Outdoor Tiles for Beautiful Outdoor Spaces
Summer’s here, at last.
Sunny days and holidays are upon us and outside is the place to be…time to unwind and bask in the sun, relax by the pool, or enjoy a fabulous braai with people making you love life.
And if you’re not off to some exotic vacation spot, why not create perfect holiday bliss right at your own address? We’re picking up a trend where homeowners are transforming all kinds of exterior spaces into enhanced functioning areas and enjoy spending the festive time at home. Windows are replaced with sliding or folding glass doors and tiles are no longer just a means to cover afloor, they embody elements of nature, inviting the great outdoors to walk right in.
Which Tiles Are Best for Outdoors
Choosing the best tiles for outdoor areas comes down to more than just taste. Common types of tiles that all look beautiful outdoors include quarry, travertine, slate, limestone stoneware, granite, ceramic and porcelain of which porcelain tiles are the most popular.
Ceramic Tile VS Porcelain Tile – Which Is Better?
Porcelain and ceramic may seem different from the other, but porcelain is just another form of ceramic. Also manufactured from a clay mix but fired at higher temperatures to make it more durable than ceramic.
Ceramic tiles are ideal for light outdoor usage and covered patios or areas that are not exposed to severe weather changes.
Porcelain tiles on the other hand are more versatile. They’re denser than ceramic and resilient to scratching, frost and UV rays that make them perfect for outdoor use…and marvellously fuss-free to clean.
They are non-flammable, won’t burn, melt, smoke or smell and are ideal around areas like grills, fire pits and fireplaces. Another magnificent feature of porcelain tiles is that they are very amenable to the installation of underfloor heating to turn a cold floor deliciously warm in winter.
This beautiful natural mood board reflects the contemporary trends of the year ahead.
Are Porcelain Tiles Slippery?
No, not if you choose the slip-resistant finish. When glazed, they’re non-porous, waterproof and stain-resistant that make them an excellent choice for all wet spaces like kitchens, laundries, bathrooms and patios. They are also most suitable to use in gardens and around the swimming pool area. Porcelain outdoor tiles are more textured than indoor tiles to create a slip-resistant surface with traction for patio furniture, pets, and people.
Since porcelain tiles are durable and wearable, they are also highly recommended for commercial spaces with extensive footfall and strong to bear large and heavyweight furniture. They don’t require high maintenance either and can last well between 20 to 50 years and beyond. Ifa porcelain floor is laid right the first time, you can walk on it for a lifetime.
The Magic Look of Nature Captured in Porcelain
Revolutionised Ink jet printing in tile factories can mimic the authentic look and textured feel of characterful wood planks, the natural curves of stone and enigmatic concrete.
Patio tiles that look like wood, without the high maintenance that wood needs, bring colour, warmth, and durability to any living space.
Large Format Tiles
Large format tiles or slabs are manufactured in 60 x 60 cm, 60 x 120cm and 120 x 120 cm sizes. With minimal seam lines when installed, they create a powerful visual impact and a simple boundless beauty. These tiles continue to be a firm favourite of designers,homeowners, and contractors alike.
The technology applied in their manufacturing creates a versatile format to compliment any design as well as the quality to endure application both in- and outdoors. Thinner and lighter porcelain tiles are perfectly suitable to be installed as cladding on walls, replacing granite or marble on countertops, or laid on furniture surfaces where fewer grout joints are needed.
Large format tiles are a fantastic option to complement from an industrial-style room to a small bathroom.
What is The Best Outdoor Tile for Patios?
Patios are the one area where homeowners can easily increase the value of their properties.
But when you choose what tiles are best for outdoor use, consider the following:
- How much light the area gets, that you wish to tile
If it gets a lot of sun, a very light-coloured tile might reflect harsh sun rays on your eyes while a darker tile creates a cooler ambience. Although darker tiles may be hotter underfoot in summer, they visually stimulate a cool effect. In Areas with permanent shade however, dark tiles may appear gloomy or cold while lighter tiles could brighten up the area.
- The current style and colour of your house
Although it’s a personal choice, a tile style that doesn’t harmonise with the design of your home may affect your property value. It’s always sensible to work around a relatively cohesive palette regardless of the style or character of your house.
Don’t let the colour of your painted exterior hold you back, it’s an easy fix with the stroke of a brush. Ifa tile colour captivates your attention but clashes wildly with the colour on your walls, you could either repaint the walls or install tiles on it.
- The type of weather where you live
Does your environment receive a lot of rain, do you experience extreme heat or cold? Always look for an outdoor tile that can hold up to your specific weather conditions and if you’re not sure, consult with the professionals at Tiletopia.
- The volume of traffic on this tiled area
If it’s a space with a lot of foot traffic, entertaining and games, choose a tile that’s hard-wearing, slip-free, and safe for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Combined in-and outdoor living
If you’re building a new home or plan major renovations, installing tiles at the same level in-and outside, creates a seamless link with the illusion of spaciousness.
Using The Same Tiles To Connect Indoors and Outdoors
The two most important points to consider when choosing tiles for both spaces are water absorption and grip. As an alternative to installing the same porcelain patio tile, two different finishes could be considered, with the more textural finish applied outside to maximise the grip and slip-resistant aspect. Some tiles are available in specific indoor-outdoor ranges for this reason.
Living Rooms
Balconies
Kitchen and Dining Room
Mix cooking, a cold one and great company for delectable summer fun. The selection of non-porous porcelain tiles from this kitchen to the garden, are not only slip-resistant and wear-resistant but also beautiful and generous.
Bedroom
Bathroom
Beautiful Tiled Green Spaces
The Outdoor Shower
If you don’t have a swimming pool, a tiled outdoor shower can become a stunning garden and water feature and very practical for a post pool or jacuzzi rinse, a visit to the beach or a sensational cooldown after a healthy sweaty summer run.
The Swimming Pool
One of the best elements to complement and add value to a home, is a swimming pool.Creating a lifetime of memories, a pool gives endless entertainment, relaxation,beauty, and peace.
You are most welcome to visit our stylish showroom just off the N2 at the Gants Centre in Strand and experience the excellent Tiletopia service from our superbly trained and inspirational consultants.
Share your dreams and ideas and we will have the perfect tile for you.
Enjoy your summer!