Each part of the home deserves equal attention and management. Talking about tiling your house, indoors and outdoors requires the same efforts, from selecting the tiles to their installation process. Neither of them should be neglected. Patios are one of the spaces that add value to your home. Adding comfort to your outdoor area is like elevating the overall look of your home. There are many options that can be opted for giving a makeover to your patio area. Selecting outdoor tiles that meet all your needs is the initial step of elevating the outside area of your home. For more information, keep reading the article further and learn about choosing outdoor tiles.
Types of Outdoor Tiles
No matter how big or small your outdoor area is, adding the right type of tile or flooring can make it look like a better place. Considering your outdoor area while selecting tiles will make this decor project easy. It will not only help you envision how tiles will glam up the aesthetics of your space. Let's discuss various types of tiles which are suitable for the outdoors.
Natural Stone Tiles
Tiles made from marble, slate, granite, limestone, and travertine are natural stone tiles. Anyone looking for a seamless blend prefers these tiles as they have a natural appeal and add a luxurious look to your outdoor areas. However, they can be a bit expensive compared to porcelain but the grace they hold is worth the price.
Marble Mosaic Tiles
The tiles which look divine wherever they are placed are marble tiles. They come in various colors (white to black) and various patterns. You can get a wide range to select. These tiles require sealing so that the tiles can endure traffic on foot and tolerate the weather changes.
Ceramic Tiles
These are some of the most common tiles people pick. Ceramic tiles are good for a covered patio or somewhere under the shed, as ceramic tiles can't withstand harsh weather conditions and can show signs of damage earlier than expedited if exposed outdoors.
Porcelain Tiles
These are clay-based tiles that give incredible durability and are also non-porous. This property of porcelain tiles makes it a perfect fit for outdoor usage. They can withstand harsh weather conditions and are also scratch and fade-resistant. Porcelain tiles pass every parameter required for outside tiles. These are some of the characteristics that make porcelain tiles a popular choice.
Granite
This is one of the natural stones that people choose for outdoors. Granite is highly polished and is a high-end paving material. So, this can be used for the patio area to give it a seamless look. While installation of granite, it should be sealed properly to prevent penetration as well as prevent tiles from stains.
Things to Consider While Choosing the Best Outdoor Tiles
There are some parameters to prioritize before selecting outdoor tiles. So, let's discuss them to make the selection of the outdoor tiles easy.
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Looking for Slip Resistance: When looking for outdoor tiles, you should consider the slip resistance property. Outdoor tiles will come in contact with water due to rain or normal water spills, making them slippery if they are of poor quality. You got the tiles at a lower price with compromised quality, lacking slip resistance, and can cause serious injuries. Prioritizing grip and slip resistance is the only way out.
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Good Quality Material: Tiles used outdoors come in contact with various elements that can cause scratches and cracks, which makes it important to go for strong tiles that can withstand wear and tear in the long run.
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Prioritize Your Budget: This is the most important decision one has to take before spending money. Considering the space and budget is the right way to get things done. Although the prices may range anywhere from $1 per square foot up to $50 per square foot, the rest depends upon the type of tile you choose.
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Amount of Light: The amount of natural light in your patio area matters. While selecting the tiles, if the area doesn't have that much natural light, you should use lighter shades of tiles to highlight the place. And if the area receives a good amount of natural light, you can pick any shade of tile you want.
Parameters to Consider for Outdoor Tiles
There are a lot of things that impact the tiles outdoors. Let's discuss some of those parameters.
UV Rays and Weather
Not all types of tiles are suitable for outdoor usage. If you live in a region undergoing several weather cycles, you must go for the tiles that can bear the weather changes. Cement tiles are applicable for UV resistance, whereas UV rays can be tough for some surfaces, which is why outdoor flooring should be resistant to UV rays and have the capability to tolerate harsh weather changes.
Durability
Things outside the house always need to be tough and durable compared to the inside. The same goes for the outdoor tiles; they should be strong and durable enough to withstand foot traffic and any other heavy element. Nobody wants to invest in tiles every other year; it is a long-term investment.
Resistance From Stain
Vegetation over time can stain the outdoor tiles. Situations like these mostly occur when tiles are not maintained properly. Sealing your tiles regularly can minimize this, and maintaining them regularly can also prevent them from stains.
Slipperiness and Texture
Moisture is inevitable, tiles should have DCOF(dynamic coefficient of friction). This indicates the slip resistance in the tiles. Sealing in tiles makes them waterproof and also develops slip resistance in them. Try to avoid tiles with slippery textures and less friction.
Ways to Use Your Patio After Outdoor Tiles
Finding a purpose to re-do your outdoor space after designing your outdoor area might be tough and seem pointless, but no issue. We are here to give you creative ideas for making your patio or outdoor space interesting.
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Relaxing and Refreshment: Imagine a refreshing and relaxing space in your house where you can sit at peace after an exhausting day. You can turn out the patio area like that by picking up soothing colors like sky blue to relax your eyes.
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For Entertainment: Utilising your outdoor area for entertaining guests and outdoor dining is also a good idea. For that, choose porcelain and ceramic tiles which aren't slippery and will prevent falls. Good planning tends to turn your outside extra space into an entertaining or dining area.
Conclusion
Adding more value to your outdoor areas is also the right decision. Before initiating the installation of tiles, you should know everything. Types of tiles you can use, parameters affecting the outdoor tiles, and how you can use them after the installation.
