Porcelain tiles have traditionally been considered an “indoor” material. This was the case for many years. Older ceramic technology, held up to foot traffic but was vulnerable to freezing and expanding inside and underneath the tile which would cause cracking, making it an inappropriate material for handling the tough New England climate.
Today, modern design, manufacturing and the setting of porcelain tiles has changed. Outdoor porcelain tiles are fully rated for outdoor use and a great choice for patios and garden areas.
They have several benefits when compared to concrete or even natural stone alternatives. Available in a wide variety of colors, textures and patterns, outdoor porcelain tiles allow homeowners a greater variety of aesthetic choices and flexibility when used outdoors.
Let’s look at some of the benefits of using outdoor porcelain tiles in your outdoor landscape.
Top Four Reasons For Choosing Outdoor Porcelain Tiles
While there are a number of benefits to using porcelain pavers in your next landscaping project, there are four key reasons to consider.
1. Porcelain Is Worth the Price
Outdoor porcelain tiles offer durability, scratch resistance and require practically no maintenance. Along with some natural stone options, they are on the higher end of the price scale, but well worth the price.
2. Easy Repair
Although they are scratch resistant, accidents still happen. Replacement is an easy option and is much more efficient than with wood, concrete or composite stone. Repair is a simple as removing and replacing the broken paver.
3. Maintenance Free
Outdoor porcelain tiles are as close to maintenance free as possible. Other than regular sweeping and an occasional hosing down, porcelain tiles are maintenance free never requiring re-sealing. If proper grout is used, just hose off the tiles and you are done!
4. Great Design Flexibility
With an extensive choice of colors, patterns, shapes and textures, when it comes to designing space you’re only limited by your imagination. Add custom color or texture to any outdoor landscape from your patio to the garden. You can coordinate colors to make your garden area really pop or use contrasting colors or shades to highlight features in the space. Whether your taste runs to muted colors, classical styles, or modern design, there is an option to meet your creative needs.
Technical Benefits of Outdoor Porcelain Tiles
Along with the practical benefits we listed above, outdoor porcelain tiles offer technical benefits as a landscaping material. First, porcelain combines high load bearing with light weight.
Porcelain pavers consist of a 20mm layer of load bearing porcelain specifically designed for use with deck support systems and raised pedestals as well as dry and traditional installation methods. This gives them total flexibility in design applications.
Outdoor porcelain tiles are a light weight material making them easier to transport and install than many other materials like concrete or natural stone pavers. In terms of wear resistance, porcelain is non-porous so it will not stain and never requires re-sealing. They will remain exactly as they were the day they were installed pretty much forever. Because they offer extremely high slip resistance regardless of the finish or texture, they are a safe flooring or decking choice whether they are wet or dry!
Want to learn more? At Old Station Outdoor and Landscape Supply we offer a range of outdoor porcelain tiles from top manufacturers including Unilock and Techo-Bloc, Polis & Flooring USA. Give one of our team members a call, or visit our website for more information!
