What kind of tile can be used outdoors
14 Different Types of Tiles for Outdoor Patios and How to Choose One
By
Joe Norton
Joe Norton
Joe Norton is a hardscape expert who designs and builds walls, patios, and walkways. He has owned and run a hardscape business since 2002. His experience includes professionally working as a mason and tile setter in Maine and Hawaii.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 08/09/22
The Spruce / Michelle Becker
Tiles for outdoor patios include both natural and made-made materials cut into uniform shapes and thicknesses that are adhered to a solid, level foundation. The vast majority of outdoor patios are constructed with some form of masonry, such as poured concrete (sometimes stained or stamped), or brick or stone paver products. But it is also possible to apply tile to a patio, an option that gives you gives you many more design choices. Laying tile can be a good way to dress up an existing concrete slab or brick patio when it grows old.
Retailers that offer tiles for exposed outdoor applications often sell a rather bewildering array of products, including some you may not have considered for outdoor use. Your determination of the right product depends a great deal on your climate and application. For example, an unsealed sandstone tile that is perfectly appropriate in the bone-dry climate of Arizona is not at all suitable for the damp climate of Maine, where freezing winter temperatures are routine.
Cost Considerations
Estimating the costs of a tile patio is difficult given the enormous range of materials available and the differences in labor costs from one region to another. Natural averages, however, show the following:
- Clay tile (porcelain, ceramic, quarry): Materials can range from $2 to $30 per square foot; labor can range from $4 to $14 per square foot.
- Natural stone tile: Materials can range from $5 to $35 per square foot; labor ranges from $8 to $20 per square foot. Less expensive choices are sandstone, limestone, and travertine; more expensive options are soapstone, granite, and slate.
- Synthetic and wood tile: Costs for plastic, rubber, or carpet tiles average about $3 per square foot; most people install these materials themselves. Wood decking tiles average $8 to $12 per square foot, with composite decking tiles running about $4 to $8 per square foot.
Below, we’ll break down the ins and outs of each type of tile and the factors you should consider when choosing which is best for you and your patio.
-
01 of 14
Slate
Martin Wahlborg / Getty Images
Best for: High-end patios in any climate.
Slate is one of the better choices for natural stone in outdoor patio locations. Slate is a metamorphic rock formed under great heat and pressure. It is very hard and durable, and also very resistant to water. And unlike some other natural stones, you can select a product with a natural texture that prevents it from being as slippery as some other natural stone. Many people think of slate as a dark gray or black stone, but it is actually available in a variety of colors, including purple, green, and orange.
Tip
Slate and other natural stone materials are also sold in irregular paver slabs to use in outdoor paved surfaces. Typically these are the types of sedimentary stone that cleave naturally along horizontal planes. While still relatively thin, these pavers do not have the same uniformity found in tiles, which are precisely cut to square or rectangular shapes and thicknesses. Slate, limestone, and sandstone are among the stone products that can also be found in these irregular paver slabs, while granite and travertine are more often found in true tile form, which are sawn to a uniform size.
Natural stone tiles are best purchased at tile retailers, while irregular slab pavers are normally found at landscape supply stores. -
02 of 14
Granite
lingqi xie / Getty Images
Best for: High-end patios that are unlikely to suffer stains.
Yet another natural stone sometimes used for patios, granite is an igneous mineral created as liquid volcanic magma cools. Its composition is usually dominated by quartz. Granite is a high-end, premium paving material, but it has certain drawbacks when used outdoors. Granite tile is usually highly polished, which can make it slippery when wet. And it is a relatively porous stone compared to other forms of tile; it will need to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
Granite tile is not difficult to install over a previously paved surface, but cutting it (and other natural stone) is best done with a wet saw, available at rental centers.
-
03 of 14
Limestone
Clive Nichols / Getty Images
Best for: Warm, dry climates.
