor may rise (between AED 100 and AED 350+). The price of different flooring options for outdoor use varies greatly with the following factors:
- Type of flooring material
- Size of your space
- Ease of installation
- Durability and the
- Resistance against the weather
- Maintenance cost
To meet the needs of various budgets and spaces, low-, mid-, and high-end flooring options for outdoor spaces are available. For low-cost options, artificial turf, porcelain tiles, and interlocking PVC or WPC tiles are at the top. Their total cost, including installation, will remain under 100 AED/ Sqm.
Heavy-duty premium porcelain tiles and composite wood decking tiles are expensive and fall in the mid-range options. The total cost ranges between 100 and 250 AED per square meter.
Natural stones like travertine, marble or granite offer timeless aesthetics and are more costly than regular LVT flooring or artificial grass carpet. Luxury options, including solid wood decking or premium-quality WPC decking, last longer than regular WPC decking. Their cost may exceed 300 AED per square meter.
Key Factors Affecting Outdoor Flooring Costs
Whatever your choice, the outdoor flooring should be compatible with your space’s climate and your budget. Here, we discuss the cost-related factors to consider when choosing an outdoor floor.
Material Type
Natural wood solutions are more expensive than composite (WPC) because of their timeless aesthetic value and durability. Whereas the wood-plastic composite is in the mid-to-high range due to its resistance to heat, rain, and mould. Tiles, stone, concrete, and artificial grass are budget-friendly alternatives.
Area Size
The smaller the patio or roof top lower the cost. Similarly, in larger places like villas and garden driveways, the cost of installation will increase. If you purchase the flooring in bulk, you will have an advantage in getting products at wholesale prices and free delivery from the supplier.
Installation Complexity
The cost of outdoor flooring also depends on its ease of installation. If the subfloor is levelled and clean, then the installation cost will be less. Less labour involvement will reduce the overall cost. For the custom projects, specific layouts and patterns are needed to be achieved, which also increases the cost. Professional installation gives perfect finishing, which is why the cost is higher.
Weather Resistance Requirements
The flooring type that is resilient enough to withstand heat, UV exposure, and sandstorms will be more expensive. They maintain their structural integrity and will not deteriorate under the influence of temperature and humidity.
Maintenance Costs
Real wood flooring for outdoor use needs regular cleaning and sealing, which increases its long-term durability. Whereas the premium WPC decking will have less ongoing cost. The initial price is higher because of low maintenance needs.
Cost Breakdown by Outdoor Flooring Type
WPC Decking
The price of wood-plastic composite (WPC) decking ranges from AED 250 to AED 295/Sqm. It is highly resistant to daily wear and tear in extreme weather conditions in Dubai. No warping and fading. They last for many years and require no sealing or painting to revive.
Hollow WPC decking is cheaper than solid WPC planks. The price of hollow planks is about 90-150 AED, including installation. These can be installed on any residential or commercial outdoor area. It is easy to install and maintain its look with regular dusting.
Natural Wood Decking
Natural wood is highly insulating and long-lasting. But to achieve the required finishing, the wood is sanded, sealed or stained. The cost of sealing is about 30-50 AED, depending on the wood type. The price of solid wood decking ranges from AED 250 to AED 600, with an installation cost of about AED 50 to AED 100.
The initial cost of wood decking is smaller, but the maintenance cost is higher. Similarly, the initial cost of WPC is lower, and its ongoing maintenance costs are minimal, making it a cost-effective solution.
Outdoor Tiles (Porcelain & Ceramic)
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are cheaper than premium tile options. The cost of ceramic tiles ranges from 80 to 120 AED per square meter. The installation cost is also added to this amount.
Whereas PVC and WPC tiles are available with an edge-locking system. These are quick and easy to install, with a total cost of about 50-80 AED per square meter. Premium-quality porcelain tiles are expensive due to their wood-like appearance. Their cost is about 150-250 AED/sqm.
Natural Stone Flooring
Marble, granite, and travertine are natural stones used to cover pathways, garden tracks, and to landscape outdoor areas. They create a luxurious look for any outdoor space with their durable, cool-underfoot surface. Besides timeless luxury, their cost falls between AED 250 and 500 per square meter. After installation, their total cost may exceed up to 500 AED/sqm.
Concrete & Stamped Concrete
Concrete flooring is highly durable and weather-resistant. Its cost is about 4-8AED / square feet. Another budget-friendly option is the stamped concrete that comes with a realistic brick or stone look, enhancing the cost per square foot up to 9-18AED. The price difference is due to the design flexibility of stamped concrete.
Artificial Grass
The cost per sqm of artificial turf, including installation, is about 65 AED to 110 AED. The initial price is about 50-60 AED per square foot. It requires less maintenance than real grass. No watering is required to maintain a lush green appearance. Once installed, regular care, including daily dusting and monthly washing with a hose, will be sufficient to maintain its appearance.
Installation Costs in Dubai
The cost of installing any floor in the outdoor area includes labour, site preparation, levelling, and drainage. The average labour cost is about 50-120 AED/sqm, depending on the material and space size.
The additional costs (site preparation, levelling, drainage) may be 30-70 sqm. There are some hidden costs to consider as well. Securing the edges, complex layout, post-fitting service, and hard-to-reach sites. Labour charges will be higher for spaces that are difficult to reach.
Cost Comparison Table
| Cost Comparison Table: Outdoor Flooring Types | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Flooring Material | Cost including Installation | Best For | Durability | Maintenance Requirement |
| Natural Stone | Highly Expensive | Walkways & Patios | Extreamly | Low |
| Solidwood | Mid-High Level | Decking Flooring | Moderately |
High (Regular sealing is required) |
| WPC Decking | Mid-high level | Decks and moist areas | Highly Durable | Low |
| Porcelain tiles | Mid-high level | Decks & Poolside areas | High | Low |
| Artificial Turf | Low to mid-level | Balconies, rooftops, backyards or lawns | Moderatly | Low |
| Concrete | Budget-friendly | Walkways, balconies & patios | Highly | Low |
Budgeting Tips for Outdoor Flooring
When budgeting for outdoor flooring, consider these important factors for long-term satisfaction. Here are the tips by experts;
- Choosing cost-effective materials that are initially expensive but give you long-term benefits with little maintenance cost.
- If you have no budget constraints but want durable, effective flooring, invest in premium options.
- Purchase from a trusted source or supplier
- Comparing quotes from suppliers will help you select the best option that is within your budget.
Cheap vs Expensive Outdoor Flooring: What’s Worth It?
Some flooring materials are initially expensive but give you long-term benefits. Durability is more important than the upfront cost. Select the materials that protect your flooring from fading and moisture damage. The premium materials have a higher initial cost but deliver the highest ROI. The costly flooring material often yields long-term savings through lower maintenance costs and fewer repairs. Initial investment does not matter if the outdoor flooring is durable, heat-resistant, and requires little upkeep.
Conclusion
The average cost of flooring materials for outdoor use ranges from AED 50 to 250 per square meter. The installation cost is about 50-100 square meters, depending on the material, space size and installation complexity. The other hidden costs may cost you about 30-50AED per square meter. To make this cost-effective and long-term beneficial, buy the flooring material based on your space requirements. Buy it from the trusted supplier after analysing the 2-3 quotes from different sources. For long-term use in high-traffic areas, look for durable options that are easy to maintain. Always make a selection that is on budget with long-term value.
