When designing your retail or showroom space, you want something eye-catching that helps your customers have a great experience and learn about your range of products. Whilst internal design, lighting, signage, and product displays are clearly a key factor to think about, the external design needs to be considered too.
In the UAE, you want your landscaping to look great; however, also consider the harsh sun and heat. Dust, water usage, footfall, and vehicle access will also play a part.
At Progren Flooring, we believe your external area should complement your building and be functional, using a good combination of vegetation, external flooring, decking, and lighting and shade to create an inviting entrance for your customers. If you have a boutique in Dubai, a furniture showroom in Sharjah, or a large retail space, selecting the right landscaping options will make a significant impact.
Below you will find our guide to the best landscaping options for your retail or showroom space. We have outlined what materials you can use in your space, the pros and cons, and how to make informed decisions to ensure your landscape will perform well in the long term.
Why Is Landscaping Important for Retail Stores and Showrooms?
The external area of your retail property is often the first thing your customers will see. Customers will notice your entrance, pathways, car park, displays, and lighting with the vegetation surrounding your property.
Carefully planning your commercial landscaping can help you do the following:
1. Great First Impressions
Using good landscaping with a tidy entrance, well-placed planters, matching flooring and good lighting will help your commercial property look inviting. If you have a high-end furniture, automobile, lifestyle or home improvement showroom, your external area should reflect the quality of your products.
2. Improve Flow Of Customers
Using landscaping to help you define your pedestrian access, entrance, waiting areas and transition from car parks can help you plan the area to reduce confusion to customers.
3. Compliment Branding
Your landscaping should match your brand. If you have a luxury showroom, use minimal vegetation and large external flooring. If you have a family-oriented retail space, use soft vegetation and shaded seating.
4. Improve Use Of Outdoor Areas
If your layout allows you can use landscaping to turn your empty outdoor areas into shaded waiting areas, small seating areas for your customers and eye-catching displays.
In the UAE it is important to consider using shading and comfortable surfaces as your outdoor areas can be uncomfortable due to the direct sun.
5. Improve Property Overall
Maintaining your plants, flooring, pathways and lighting will help your property look as intended. This is especially important if you receive regular onsite customers.
What Landscaping Services Suit Retail and Showroom Areas?
Different retail properties have different requirements. A compact storefront may need only decorative planters and an attractive entrance, while a large showroom may require extensive hardscaping, outdoor decking, irrigation, lighting, and landscaped customer areas.
The following services are worth considering.
1. Entrance and Frontage Landscaping
Your entrance landscaping will help you create an inviting entrance. This could involve decorative planters, feature trees, low shrubs, accent lighting and matching paving.
This will help your retail property have a clear and inviting entrance. Your entrance should not be obstructed by any planters, signs or windows.
Suitable for: Shopping Centres, Boutiques, Furniture Stores, Automobile Showrooms & Retail Outlets.
Planning tips:
- Ensure your main entrance and signs can be seen clearly.
- Use planters that do not obstruct pedestrian flow.
- Ensure you choose plants that match the exposure and irrigation.
- Use durable flooring for high traffic areas.
- Use lighting to highlight architectural features without causing glare.
Your entrance doesn’t need to be complicated. Using a few materials and vegetation will give a more cohesive look.
2. Hard Landscaping and Outdoor Paving
Hardscape is non living and includes pathways, forecourt paving, steps, ramps, edging, retention and display areas.
Hardscape is very important for retail & showrooms as you will have high pedestrian traffic, deliveries, trolleys and occasional vehicles.
Suitable for: Electronics Stores, Building Material Showrooms, Automotive, Furniture Retailers & Commercial Complexes.
Key considerations:
- Ensure you have the right surface for the area and traffic.
- Ensure you have the right anti-slip finish.
- Ensure you have good drainage.
- Ensure you have flat transitions between your internal and external flooring.
- Ensure your pathways meet the relevant accessibility requirements.
The right hardscape creates a durable foundation for the rest of the landscape. Material selection should prioritise performance and ease of maintenance alongside appearance.
3. Outdoor Decking for Premium Showrooms
Outdoor decking can introduce a warmer, more refined appearance to retail terraces, covered entrances, Using decking can create a warm and sophisticated feel to your retail space. This can be used on your terraces, sheltered entrances, lifestyle displays and seating areas.
