Before choosing outdoor tiles for your patio and garden, it’s essential to understand how they can impact the functionality and aesthetics of the space in question. When shopping for outdoor tiles, keep in mind factors such as durability, budget, appearance, and weather resistance to pick the most suitable tiles for your patio and garden. Popular outdoor tiling options include porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tiles.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are well-known for their non-porous, durable features and low-water absorption rate. These clay-based tiles make an excellent outdoor tile choice for patios and gardens due to their ability to endure extreme weather conditions. The Coefficient of Friction or COF indicates how slippery a tile can be, with higher COFs meaning less slippery when wet and vice versa. Porcelain tiles have a high COF, which is a critical safety feature to consider when choosing outdoor tiles. What’s more, porcelain tiles are sturdy, easy to clean, and come in a wide range of colours, textures, and designs, allowing you to create a unique aesthetic for your patio or garden.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are another popular choice of outdoor tiles for gardens and patios due to their variety of styles. Some ceramic tiles are specifically designed for outdoor use with lower water absorption rates and increased durability, often labelled as frost-proof. However, unlike porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles have a lower COF, making them more susceptible to cracking in colder temperatures. Ultimately, whether you use ceramic tiles outside is dependent on their features, the climate you live in and your personal preferences.
Natural Stone Tiles
Natural stone tiles, such as granite, travertine, and slate, are a popular choice for garden and patio tiles because of their durability and natural beauty. Each type of stone has a different look and feel, improving the aesthetics of your outdoor space.
Granite Tile
Providing excellent resistance against the elements, granite tile is a great choice for your garden and patio. Its hardness makes it resistant to high foot traffic and harsh weather conditions, however, granite tiles must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and to increase longevity.
Travertine Tile
Travertine tile is also an excellent choice for your outdoor patio or garden due to its slip-resistant texture and timeless look. What’s more, travertine tile can adapt to and resist extreme weather temperatures, meaning that you can walk across your patio and garden without your bare feet getting burnt.
Slate Tile
Popular for its rustic charm, slate tile is another suitable choice for your patio and garden, which is stain-resistant and non-porous. Its textured surface makes it slip-resistant but also increases its susceptibility to chipping and flaking over time. This means that slate tile requires more regular resealing and maintenance to retain its durability in different weather conditions.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Outdoor Tiles
To choose the best outdoor tiles for your patio and garden, consider the following aspects:
Durability
Outdoor tiles should be sturdy and resistant to high foot traffic. Some tiles are more prone to cracking, so be sure to choose your outdoor tiles carefully to ensure safe and long-lasting patio and garden functionality and aesthetic.
Budget
Investing in good-quality outdoor tiles does not have to mean spending well over your budget. Instead, do some research and consider all the different tile options available to you before making a decision. Remember; buying cost-effective tiles does not equate to low-quality materials!
Weather Resistance
Being waterproof and resistant to extreme weather conditions will ensure your outdoor tiles do not freeze and remain appealing after regular exposure to sunlight. Having a high COF is also a crucial consideration to make before buying outdoor tiles to reduce the risk of someone slipping on your patio or garden tiles.
Aesthetics
Outdoor tiles for your patio and garden should match the landscape’s general look as well as the house’s architectural materials. Keep in mind colours and textures that match the overall appearance of your home while choosing your outdoor tiles.
The Best Outdoor Tile for Patio and Garden
Enhance your outdoor space by choosing the right outdoor tiles for your patio and garden. By understanding the unique characteristics and features of porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tiles, you can make an informed decision. Still not sure which outdoor tiles are right for you? Cheapestiles is Sydney’s Cheapestiles distributor offering a wide range of outdoor tiles and more. Contact us at 02 9790 4273 or fill out an enquiry form for professional advice on the right outdoor tiles for your patio and garden.
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