All about Outdoor Tiles and how to choose them

Creating a naturally beautiful outdoor space can get daunting at times. The kind of materials to choose, are they reasonably priced, are these sustainable products, and various other questions often tend to confuse homeowners while renovating or building their outdoor space. One category of product that seems to be a solution fit for all is outdoor tiles.

What do outdoor tiles bring for you?

• Outdoor tiles infuse a new life into the outdoors, including but not limited to gardens, staircases, terraces, walls, or patios. The natural stone outdoor tiles bring along organic shades and textures that make you feel closer to nature.
• Quarried from the earth, outdoor tiles are products of nature, which are durable and last long. They can be recycled and repurposed in case of damage. Can anything be more sustainable than these?
• Outdoor tiles from Stone Depot are not just reasonably priced but also adhere to the highest quality standards.

What qualifies as outdoor tiles?

The thickness of outdoor tiles varies between 15 and 20 mm. This contrasts with pavers that measure 20-30mm in thickness. Tiles are thinner than pavers and can any tile up to 20mm thick can endure general physical wearing and footfall.

How to choose outdoor tiles?

The selection of outdoor tiles depends on several factors like location, aesthetics, durability, and maintenance. Here is a list of factors that will help you to choose stones as per your requirement.

1. Durability: Your stone supplier or builder won’t tell advise you on the best outdoor tiles that score high on durability. Most of the time, they get you substandard material that looks good but decays over time. Wood, ply, or brick are not worth using outdoors.We recommend using Granite tiles which are the most durable floor tiles. They last long without breaking, cracking, or warping. Travertine, Limestone, Marble, and Bluestone fall in the same category of strength with minor differences in their durability. You only need to keep one thing in mind- seal our outdoor tiles during installation to keep them protected from dust, moisture absorption, or fading.
2. Slip-resistance: One of the most important aspects to consider while picking outdoor tiles is the stone’s grip or friction. Granite is highly preferred outdoors due to its exfoliated or bush hammered texture. The same is the case with Sandstone which is naturally slip-resistant with its sandy, grainy texture. Unfilled Travertine also conforms to the norms, making your outdoor space a safe place to walk on. Travertine, Limestone, and Sandstone are great choices for pool tiles owing to their natural sip resistance.
3. Maintenance: The degree of maintenance depends on the usage, exposure to pollutants, and of course the porosity of natural stones. If you expect more footfall, go for Bluestone, Limestone, or Granite, which are low-maintenance and durable.Travertine, Limestone, and Marble are acid-sensitive, and one needs to be extra careful while cleaning them with chemicals. Remember, light-coloured stones get dirty too quickly and the damage shows up quickly. To counter the same, go for dark coloured stones like Carbon Black Granite or Midnight Glow Limestone.
4. Weather conditions:Weather is an important element while installing outdoor tiles. Those residing in areas experiencing freeze-thaw cycles need Porcelain for its low water absorption. Travertine and Limestone are quite durable and tend to remain cool outdoors. Hence, they are perfect for places with scorching heat. Granite is highly resistant to extreme weather. However, for all outdoor tiles, you must ensure sealing them while installation and seal them periodically.
5. Style: You would naturally choose materials that blend with the overall look of the surroundings. Go with colours and textures that are consistent with the overall look of the property.Travertine in shades of grey, Bluestone in bluish grey, or Granite in dark hues is the new trend that homeowners have embraced. Outdoor tiles have unlimited styles and designs that suit various tastes and décor requirements.

Summing up 

In short, the selection of outdoor tiles depends on the above-mentioned factors as well as cost and availability. It depends on the individual’s choice and the performance of the stone. At Stone Depot, our wide range of outdoor pavers and tiles in a variety of colours caters to all homeowners’ needs.