Key Considerations When Sourcing For Outdoor Tiles
Posted on: 26 April 2017
If you have an exterior living space, whether in the form of a patio, verandah, pool area and more, you need appropriate flooring materials for the area. Since tile tends to be a popular flooring material, a mistake some people make is basing their exterior flooring choices solely on pricing. Although this may seem like an economical approach to take, you should bear in mind that outdoor flooring will vastly differ from interior flooring. As such, there are various considerations that you must keep in mind to ensure that your outdoor tiles will not only be functional but will provide you with longevity too. Below are some of the key considerations you should make when sourcing for outdoor tiles for your exterior flooring.
Consider the durability of the tiles
The first thing to bear in mind is how well the tile material will be able to withstand the elements that it will be exposed to outdoors. If your exterior living space is going to be sheltered, then you could opt for ceramic products as they will have some protection from direct exposure to the elements. However, if your outdoor space is going to be totally open, such as by the pool, you need to invest in tiles that are capable of retaining their structural elements no matter what the prevailing weather conditions are. Some of the most durable tiling materials that you could consider are granite, limestone, travertine, quartzite and even marble!
Consider the moisture absorption of the tiles
The next thing to consider when it comes to outdoor tiles is their water resistance. It is prudent that you choose tiles that will not have a propensity to absorb water as the exterior is exposed to high levels of moisture. This moisture exposure is especially high when the tiles are near a swimming pool. Water absorption is a vital consideration because if your tiles are porous, they will become prone to cracking during the colder months when the moisture inside them freezes. So what are some of the tiles with low porosity? Porcelain is a good option, but you should ensure that it is glazed for further protection against moisture absorption.
Consider the slip resistance of the tiles
Falls outdoors are quite common and installing slippery tiles will simply increase the chances of accidents on your property. As such, it is always recommended to opt for tiles with tactile surfaces for exterior applications so that they provide your flooring with slip resistance. Abrasive tiles are especially ideal for pool areas, as they will not become slippery no matter how much water is on their surface.
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