As we spend more and more time in our gardens, outside space is being seen as an extension of our inside living space. We are creating outdoor areas that have indoor styling very much at the heart of their design.
With the latest advances in bifold and sliding door systems allowing for unfettered access from inside our home to outside, the boundary between our indoor and outdoor space is also well and truly blurring.
And there's one component that is vital to creating both that stylish outdoor living space and enhancing the feeling of flow between home and garden. The flooring we choose. And what better flooring than indoor outdoor porcelain tiles. Our overview of indoor outdoor porcelain tiles is by no means an exhaustive list of all the key considerations but aims to give an introduction to the subject!
Porcelain is one of the few materials that can be used inside aswell as outside.
Porcelain is exceptionally hardwearing, highly resistant to scratching and staining, doesn't need sealing, waxing or polishing and can be used pretty much anywhere in the home.
Outside, porcelain is frost and fade resistant and available in finishes with additional grip. It's also resistant to mould and moss taking root on the surface, and it's super easy to keep clean - inside a quick mop with water, outside a regular jetwash will keep it in tip-top condition.
Unlike limestone or slate and their rustic charm, porcelain delivers a clean, crisp, architectural feel effectively creating the same flush finish outside, you would expect inside your home.
But, with so many options, different finishes and thicknesses of tiles, how do you know where to start?
Read on ....
The main difference between a tile for inside and a tile for outside is the surface texture.
Inside tiles can be in different finishes for example Matt, Natural, Soft and Polished finishes amongst others. They are usually around 9mm or 10mm thick or thinner.
Outside tiles have a more textured antislip surface for additional grip and are traditionally 20mm or thicker.
Where you have collections that feature both an inside and outside tile that co-ordinate, both tiles will look the same, but if you feel the surface you will know they are designed to perform different roles.
Check out our 20mm tile portfolio where our collections all feature inside tiles that are 9mm thick with matching outside tiles that are 20mm thick.
Ideally outside 2cm porcelain is installed onto a fully cured concrete bed with the correct tile adhesives, particularly for larger patios and areas. If installing onto a solid concrete bed it's critical to ensure the bed is fully cured before you start and you use the correct installation process and products. We work with Mapei and Bal, both companies can provide specifications for installation detailing correct practice.
However, if you don't have a solid concrete bed then for smaller patios an alternative is a compacted hardcore base with the right installation products.
Installing on grass is pretty straightforward. Simply measure a distance of 8-10cm between adjacent slabs. Place the slab onto the grass, mark around the outside of the slab, remove it and dig a depth of around 30mm. Distribute a layer of fine gravel and compact it down. This will help with drainage and stability of the tiles. Place the slab on top of the gravel - always checking the surface is flat and level. Make sure the slabs are not protruding above grass level and can't damage your lawnmower.
Slabs can be directly installed onto gravel substrates. It is advantageous to integrate another layer of gravel or pebbles below your surface gravel in order to ensure perfect drainage. Once this is done, simply place slabs adjacent to one another or create a pathway. Again, always checking slabs are flat, stable and even.
20mm slabs can also be installed onto supports or pedestals. For more information on installing using pedestals please get in touch with us.
Some of our collections feature an inside and outside tile in the same 9mm or 10mm thickness.
A thinner outside tile is generally more cost effective, lighter to handle and easier to cut than a 20mm outside tile, however, correct, professional installation is key. The only option for installing 9mm or 10mm porcelain tiles outside is onto a solid concrete bed that has sufficiently cured and with the correct adhesives/installation products.
You want your porcelain installation to look amazing for years to come so it is vital that correct installation is adhered to. Whilst the information here is not exhaustive, it is important that thinner porcelains are installed on a fully cured solid concrete bed and it's important the correct adhesives and grouts are used - grouting joints also means there is nowhere for moisture and dirt to collect.
British winters can often lead to a cold snap and therefore frosts. The key to correct installation is to ensure 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 installer. Please do get in touch with us for more information on installation, we work Mapei and BAL adhesives and can organise a specification specifically for your project and installer.
Porcelain opens up a whole world of design opportunities. As we have seen above, wood is a perfect example. It's highly unlikely you will find a wood you want to put outdoors that will also work indoors - and that wood outside will also provide slip resistance. Not so with porcelain. With the availability of collections housing tiles with 30 or up to 40 different patterns, gone are the days of just one or two designs that repeated across whole areas - there's a profusion of plank designs, copious cements and an assortment of stone designs. These are generally randomly selected in packs so you should see a good selection of different designs that make your new floor look as realistic as possible. And with appropriate slip ratings for external areas you really can get the look you desire with porcelain whether that is wood, marble, stone or more.
Choosing the right indoor outdoor porcelain tiles for your project can be a little daunting, so please give us a call and let us help you find your feet!
Please note: We strongly recommend using a professional tiling or landscaping contractor for your project. Installation requirements may vary depending on the tiles you choose, the fixing products used and the external conditions. Always check with your tiler, installer or landscaper regards the suitability of the tiles and please do get in touch with us for more information or if you have any questions. Visit the Installation section of our website for more helpful information.
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 and video design consultancy. 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. www.thetileportfolio.co.uk.
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