Did you know that the temperature in Florida during Summer can range anywhere between 73 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit? The actual heat index can range from 103 to 110 degrees. The concrete, though, when exposed to direct sunlight can reach temperatures of up to 135 degrees.

With July being the hottest month of the year in Florida, that could make for a time that is anything but relaxing if you want to enjoy your patio during the summer. When it comes to choosing the perfect patio material for your Florida home, you have a few options.

You can go with classic concrete, stylish pavers, or versatile turf, and yes, choosing the patio material does matter if you favor comfort and coolness. You may be wondering what are the best options for your patio space and why.

Keep reading as we explore popular materials used for patios and what makes them a good choice for Florida homeowners.

Great Options For A Florida Patio

Different materials can affect how heat may feel on certain surfaces so knowing your options could be helpful. Let’s take a look at some of the top options for materials to get you started with your patio design.

Concrete Patio

Concrete patios are not as visually appealing and don’t have near the options that paver patios do but they are a good affordable option for some people.

Concrete Patio

Best Patio Material for Florida Weather: How to Create a Space That Keeps You Cool 1

A concrete patio is a cost-effective option. Surprisingly enough, concrete is one of the best options to use for patio materials in hot climates. Not only is concrete comfortable to walk on, but it’s also affordable.

While the material can become hot as most materials can in direct sunlight, it doesn’t necessarily absorb, or even conduct heat the same way that other materials do.

This makes it one of the best options for Florida homeowners especially if you have a pool or nearby water feature since the material also dries easily. Concrete can also be stamped and dyed to give it texture and personality.

The benefits of a concrete patio would be:

  • Affordability
  • Lower maintenance right away
  • Easy Installation
  • Easy to maneuver within any outline or design

Concrete is one of the most affordable patio materials on the market and it can be easy to install. Having a professional install concrete isn’t a long process depending on what you want and the material can be versatile. While concrete doesn’t require too much upkeep you’ll need to pay attention to occasional cracks.

The downside of a concrete patio is that it can be incredibly hot during the summer months. If you’re looking for a patio material that will keep you cool, concrete is not the best option.

Pavers

If you’re looking for a patio material that’s stylish and easy to maintain, a paver patio is a great option. Pavers are available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, so you can create a unique patio design that fits your taste and budget. The great thing about pavers is that there are various types you could use.

Paver Patio Installation

Best Patio Material for Florida Weather: How to Create a Space That Keeps You Cool 2

The best for Florida’s climate would be travertine pavers. This type of paver is mainly used for pool decks but you could apply them within any design. You can find them in multiple hues and even at 108 degrees you can still walk on them with comfort.

A few benefits of pavers are:

  • Style
  • Durability
  • Less Maintenance

This option for patios allows for a lot of room when it comes to customization. The material comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, so you can create a unique patio design. Maintenance also won’t be too much of an issue. This, however, is only if they are filled and sealed well.

While they are durable, paver patios should always be installed by a professional to avoid damage. The downside of pavers is that they can be more expensive than some other patio materials, such as concrete

Keep in mind that with pavers, this material can withstand four times more weight than concrete can. This means that you won’t run into issues of the foundation beginning to crack over time or shifting as the ground underneath starts to erode. This is where patio pavers in Miramar Beach have the upper hand when compared to other materials.

Turf

If you’re looking for a patio material that’s versatile and easy to install, turf is a great option as well. The great thing about having some type of turf is that you can use them in only a softscape design, or they could be the perfect material to combine with a hardscape design.

Paver Patio with Artificial Turf

Best Patio Material for Florida Weather: How to Create a Space That Keeps You Cool 3

This means that it doesn’t have to be your primary design component. You can expand beyond your patio as well, turf can be used for a variety of purposes, including patios, walkways, and even play areas for children and pets. The main thing though is that they are perfect to have in between your pavers to enhance other elements within your design.

The benefits of turf are:

  • Versatility
  • Safety
  • Less Noise

Turf can help to reduce runoff and give your hardscape design a softer look and feel. This is a great way to combine it with different elements of a hardscape renovation or design. Turf can help to provide safety in multiple ways and also reduces erosion. Additionally, this option can help with reducing noise and pairs well with pavers to do this

The Top Patio Material for Hot Climates

If we’re talking about man-made materials for different types of patio materials, porcelain pavers could win the bet when it comes to patio paving in hot climates. This means that it could be the best patio material for hot weather. This is because porcelain has cooling properties that homeowners would crave during hotter weather.

While porcelain was at a time, used to make pillows within more ancient cultures due to its ability to stay cool at night, landscapers have found that the material makes for the perfect option to walk on. Picking a lighter option will be more reflective and produce less heat but the darker options are also great choices to have. Travertine pavers as we mentioned earlier will also be a top option due to their ability to stay cooler than most.

Cool Down Your Summer

So, what is the best patio material for Florida weather? The answer depends on your budget and needs. Working with Patriot Landscape Solutions is great for Florida homeowners if you want to customize your space with comfort in mind. If you’re looking for an affordable patio, concrete is a good option.

If you’re looking for a stylish patio material that is easy to maintain, with multiple options, pavers are a good option. You can combine materials in your design as well.

Ready to enhance your outdoor space in the Miramar Beach, FL area? Get in touch with us today.