Thinking about giving your patio or balcony a makeover this summer? There are a few different options when it comes to external flooring; you could opt for wooden decking, traditional paving slabs, or natural stone paving. Alternatively, you could choose to use tiles, but what kind of tile is best for outdoor use? Read on to find out.
The most important thing to look for is what the tiles are made of. Most tiles are made of either ceramic or porcelain, and for outdoor use, you want to go for a porcelain tile. But 'what is the difference between ceramic and porcelain?' we hear you ask! Ceramic tiles are made of clay which is shaped, fired and glazed. Ceramic is usually only suitable for use on walls. Porcelain tiles are also made of clay, but with added sand and other materials for additional strength. These are pressed and then fired at much higher temperatures than ceramic. This process is called vitrification, which makes the porcelain less porous - only absorbing 0.5% water.
These vitrified non-porous tiles have plenty of great qualities that make them ideal for outdoor use. They are resistant to moss and mould growth, fade-proof, colourfast and extremely hard-wearing.
If these benefits are not enough for you, we also ensure all our outdoor tiles are double the thickness of an indoor tile and have enhanced slip resistance. Outdoor porcelain tiles can be used on patios, terraces and balconies. They are also ideal for swimming pool surrounds and even driveways if laid on a solid base.
If you are extending your home, you may want to use co-ordinating tiles inside. The Valverdi Indoor-Out range offers an indoor tile to match each outdoor one, allowing you to create an almost seamless look. These are perfect for use with bifold, sliding and French doors.
Porcelain is a versatile material - modern manufacturing means that the tiles can look like almost any other material. We offer a wide range of outdoor porcelain including wood, stone and cement effect - suitable for both traditional and modern homes.
When it comes to finding the best tile for your project, nothing beats seeing the tiles in person. Why not visit one of our showrooms or, if there's not one nearby, order 3 free samples online? This will allow you to see the colour in natural light and feel the texture of the tile surface.
If you have any questions about our outdoor tiles please get in touch with a member of our customer service team who are experts in all things outdoor porcelain.