Cheapest Option for covered outdoor 'flooring'

mr626 on 19/12/2020 - 17:32

Hi all,

We have a space approximately 24m2 that we've recently had an awning / pergola installed over. So now we have a good outdoor undercover area for entertaining / kids playing / motorbike parking (the most important bit haha).

At present there's no paving etc on the ground- its basically just dirt. We are trying to work out the most cost effective way to provide a durable, solid and reasonably smooth ground covering for this space. Needs to meet the following criteria:

-Smooth / flat enough that the young kids can ride their bikes on
-Able to handle the weight of a motorbike (~200kg)
-Durable / weather resistant / not requiring lots of maintenance

Other than paving / concreting, what are our options?

Thanks

Home & Garden

Comments

    • mr626 on 19/12/2020 - 18:56

      Didn't know that existed. Not sure its something I'd use for a permanent outdoor space though

  • netjock on 19/12/2020 - 18:05

    Other than paving / concreting, what are our options?

    You can dig in a build a timber deck.

    • mr626 on 19/12/2020 - 18:55

      Considered this, and I think the end result would look great. But, In terms of man hours, costs and long term durability I'm not sure how we'd go.

  • SBOB on 19/12/2020 - 18:51
    +2

    Having been down this exact route recently (roughly same size also), we went with concrete due to
    - speed of install
    - cost
    - lifespan/maintenance requirements
    - better ability to handle drainage /run off
    - ability to tile, paint etc over the top if we decided we wanted a better end look later

    • mr626 on 19/12/2020 - 18:54

      Thanks, I asked this expecting that this would be the answer (but still curious what other ideas people have).

      If you don't mind posting, how much did it cost you? How much DIY was involved?

      • SBOB on 19/12/2020 - 19:03
        +2

        $4500 for coloured concrete (though it's faded a fair bit already), including install of slotted drain to existing storm water piping I had done and pathway down side of house

        I already had the area cleared and excavated to the required depth so no soil removal required

        Probably closer to 35m2 in total including pathway and area that extended put from under covered area.

        I was all for diy paving initially but the 'too much effort' and time requirements lost that pro/con comparison, plus concrete handled the area drainage better being a hard surface.

        • mr626 on 19/12/2020 - 19:06

          Thanks, good to know.

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