Are you planning to transform your home’s outdoor space? One of the easiest ways is to use outdoor tiles in the area. Whether it is the patio, backyard, lawn, walkway or the home’s entrance, the right choice of tiles can make a lot of difference in how the space looks. Available in visually striking and versatile materials, installing tiles in the home exteriors can significantly improve the aesthetics, longevity, and safety of the area.

With so many options available, how to make the proper choice of tiles for your home exteriors? Explore this post to know more.

Match the Style of Your Home

The outdoor space should feel like a natural extension of your home’s interior style. Choose tiles that complement the aesthetics and architecture of your home. For homes with traditional or rustic interiors, choose natural stone-like finishes like bluestone, slate or tumbled travertine for the outdoors that offer an earthy and timeless look. If you have modern home interiors with White tiles, you can choose large-format porcelain tiles with a minimalist and smooth finish or concrete-look tiles for the outdoors. Choose colours and patterns which blend into natural settings without striking out too much.

Understand the Climatic Conditions

Before you select tiles for your home outdoors, assess the climatic conditions where the tiles will be installed. If you live in an area where winters are freezing, choose frost-resistant tiles that prevent cracking. Porcelain tiles are a preferable choice for such weather conditions as they have a low absorption rate. In sunny and hot regions, the tiles will be exposed to extreme heat. Light-coloured tiles are the best choice for such places as they stay cool underfoot. These tiles are also safe from fading.

Focus on Slip Resistance

When it comes to outdoor flooring, safety is a major concern. Wet conditions like rain, snow or pool water can make the surfaces slippery. To minimise the risks of slips and falls, choose tiles which have a textured surface and a high Coefficient of Friction (COF) rating. Textured porcelain and quarry tiles, and natural stone like tiles have a rough texture, providing a natural grip. Explore ‘Rockdeck’, an excellent collection of tiles for the outdoors from brands like Simpolo Tiles and Bathware that fits all these features very well.

Prioritise Durability

Outdoor tiles must be able to withstand heavy foot traffic, changing weather and other environmental challenges. You must choose tile materials that are specifically designed for exterior use. For instance, natural stone materials like granite or slate are strong and durable and have natural beauty, but can be on the pricier side. Porcelain tiles are water-resistant, highly dense, and affordable as well. Quarry tiles are slip-resistant and durable, and ideal for courtyards and patios.

Size and Layout Considerations

The pattern and the size of the tiles you choose impact how the outdoor space looks and feels. Larger size formats can make small areas seem more spacious, while smaller sizes or mosaics can add intricate detail to larger spaces. The layout is also an important factor. Straight, grid-like patterns offer a clean, modern look while irregular or staggered patterns feel more organic and casual. Borders and inlays can add a decorative touch to garden paths or patios.

Think About Maintenance

Tile maintenance for the outdoors is an important consideration. Some tiles require more upkeep than others. When selecting tiles, consider the amount of time and effort you are willing to invest in their maintenance. For instance, white tiles can be difficult to maintain, particularly in high-traffic areas. Porcelain tiles for outdoor use are a great choice, as they are easy to clean and require minimal maintenance. You can also install concrete or natural stone tiles, but they have to be sealed to protect them from staining and moisture. They also might need periodic resealing.

Budget Smartly

Tiles for home and outdoors are available at a wide range of price points. You must have a budget in place before you start choosing the tiles. While porcelain and quarry tiles are within an affordable range, natural stone tiles are more expensive. Choosing the most affordable option might not always be the right decision. Rather, go for durable and high-quality materials that will help save you money in the long run.

Conclusion

Choosing the best outdoor tiles for your home requires balancing durability, aesthetics, safety and maintenance needs. Evaluate the intended use of the outdoor space and the environment, and then narrow your choices based on style, material and budget. Explore collections from leading tile suppliers like Simpolo Tiles and Bathware to get the best of quality, design options and overall customer experience, all in one package.