Limestone is a sedimentary rock consisting mostly of carbon-based remnants of marine life compressed over millions of years. It's not uncommon to spot minuscule fossils in limestone—sometimes even in paving tiles. Limestone has been a favorite construction material for millennia, thanks to its relative abundance and ease of fabrication. Most limestone is found in various shades of tan, brown, red, or gray, and the lighter colors are especially good at reflecting heat. Limestone is a softer stone than slate or granite and thus can be rather easily scratched or chipped. And it needs to be regularly sealed to prevent stains. It is more appropriate for patios in dry climates and not well suited to regions with harsh winters.
Tip
Limestone is also a very popular material for paving outdoor areas with irregular slabs. This type of more informal patio is often installed as a "sand-set" surface—laid on a flattened bed of gravel, with the joints then filled with porous paver sand.
Installed this way, rather than with mortar, a flagstone patio can be a completely practical surface in colder climates, as moisture is safely shed as it seeps through the joints and gravel bed. Such a patio will not, however, have the formal smooth surface provided by a limestone tile installation laid with mortar. -
04 of 14
Sandstone Tiles
SMedia / Getty Images
Best for: Dry climates without frost.
Sandstone is another sedimentary rock, even softer than limestone and subject to the same limitations. It forms from layers of sands compressed over time and has a beautiful texture.
Sandstone is quite soft and vulnerable to scratching, and it needs to be regularly sealed to prevent staining and water penetration. This is another stone best suited for patios in dry climates without winter freeze-thaw cycles. But it is usually considerably cheaper than limestone and other natural stone tiles.
Sandstone is another one of the natural stone products available in irregular slabs for outdoor paving in sand-set installations.
-
05 of 14
Travertine Tiles
Aisedora / Getty Images
Best for: High-end patios in dry climates.
Travertine is a form of natural sedimentary stone with beautiful texture and color. Considered a form of limestone, this stone is mined around natural mineral spring deposits. Although very attractive and hard, it has a slightly pitted surface that may collect dirt unless it is polished smooth. And highly polished travertine can be very slippery when wet. The quality of travertine varies considerably, depending on where it was quarried. For patio use, travertine from Turkey or Italy is regarded as a more water-resistant choice than stone from Mexico or China.
-
06 of 14
Soapstone Tiles
SMedia / Getty Images
Best for: Any climate; where water- and stain-resistance is critical.
Named for its smooth, silky texture, soapstone is a non-porous natural stone that is quite resistant to water and staining.
It has high heat resistance, making it useful in very hot climates. It is an excellent stone to use around swimming pools and also performs well in wet, freezing climates. Soapstone is often thought to be a black or dark gray stone, but it also comes in shades of green and bluish-gray. Soapstone tiles can be harder to find than other forms of natural stone; ordering from specialty retailers or online sources may be necessary. These are not often stocked by chain tile shops.
-
07 of 14
Quarry Tile
Hyper-Studio / Getty ImagesBest for: High-end patios in warmer climates.
Despite the name, quarry tile is not mined from natural quarries but is instead a kind of hybrid artificial stone made from a very dense type of unglazed clay combined with pulverized natural minerals and fired to create a hard product—much the way that traditional bricks are formed. These are extremely strong tiles that function very well as a paving material for patios.
In fact, this form of tile was created specifically for outdoor use in courtyards and patios. Unlike ceramic and porcelain tiles, quarry tiles are available in a limited range of colors, including red, brown, or gray. Quarry tiles provide a Mediterranean look that is much prized by many homeowners. Even though they are usually unglazed, quarry tiles have good resistance to water, and their texture prevents them from being slippery when wet.
Quarry tile is not a great choice for climates where winters are dominated by freezing temperatures. It is also somewhat notorious for being easy to stain unless regularly sealed. In the right climate, though, this is one of the best patio choices. And it works very well as a flooring surface for sunporches in any climate.
-
08 of 14
Ceramic Tile
the_burtons / Getty Images
Best for: Light-use patios in warmer climates.
Traditional ceramic floor tiles can be an acceptable choice for outdoor patios, provided they carry a PEI rating indicating sufficient strength.
