Outdoor Tiles

Manufacturing tiles that will endure the hardships of outdoor installation isn't cheap, but fewer outdoor floor installations will give you such a refined and stunning look. This unparalleled visual appeal means you should at least consider an outdoor tile installation. You may not have the budget for a complete patio or walkway in ceramic tile, but even a small stoop or some other tiling accent can add significant beauty to your outdoor landscape.

Slip Resistant Tiles
Outdoor tiles need to be slip resistant for obvious safety reasons. This can mean foregoing sealant or glazing common to other tiling installations. High end outdoor tiles are glazed with grit embedded in the glaze to create a finished product that also provides superb traction. The rougher texture of unfinished tiles will also make them more difficult to clean, but unless you can afford the specially-formulated tiles, that's just part of the deal.

Installation Requirements
More than just slip resistant, outdoor tiles must also be able to withstand repeated freezing and thawing. This requires dense tiles with low absorption rates. The absorption rating should be 3% or lower. This means choosing vitrified or impervious graded tiles. Permanently bonding tiles to the flooring substrate is critical. For outdoor tiling projects, concrete slabs should be used and they must be thick enough and reinforced with steel to prevent cracking and separating. Consistently-sized tiles will also make for a stronger tiling installation. Ceramic tiles are kiln-fired and some variation is inevitable, but ideally, shouldn't exceed 1/8 of an inch. Ignoring any of these rules can lead to tiles that are quickly in disrepair. Ensuring your outdoor tiles will hold up for many years is especially important since, regardless, the installation won't be cheap.

Outdoor Decking Tiles
A relatively inexpensive alternative for outdoor tiling projects is decking tiles. These tiles are interlocking, belaying the need for precise substrate bonding. These tiles are often used to spruce up existing installations. For example, a wood deck or porch, which has fallen into disrepair, but still has its structural integrity, can have decking tiles laid directly over the original material. Decking tiles may not have the same longevity as standard outdoor tiling, but they are still cost-effective and the tiling choice of many homeowners.