With trends for 2023 and beyond predicting that outdoor spaces will be one of the areas we are investing in, more and more of us will be taking outside, what is inside, creating outdoor spaces in which to lounge, entertain and dine.
We have ranges of porcelain floor tiles for outside use that have style in spades, so if you're looking for something that little bit special, read on. Find out more about how porcelain tiles can transform your garden and what you need to know about tile slip resistance.
No matter how small that space is, even the tiniest of outdoor areas can be turned into a tranquil oasis; these are spaces with a touch of luxury about them and very different to spaces that feature the rustic charm of flagstones or slate.
Porcelain is the ideal material for outside spaces. It's considered one of the leading materials for innovation and practicality and is so versatile. It's frost and fade resistant, scratch and stain resistant and it's the perfect pick to create spaces that have a crisp, architectural feel about them.
Before you embark on your project, it's important to know that porcelain floor tiles for outside are tested and graded for their slip resistance. Those grades can help choose the right tiles for your project. They are important, particularly for the elderly or those with visual or mobility issues.
Porcelain tiles come in lots of surface finishes. For inside there is everything from Matt to Polished, Satin to Soft and more. Outside tiles generally have a rougher surface than inside tiles. This is because an extra layer of frit is applied to the tile to create the antislip surface to give that extra grip.
There are a number of tests that apply to slip resistance. The Ramp Test is the most commonly found rating. Tiles are given an R rating of between 9 and 13 with slip resistant outside porcelain tiles achieving a rating of R11 or higher.
The Ramp Test is for shod foot ie where an individual walks on a wet surface wearing cleated safety boots whilst being held in a harness. The angle of the ramp is adjusted and whilst doing this the degree at which the person slips is the R value.
There's an additional layer of testing - DIN51097 - which is carried out in wet and barefoot conditions and the same angles repeated. This should be considered where tiles are being used around swimming pools, wet rooms or any other places where footwear would not be worn. In this case tiles are given an A, B or C rating.
Tiles with an A rating for dry barefeet areas eg a kitchen or bathroom.
Tiles with a B rating for pool surrounds and showers.
Tiles with a C rating are for commercial pools, jacuzzis and gym showers.
All our outside porcelains have an R rating and an ABC rating. You will find this on our product pages.
Many of our collections feature a co-ordinating inside porcelain tile making it easy to connect inside and outside spaces with the same flooring if you wish. The creme de la creme really is a 2cm porcelain paver onto concrete. However, sometimes you may not have a concrete bed and the beauty of 2cm thick tiles is there are other install options.
20mm porcelain pavers are more flexible regards install, ideally installation is onto a concrete bed with the right adhesives - especially for larger areas. However, if that is not an option then you could opt for a compacted hardcore base, they can also be laid on grass or directly onto gravel, where 10mm porcelains can't.
Other key considerations include using the correct install products and ensuring the tile is fully supported on a full bed of adhesive ie there are no air pockets underneath.
You will find more information on our website or for more advice or help with porcelain floor tiles for outside use, please contact us, we'd be delighted to help!
We always recommend having your tiles installed by a professional and checking with your installer that your chosen tiles are suitable for your application.
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.
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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