The Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Outdoor Tile - RUBI

Patios are one of the outdoor living spaces that add the most value to your home. But before you can start setting up your furniture, water features, or fire pits, you need to install the tile floor first. Deciding on the right type of floor can be a daunting process if you don’t know what you should be looking for. That’s why we’ve put together a complete guide to choosing the best outdoor tile for your exterior tile installation below.

View Details

Let’s get started!

What’s the Difference Between Indoor Tile and Outdoor Tile?

Indoor tile and outdoor tile differ from each other in two main ways: design and durability.

Here’s what we mean by that.

Outdoor tiles often have the appearance of stones, pavement, concrete, decking, or other outdoor elements. Moreover, outdoor tiles are designed with a more textured surface compared to indoor tiles. This creates a slip-resistant surface that’ll give you, your pets, and your patio furniture traction.

Outdoor tile is also much more durable than indoor tile. It can withstand direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions without getting damaged.

Before you start laying tile in your patio, make sure you have outdoor tile. Otherwise, your hard work won’t last very long.

Tips for Choosing the Right Outdoor Tile for Your Home

When faced with numerous outdoor tile options, the decision-making process can feel overwhelming. To simplify your selection, consider the following tips aimed at helping you choose the best outdoor tile for your home.

1. What’s Your Budget?

The first thing you have to think about when buying outdoor tile is your budget. This may limit the selection you can choose from.

For example, if you can’t spend more than $12 per square foot of material, things like high-quality natural stone tile will be out of the question.

Decide on a budget first. You’ll be more likely to remember it and stick to it if you see it in writing.

Don’t let yourself get fooled by “cheap” prices. Spending $20 per square foot might not seem like much, but it can add up fast.  “A well-designed patio is one that offers lots of functionality for your favorite activities. Before you begin building or redesigning your space, sit down with a piece of paper, and write out how you want to use your patio. If you have a family that you share the space with, talk to them about outdoor activities they might be interested in doing at home if they had space. Do this early on in the design or renovation phase. That way you can craft a space that really works with clear objectives in mind.” says Isabella Caprario on her article  How to Create an Indoor/Outdoor Space That’s Fun and Functional. 

2. Where and How Will You Use The Tiles?

While all outdoor tiles can withstand the elements, they aren’t all built the same.

Some outdoor tiles are tougher than others. That means some outdoor tile is prone to scratches, cracks, and other damage. Make sure you get an outdoor tile that can last in your area.

You should also think about how you plan to use your tile. Do you plan to use it on a wall? Are you installing in on the ground? The answer to this question might affect the type of tile you need.

Some outdoor tile works better on walls. Other outdoor tile works better when you install it on the ground. Make sure you get the right type for your project.

3. What’s the Weather Like in Your Area?

Do you live in an area with mild weather conditions? Do you get snow in the winter? Rain in the spring? Record high heat in the summer?

You should always look for outdoor tile that can handle your specific weather requirements. A tile that can hold up to heat may not do well with snow or ice. If you get a lot of rain, your tile might need an extra grip.

Base your tile search off of the type of weather your area gets.

4. How Much Light Do You Get?

Dark tile colors can make a shady area feel dank and gloomy. Similarly, light tile colors can make a sunny area feel washed out.

To get the best visual effect, always install light colored tile in places that don’t get a lot of sun. If your patio gets a lot of direct sunlight, use darker tile instead.

5. What Is the Current Style and Color of Your Home?

Don’t choose a tile style that’ll clash with the design of the rest of your home. For example, rustic outdoor tile will look odd and out of place with a sleek, modern home. Find something that’ll complement your style rather than detract from it.

You should also think about the color. Do you want your outdoor tile to match the color of your home? If not, make sure you pick a color that will blend in with the rest of your aesthetics.

Popular Types of Outdoor Tile

Now that you have some tips for choosing the ideal outdoor tile for your home, let’s explore various options available to you. Below is a brief list highlighting some of the most popular choices for outdoor tiles.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic can handle mild weather conditions and light outdoor use, but it isn’t as strong as other types of outdoor tile. Because of this, you should only pick ceramic for covered patios or patios that don’t see a lot of extreme weather changes.

Remember, not all ceramic tile is made the same. Some types are weaker or stronger than others, so make sure you pick a durable option. Depending on what you buy, ceramic can be an affordable choice, but there is a lot of flexibility in the price range.

.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile is dense and strong, which makes it a good choice for outdoor use. Make sure you find porcelain tile rated for the outdoors.

Indoor porcelain tile often has a glossy surface that will become very slippery if it gets wet so consider getting porcelain tiles with a textured surface.

.

Quarry Tile

Quarry tile might not be suitable if you reside in an area with severe winters. It tends to deteriorate in freezing conditions and when exposed to ice.

On the bright side, rain poses no issue. Quarry tiles are water-resistant and maintain their grip even when wet. However, caution is necessary with other liquids, as this tile type is prone to staining.

In warm climates, quarry tile can be one of the best outdoor tile options for your home.

.

Slate Tile

Slate is a type of natural stone (which we will see more of on this list). Slate tile is durable and strong, and it also has a natural surface texture. This means it will be slip-resistant without you having to do anything else to it.