At Progren Flooring we would recommend using decking if you require an external area for your showroom. This can help compliment your modern architecture.
This can be done using composite decking, WPC Decking & Natural Decking depending on your design.
Where decking works well:
- Furniture and home décor showrooms
- Outdoor furniture display zones
- Lifestyle and hospitality retail spaces
- Covered customer seating areas
- Selected terraces and landscaped courtyards
Benefits of decking:
- Creates a visually distinct outdoor zone.
- Adds texture and warmth to contemporary architecture.
- Can complement neutral stone, concrete, glass, and metal finishes.
- Helps organise selected display or seating areas.
What should businesses consider?
Decking requires suitable substructure support, drainage, expansion allowances, and installation details appropriate to local temperatures. The surface should also be evaluated for slip resistance, heat exposure, and the maintenance requirements specified by the manufacturer.
Decking is not automatically suitable for every outdoor area. High-load delivery routes and vehicle circulation zones generally require a surface system designed specifically for those demands.
4. WPC Decking for Commercial Outdoor Areas
WPC decking combines wood fibres with polymer materials to create a manufactured decking product. Its appearance can resemble timber while offering different maintenance and performance characteristics from natural wood.
For UAE retail properties, WPC decking can be considered for terraces, selected walkways, covered outdoor areas, and decorative showroom installations.
Advantages of WPC decking:
- Offers a consistent, wood-inspired appearance.
- Does not require the same routine sanding and staining as many natural timber systems.
- Can suit contemporary commercial design.
- Is available in different colours, profiles, and finishes.
Limitations to consider:
- Darker surfaces can become hot in direct sunlight.
- Product quality, expansion behaviour, and colour stability vary.
- Surface texture and slip performance differ between products.
- Cleaning and periodic inspections are still necessary.
- It is not necessarily the most economical choice for every application.
Before selecting WPC Decking, we recommend assessing the manufacturer's technical specifications, warranty conditions, installation requirements, and suitability for the intended exposure.
For additional product information, businesses can explore Progren Flooring's WPC Decking range and request guidance on choosing a suitable solution for their project.
5. Outdoor Wooden Flooring for Retail and Showroom Design
Outdoor wooden flooring can create a natural, premium look that works well with lifestyle brands, outdoor furniture displays, and architectural spaces where warmth is an important design element.
However, natural timber requires careful selection and maintenance in the UAE climate.
Advantages:
- Provides an authentic natural grain and texture.
- Complements premium retail architecture.
- Can be refinished, depending on the timber and installation system.
- Works well in selected covered terraces and feature areas.
Disadvantages:
- May require periodic sealing, oiling, or other protective treatments.
- Can experience weathering, fading, or dimensional changes.
- Maintenance needs vary according to timber species and exposure.
- Incorrect drainage or installation can shorten its service life.
For outdoor applications, the timber species, treatment, fixing system, and exposure conditions should all be evaluated before installation.
Progren Flooring helps businesses assess the role of Outdoor Wooden Flooring in commercial landscape design, especially where the objective is to create a distinctive finish without overlooking long-term upkeep.
6. Soft Landscaping and Decorative Planting
Soft landscaping introduces living elements such as trees, shrubs, ground cover, and selected flowering plants.
For retail and showroom properties, planting should provide visual interest without creating maintenance problems or interfering with daily operations.
Recommended applications include:
- Feature planting beside the entrance
- Decorative planter arrangements
- Green buffers around parking areas
- Courtyard gardens
- Low planting along selected walkways
- Landscape borders around outdoor seating
Plant selection should account for sun exposure, soil conditions, irrigation water quality, and the amount of ongoing care the business can provide.
Heat-tolerant and regionally adapted plants may reduce replacement needs when appropriately selected and maintained. However, no plant should be treated as maintenance-free.
7. Shaded Outdoor Seating and Customer Waiting Areas
Some retail properties benefit from outdoor seating, particularly lifestyle showrooms, furniture retailers, garden centres, and businesses that encourage customers to spend more time exploring their products.
Landscaping can combine seating, pergolas, shade structures, planters, and suitable outdoor flooring to define these spaces.
