Tiles have quickly become an indispensable feature of outdoor living spaces, providing durability as well as creating space for innovative design concepts.
No matter if it is to transform a patio into an inviting retreat or add style and color to a front porch. Your choices of tiles for such projects are seemingly limitless; so how can you select the most appropriate?
Concrete Tile
Concrete tiles--commonly known as cement or textured tile--provide a comfortable feeling on your feet, and come in an assortment of colors. Outdoor use is possible and fairly durable when properly maintained; however, water penetration could lead to damage or cracking over time.
To minimize this risk, it's advisable to apply waterproof sealant over surfaces covered with concrete tiles. Excess moisture can cause its color to fade over time - especially in climates with frequent rainfall or freezing winter temperatures. Consult a tile retailer in your area for advice and information about minimizing weather's effect on concrete tile investments - they can assist you in choosing a sealant that will safeguard them and secure your investment.
Travertine Tile
Travertine is an attractive natural stone material that's often chosen for flooring and paving applications, due to its light shades of color and unique patterns that add vibrancy and dimension to any space.
Travertine tiles Moderntiling.ie come in various styles and varieties, including tumbled, honed and french pattern options. While durable enough for most weather conditions, sealing them helps preserve its looks while keeping stains at bay and keeping your floor looking brand new!
Travertine flooring is generally more resilient than pavers, making it an excellent option for outdoor use. However, to maximize durability it's still advisable to lay mats or rugs where people walk. This will reduce dirt and debris being tracked onto the travertine surface that could scratch it; also ensure heavy furniture has furniture protectors to avoid scratches or indentations on its base.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are an excellent option for outdoor spaces as they can withstand footfall and remain durable over time. Made by subjecting clay to searing hot temperatures, porcelain tiles become stronger and more weather resistant thanks to this manufacturing process.
Porcelain tiles are non-porous, making them better suited for outdoor spaces than natural stone tiles which absorb moisture, leading to rot and swelling in rot-prone environments. Porcelain can either be glazed or unglazed, with the latter providing greater variety in terms of colors and designs that mimic wood or concrete at lower cost points.
When purchasing porcelain tiles for outdoor use, ensure they have been specially approved for this application. A textured surface provides better grip in wet conditions.
Natural Stone Tile
Stone tiles bring an organic touch to any design aesthetic and are an ideal fit for homes looking for a rustic, natural style. When sealed properly, they can even withstand regular foot traffic and temperature fluctuations with little wear-and-tear damage.
Natural stone tiles such as slate, granite, marble and travertine are an ideal addition to kitchens, bathrooms, patios and other outdoor areas. Although more costly than other options, natural stone tiles add luxurious character that increases home value while remaining relatively easy to care for with proper sealing procedures in place.
Sandstone Tile
Sandstone tiles are an increasingly popular choice for patios, walkways and retaining walls due to their natural durability and ability to withstand extreme weather. Their earthy layered appearance provides the ideal canvas for creative expressions; each stone's surface boasts unique idiosyncratic features reminiscent of desert dunes or ocean waves frozen in time.
Sandstone adds natural aesthetics that lend warmth to living spaces, kitchens and bathrooms while being extremely easy to keep clean.
Choose sawn (precisely cut) finishes for modern architectural uses, or opt for rough-textured cleft sandstone tiles that offer grip in wet environments such as pools. Faux sandstone options that mimic its look may also work well - these options may be especially beneficial if installing your tile in areas such as kitchens and hallways where heavy traffic occurs.