They are made from clay fired at high temperatures and glazed to create a hard surface layer. Generally speaking, though, ceramic tile is best suited for light-use patios, since it will not be as strong as other choices. If you do choose ceramic tile, make sure it is a floor tile sturdy enough for patio use; ceramic tiles marketed as wall tile are never strong enough for floor or patio use. Like porcelain tile, material costs vary widely for ceramic tile, though they tend to be somewhat cheaper than porcelain and a lot less expensive than natural stone. Make sure to select porcelain tile with a textured, matte surface; shiny, smooth tiles can be extremely slippery when wet.
Tip
Man-made tiles (ceramic, porcelain, quarry tiles) when used indoors are normally installed with thin-set adhesives. They can loosen or crack rather easily should water seep beneath the tiles in cold-winter climates. The expert advice if you want to use manmade tile in outdoor applications is to apply an isolation membrane over the base concrete slab, and to use tile grout that is rated for outdoor use.
Outdoor grout usually has a high percentage of latex to improve flexibility. -
09 of 14
Porcelain Tile
John Keeble / Getty Images
Best for: Stylish patios in warmer climates.
Porcelain tile is a particularly dense and strong form of ceramic, made from finer clays fired at higher temperatures than standard ceramic tiles, so most porcelain tiles rated for flooring use can also work in many patio applications. The best choices will be textured, matt tiles without a high gloss surface that will be slippery when wet. Most porcelain tiles are thick and sturdy enough to use on floors, but make sure your product is rated for such use.
Prices vary quite widely for porcelain tile, but they are usually more expensive than standard ceramic tiles but more affordable than natural stone. Porcelain tiles can be fabricated to mimic the look of marble, granite, and other materials—even wood or metal—thus, they offer great design flexibility.
Tip
Clay-based tiles (ceramic, porcelain, and quarry tiles) are more commonly used indoors, and may not be rated for outdoor use. Make sure to check specifications to make sure your tiles are approved for outdoor installation. This is most likely to be an issue in climates that see regular rainfall or freezing winter temperatures. Consult a local tile retailer for advice. A tile that works just fine in a dry, mild climate with minimal temperature swings, like San Diego, may be entirely unsuitable for a patio in Chicago.
-
10 of 14
Concrete Tiles
shunli zhao / Getty Images
Best for: Very durable, affordable surfaces.
For the look of natural stone at a fraction of the cost, consider concrete tiles, which are molded from poured concrete and given textures and colors to resemble natural stone or high-end ceramic tile. Most concrete tiles for patio use are textured products that are easily stained unless they are regularly sealed.
-
11 of 14
Wood Deck Tiles
Jacek Kadaj / Getty Images
Best for: Deck-like patios.
These are large squares of wood or composite planking attached to backing strips, usually with interlocking edges. Usually made of weather-resistant wood such as cedar or redwood, the effect of decking tiles is that of a ground-level deck but without the need for an under-structure. These are quite easy for DIYers to install onto a concrete patio already in place, but there can be considerable preparation in leveling and flattening if you want to install them on a new site.
-
12 of 14
Interlocking Plastic Tiles
Best for: Easy-to-install, non-slip surfaces.
A relatively new form of tile is represented by plastic tiles with interlocking edges. The advantage of these tiles is that the texture can guard against slips and falls, and they are easy for DIYers to install. Simply lay them out on a flat surface and interlock the edges.
This is not the most elegant of patio solutions, but it can be a good—and extremely easy—way to cover an existing concrete slab patio that is in need of a touch-up. They are extremely durable and easy to remove when you need to. The tiles are perforated to allow water to drain through. -
13 of 14
Rubber Tiles
Prapat Aowsakorn / Getty Images
Best for: Sports courts, play areas.
Often used for sports courts and other play areas, rubber tiles are similar to plastic interlocking tiles, featuring interlocking edges that join together to form a uniform, resilient surface. Very soft rubber tiles are available for covering areas where children play. Rubber tiles can also be a good choice around pools. Installing rubber tiles is an extremely easy DIY project.
