Screened Porch Flooring Options for a Concrete Subfloor

Paint

• Paint is the easiest option for covering the concrete subfloor of a screened porch. Painting requires no special equipment and can be done easily by most homeowners. Choose latex porch and floor paint for the best results. Paint is susceptible to chipping and peeling, however, so you may need to repair and maintain the surface regularly. For a more durable surface, acrylic sprays are available in a choice of colors and textures. Acrylic sprays repel water and provide a surface that is cooler than plain concrete.

Stain

• An acid stain applied to a concrete subfloor gives the concrete the look of natural stone, marble or wood. The product etches the porous surface and penetrates the concrete with translucent color in earth tones of tan, brown, terra cotta or light blue-green. For a broader range of color, water-based stains are available. Staining leaves a permanent color and pattern in the concrete that will not chip or peel off.

Overlays

• Resurfacing your concrete floor with an overlay is an option for your screened porch. Overlays are cement-based products with polymer resins added for wear resistance. The overlay adheres to your existing concrete with patterns added to the surface that resemble tile or natural stone. Overlays resist damage from UV rays and chemicals, as well as from freezing and thawing.

Tile

• Ceramic and porcelain tiles are available in a variety of colors, patterns and styles. Just be sure to choose outdoor tiles with a slightly gritty surface for added safety, since regular tiles are slippery when wet. Tiles are subject to expansion from heat and moisture, and they are prone to cracking from freezing and thawing. Be sure that your locale is suitable for outdoor tile installation before choosing to use it on your screened porch. Interlocking deck tiles are an option that gives you the look of a tile or wood floor with easy installation. The tiles are simply clicked together, without the need for adhesives. A saw with a diamond-tipped blade is all you need to cut tiles to fit. Individual tiles are easily replaced, if needed. For the best results, the concrete subfloor should be level and free from cracks for any tile installation.