So you’re finally ready to get a patio installed, and outfit it with the latest in patio fashions.  With all the choices of colors, materials and styles on the market, it’s easy to forget about safety measures, especially when it comes to your flooring. 

Depending on the type of floor material you choose, it’s a good idea to test it for traction control.  Some materials, like porous or glazed tile and stone, can become very slippery when wet.  You might love the rich, elegant look of stone, but if it’s sometimes dangerous to walk on, it might not be the best choice for an outdoor application. 

When it comes to brick, it’s a good idea to choose one with a bit of texture, to provide stability if it gets wet.  The same goes for concrete.  Certain finishes can look wonderfully smooth and shiny when dry, but when wet can turn into the traction equivalent of an ice skating rink.  

Outdoor rugs are another choice to add interest to your patio.  They’re stylish, and they help define different seating areas.  If you choose one of these, make sure it’s secured to the flooring beneath it, or it’s anchored firmly under heavy patio furniture, so there’s no chance of it sliding.  

So for your outdoor living space, where rain and inclement weather are factors, it’s best to consider a safe, low-maintenance flooring choice.