As winter comes to an end, you might notice that your outside space is looking a little… well, worse for the wear. If this is the case, installing some outdoor tiles is a terrific way to bring it back to life for the summer (and for many years to come). Not only do they look wonderful, but they also serve a practical purpose in your yard, providing a place for gatherings, parties, and family play.
Outdoor tiles are available in a wide variety of styles and colors, allowing you to infuse your garden with your personality and create a really unique environment that you will enjoy spending time in.
What are the Best TIles for my Patio and Doorsteps?
It doesn’t matter whether you’re installing a tiled patio or tiled doorways; the same rules apply when it comes to selecting the right tiles.
In order to create a functional outdoor space, you can’t just throw any old tile outside and expect it to work. Outdoor tiles must be sturdy, long-lasting, and capable of withstanding anything the elements throw at them. To top it off, they’re located in a high-traffic location and must be capable of withstanding a large number of people walking over them. They also need to be visually appealing and not fracture when exposed to direct sunlight or become dangerously slippery when it rains.
So, with all of this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best possibilities for your new outdoor living space.
Selecting the Right Tiles for Your Outdoor Space
Despite the strict requirements, there is a wide variety of tiles available that are ideal for outdoor environments. Whatever material you choose (porcelain, quarry, slate, or stone), you can be confident that the ultimate effect will be spectacular if done right.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain is the most popular outdoor tile. The fact that they are burned at incredibly high temperatures means that they will not crack or freeze during the colder months and will not freeze during the hotter months. Moreover, because of their resilience to mildew and stains, you won’t have to worry about their gleaming new appearance fading any time soon.
Did we mention that they’re also quite fashionable? There are many different colors, sizes, and textures of porcelain tiles to choose from. Tiles with realistic stone textures, some of which are nearly equal to the real thing, provide a slip-resistant surface by mimicking natural stone textures and making the surface slippery. What more could you possibly ask for in a tile?
Quarry Tiles
Quarry tiles will provide a more traditional appearance if that is what you are going for. Due to the fact that they are composed of natural clay, they are exceptionally dense, hard-wearing, and long-lasting.
It is safe to assume that quarry tiles will fight off the weather admirably, but will they look nice while doing so? This is something to consider. Yes, we think so! Natural deep, earthy reddish color to them lends them a distinctly Mediterranean vibe, and the diversity of outdoor tile shapes available allows you to create creative and eye-catching patterns with your flooring.
Slate Tiles
Natural slate tiles have a timeless appeal that makes them suitable for use in practically any context, whether it is rustic or contemporary, classic or modern. Slate tiles have an uneven surface, which not only gives them a natural and organic appearance, but it also makes them fairly slip-resistant as well. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to be aware that slate tiles require more attention and maintenance. In spite of the fact that slate is a naturally dense material, it does not fare well in freezing temperatures. Additionally, if the slate is not properly protected, it can be easily scratched and absorb dirt and oils.
But don’t let this deter you from trying! The installation of slate tiles and the creation of a memorable and stunning outdoor environment are both possible when the stone is properly cared for with a good grade natural stone cleaner.
Stone Tiles
It’s safe to say that stone has stood the test of time admirably. Construction materials made of sand have been in use for thousands of years and are still widely used today. No real surprise there; the natural rustic finish creates wonderful spaces, with the unique patterns and grained finishes adding extra appeal, as well as providing a naturally slip-resistant surface to walk on.
Stone, like natural slate, requires maintenance, just as much as the latter. Proper sealing with a high-quality natural stone cleaner is required to ensure that water and stains do not penetrate the stone’s surface.
Which Outdoor Tiles Do I Choose?
Now that you have an idea of the most ideal outdoor tiles you may be thinking, ‘they all seem fantastic, but which one do I choose?’. The finest move you can take next is to do your research. You’ve already accomplished step one of your study by reading this article and learning which tiles are most suited to your project, so now it’s time to let your creative juices flow and imagine how you can use outdoor tiles to create the outdoor environment of your dreams.
Take your time, find what you like, and don’t rush! It’s not a cheap process so try and get it the right first time!