Benefits include:
- Providing a designated place for customers to wait.
- Creating an additional area for product presentation.
- Improving the visual connection between the building and its surroundings.
- Making selected outdoor spaces more usable during suitable weather.
In the UAE, shade design should be planned carefully. Pergolas and canopies must be suitable for the site, properly secured, and approved where required. Seating should also be positioned away from service routes and areas where deliveries take place.
8. Outdoor Lighting and Landscape Features
Landscape lighting can improve the appearance and legibility of retail properties after sunset.
Common applications include entrance lighting, pathway illumination, planter uplighting, architectural accent lighting, and lighting for selected display areas.
Good lighting should support visibility and safe movement without creating glare for drivers, pedestrians, or neighbouring properties.
Decorative water features may also suit some premium developments, but they introduce additional water, cleaning, maintenance, and operational requirements. They should be considered only when the budget and maintenance arrangements support them.
9. Irrigation and Landscape Maintenance
A retail landscape must remain presentable after installation. Irrigation and maintenance planning are therefore essential parts of the project.
Typical services may include:
- Automatic irrigation installation and adjustments
- Drip irrigation for suitable planting zones
- Plant pruning and replacement
- Soil improvement and mulching
- Weed and pest management
- Cleaning of outdoor hard surfaces
- Inspection of decking, paving, drainage, and landscape lighting
For businesses operating across multiple locations, a consistent maintenance schedule can help preserve the appearance of each property.
Which Landscaping Solutions Suit Different Types of Showrooms?
There is no single landscaping design that works for every retail business. The most appropriate approach depends on the products displayed, the available outdoor space, customer movement, and the property's architectural style.
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This comparison is a starting point rather than a fixed specification. A site assessment is needed to confirm which solutions are appropriate.
How to Choose the Right Landscaping Materials for UAE Retail Properties
Choosing outdoor materials involves balancing appearance, durability, heat exposure, safety, installation requirements, and maintenance costs.
WPC Decking vs Outdoor Wooden Flooring vs Paving
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Our recommendation: Match the material to the intended use instead of selecting one finish for the entire property. Decking may work well in a feature seating area, while durable paving is often more appropriate for delivery access and heavy pedestrian traffic.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Commercial Landscaping?
Landscaping can enhance the appearance and functionality of a retail property, but the design should be assessed in terms of both initial investment and ongoing operations.
Pros:
Looks Better – Having a cohesive exterior will give a professional & inviting property.
Improved Organisation – Using pathways, planters & changing flooring can help separate your customer areas.
Unique Product Displays – Decking & well-thought-out landscaping can help with lifestyle merchandising.
Improved Outdoor Comfort – Using the right shading & planters can make your selected outdoor areas more usable.
Design Value – Using durable materials & having a maintenance schedule will help keep your property looking nice.
Cons:
Investment – You will need to invest in quality materials, irrigation, lighting, drainage & professional installation.
Maintenance – You will need to maintain your plants. Your hard surfaces & decking will need cleaning.
Climate – Your plants & outdoor materials may be affected by direct sun, dust & temperature.
Disruption – There may be disruption during installation.
Wrong Materials – Using the wrong surfaces & planters can increase repair, replacement & maintenance costs.
The best way to manage these risks is to establish clear project requirements before installation begins.
How Much Does Retail and Showroom Landscaping Cost in the UAE?
There is no set price for commercial landscaping. The price will depend on the size of your project, site conditions, materials, density of planting, irrigation, lighting, drainage & installation.
The main cost factors include:
Site Preparation – Excavation, levelling, soil preparation & removing existing surfaces.
Flooring & Decking – Grade of material, area, substructure, edging & installation.
Planters – Type, size, quantity, soil & replacements.
Irrigation – Pipework, Controllers, Water Connections & Zoning.
Shading & Lighting – Canopies, Pergolas, Fixtures, Electrical & Controls.
Maintenance – Frequency, Cleaning, Pruning, Irrigation Checks & Replacements.
To get an accurate quote ask for a breakdown of the materials, installation, what isn’t included, warranty & maintenance.
We would recommend looking for a full quote. Just because it is cheaper doesn’t mean it offers better value for money. You may find you have more repairs & replacements.
