How do outdoor tiles differ from indoor tiles?

Though durable, indoor tiles are not made to handle things such as frost and direct sunlight. On the other hand, outdoor tiles have the ability to handle these conditions and more. ... Outdoor floor tiles must be frost-resistant and unglazed in order to withstand the repeated freeze/thaw cycles of winters without cracking.

What types of areas are they used in?

Pool coping, contemporary outdoor seating areas/enteretainment areas, pergola floors, coutyards and outside living areas.

Current trends

1. Terrazzo tiles
Terrazzo is one of the biggest trends of 2019 – expect to see it everywhere from tiles and furniture to accessories in the coming year. Terrazzo crept into our collective consciousness last year, but 2019 will see an explosion in the number of colours and styles available, including soft pastels, striking black-and-white, and grey-and-white combinations.

2. Super-sized slab tiles
This year’s Cersaie trends can be summed up in three words – large, colourful and natural. The super-sized ceramic slab tiles we saw at the show certainly fell into the first category.

3. Statement subway tiles
The classic white subway tile has had a makeover and interesting variations on this style will gain traction in 2019. At Cersaie, we saw subway tiles in bright, eye-catching colours – sunshine yellow, fire-engine red, cobalt blue and forest green were particularly popular.

Are outdoor tiles and pavers different?

Pavers are dry laid without using adhesive, properly installed outdoor tiles on a secure concrete slab are more permanent.

What materials are they made from?

Natural stone is the umbrella term for tiles made from granite, slate, limestone, and travertine. Tiles made from these materials are popular because they work seamlessly in an outdoor environment. However, you'll pay a bit more for their head-turning appearance.

What patterns can they be laid in?

Traditional Stack, Diagonal, Brick Bond Tile Patterns, Alternating Stacked Layouts, Herringbone Tile Layouts.

Different tiles for wet and dry areas?

Yes. The most suitable types of tiles for a wet room floor are Porcelain, Natural Stone or Mosaic tiles. Because of their construction we do not recommend the use of ceramic tiles on a wet room floor, they are however perfect for the wet room walls.

Outdoor tiles durability

Generally, outdoor wall tiles and floor tiles are more durable, safe, chemical resistant, hygienic, elegant, diverse and affordable than other materials for outdoor use. Tiles which are made of ceramic or porcelain and even mosaic are durable because of their low absorption feature which enables them to resist moisture.

Standard sizes of outdoor tiles

The preferred size of external tiles such as traditional ceramic and terracotta tiles are 30x30 size, which is still widely used today in residential construction and for outdoor floors such as deck tiles, balcony tiles, garden tiles, timber look outdoor tiles, outdoor patterened tiles, sandstone tiles outdoor, outdoor rubber tiles, outdoor moroccan tiles, verandah.

Do outdoor floor and wall tiles differ?

Tiles intended only for use as wall tiles are often lighter and thinner than floor tiles. The glazes used in the manufacture of a wall tile are also different to those used for floor tiles, and are not designed to resist abrasive forces from foot traffic. But they are still referred to as floor tiles.

Cost

An outdoor tiling service costs approximately $45/m2. Rates can go higher or lower based on a number of factors such as the scope of the job and the materials used. A small outdoor tiling project can go for as low as $40/m2, while a tiling job that requires full customisation can cost as much as $60/m2.

Are they easy to install?

Yes, but there are a few tips before you install tile outdoors.

The tile needs to have a flat, hard surface as its underlayment if you are building a larger application, like a tiled patio. Tiles that are installed in singular designs, such as in a walkway, do not require as solid an underlayment.

Best places to buy outdoor tiles

Tile Factory Outlet

National Tiles

Top 3 Outdoor Tiles

1. GALAXY GREY GRANITE TILES - Sydney Tile Gallery

Galaxy Grey Granite is a modern granite with striking veins and ash and silver tones. Its strength and durability makes Galaxy Grey ideal for use on driveways, footpaths and outdoor spaces. This granite is available in both honed and flamed finishes, making it suitable for internal and external applications. We recommend that the Granite is sealed with a penetrating stone sealer.

2. CHINESE BLACK SLATE FLOOR TILES - Bellstone

This is a dark grey/black slate with a natural split surface that is incredibly dense with a nicely textured surface grain that provides character and excellent slip resistance. It is also popular in restaurants and bars because it is highly impermeable to water and easy to clean.

The slate is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and has been used on walls just as successfully as it has been for flooring. It's also suitable for wet areas such as shower recesses, bathrooms and water features. The test results at the foot of this page are proof of the extraordinary quality of Bellstone's black slate. This is truly an exceptionally durable stone.

Tiles natural split - 300x200, 300x300, 400x400 & 600x300x9-12mm in blue/black colour

600x600x12-15 & 900x600x12-16mm in a slightly lighter grey/black colour.

3. First Choice Classic Travertine Tumbled - Sareen Stone

Classic Travertine is one of the most popular natural stones used for residential projects. This incredibly beautiful and practical travertine, with its neutral beige colouring, is suited to both traditional and contemporary environments.

Classic Travertine may be used in both internal and external areas. They are perfect for outdoors in the harsh Australian environment, as they do not retain heat.

While there are many grades of Classic Travertine available, we pride ourselves on importing first choice premium quality Classic Travertine, which has minimal large holes, good colour consistency and free from unwanted inclusions. The grading is based on the size of the holes/pits, colour variation and unwanted inclusions such as onyx impurities.

Available in the Tumbled finish is the all one drop down edge pool coping and step tread. This product is perfect for outdoor areas and pool surrounds. Being a solid piece of stone, the result is a strong architectural look to the popular modern rectangular shaped pool.

Sarah Buckley

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