When Australia has so much good weather, who wouldn’t want to spend as much time outdoors as possible? So, having a patio or deck should be mandatory. Imagine all the barbeques you’ll have and all the footie matches you can watch from your very own outdoor entertainment area. One way to class up the space and ensure it lasts against the elements is to lay down some tiles.
You can’t just use any tiles outdoors; there is a wide selection. However, if you’re wanting to get the best quality tiles, we’ve compiled a list of five important things you need to consider when choosing the right tiles for outside.
What is Your Climate Like?
When you’re in the process of choosing the tiles for your outdoor area, the climate is going to be one of the most important factors. Australia experiences various weather conditions all over the country – wet, dry, hot, cold, you name it. With that in mind, you need to understand that certain tiles are designed to withstand the changing weather. Therefore, you need to look for tiles that have a low water absorption to prevent algae, staining, rot or lichen issues. They also need to be high in durability to ensure they last.
Tiles that will do a great job in the changing weather conditions include:
- Ceramic tiles
- Porcelain tiles
- Marble tiles
- Travertine tiles
Are They Low Maintenance?
Not all tiles are created equally, and so some of them are going to need a little more TLC than others. Your ideal tile for outdoors is going to be one that is durable and requires less maintenance; this way, it’ll last longer, and you won’t have to spend every weekend cleaning it. Ultimately, you want tiles that have:
- Low porosity
- High durability
- Stain resistant
Some tiles, like natural stone, are highly durable, but they’re porous – which can lead to them staining and becoming brittle. The good news is that you can combat porosity by sealing it with a penetrating sealer to give it a layer of protection and make it stain-resistant and easier to clean.
Where Will the Tiles Be?
Another important factor is considering where outside you’ll be placing the tiles and how exposed they’re going to be to the elements. Will they be used as a floor covering, or are they going to be used as a wall feature? Will they be exposed to direct sunlight for the majority of the day, or are they going to be shaded? These are important things to think about because depending on where the tile will be will determine how durable the materials need to be.
Which Tiles Will Be Safe to Use Outside?
When you’re picking tiles for outside, never overlook how they are going to impact your safety. Some types of tiles can get extremely slippery when exposed to wet conditions – especially the tiles around the pool area. Slippery surfaces mean there’s an increased chance of slips and falls, which can lead to some serious injuries. You want unpolished, unglazed tiles with a slightly more abrasive texture. While there are no “slip-resistant” tiles, choosing these ones can help minimise the risk.
Which Style Are You Going for?
So the style of your tiles may not be a “life or death” decision, but it is still an important factor to consider when choosing outdoor tiles. Imagine going through all the effort of designing the perfect outdoor area, and then the tiles completely clash and ruin the flow of your design.
For those wanting a look that harmonises with the landscape and can look good while withstanding the natural elements, then natural stone is going to be one of your top options. Also, consider going for your neutral-coloured tiles to ensure there are no major contrasts. For a more modern and edgy look that stands out from the scenery, go for tiles with bold colours and mosaic patterns. A trend that has taken over the interior design world is to make your inside blend seamlessly into the outdoor area for next-level cohesion.
Another important factor when it comes to the style of your outdoor living space is being mindful of the colour tiles you use to enhance or downplay light. Your darker-coloured tiles will be perfect for areas that are well-lit and experience a good deal of natural light. Light-coloured tiles are optimal for when you’re trying to optimise any light in shadier areas or those with inconsistent lighting.
Final Thoughts
Never downplay the importance of choosing the perfect tile for the outdoors. Not only does it affect the aesthetic of your home and outdoor living space, but making the right choice will also ensure the area is safe and will last for years to come. So choose wisely, and consider the five points.