-
14 of 14
Carpet Tiles
Marbury / Getty Images
Best for: Comfortable, colorful surface for dry climates.
For something completely different, consider carpet tiles made from indoor-outdoor carpeting.
Depending on the type, the tiles may be peel-and-stick, adhered with adhesive tape, or have interlocking edges. They can be easily installed over concrete slabs, and are easy to remove should a tile need to be replaced due to staining or damage.
Choosing Tiles for Outdoor Patios
Talk to a sales representative at a tile retailer when shopping for outdoor patio tiles. When explaining your needs, emphasize that you will be using the product outside. From region to region, there can be a wide variation in what products are appropriate for outdoor use. Generally, colder, damper climates will have a more limited choice of materials, particularly if there are frost-thaw cycles.
Your best bet is to make your purchase at a store that specializes in outdoor patio tile, perhaps one that also offers installation services. Such a retailer will have a strong interest in seeing to it that your installation will hold up over time, and should steer you away from products not suitable for your application.
An initial consultation with a landscape contractor who builds outdoor patios can also be helpful. Discussions with the contractor will make it clear what types of tile are most appropriate for your situation. Whether or not you choose to buy services from the contractor, you will come away with a good understanding of your options.
While many of the same considerations used for indoor tiles also affect your choice of outdoor patios tiles, there are some issues that need to be kept foremost in mind:
- Strength: Unlike the tiles used for indoor walls and floors, outdoor tiles need to be particularly strong and able to withstand a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. And just how strong they need to be is dependent on the level of use you anticipate. A patio for a sedate retired couple calls for different materials than for a family with active children throwing play equipment around.
- Budget: A patio can be quite an expansive space, and covering it with luxury tile can cost far more than tiling a smaller indoor space, such as a bathroom.
For this reason, the cost is a very important factor when choosing a patio tile. The range in price can be enormous, from as low as $1 per square foot for a material such as carpet tiles or basic ceramic tile to $50 per square foot to have a high-end slate or soapstone patio installed.
- Style: Outdoor patios must blend in with the overall looks of the landscape and the architectural features and materials of the house. Choose materials with colors and textures that are consistent with the overall look of your property.
- Texture and slip resistance: The texture and "slipperiness" of a tile are far more important in outdoor applications than for indoor tiles. Moisture is often inherent on an outdoor patio, and the tile texture must provide some "tooth" that keeps users from slipping. Non-slip surfaces are critical for outdoor tiles, and some material choices are eliminated for this reason. The texture of the patio surface can also affect your choice of patio furniture.
- Weather conditions: If you live in an area exposed to the cycle of freezing and thawing, you will need an outdoor patio tile that can withstand extreme changes in temperature. Porcelain, for example, has a very low water absorption rate, while sandstone is fairly porous. If water is absorbed by a piece of tile and that water then freezes, the process can crack your tile or break the joints between the tile.
- Light exposure: Although it's not often recognized, the amount of sunlight a patio gets has an impact on the best tile to choose. Bright, sunny spaces call for darker tiles, while dim, shady areas should be tiled with a brighter material that lightens up the space.
- DIY-friendliness: While any of these tiles can be installed by DIYers with moderate skills and some energetic ambition, some are more amenable than others. Natural stone, for example, is quite heavy and difficult to cut, while other options such as deck tiles, rubber, or interlocking plastic are a breeze to install.
In general, any DIYer familiar with indoor tile installation can also install a tile patio, though the methods and materials may be slightly different.
Article Sources
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Can you use ceramic tiles outdoors? Atlas Ceramics.
Outdoor tile: these are the tile types you can use outside
Whichever style a back yard has, from the crisp clean lines typical of a contemporary design to the abundant planting and meandering pathways of a cottage-style plot, or anything in between, outdoor tile that complements its style is a vital part of the landscaping.
