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STRIDE-ARENA-20MM-CONCRETE-PORCELAIN-TILE. Image shows sand 20mm concrete porcelain tile on patio with dining table and chairs

The best tiles for outdoors

Making the most of an outside space is a trend that is definitely on the rise and choosing the best tiles for outdoors really is key to the kind of space you are looking to create. 

Flooring can contribute to the crafting of a stunning outside space, even elevating the humble patio to an additional room. 

Whether you are looking for a truly contemporary feel or prefer a more traditional rustic look, the flooring you choose will impact the finished look. 

For example, limestone and slate adorn many a garden across the UK and create a look full of rustic charm, as can flagstones – these materials will deliver a more traditional feel with rough hewn edges, surfaces and more. 

However, if your aim is to create something a little more sleek and modern, then you can’t opt for a better material than porcelain – especially a porcelain with rectified edges ie straight edges and minimal grout lines. 

The rise of porcelain tiles for outside spaces is partly attributed to the clean lines and architectural feel that can be achieved. You are literally creating another room outside. Add to that porcelain tiles that co-ordinate from inside to out and suddenly you can have a continuation of your inside space with tiles that co-ordinate from inside to out or a separate space. 

 

Porcelain tiles have taken gardens by storm over the past years, renowned for their unique combination of both versatility as well as flawless aesthetic appeal. Here at The TilePortfolio we have an eclectic range of porcelain tiles which can adorn any outdoor space.   

An inside room, outside

Using porcelain tiles outside can forge a unique look. Always sleek and architectural, porcelain can create the effect of having an inside room, outside ready to be furnished with tables, chairs, outside sofas and even rugs. Add lighting and a few luxuries and you really can create a wow space.   

STRIDE ARENA 800X800 CONCRETE EFFECT 20MM PORCELAIN

Why choose porcelain for outside?

Porcelain’s aesthetic appeal needs little more explanation, but one of its greatest advantages for outside use is its versatility. As an incredibly dense material porcelain is able to stand whatever life throws at it, being both scratch and stain resistant. It doesn’t require sealing, waxing or polishing allowing it to be used anywhere in your home with minimal effort.    

Furthermore, with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%, porcelain is also frost and fade resistant and comes in select finishes providing additional grip for your outside area.

To help you choose the best tiles for outdoors, you can browse the many designs of our 2cm porcelain tiles and pavers on our website or view in person at our Northamptonshire showroom. From tiles with a stone effect, to concrete and cement, we have a wide selection in our 2cm outdoor porcelain portfolio so that you can find the ideal look for your outside space.  

Size, thickness and format

If porcelain has indeed won you over as the best material to create your perfect patio or garden, then size is another crucial decision. 

The TilePortfolio would recommend 2cm thickness as ideal for outdoor spaces laid onto a fully cured concrete bed with the correct adhesives. However, if a concrete bed is not available then these thicker tiles can also be laid on compacted hardcore  with the correct adhesive products – or directly onto grass or gravel. 

Our tiles are available in lots of different sizes with typical square tiles in sizes ranging from 600 x 600mm to 800 x 800, 1m x 1m and 1.2m x 1.2 as well as rectangular sizes including 1m x 50cm, 600 x 900mm and 1200 x 600mm. 

So let’s take a look at one of the best tiles for outdoors which is a 1200 x 600mm format. 

1200 x 600mm paving slabs

1200 x 600mm paving slabs are a stunning, large format to use in your outdoor space. They can be both stacked or brick bonded – just remember not to overlap by more than 1/3.  This is a large format size and works perfectly in spaces large of small.

A beautiful example of our 1200 x 600mm paving slabs and also part of our Ethos collection is Ethos Shore. This wonderful off-white stone effect tile is shown here brick-bonded. 

With a wide variation of pattern, these tiles are highly authentic as a stone effect porcelain tile giving you all the beauty of stone, with all the benefits of porcelain.

 

For other examples of 1200 x 600mm paving slabs for your patio area check out our Alpine collection or to see all the best tiles for outdoors we offer go to our 20mm outdoor porcelain tile portfolio. You can find out more, order samples or come and visit us! 

The TilePortfolio specialise in high quality 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 a friendly, warm and welcoming service. Visit our centrally based showroom in Kettering, Northamptonshire or shop on line with us at www.thetileportfolio.co.uk. We are here to help and would be delighted to get involved with your project! 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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Want to keep up to speed with the latest tile trends, new products, fabulous offers and inspiration from The TilePortfolio?

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Hey there!

Want to keep up to speed with the latest tile trends, new products, fabulous offers and inspiration from The TilePortfolio?

It's all in our monthly newsletter!