How Can Businesses Reduce Landscaping Maintenance Costs?
A well-designed commercial landscape should be practical to operate, not simply attractive when first installed.
Here are some useful ways to manage ongoing costs.
1. Choose The Right Plants
Ensure your plants are suitable for your site. Don’t use plants that require more water & maintenance than you can afford.
2. Use Efficient Irrigation
Use drip irrigation to target your suitable plant areas. Ensure your zones are correct, check for leaks & adjust your seasonal watering.
3. Choose The Right Materials
Use decking in your suitable feature areas. If you have heavy use areas use paving that is suitable. Choosing the right material will reduce any unnecessary damage.
4. Allow For Cleaning & Repairs
Ensure you can easily access your irrigation valves, drainage & services. Ensure your decking has a suitable substructure & drainage.
5. Focus On High Visibility Areas
If you don’t have much budget focus on your entrance, main customer areas, signage & prominent displays. This will generally have the most impact on your property.
6. Regular Inspections
Regular inspections will help identify any loose boards, damaged paving, blocked drains, faulty irrigation & plants.
What Should You Check Before Hiring a Commercial Landscaping Company?
Selecting a suitable landscaping partner is important because commercial sites have operational requirements that differ from those of residential gardens.
Before appointing a contractor, consider the following:
- Experience with retail, showroom, or other commercial projects.
- Understanding of UAE climate and site conditions.
- Knowledge of outdoor flooring and decking specifications.
- Ability to coordinate planting, irrigation, drainage, and lighting.
- Clear installation schedules and plans for maintaining customer access.
- Transparent quotations and defined project responsibilities.
- Product documentation and warranty information where applicable.
- A realistic aftercare and maintenance plan.
Businesses comparing the Best landscaping companies in Dubai should assess their commercial project experience, technical capabilities, proposed materials, and maintenance approach rather than relying on appearance alone.
Similarly, when evaluating landscaping companies in Sharjah, confirm that the proposed solution suits the actual site, local approval requirements, and intended commercial use.
Not every landscaping contractor specialises in decking or outdoor flooring. If these materials are central to the project, verify that the selected team can coordinate the relevant product specifications and installation requirements.
For retail developments that also include leisure or poolside facilities, specialist Swimming Pool Companies in Dubai may need to coordinate with the landscape team. Pool-related work involves additional considerations such as wet-area slip resistance, drainage, waterproofing, and the suitability of adjacent decking materials.
Common Landscaping Mistakes Retail Businesses Should Avoid
Don’t let your landscape under perform by not thinking about practicality.
- Covering your shop front – Don’t use large planters & dense vegetation to cover your signs, entrance & products.
- Choosing materials for looks only – Ensure your outdoor surfaces are suitable for heat, footfall, moisture & maintenance.
- No Drainage – Water pooling can cause issues with pedestrian safety & some of your landscape.
- Too Complicated – Too many types of plants, materials & decorative items can cause a busy look & extra maintenance.
- Not allowing for deliveries – Ensure your landscape won’t cause any issues with vehicle flow, deliveries & emergency access.
- Not considering maintenance – Even drought resistant plants will need the right care. Composite decking isn’t maintenance free.
- No consideration for glare – Ensure your lighting won’t cause any issues for drivers, customers & neighbouring properties.
- Late Planning – By planning your landscaping early with your architectural, electrical & drainage you can avoid costly changes.
A Practical Landscaping Checklist for Retail and Showroom Owners
Before finalising a landscaping project, work through the following checklist.
- Define the purpose of each outdoor area.
- Identify customer entrances, pedestrian routes, and delivery zones.
- Establish a realistic project and maintenance budget.
- Assess sun exposure, drainage, soil, and irrigation requirements.
- Select suitable paving, decking, and planting materials.
- Confirm access, safety, and applicable accessibility requirements.
- Coordinate lighting, signage, utilities, and shade structures.
- Obtain relevant approvals before construction where required.
- Agree on installation timelines and customer-access arrangements.
- Establish a maintenance schedule and inspection process.
Following these steps helps businesses make decisions based on the property's actual needs instead of relying solely on visual concepts.
