When renovating your terrace or backyard, tiles are a popular choice among numerous flooring options. Outdoor tiles are typically used for these projects, and here we highlight some common mistakes when selecting them.
Cost-Cutting Often Doesn’t Pay Off
Price is an important factor. While it’s obvious that higher-quality tiles are preferable, this point needs emphasis. Cheap carpets can be easily replaced, but tiles are more challenging. Fortunately, the range of outdoor tiles today is vast, so finding quality ceramic tiles at an affordable price is easy. You don’t have to settle for the cheapest or most expensive products.
Pay Attention to the Anti-Slip Rating
For terraces exposed to rain, frequent washing, or snow in winter, it’s crucial to consider the anti-slip rating. A common mistake is focusing solely on aesthetics and ignoring this essential factor for outdoor tiles. Tiles with a suitable anti-slip rating usually have an R10 or R11 mark.
Porcelain Tiles Are an Ideal Choice
Tiles can generally be divided into glazed and porcelain tiles, often called gres ceramics. Traditional ceramic tiles are made by baking clay, while gres ceramics include sand and various minerals. Their different composition and high firing temperatures give these tiles significant strength. Their low moisture absorption makes them ideal for outdoor installation.
Related Articles:
GRANITE TILES – ALL PROS AND CONS
WHY INSTALLING LARGE FORMAT TILES IS MORE COMPLEX THAN TRADITIONAL TILES?
Another advantage of porcelain tiles is their robustness and low porosity, eliminating the need for glazing. These tiles have a uniform color throughout their volume, so minor damage is less noticeable, a significant benefit for outdoor use.
Consider the Dimensions
Tile size is crucial. Large format tiles are suitable for spacious terraces. However, large tiles on small balconies or terraces can create an undesired effect, making the space feel smaller and accentuating edge cuts.
Conversely, very small tiles mean more grout lines, complicating maintenance. A good compromise for small terraces is medium-sized, rectangular tiles laid in the direction of the terrace’s longer side. Larger tiles mimicking smaller formats or mosaics can also work well.
Uniform Colors Are Harder to Maintain
Plain white tiles can complicate maintenance. Just as you wouldn’t wear white pants for yard work, the same applies to tiles. Light-colored tiles, especially around trees, show dirt more prominently and require daily cleaning. Patterned or rustic, textured tiles are better choices, as they don’t demand constant upkeep.
Avoid Seasonal Trends
This advice applies to terrace tiling, as well as kitchens or bathrooms. Ceramic tiles are meant to last decades. Today’s trends often look outdated next year. Bright colors or, worse, animal prints, are poor choices unless you have a specific aesthetic in mind.
With the wide range of designs available today, it’s easy to find attractive yet understated designs. Natural motifs like stone, terracotta, or wood imitations are always safe bets.
Photo: Roca