Why LVP Isn’t Made for Outdoor Decks (And What to Use Instead in Orlando’s Humid Climate)

ProSource | 7/10/2025

If you’re planning to upgrade your outdoor deck in Orlando, you may be tempted to use Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring. After all, it’s durable, waterproof, and stylish, what’s not to love?
Here’s the truth: LVP is not made for outdoor use, and using it on your deck in Orlando’s hot, humid climate can lead to warping, fading, and product failure.

Sun, Showers, and Heat: Why LVP Struggles Outside in Orlando

Greater Orlando’s outdoor spaces see frequent rainstorms, high humidity, and intense sun—often reflecting off light-colored surfaces around pools and lanais. Deck materials must handle rapid thermal swings, heavy rain, and UV exposure day after day.

LVP is designed for interior environments. Even though it’s water-proof, the material isn’t built to withstand direct sunlight, temperature swings, or UV exposure, all of which are daily realities here in Central Florida. Outdoors, it can soften, fade, or move under thermal stress, and most warranties don’t cover open-air use.

Smarter Outdoor Choices for Orlando Decks & Lanais

If you’re upgrading your deck in the Orlando area, consider these proven outdoor materials instead:

  • Composite Decking: Engineered for open-air exposure with stable performance through heat, humidity, and storms.
  • Modern outdoor deck with light gray composite decking, tan chairs, and glass railing overlooking trees and a lake under a clear sky.
  • Exterior Tile: Delivers durable, weather-ready performance for Orlando patios and lanais while offering a range of styles and finishes.
  • Outdoor bar and seating area with wood-look exterior tile flooring, modern pendant lights, and sleek bar stools under a covered patio.
  • Porcelain Pavers: Ideal for covered or uncovered patios; choose textures with slip resistance and lighter tones for cooler surfaces.
  • Outdoor walkway with large porcelain pavers surrounded by grass, a reflecting pool, and a wood pergola with climbing plants, leading to a green lawn.

These options are made to handle Orlando’s intense UV exposure and rainy seasons, while still offering beautiful design flexibility.

What To Consider

Key Questions for Your Installer

  1. Is the product rated for outdoor use in Central Florida?
  2. What’s the plan for drainage, substrate, and expansion joints?
  3. How will surface heat be mitigated (e.g., color, shading)?
  4. What warranty applies for exterior installations?

Maintenance for Orlando Outdoor Surfaces

  • Rinse away pool chemicals, sand, and debris.
  • Use pH-neutral cleaners recommended for exterior materials.
  • Inspect joints, transitions, and drainage after storm season.
  • Reseal stone/grout as needed every 1–2 years.

Come See Your Options

Stop by our Orlando showroom and speak with our team about outdoor flooring solutions that are both beautiful and built to last in Florida’s climate. Don’t let a bad recommendation cost you thousands, get expert advice and materials the first time.

Tagged: Tile Outdoor