Patios are one of the outdoor living spaces that have the most potential to increase the value of your property. However, before you can begin setting up your furniture, water features, or fire pits, you must first lay the groundwork for your patio. If you don’t know what you’re searching for when it comes to flooring, selecting the proper type might be a difficult task. In order to help you choose the best outdoor tile for your outside tile installation, we’ve put up a comprehensive guide to outdoor tile selection.
So let’s get started.
What’s the difference between indoor tile and outdoor tile?
Indoor and outdoor tiles differ in style and durability. Outdoor tiles often imitate natural materials such as stones, pavement, concrete, decking, or other outdoor characteristics, such as wood. The outdoor tile has a more textured surface than the indoor tile, which is a plus. The slip-resistant surface formed by this procedure will benefit you, your dogs, and your patio furniture. Outdoor tile is also far more durable than indoor tile. They can withstand direct sunlight and adverse weather conditions without damage.
So, before you start laying tile on your patio, make sure you have outdoor tile. Otherwise, your efforts will be short-lived.
Tips for Choosing the Right Outdoor Tile for your Home
There are numerous outdoor tile options, and if you’re not sure what to search for, the selection might be overwhelming. We’ve included a few recommendations to assist you in narrowing down your options and selecting the ideal outdoor tile for your property. Before you begin shopping, ask yourself the following five questions.
What’s your Budget?
Budget is the primary issue when buying outdoor tiling. Your budget will limit your alternatives. For example, high-quality natural stone tile is out of the question if your budget is less than $12 per square foot.
So, first, make a budget. A budget on paper is easier to remember and follow. Let “affordable” expenses fool you. $20 per square foot may not seem like much, but it adds up. A well-designed patio includes several functional components for your favorite pursuits. Before you start building or upgrading your space, sit down with a piece of paper and sketch out your plans. Consider what outdoor activities your neighbors may enjoy if they had the space. Do this early in the design or refurbishing process.
Where and How will you use them?
However, not every outdoor tile is created equal. Some patio tiles last longer than others. That means some exterior tiles are prone to scratches, cracks, and other damage. Verify the patio tile’s durability in your area.
Also, think about how you will use your tile. Will you hang it on a wall? Will it be installed on the ground? Your answer may influence the type of tile you need. Some outdoor tiles work well on walls. Other patio tiles function better on the ground. Ensure you get the right type for your project.
What’s the Weather like in your Area?
Do you live in a mild climate? Do you get snow all winter? Sprouting? Summer highs?
Always look for outdoor tiles that can survive your region’s weather. A heat-resistant tile may not fare well in snow or ice. If it rains a lot, your tiles may need extra grip. Decide on the sort of weather in your area before starting your tile search.
How much light do you get?
Dark tile colors can create an atmosphere of dampness and darkness in a shaded region. Similarly, light tile colors might create the illusion of a washed-out space in a sunny setting.
Always use light-colored tile in areas that receive less sunlight to provide the best visual impression. If your patio receives a lot of direct sunshine, opt for dark tile.
What is the Current Style and color of your Home?
Don’t choose a tile style that’ll clash with the design of the rest of your home. For example, rustic outdoor tile will look odd and out of place in a sleek, modern home. Find something that’ll complement your style rather than detract from it. You should also think about the color.
Do you want your outdoor tile to match the color of your home? If not, make sure you pick a color that will blend in with the rest of your aesthetics.
Popular types of Outdoor Tiles?
Now that you have some tips that’ll help you pick the best outdoor tile for your home, let’s take a look at some of your options. Here’s a quick list of some of the most popular outdoor tile choices.
Ceramic Tile
While ceramic is capable of withstanding mild weather and light outside use, it is not as durable as other types of outdoor tile. As a result, ceramic should be reserved for covered patios or patios that do not experience frequent dramatic weather changes. Additionally, keep in mind that not all ceramic tile is created equal.
Certain varieties are more durable than others, so choose wisely. Depending on what you purchase, ceramic can be a reasonable option, although the price range is quite broad.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is robust and durable, making it an excellent choice for outdoor use. However, ensure that the porcelain tile is rated for outdoor use. Indoor porcelain tile frequently has a glossy finish that becomes extremely slippery when wet. Rather than that, you’ll want a textured surface on your porcelain.
Quarry Tile
However, this is not a good option if you reside in an area with harsh winters. Quarry tile is not resistant to freezing and ice. On the other side, rain is not an issue. Quarry tile is resistant to moisture and does not become slippery when wet.
However, exercise caution when dealing with other liquids. This sort of tile is prone to staining. Quarry tile is one of the best outdoor tile solutions for homes located in warm regions.
Slate Tile
Slate is a naturally occurring stone (which we will see more of on this list). This tile is sturdy and resilient, with natural surface roughness. This means that it will be slip-resistant without further modification. Slate is available in a number of colors, including dark hues such as black and grey and bright hues such as green or orange.
Granite Tile
While granite, another natural stone, makes lovely indoor surfaces, it does not fare as well outside. Granite is also a porous substance, in addition to being slippery. In other words, if you do not seal it every few years, it will collect moisture, resulting in stains and other problems.
Concrete Tile
Concrete tile is a less expensive alternative to a “natural stone” outdoor floor. Manufacturers shape and dye the concrete to resemble genuine stone. This provides your property an upscale appearance at a fraction of the cost. Concrete tile is extremely durable and can resist extreme weather conditions and high foot traffic. You will, however, need to reseal it every few years.
Travertine Tile
Travertine is a natural stone that produces a tile with exquisite textures and colors. Although this tile is durable, it does have a pitted surface that can collect dirt over time. This issue can be avoided by polishing the surface to a smooth finish. However, if you do so, it will become slippery when wet.
Soapstone Tile
Soapstone is likewise a type of natural stone, but it is smooth and impervious to water. This makes it stain- and water-resistant. Additionally, it can tolerate extremes of heat and cold. As a result, soapstone is an excellent choice for practically every environment. If you’re looking for a material to surround your pool, soapstone may be an option.
Limestone Tile
Limestone is a soft stone, which means it is readily scratched and chipped. Additionally, you must seal this sort of tile frequently to avoid water damage. Unless you live in a dry, warm climate, avoid using limestone on your patio.
Sandstone Tile
While sandstone has a lovely texture, it is more delicate than limestone. Due to the fact that this tile is composed of layers of compressed sand, it is delicate and prone to scratches, chipping, and cracks. Water can also wreak havoc on sandstone. However, if you live in a dry climate and seal it frequently, this tile can be a lovely addition to your yard.
Now that you know which outdoor tile is best for your home, it’s time to start the process of installation.
Originally posted 2022-04-22 19:21:37.
