In our guide to 10mm external porcelain tiles we look at the growing trend for using porcelain tiles outside, why and where you would use 10mm external porcelain tiles and some installation considerations.
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If you are looking to create a beautifully stylish outdoor area then porcelain is fast becoming the go-to material of choice for designers and homeowners. With so many materials available – think limestone, slate, natural stone to name a few – why would you choose porcelain? One key aspect is that limestone, slate and natural stones tend to bring a rustic charm to spaces whereas porcelain delivers a very contemporary look and feel and is designed to bring a flush, architectural feel to spaces. This makes porcelain perfect for refurbishments, extensions and new builds. Rectified tile edges – that is straight tile edges – mean grout lines are just a few mm and by co-ordinating grout colour with tile colour you can create a seamless feel to spaces. Effectively with a porcelain tile you are creating an indoor room outside. As more and more of us use these spaces to dine, entertain and relax in and with the growth in luxury garden furniture you really can go to town on making these spaces feel truly homely.
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Outdoor porcelain tiles come in a range of thicknesses with 20mm the go-to thickness option for external areas however, thinner porcelains eg 9mm or 10mm thick tiles stand out as a cost-effective option for terraces and patios. So, can a 10mm porcelain tile outside hold its own when it comes to outdoor use? Let’s dig in and find out.
Porcelain is an ideal material for outside spaces. In fact, it’s considered one of the leading materials. Made from a mix of highly refined clays and minerals, porcelain tiles are fired at extremely high temperatures and it is this that makes them highly durable and dense.
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It is this density of material that means a Porcelain tile has less than 0.5% porosity. Unlike ceramic tiles that are not as dense, porcelain is frost resistant and therefore suitable for outside spaces. Porcelain tiles are exceptionally hardwearing, highly resistant to scratching and staining and don’t need sealing, waxing or polishing. They are also resistant to mould and moss taking root on the surface, and super easy to keep clean.
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Porcelain is also fade resistant so come sunshine, shade or frost this material is very stable. It is also available in finishes with additional grip for outside spaces. So a porcelain tile really is a great option for that dream patio.
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As we have already explored, unlike the rustic charm of limestone or slate, porcelain delivers a clean, crisp, architectural feel – effectively creating the same flush finish outside, you would expect inside your home.
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Good quality thinner porcelain tiles have some advantages over their thicker counterparts namely they are easier to handle during installation and generally more cost effective. However, installation is key as we will discover. So if you are thinking of using 10mm external porcelain tiles it is always worth checking with your installer regards the tile thickness that is most suitable for your project.
10mm external porcelain tiles are best suited to areas with light to moderate footfall so for example residential patios or outdoor dining areas. For areas with heavier usage for example a driveway it is best to opt for a thicker tile such as a 20mm tile or possibly even 30mm thick tile so you have added strength. Â
Our information is by no means exhaustive, however there are a few things to consider when installing 10mm external porcelain tiles and good preparation is top of the list. 10mm porcelain tiles should be laid on a fully cured concrete base that is solid, stable and properly levelled. Good site preparation and the correct installation products are critical to longevity and durability for the future so using a high-quality weather resistant adhesive along with a suitable grout for external areas is key. Another consideration is adequate drainage ensuring surfaces have a slight slope to ensure water can run off and doesn’t pool on the tiles themselves.
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Even for a 20mm porcelain it is preferable to install onto a concrete bed. Winter weather can lead to frosts so a slab is the preferred option and in either case ie 10mm or 20mm you must use a suitable cement-based adhesive when laying outside tiles.
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It’s important to ensure the tile is fully supported and there are no air pockets or voids under the tiles that could create a vulnerable spot where water could seep or freeze. Fixing directly onto wet concrete is a no-no, the slab needs to have cured. We would always recommend you employ the services of a competent, professional installer. On installation, we work with both Mapei and BAL adhesives and can organise a specification specifically for your project and installer if you wish.Â
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Unlike 20mm outdoor tiles, thinner porcelain tiles cannot be used with pedestals and cannot be used to create stepping stones or pathways because they cannot be laid directly onto grass or gravel.
Tiles are rated for slip resistance – the Ramp test is one method and an outside tile is given a higher slip rating, eg an R11 or R12 compared to an inside tile eg a Matt, Soft or Natural finish which will have a rating such as R9 or R10. Slip ratings can help you decide which tiles are most suitable for your project and are important when it comes to porcelains for outside.
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With the advent of bi-fold doors that are opening up space like never before you can link lounge to lawn in style and the flooring you choose will enhance this feel. Using the same flooring from inside to outside creates a feeling of flow taking the inside out and bringing the outside in. Usually with inside outside tiles you have a matt or natural tile for inside in an 8mm, 9mm or 10mm thickness and an outside tile in either a similar thickness with an antislip finish or a thicker 2cm paver in antislip finish.
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Our clever all-in-one tiles combine the softness of an inside tile with the antislip properties of an outside tile in an antislip Soft R11 A+B+C finish.  With an all-in-one tile exactly the same tile can be used inside and outside. Both tiles are the same thickness – usually around 9mm or 10mm and both have the same antislip soft surface texture.
Alternatively, if you prefer a higher grip rating, then our Metro collection features an antislip R12 A+B+C rated tile for outside with an R10 A+B Soft finish tile for inside.
Outside porcelain requires minimal upkeep and doesn’t really require much more than a sweep with a dry brush to remove any loose debris and then if required a wet brush with water to give tiles a good clean. There are products available for a professional clean if your tiles require it and it is critical for both inside and outside tiles that the correct initial cleaning regime is followed just after tiles are installed to ensure that things like excess grout and debris are removed from the tiles. For all porcelain tiles, a poor initial clean can lead to future issues and can affect the slip rating of tiles and using the incorrect cleaning products day to day can also leave a film on tiles which can affect the surface of them. For more information see our Care and Maintenance page.
Using 10mm external porcelain tiles can be an excellent option for a residential patio area, dining space or external entertaining area when installed correctly. These tiles are durable and low-maintenance and their lighter weight makes them easier to handle on site and more cost-effective. Correct installation and cleaning is critical to ensuring your patio looks as beautiful in years to come. We have a number of 9mm and 10mm porcelain tiles for external areas. Click any of the images above to take you to our website to see more!
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The TilePortfolio specialise in Italian and Spanish Porcelain and Ceramic tiles, in particular large format Porcelains and Porcelain tiles for inside and outside. Our carefully curated, stunning tile portfolios are beautifully presented online and supported by our fuss-free ‘go-the-extra-tile’ service. In addition, you can view our entire tile collection at our Northamptonshire Showroom. Visit our website for unmissable interiors inspiration. The TilePortfolio team are always available to chat, we’d be delighted to help with your project so please do get in touch.Â
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Please note: We strongly recommend using a professional tiler for your project. Installation requirements may vary depending on the tiles you choose, the fixing products used and the specific conditions. Always check with your tiler regards the suitability of the tiles. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions.
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