With the rise in popularity of outdoor porcelain tiles, or porcelain paving, we get a lot of questions about whether a standard internal porcelain tile can be used outside. The simple answer is yes, but...
We strongly recommend using 20mm thickness porcelain tiles outdoors. The double-thickness (compared to a conventional porcelain floor tile) is more robust in withstanding heavy foot traffic and large patio furniture and is significantly better able to cope with possible freeze-thaw stresses during the winter months.
20mm thick porcelain can also be installed using a variety of methods which are unsuitable for conventional floor tiles, such as using a wet bed installation method (with bonding slurry) or onto paving pedestals.
A 10mm thick porcelain tile can be used outside however, it is essential that that these are fixed on a solid concrete base using a traditional tile adhesive fixing method, ensuring 100% coverage of adhesive under the tile to avoid air pockets which would cause cracking if exposed to extreme stress.
Also, it is essential that any 10mm tile used is checked to ensure it conforms to the R11 slip resistance rating for the appropriate safe use outside.