You can find slate in a variety of colors, including dark colors like black and grey and brighter colors like green or orange.

Granite Tile

Granite, another natural stone, makes beautiful indoor countertops, but it doesn’t hold up as well outside.

Apart from being slippery, granite is also a porous material. In other words, it will absorb moisture, causing stains and other damage if you don’t seal it every few years.

.

Concrete Tile

Concrete tile gives you a cheaper way to get a “natural stone” outdoor floor. Manufacturers mold the concrete tiles into the right texture and color them to make them look like natural stone. This gives your home a high-end look for a fraction of the cost.

Concrete tile is durable and can withstand harsh weather and heavy foot traffic. However, you will have to reseal it every few years.

Travertine Tile

Travertine is a natural stone that creates beautifully textured and colored tile.

This tile is hard, but it also has a pitted surface that can gather dirt over time. You can avoid this problem by polishing the surface so it’s smooth. However, if you choose to do this, it will become slippery when wet.

.

Soapstone Tile

Soapstone is a natural stone with a smooth and non-porous quality. This makes it resistant to stains and other types of water damage.

It can also withstand high levels of heat and freezing temperatures. Because of this, soapstone is a good option for almost any climate. If you’re looking for something to surround your pool, you might want to consider soapstone.

Limestone Tile

Limestone is a soft stone, meaning it can scratch and chip easily. You also have to seal this type of tile often to prevent water damage.

Don’t install limestone in your patio unless you live in a dry, mild environment.

Sandstone Tile

While sandstone has a beautiful texture, it is even more fragile than limestone. Since this tile is made from layers of sand compressed together over time, it is soft and prone to scratches, chips, and cracks.

Water can also cause a lot of problems for sandstone. However, if you live in a dry area and seal it often, this tile can make a beautiful addition to your yard.

.

Choosing the Best Outdoor Tile for Your Project

Now that you know what outdoor tile suites your project best, it’s time to start the installation process. But, before you can get to work, you need the right tools!

Thinking of renovating your interiors or re-flooring the home? With a plethora of options available in the market, it might get overwhelming to choose the tiles for your home.

So, are you confused about how to choose the right tiles for your interior? Not anymore!

Lioli Ceramica is here to walk you through the 15 useful tips to find the perfect tiles for your interior. Our guide will help you choose tiles that will last for years while still looking elegant and adding aesthetic appeal to your home!

01. Start with the basics

First things first. Before you start the tile hunt, understand what you are looking for. Browse through the magazines, and get to know the latest trends and designs. Visualize your place; by doing so, you will get a clear idea of what your space will look like.

02. Know the types of tiles

With numerous tile types and a variety of shapes, designs, and finishes available, you want to choose the best option for your home. So before you go on and pick the first tile you lay your eyes on, get to know about different types of tiles. This will help you make the right decision when choosing wall and floor tiles for your space.

• Ceramic tiles - If you are looking for durable yet affordable tiles, ceramic tiles are a good choice. These tiles offer a wide array of options to enhance your home's interior.

  Soft Stone Master contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

  Ceramic tiles, however, are prone to chipping and breaking, so we recommend going for group 4 or group 5 tiles for light to medium-traffic areas.

• Porcelain tiles - Elegant, sturdy, and easy to maintain, porcelain tiles are denser in composition and stain, scratch and heat resistant. Such features make them perfect for your home.

  TIP: Opt for large-format porcelain tiles to give your abode a seamless and bigger space illusion.

• Vitrified tiles - Another strong contender in the tiling industry, vitrified tiles are also known for their durability, seamless looks, and highly-durable nature. Vitrified tiles are suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
• You can also choose from marble, travertine, limestone, sandstone, slate, and granite if you are looking for natural stone tiles.

03. Where do you want to lay the tiles?

Tiles are used for a variety of purposes. For instance, some tiles are created for walls only, while others are installed on floors and walls. Some tiles are ideal for indoor or outdoor installation, while others can be used for both.

Choosing the right tiles for your home can be challenging when you are not clear about where you want to put them. So, before you choose floor tiles, get a clear idea of where you want your tiles and what theme you want to create.

• Tiles are not just for kitchens and backsplashes; you can now install them anywhere.

• From the living room, bedroom, and bathroom to the balcony, patio, and parking lot, the possibilities are endless.

• You can even install tiles on the ceilings!

Identifying where and how you want to install tiles will help you select the right ones for your home.

04. Porcelain tiles are ruling the tile world/porcelain tiles are trending

What homeowner wouldn't want their floor and wall tiles to look elegant while durable and long-lasting?

Versatile, strong, and moisture-resistant, porcelain tiles are more durable than ceramic tiles and are the best choice for indoor and outdoor homes. As India’s leading porcelain tile manufacturer and supplier in India, Lioli Ceramica offers an exciting range of porcelain slabs to choose from!

05. Pick the design style

Want to go for a rustic look? Maybe wooden? Or elegant like marble? Stone-looking tiles?

Think about what aesthetics you want to achieve for your space. Want a calm and soothing aura for your room? Muted tiles with or without patterns are perfect for the look you plan to achieve.