Of course, outdoor tile has a lot more to stand up to than those you would lay in an interior, with extremes of temperature to cope with along with the action of the weather. Opt for the wrong type of tile and damage can occur and their looks can be spoiled.
See: Garden patio ideas – for a welcoming outdoor living space
So, which types of outdoor tile can be used for the exterior of your home that will prove hard wearing, safe underfoot, and lastingly handsome?
Expert Hamish Smith, Creative Director at Ca’ Pietra , shared with us the essentials on choosing exterior tile and tile maintenance.
Read on to find out about porcelain, natural stone and patterned tile to create fabulous terraces, patios, seating and dining zones in the garden.
1. Choose outdoor porcelain tile
(Image credit: Ca’Pietra)
Just as porcelain can be a hard-wearing and beautiful choice for an interior floor, so it is for the garden.
‘Porcelain is one of the unsuspected tile materials that can live outdoors just as happily as it does in kitchens and bathrooms,’ says Hamish.
Porcelain tiles don’t absorb water and therefore aren’t in danger of cracking when there’s a frost, which makes them ideal for the garden.
One of the biggest advantages of opting for porcelain exterior tiles is that they’re low maintenance. ‘They’ll stay looking as good as new with very little TLC,’ says Hamish. Sweeping up debris plus washing them down with a suitable cleaning solution from time to time is sufficient.
Porcelain can replicate the appearance of natural stone so taking advantage of the easy care finish need not mean compromising on the preferred look.
Outdoor porcelain tile can warm up if in direct sunlight, so choose a pale finish that reflects light rather than a dark one that absorbs it for sunny spots.
(Image credit: Ca’Pietra)
Porcelain is a brilliant choice if you want a floor that leads from the interior of your home to the terrace outside. Using porcelain tiles in a kitchen-diner with sliding, bifold, or industrial-style exterior doors or classical French windows as well as directly outside on the patio has a space-expanding effect.
Look for internal porcelain tile ranges that also feature an external option or are specified for both environments. ‘It allows a tile to run from the inside-out to create a really seamless look,’ says Hamish.
Outdoor porcelain tiles are often thicker than their interior counterparts and they can have a more textured finish to offer slip resistance in the conditions. Bottom line? Any porcelain you choose must be specified for exterior use.
3. Use outdoor tile to pattern
(Image credit: Ca’Pietra)
Creating pattern underfoot with tile is not just a possibility for inside a home. ‘You can get patterned porcelain tiles to jazz up sections of your garden,’ says Hamish.
Geometric pattern looks fabulous laid on terraces, and in outdoor living and dining spaces, and can be a striking way to distinguish different garden zones.
4. Fall for outdoor stone tiles
(Image credit: Future/Davide Lovatti/Finkelross Nagel Architects)
There is a large choice of stone tile that can be used for patios and terraces, as well as pathways and courtyards, including limestone, sandstone and slate. As for an interior, they offer the uniqueness that comes with choosing a natural material.
Consider carefully the color of natural stone chosen for the exterior of your home. ‘Although it’s down to personal preference, it’s really important to consider your lifestyle when picking the shade of natural stone,’ says Hamish. ‘Personally, I’d opt for a limestone that’s not too white to avoid getting reflections from the stone. I would also look at a tumbled finish to have that characterful look.’
Not all natural stones are equal, however. Only choose stone that is specified for exteriors. ‘Just like you would with porcelain, make sure that the stone you have selected is frost-resistant and has adequate slip-resistance,’ says Hamish.
The golden rule with natural stone is the same as that with porcelain. ‘Avoid anything not recommended by your supplier for external use, regardless of how much you love it,’ says Hamish.
Stone needs a particular approach when it is the chosen tile for outdoors. ‘When laying natural stone it is important to mix tiles from the different boxes or crates you receive to ensure a tonal blend across the surface of the stone when laid,’ explains Hamish.
5. Cleaning outdoor tile
(Image credit: Ca’Pietra)
Stone also has other installation and care requirements, which are vital to know so that it retains its beauty.
