Is porcelain tile good for an outdoor patio?
If you’re creating a patio and you want a beautiful contemporary finish that is also low maintenance then porcelain tiles are the perfect choice.
Think of how you use your patio. Usually it will be for dining and entertaining and these days not just in the summer months. Lesser kinds of material may not be able to withstand the possibility of becoming damaged or stained but this modern long lasting alternative has the durability to cope with anything, from red wine spillages to bad weather.
Can you put porcelain tiles outside?
Absolutely! And here’s why…
- They are strong
Outdoor porcelain paving slabs are fired under intense heat which makes them extremely hard and that means they can handle most outdoor scenarios. Whether you need them to withstand the pressure of heavy outdoor furniture or the constant traffic of a driveway.
- Porcelain tiles are long lasting
This is a hard wearing material that will look great for decades.
- They won’t scratch
Their scratch-resistant quality is a must if you want to retain their sleek modern look.
- Frost resistant
Because frost can’t permeate outdoor porcelain paving slabs they won’t crack.
- Non slip
Non slip is exactly what you want from an exterior tile and with outdoor porcelain paving slabs you’ve got it! This means they are absolutely ideal for driveways, patios and poolside areas.
- Low maintenance
Unlike many paving types outdoor porcelain paving slabs don’t need to be sealed and they are also easy to clean and maintain.
- Impermeable
They are stain resistant and won’t collect mould or moss.
- Stylish
Their aesthetic appeal lies in their smooth texture and their range of colours and designs. You really can find something to match any paving project you have set your heart on.
- They’ll bring the outside in
Match your indoor tiles to the outside and you can create a seamless flow between inside and out.
Can you lay porcelain tiles in the rain?
This is not advisable. Because porcelain tiles are vitrified they are also non absorbent. A wet bed mortar needs an absorbent surface to stick to. Of course if you have laid your tiles an it starts to rain you can always cover them with tarpaulin.
Can you put outdoor tiles over concrete?
Yes you can. This needs to be a dry mix to make laying the porcelain outdoor tiles an easier task. This consistency is important as it will bond more efficiently to the primer on the back of the tile.
Do porcelain tiles get hot in the sun?
Outdoor porcelain paving slabs perform brilliantly in the heat, remaining cool underfoot. If you live in a really hot climate (which admittedly the UK is not most of the time) you might want to consider a light coloured porcelain paver to deflect the heat as opposed to darker shades which have the potential to generate a higher surface temperature.
What type of tile is not recommended for outdoor use?
You must be aware that not all porcelain tiles can be used outside. Standard 8-10mm thick porcelain tiles are not recommended for external use, as they are not strong enough to withstand heavy furniture and harsh weather conditions. You need tiles of between 18mm to 20mm for your outdoor projects.
If you want to know more about outdoor porcelain paving slabs then our experts will be more than happy to help you. You can find more information and shop our range of Porcelain Paving here. Please contact us if you have any further queries.
