5 Tips when choosing ceramic tiles for outdoor flooring.
Posted on 2021/07/27
where do we start?
When we consider choosing flooring for outdoor areas exposed to humidity or water, safety is the main concern, followed by aesthetics and ease of cleaning. Ceramic floor tiles are one of the best materials for this purpose, as companies invest great effort in the search for safe, clean and aesthetically pleasing products.
The latest trends in interior design propose the use of ceramic flooring continuously throughout the entire home. Using the same flooring indoors and outdoors results in the living room becoming visually open to the outside space with no apparent change. We say apparent because the fact that a floor covering is non-slip does not entail any aesthetic or color change.
Ceramic material is an excellent choice, as many collections include a non-slip finish, thus providing aesthetic continuity from the interior to the exterior floor. The proposals are very varied, especially in terms of color, graphics and formats, and they also resistant to impact, sunlight, changes in temperature and humidity.
Here are 5 tips for choosing ceramic tiles for outdoor flooring in private homes.
Search for safe pavements
Safety is one of the main aspects to consider when choosing a product for outdoor flooring. The characteristic regarding the safety of flooring against possible falls due to slipping is its slip resistance. Although the requirements of national regulations (CTE) regarding the slipperiness class of floors do not apply for private outdoor areas, it is advisable to follow some guidelines to be on the safe side. To this end, ceramic collections usually offer the anti-slip option, which provides that extra safety when the flooring gets wet.
Cleanliness matters
Ease of cleaning is another issue to be considered. Long gone are the days of non-slip tiles which were impossible to clean. Nowadays, ceramic brands offer optimal solutions without compromising ease of cleaning.
What we don't see
Following the manufacturer's or brand's recommendations, porcelain stoneware can be a good choice for spaces with special requirements. In a private parking area, it should be taken into account that the tiles will have to withstand the weight of a vehicle, so attention should be paid to the mechanical characteristics of the chosen ceramic product and its correct installation. In geographical areas with very cold winters, frost resistance should also be taken considered. Ceramic manufacturers and brands usually include a section on product characteristics on their website.
If you want to find out more, you can consult The tile guide. La guía de la baldosa.
Infinite Floors
If we want to maintain the interior aesthetics on the outside, we can use the same ceramic material in the swimming pool. The latest proposals from architects and interior designers include the use of large formats with stone graphics for the entire exterior. There are specialized brands that include all kinds of technical solutions providing a homogeneous and integral solution.
Set your style
Generally speaking, trends in architecture and interior design influence all decorative styles. There is always a suitable product depending on the style of terrace or garden we want to design, there is a suitable product. Stones, woods and marbles are the most commonly used effects, as well as the XXL format for large spaces. The most popular styles are New Classic, Minimalist, Mediterranean and Urban Rustic.
.jpg)