‘For all natural stone you must ensure that tiles are sealed pre and after grouting,’ says Hamish. ‘We recommend using a water-based impregnating sealer which works across natural stone in outside environments. With natural stone we would recommend topping up the sealant once a year.’
Porcelain, on the other hand, does not need to be sealed.
Outdoor ceramic tile is not recommended for outdoor use because it is not a strong enough material to withstand the effects of weather – it absorbs water and will therefore be prone to cracking and mould.
Which tiles are best for the outdoors? | Interesting facts
Now there is a big debate about what kind of coating is better to choose for the street. To give a clear answer to this question, it is necessary to understand what materials generally exist and what advantages they have.
Types of material for tiles
At the moment, there are 3 main types of tiles: ceramic, porcelain, clinker and cotto.
Ceramic tiles are one of the most common floor coverings. It is used everywhere: for interior decoration, for facade cladding, and also as a covering for the street. It is made from clay, sand and minerals. On top of ceramic tiles, as a rule, glazed.
Porcelain stoneware is usually only used for exterior decoration. It covers the surface of the vertical walls of the foundation, facade, portals.
The scope of application of clinker tiles is wider. Since it has frost-resistant properties, it is ideal for paving floors, streets, sidewalks. Often clinker acts as a decorative stone.
Cotto tiles are used without changing their natural color. Tiles of such warm shades can often be found in museums and churches.
Ceramic tiles or porcelain stoneware
Considering these two materials separately from the others, the question arises - which is better? These disputes are related to the fact that these coatings are based on the same materials. What is the difference?
Porcelain stoneware for the driveway
The fact is that porcelain stoneware is produced under greater pressure and at higher temperatures. This gives it frost resistance and complete water tightness. These properties make porcelain stoneware an ideal flooring for the streets.
Ceramic tiles will not be the best material for paving sidewalks and paths, as they are not able to withstand heavy loads. This is a fairly fragile coating, so cracks will appear on it over time.
Clinker tiles
When choosing between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware, most people choose the second option. However, do not forget about clinker tiles, because this material was created for paving streets. Now you can see it everywhere: these are clinker steps, facade cladding, and sidewalks.
The main advantage of clinker tiles is their excellent price-quality ratio. This is a relatively cheap material that can withstand heavy loads.
Terrace clinker tiles
It is worth noting that the clinker is not glazed, so its surface is abrasion resistant. Even after several years of using such a tile, it is difficult to say exactly when it was laid.
Revision uznayvse.ru recommends that you pay special attention to this material, as it will be an excellent surface for the street.
So, we have considered the main features of different types of tiles. Now you can choose the option that suits you best.
Selection of frost-resistant and anti-slip ceramic tiles
- How to choose Frost-resistant tiles Anti-slip tiles Outdoor tiles
1. Selection of frost-resistant and anti-slip ceramic tiles: material specifications for outdoor use with photo
The choice of finishing material for outdoor work must be approached with all responsibility.
This rule is especially true for ceramic tiles. In the desire to make a beautiful terrace or gatherings, as in the photo, first of all, everyone selects the shade of color that he needs. But in our latitudes, not every type of tile is suitable for outdoor use. It is important to give preference to frost-resistant tiles, which will also have an important technical characteristic - anti-slip. How to make the right choice, what performance characteristics should be preferred?
2. Classification of outdoor ceramic tiles
Ceramic tiles for outdoor use have been occupying a high position in the construction market for many years in a row. It is made from a mixture of quartz sand, clay and other natural ingredients by pressing and firing at high temperature. Modern industry offers us tiles of different color shades, which allows us to make a good choice, thereby emphasizing the overall look of the house and landscape design. But the color solution is not the main aspect in deciding the issue of choice.
Particular attention should be paid to the technical characteristics of the material.
For outdoor use, there are two types of tiles:
-
1. floor
-
2. Facing
Floor tiles are usually used for finishing terraces, porches, steps, balconies or gazebos.
