Practical Features of Exterior Tiles
For many people thinking about tiling outside, whether it's on a patio or a path, there a number of considerations that need to be made about the practicalities and features of the tile you choose.
Firstly, it's no secret that we get our fair share of rain and cold weather in the UK, so it's always a good idea to consider finding a tile that's suitable for use in wet environments, and that has certain frost resistant properties.
Generally speaking, porcelain is better at dealing with frosty conditions than ceramic, because the finished tile is often denser and less porous; the less water in the tile the less prone they are to cracking and breaking under icy conditions. What's more, porcelain is fired at a higher temperature, giving them their characteristic durability and strength.
In addition to porcelain, slate and red quarry tiles are always a good option for outdoors. Not only do they look great, but they have natural frost resistant properties that will keep them robust through the winter months.
It's also worth thinking about whether anti-slip features are required. Today, many commercial non-slip tiles are given a resistance rating, indicating how suitable it is for use on areas that may be exposed to large amounts of water, while most designer tiles achieve an anti-slip finish through textured or matt finishes that add grip to the surface as a whole.
Things to Remember
With quarry tiles it's quite common for the pieces to require sealing before the job's done. Most expensive ranges come already sealed, but it's always a good idea to check with the manufacturer. Similarly porcelain tiles are often sealed though may require some work with sealants before going down, especially when being laid outside.
It's important to get the right fixing and grouting products, no matter what tile you use. When working outdoors, you have to bear in mind that the finished surface will have to bear the brunt of the British weather, and there are specially designed adhesive and grout ranges that will make sure your patio or path can withstand whatever is thrown at it. Again, remember to ask the tile manufacturer or distributor for details about this.
Overall, tiling outside is becoming a much more popular trend in Britain, and with so many ranges of porcelain, quarry, real stone and slate that have all the material properties demanded of exterior use, design no longer needs to be compromised in favour of low maintenance exterior spaces.
For many people thinking about tiling outside, whether it's on a patio or a path, there a number of considerations that need to be made about the practicalities and features of the tile you choose.
Firstly, it's no secret that we get our fair share of rain and cold weather in the UK, so it's always a good idea to consider finding a tile that's suitable for use in wet environments, and that has certain frost resistant properties.
Generally speaking, porcelain is better at dealing with frosty conditions than ceramic, because the finished tile is often denser and less porous; the less water in the tile the less prone they are to cracking and breaking under icy conditions. What's more, porcelain is fired at a higher temperature, giving them their characteristic durability and strength.
In addition to porcelain, slate and red quarry tiles are always a good option for outdoors. Not only do they look great, but they have natural frost resistant properties that will keep them robust through the winter months.
It's also worth thinking about whether anti-slip features are required. Today, many commercial non-slip tiles are given a resistance rating, indicating how suitable it is for use on areas that may be exposed to large amounts of water, while most designer tiles achieve an anti-slip finish through textured or matt finishes that add grip to the surface as a whole.
Things to Remember
With quarry tiles it's quite common for the pieces to require sealing before the job's done. Most expensive ranges come already sealed, but it's always a good idea to check with the manufacturer. Similarly porcelain tiles are often sealed though may require some work with sealants before going down, especially when being laid outside.
It's important to get the right fixing and grouting products, no matter what tile you use. When working outdoors, you have to bear in mind that the finished surface will have to bear the brunt of the British weather, and there are specially designed adhesive and grout ranges that will make sure your patio or path can withstand whatever is thrown at it. Again, remember to ask the tile manufacturer or distributor for details about this.
Overall, tiling outside is becoming a much more popular trend in Britain, and with so many ranges of porcelain, quarry, real stone and slate that have all the material properties demanded of exterior use, design no longer needs to be compromised in favour of low maintenance exterior spaces.
Source...