When it comes to selecting the right outdoor tile, there are a lot of different factors to take into consideration.
Choosing the wrong tile could be potentially dangerous, as walking across an unsuitable surface in wet weather could cause someone to slip and have an accident. If a tile is not durable enough for the wear and tear of outdoor conditions, it could crack and fracture, creating dangerous sharp edges or potential tripping hazards.
There are a lot of different traits you should look for when selecting a tile for outdoor use, but here are the top 5 factors that define a suitable outdoor tile:
Slip-Resistance
Any outdoor tile is likely to be exposed to a range of different conditions. Whether your tiles get wet from rain, or a water fight with hoses and water balloons in the hot summer months, it’s vital that the tiles be slip-resistant. Having a non-suitable tile could result in someone falling and having a potentially dangerous accident.
Low Maintenance
If you’re looking for tiles for outdoor use, low maintenance is a great benefit. Having a tile that requires minimum upkeep like waxing and sealing, or doesn’t need to be cleaned regularly, is a great feature to look out for. By selecting a low maintenance tile, you’ll be spending less time cleaning and upkeeping your tiles, and more time enjoying and making use of your beautiful outdoor space!
Durable
Durability can refer to a lot of things, but in this context, we’re referring to a tile that’s stain, fade, and scratch resistant. Outdoor tiles are likely to go through a lot, such as having food and drink spill, chairs dragged, not to mention being exposed to the elements 24/7. Having a tile that can stand the test of time and look just as good years down the line is important.
Frost proof
The weather in the UK is known for being temperamental: jumping from a beautiful sunny day to hail and sleet in seconds, you never know what will be next. Having an outdoor tile that’s sturdy enough to withstand the elements is vital. Some outdoor tiles such as concrete have significant water percentages – in cold temperatures this can cause them to expand, shift, dislodge, crack, and sustain damage.
Strong
Perhaps one of the most important factors of all, any outdoor tile must be strong and capable of withstanding a large amount of force. Throughout their lifetime, outdoor tiles are subjected to all manner of conditions from extreme weather, heavy foot fall, tables and chairs being dragged, broken bottles and bouncing balls. You need an outdoor tile that can endure all of this and more without chipping or cracking.
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If you’re looking for a tile that checks all of these boxes, we’ve got just the product for you! Porcelain paving tiles are the perfect blend of durability, slip resistance, and low maintenance. They’re also incredibly diverse as they’re suitable for use both inside and outside.
If you’d like to browse the range of outdoor tiles available from PrimaPorcelain, check out the link below. As you browse, you can order up to three samples completely FREE! If you want to order more than three, any additional samples are only £2.00 each!
Browse Outdoor Tiles
Read More: How to Choose the Right Paving Colour for Your Patio