Facing tiles allow you to interestingly decorate the facade of the house. For example, it is ideal for framing windows or for forming a mosaic panel on the wall.
In addition, ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware for outdoor use do not crumble, do not crack and perfectly withstand temperature changes. It has high resistance to mechanical damage and the effects of acids and alkalis.
Attention!
Numerous tests have shown that porcelain stoneware can only be scratched with diamond or corundum.
Popular outdoor tiles:
Marazzi Italy Italy
Terramix Bianco porcelain stoneware 7x28
Article MMKV
Format cm 28x7
4 469 ₽
Watch
Marazzi Italy Italy
Porcelain tile Terramix Beige 7x28
Article MMKY
Format cm 28x7
4 469 ₽
Watch
Marazzi Italy Italy
Porcelain tile Terramix Marrone 7x28
Article MMKX
Format cm 28x7
4 469 ₽
Watch
Marazzi Italy Italy
Tile Rt-Altai Nat Black 32x89
Article DBFX
Format cm 89x32
3 570 ₽
Watch
Marazzi Italy Italy
Border Alzata Lithos Carrara 15x25
Article DAGB
Format cm 25x15
910 ₽
Watch
Marazzi Italy Italy
Border Listello Versalles Marfil 5x76
Article DAFP
Format cm 76x5
910 ₽
Watch
All collections of facing tiles
Floor porcelain tile Temple produced by Kerama Marazzi.
3. Anti-slip properties of ceramic tiles - a bit of history
The advantages of ceramic tiles in terms of operation have been highly appreciated by consumers since its introduction to the market. It is easy to install, easy to clean, looks beautiful and luxurious, gives the room an aesthetically beautiful look. Moisture resistance made it possible to use it as a facing material in rooms with high humidity, for facing steps, terraces and paths, as well as swimming pools. At the same time, the smooth and slippery surface of the tile, especially when it is wet, is a big minus. This negative characteristic became the reason for the search for new solutions, which made it possible to appear on the market with an anti-slip surface on tiles.
It was created in 2 main steps:
Matte anti-slip floor tiles Alley factory Kerama Marazzi.
4. Anti-slip ceramic tiles - selection rules
Approaching the issue of choosing ceramic tiles for outdoor use, it is first necessary to study its technical characteristics.
1. The volume of the anti-slip profile on the tile.
The marking of such a tile is “Vx”. In place of "x" there will be a number indicating the ratio of the volume of the anti-slip profile to the surface area of one tile. The measurement is carried out in cm3/dm2. For example, marking V5 indicates a ratio that is equal to 5 cm3 / dm2.
2. Slip resistance
This qualification indicates the level of slip resistance depending on the angle of the surface. In modern industry, 5 such classes are distinguished, which are labeled as Rx. In this case, x is the class number associated with the angle of inclination. First surface group R9- the lowest level of inclination (3-10 degrees). The highest level of inclination of the surface (more than 35 degrees) is marked R13.
3. For high humidity environments where bare feet are used.
Here the marking is simple - class A, B, C. Class A is recommended for coatings whose slope angle does not exceed 18 degrees, class B is 24 degrees, and class C is sick 24 degrees.
Attention!
Class C is ideal for swimming pool steps.
Grasaro's Pave Style outdoor porcelain stoneware is a good solution for both façade cladding and walkways.
5. Processing methods for anti-slip frost-resistant ceramic tiles
The anti-slip characteristics of frost-resistant ceramic tiles largely depend on the method of processing their surface.
-
matte;
-
polished;
-
polished;
-
satin;
-
glazed.
Ceramic frost-resistant tiles for outdoor use made in Spain have the highest strength. It is rightfully classified as an elite class. The tile has excellent technical characteristics, is distinguished by a variety of textures, shapes, colors, which allows it to be successfully used in the design.
Important!
Porcelain tiles are characterized by an even geometric line of the edge, which allows you to get perfectly even and narrow joints during installation.
-
