5 Things To Think About When Choosing Outdoor Tile

How To Choose Outdoor Tile
5 things to think about when you are choosing outdoor tile.

More and more homeowners are choosing to revitalise their boring backyards into stylish spaces, where they can entertain friends, or just enjoy some down time.

A simple way of achieving this revival is through the use of outdoor tiles. 

Natural stones are the favorite luxury home décor material for homeowners. They can easily enhance their surrounding space with effortless beauty and grace. Their earthy colors, amazing textures and one of a kind pattern allow them to be part of the any space and design.

Choosing Outdoor Tile – 5 Things To Think About


Budget

A patio can be quite an expansive space, and covering it with luxury tile can cost far more than tiling a smaller indoor space, such as a bathroom. For this reason, the cost is a very important factor when choosing patio tile. The range in price can be enormous, from as low as $1 per square foot for a material such as carpet tiles or basic ceramic tile to $50 per square foot to have a high-end slate or soapstone patio installed.

Strength

Unlike the tiles used for indoor walls and floors, outdoor tiles need to be particularly strong and able to withstand a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. And just how strong they need to be is dependent on the level of use you anticipate. A patio for a sedate retired couple calls for different materials than for a family with active children throwing play equipment around.

Style

Outdoor patios must blend in with the overall looks of the landscape and the architectural features and materials of the house. Choose materials with colors and textures that are consistent with the overall look of your property.

Texture

The texture and “slipperiness” of a tile is far more important in outdoor applications than it is for indoor wall tiles or even indoor floor tiles. Moisture is often inherent on an outdoor patio, and the tile texture must provide some “tooth” that keeps users from slipping. Non-slip surfaces are critical for outdoor tiles, and some material choices are eliminated for this reason.

Weather

If you live in an area exposed to the cycle of freezing and thawing, you will need an outdoor patio tile that can withstand extreme changes in temperature. Porcelain, for example, has a very low water absorption rate, while sandstone is fairly porous. If water is absorbed by a piece of tile and that water then freezes, the process can crack your tile or the break the joints between the tile.

We hope these 5 tips help you with choosing outdoor tile for your next project.


Pera Tile specializes in porcelain tiles and can help you find the tile you need for multiple projects and installations, ranging from commercial buildings to custom homes.