Outdoor slabs: which flooring to use? Selection guide

Outdoor concrete slabs are a popular option for paving outdoor spaces, whether balconies, driveways, gardens or parking lots.

Concrete is a very durable material that can withstand heavy loads and inclement weather; characteristics that make it an ideal choice for outdoor use.

In addition, the slabs can be produced in different shapes and sizes, giving the opportunity to create multiple products to meet all performance and design requirements.

However, as with any building material, there are certain aspects to consider to make sure you choose the right outdoor flooring for each situation.

The two most important variables to consider when choosing outdoor slabs are definitely driveability and intended use.

Regarding driveability, it is good to make a distinction between:

1. Exterior paving for pedestrian use only
2. Infrequent car passing (frequently encountered in private areas)
3. Frequent car passing (as for public parking lots)
4. Passage of medium loads (such as vans)
5. Passage of heavy loads (such as trucks or similar)

Depending on the driveway, the correct type of pavement, the correct thickness and a suitable laying system to ensure the durability of the solution over time will have to be chosen.

Regarding uses, let’s start by considering poolside flooring. The outdoor floor of a swimming pool is, by definition, subject to frequent splashing of water and therefore very often wet.

That’s why it’s crucial to make sure it’s not dangerous, preferring outdoor slabs with a very good slip resistance rating.

In addition, it is necessary to take into consideration that walking will take place mainly without footwear, so it is advisable to choose thermally advanced solutions, that is, solutions that do not get too hot even in the middle hours of the day.

Preferable, finally, to opt for planar solutions or those that have a surface texture that does not therefore make walking difficult.

BAGAflame ‘s BAGATTINI line, for example, is slip-resistant and EASYWALK-two features that make these outdoor slabs perfect for use near swimming pools.

In recent years, the demand for outdoor paving slabs that allow floating installation on substrates has greatly increased. This is because it is an installation technique that avoids the use of glues and chemical materials.

Thus, in addition to the advantages in terms of speed and environmental sustainability, this type of laying is ideal for outdoor floor constructions on terraces and balconies, as it allows water to drain away quickly, preventing the formation of puddles.

That is why in such cases it is good to choose outdoor slabs that can be laid in this manner. In particular, all BAGATTINI’s signature slabs allow for installation on supports, which makes it possible to quickly install paving, avoid water stagnation, and-while leaving a space available under the slabs themselves-insert gutters for electrical, irrigation or other similar services under the paving.

Dinners with friends, convivial moments or even just the desire to take a break. For all of these situations, barbecue areas, gazebos and patios are undoubtedly the most lived-in spaces and, consequently, also the ones that are the most cared for in terms of décor and aesthetics.

In addition, flooring designed to accommodate barbecues and cooking nooks should definitely be waterproof: oil and grease splashes could fall on the surface and permanently ruin the rooms.

Therefore, it is good to choose outdoor slabs that are waterproof, easy to clean and therefore more hygienic.

La YOUNIQUE line is definitely the ideal solution: outdoor slabs that lend themselves to the most exclusive decorations, allowing anyone to express their personality through maximum customization. In addition, their vitrified surface is stain-resistant to protect the flooring from splashes, also making it super easy to clean.

Driveways are the calling card of a home, the first thing guests see, and are responsible for welcoming people and ushering them in.

Driveways, whether pedestrian or driveway, should certainly be in harmony with the style of the house and the color scheme of the building.

In the case of driveways, the choice of outdoor concrete pavements is recommended as they are among the most durable solutions and allow, with a single product, to cover spaces intended for different driveways.

All outdoor concrete pavements from BAGATTINI, are lightweight driveways when laid with cement mortar or adhesive, and therefore suitable for the passage of vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, electric scooters, and bicycles.

In addition, the wide range of sizes and colors makes it possible to choose outdoor slabs based on the style of the surrounding environment, so that the flooring can be best integrated into the context.

In fact, creating harmony between spaces allows for a higher level of visual comfort and makes them more pleasant to use.