5 Best Outdoor Floor Tiles for Homes

FT NEWS

The outdoor areas of the home are as important as the indoors. A well-designed balcony, terrace or patio can create a brilliant inside-outside connect and transform into a great spot for relaxation or entertaining guests. The flooring design plays a key role in the design and beautification of such outdoor spaces; floor tiles are being extensively used now instead of the conventional mosaic, stone slabs or cemented floors. There are not only varied outdoor-tile designs available, but the tiles themselves come with enhanced qualities like strength, durability, good looks, slip-resistance, and they do not fade when exposed to direct sunlight.

1. Porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are manufactured out of clay-based materials that are fired at a very high temperature. This process makes the porcelain tiles hard, dense, highly durable, non-porous and moisture resistant, and hence a good choice for the outdoors. These tiles are available in a variety of sizes, colours, designs and textures. Go for anti-slip porcelain tiles with a rough finish.

2. Natural stone tiles

Nothing beats the rustic beauty of natural stone. These tiles effortlessly add colour, texture and warmth, and are highly resistant to extreme weather conditions. Natural stone tiles are made with natural stones like granite, marble, slate and travertine that are machine-cut to standard square or rectangular tiles. Being a natural material, they come with natural grain patterns, so no two tiles look the same. Note that natural stone is highly porous and needs to be sealed properly.

3. Cement tiles

There is nothing to compare with introducing bold patterns into spaces like the balcony or the patio. In this example, the cement-tiled floor becomes a canvas that brings colour, pattern and a beautiful heritage look into the terrace. These outdoor floor tiles are also known as encaustic cement tiles; they are hand-crafted tiles and come with intricate patterns that add an element of art to any space. It is essential to seal outdoor cement floor tiles so that they resist stains and fading, and to prevent moisture from penetrating the tiles.

4. Terracotta tiles

Infuse an organic warmth into the outdoors with terracotta tiles. The faded look of these tiles in shades of reddish-brown imparts an earthy appeal that wonderfully complements the green outdoors. Terracotta tiles are highly porous, so for long-term durability treat the terracotta tiles with penetrative sealants that can protect them from stains, moisture absorption, dampness and fungal growth.

5. Wooden pavers

Check out the wooden pavers laid on this open-to-sky balcony. Here the wood complements the outdoors and naturally blends with the greenery. These outdoor floor tiles are available in natural wood and in WPC (wood plastic composite). They not only impart warmth and a rich textured effect but also give a high-end modern look to the outdoors. The best part about these tiles is that they can be placed directly over concrete or any other flat surface. However, it is important to use only seasoned wood for pavers and to treat them for termite resistance and with proper sealants before installation.

 

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