Things To Consider When Choosing Outdoor Tiles

Things To Consider When Choosing Outdoor Tiles

Using tiles for exterior floors has rocketed in popularity of late and, thanks to advancements in tile production technology in recent years, the range of designs and types available to homeowners is now vast. Whilst this increased level of choice is undoubtedly a good thing, it does mean that it can be a bit of a minefield for the uninitiated when it comes to deciding which sort of tiles to opt for in an exterior project.

Technically, any porcelain tile can be used outdoors (providing you consider a couple of small but important factors), but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should just stick any old porcelain tile down and hope for the best. Here we bring you what we think are the three most important things to consider when choosing outdoor tiles…

How and Where Will The Tiles Be Used?

How and where the tiles you choose will be used will dictate the type of tiles you purchase. Get it wrong and you could be left with a bunch of unsuitable products, so do take the time to consider where the tiles you’re buying will be installed. Most porcelain tiles are suitable for exterior use providing that they’re frost-proof and have a high enough slip rating, so you could opt for all manner of floor tiles from our range for use in smaller installations such as garden paths, porches or front door steps.

However, if the location in which you’re installing the tiles is subject to heavy use, inclement weather, and organic matter – driveways or patio areas for example – then you should perhaps consider something more durable such as 18-20mm thick outdoor porcelain slab tiles. These are basically porcelain versions of paving slabs that are available in all kinds of designs replicating everything from wooden planks and marble to granite and limestone. More durable than the natural stone and timber they replicate, outdoor porcelain slab tiles do not require post-installation sealing, have in-built UV protection that will prevent them from fading in direct sunlight, and will not absorb water or be susceptible to staining from organic matter such as leaves/moss.

What Method of Installation Will You Use?

The golden rule for any kind of floor tiling project, interior or exterior, is ‘make sure the surface you’re tiling onto is level, not porous and free of dents and holes’. When installing exterior tiles this is perhaps doubly important as any uneven substrates can result in a poor finish, tiles lifting, and adhesives not adhering effectively. Most people will opt to create a solid concrete screed on which to install tiles.

Are The Tiles You’ve Chosen Right For Your Design Scheme?

Indoor:Outdoor is a huge trend right now and many DIYers are now looking to extend an interior aesthetic to exterior areas to maintain visual continuity. Tile manufacturers are wise to this, which is why many large format interior tiles also come with an accompanying 20mm thick porcelain outdoor slab tile variant – the depth of choice of which is not restrictive, regardless of your design style. Concrete and natural stone effect in particular are very popular and prevalent within this trend.

Patterned tiles are also enjoying quite the resurgence at present and you’ll be pleased to know that vintage-style feature floors are not limited to interiors as many patterned porcelain floor tiles have frost proof qualities that allow them to be deployed in exterior settings too. Outdoor slab tiles are also increasingly getting in on the patterned action too with a slew of styles now available to compliment any design scheme. It’s also worth remembering that longer, plank-like tiles can give smaller spaces illusion of expansiveness, so consider wood effect outdoor tiles or those with rectangular form-factors. Similarly, larger tiles with rectified edges will minimise the intrusiveness of grout joints – the bigger the tiles, the fewer you’ll use and the fewer grout joints you’ll have.

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