Choosing patterned tiles can be a great option to get that WOW factor for your living room or kids' playroom. You can go with either a matt finish or glossy tiles. The choices are endless!

• For a sophisticated and classy vibe, you might want to choose from light shades, such as beige, white, grey or off-white.

• For a funky and dramatic theme, you can mix and match colours, designs, and patterns; choose two-tone tiles or combine light and dark hues for a stunning effect!

06. Size it up!

Another tip to remember while selecting the tiles for your home is to choose the right size. These days, tiles are found in many sizes- 300*600 mm, 600*600 mm, 600*800 mm, and so on.

You may have heard this a lot- installing large format tiles make your space look bigger. However, we recommend you match the tile size with your room size. Using bigger tiles in a small room may make it appear smaller. For small-sized rooms, go for medium-sized tiles.

Before you choose the tile size,

• Carefully consider your room proportions.

• If in doubt, go with the basic rule of “bigger tiles on the floor and smaller tiles on the wall.”

• You can also install the same-sized tiles on both wall and floor.

A piece of advice: Do not put small tiles on the floor and big ones on the walls, as it can make your room appear disproportionate.

08. Choose the grout

Don’t forget the grout when selecting the tiles. Choose the right grout colour to get the result you desire.

Usually, people choose a grout that matches the tile; this gives a clean look to the tiles with a subtle effect. But, if you want a dramatic effect, go for contrasting grout to make your tiles stand out.

TIP: Make sure you seal the grout to prevent staining.

11. You cannot miss tile porosity

Yet another essential aspect to consider when selecting tiles for your home is knowing the tiles' porosity.

In a tile, porosity refers to the ratio of air holes to solids, which determines how much water it absorbs.

• Non-vitreous- Tiles with this rating have low density, with a water absorption rate of more than 7.0 percent. Not recommended for floor use.

• Semi-vitreous- Tiles in this category have medium density with a tile absorption of 3-7 percent. Suitable for light traffic areas.

• Vitreous- The water absorption rate is more than 0.5 but less than 3.0 percent, making the tiles denser and long-lasting.

• Impervious- Tiles in this category have a water absorption rate of less than 0.5 percent and are extremely durable and dense. Such tiles are perfect for high-traffic areas. Porcelain tiles are usually found in this category and are ideal for residential and commercial purposes.

It's necessary to choose less water-absorbing tiles for longer life, especially for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas. Hence, before selecting tiles, check their ratings as well.

12. Go for slip-resistant tiles

Usually, normal tiles get slippery when wet, which could be a concern for wet areas like swimming pools, bathrooms, and shower areas. You don't want any accidents to occur, do you?

Hence the slip-resistant tiles. Such tiles have an extra coating that reduces the slipping risk and works amazingly well in areas exposed to water and moisture.

If you are finding tiles for your bathroom or other wet areas, choose anti-slip tiles for your safety. Below are some of the tiles you can choose from.

• Porcelain or Ceramic tiles- Both are good options in terms of durability and finish. Make sure you choose slip-resistant tiles.

• Small-sized tiles- Installing small tiles like the mosaic creates more grout lines, creating unique textures and patterns; these grout lines also offer good slip resistance.

• Natural stone tiles- nature always provides us with the best! To complement the interior and exterior of your home, you can use slate, travertine, terrazzo, or stone finish tiles.

14. Plan ahead

Now that you edge closer to buying tiles for your home, calculate how many tiles you will need and add an extra 10% more than you need. These additional tiles will take care of any chips, cuts, or breakage that happen during installation or at a later stage.

TIP: Decide how much you want to spend so that choosing the floor tiles will be easier.

15. Leave the installation to the experts

Unless you are well aware of tile laying or ready to try and experiment, we suggest you get professionals to install your tiles.

Get a good tile contractor for your home. An expert will do more justice to create the look you desire than you can.

Now that you are ready to install the tiles, keep these tips in mind.

• Hire a professional tile installer.

• Choose the right grout to create the right look for your space.

• Get the right tile adhesive as well.

The Endnote

Upscale your place and make it no less than a palace with the right tiles.

We hope these 14 tips will help you find the perfect floor and wall tiles for your home. These useful tips will guide you to make the right choice without overwhelming you!

If you still need any help or want any query solved, feel free to contact our amazing team of tile experts; we will help you through every step of tile selection. Get in touch with us!

GET THE PERFECT TILES FOR YOUR HOME WITH LIOLI CERAMICA

We hope our ideas will help you give your living room a classy, charming, and inviting feel!

Selecting tiles can be exhausting, but with Lioli Ceramica, it doesn’t have to be!

As India’s trustworthy porcelain slab manufacturer, Lioli Ceramica is known for delivering the highest quality tiles for residential and commercial spaces.

Made with the finest grade material, our experts integrate expertise with innovation and world-class technology to deliver the “marvellous tiling experience” to our client base spread across the globe.

Browse through our supremely-designed collection of porcelain tiles and choose from the endless options!

Open the door to an innovative tile world with us, Lioli Ceramica.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Flexible Ceramic Tile(ms,pt,ja).