How Progren Flooring Can Help with Outdoor Flooring Decisions
At Progren Flooring, we understand that outdoor flooring is an important part of creating a cohesive commercial environment. The material selected for a showroom entrance, terrace, or outdoor display area needs to complement the architecture while meeting the demands of the intended application.
Our approach is to help businesses consider appearance, material suitability, installation requirements, and long-term care when evaluating outdoor flooring options.
Whether you are considering WPC decking for a feature terrace or outdoor wooden flooring for a premium display area, we encourage you to assess the site's exposure, usage, drainage, and maintenance expectations before making a decision.
For larger retail developments, outdoor flooring should also be coordinated with the overall landscaping plan. This helps ensure that decking, planting, paving, and other landscape elements work together rather than appearing as separate additions.
If you are planning a retail or showroom project in the UAE, explore Progren Flooring's product options and discuss the requirements of your proposed outdoor space with our team.
FAQs
1. What landscaping should I have for my retail store?
Often you will want to provide some entrance landscaping along with hardscape elements, ornamental planting, external flooring, decking, lighting, irrigation and maintenance. This will depend on space, footfall and what type of business you have.
2. What type of external flooring should I have for my showroom in the UAE?
This will depend on your requirements. Often external paving would be a good option for high footfall areas such as entrances and forecourts. WPC decking or timber could be good options for specific terraces and feature displays. We recommend looking at heat resistance, drainage, slip resistance and maintenance requirements.
3. Can I have WPC decking for my commercial property in Dubai?
If you have specific areas outdoors you can have WPC decking. Before choosing, ensure you look at temperature resistance, expansion requirements, slip resistance, loading capacity and warranty.
4. What is the difference between WPC decking and external wood flooring?
WPC decking is made from wood fibres and polymers, whereas natural wood is made from timber. WPC decking will often require less regular maintenance whereas timber will give a natural look. Timber will often require some protective treatments. They both need to be installed correctly.
5. Can I have decking outdoors for my furniture showroom?
Yes! You can have decking for specific areas such as furniture displays, terraces and seating areas. Ensure you have the correct decking system for the loading, exposure, drainage and footfall.
6. How can landscaping benefit my retail property?
Having landscaping can help provide a welcoming entrance, organise external flow, compliment your building and provide a uniform look. It will depend on how it is designed, what materials are used and how it is maintained.
7. What plants can I have for my retail landscaping in the UAE?
Often it is a good idea to look at heat-resistant plants that are suited to the area. Consider sun, soil and water requirements, mature sizes, root systems and maintenance.
8. How can landscaping help reduce water usage for my business?
Consider having the correct plants that are drought resistant, efficient irrigation, correct soil preparation, mulch and regularly check for any leaks. Ensure you know what the water requirements are based on the plants, site and local guidelines.
9. What should I include in my retail landscaping quote?
Ensure your quote includes what groundworks, materials, planting, irrigation, drainage, lighting, installation, what isn’t included, what warranties apply and aftercare. This will make it easier to compare different quotes.
10. Should I get my landscaping done before or after my showroom is built?
It is best to plan your landscaping in line with your building project. Some planting and finishing may be done later but ensure you have the correct planning in place for access, drainage, utilities, levelling and external flooring.
11. Do I need regular maintenance for my retail showroom?
Yes! Having regular maintenance will help keep your plants looking healthy, external flooring clean, irrigation working and paths safe. This will depend on the size of the site, materials, planting and how much it is used.
12. How do I decide which landscaping company to go with in Dubai and Sharjah?
Ensure you compare their experience with commercial projects, materials they will use, technical design, installation, maintenance and quotes. Choose the company who can provide the best solution for your property requirements.
Conclusion
When it comes to landscaping your retail store or showroom you want it to look good but also be durable, safe, with good flow and maintenance. All elements including entrance planting, hardscape, WPC decking and external wood flooring should all have a purpose.
The best way to ensure you have the best landscaping for your business in the UAE is to plan it around how your property will be used, local climate and requirements. Ensuring you have a welcoming entrance, correct materials, efficient irrigation and early planning for maintenance can help provide an attractive exterior.
We believe by carefully choosing your external flooring you can create a more uniform commercial landscape. By ensuring your materials are in line with your design you can create a professional look for your retail and showroom areas.