Tiles are a popular choice of floor covering for patios because not only do they look great they are also easier to clean than decking, and a hundred times nicer underfoot than plain concrete. However, it isn’t as simple as just laying any old tiles and hoping for the best; as there are several key points to keep in mind when you choose the most suitable tiles for the patio.
Not sure what they are? Don’t worry – we have it covered in this simple guide so all you need to do is read then get shopping, and you’ll soon have an amazing patio with the best possible tiles.
Choose tiles suitable for the weather
Depending on where you live your patio may be subject to full-on sunshine, or severe freezes, and both can easily crack the wrong kind of tile, or a lot of rain which can make some tiles too slippery to walk on at all.
Ceramic tiles are very flexible with their range of colors and styles, but sadly they are the most vulnerable to extreme heat and cold. Porcelain, on the other hand, is able to weather these things as it is fired at a high temperature.
Choose tiles you love the look of
If you don’t chances are you’ll be wanting to change them out much sooner than you really need to. Think carefully about the color, and whether you prefer something neutral or want to break up blocks of one color with some patterned tiles. (Don’t forget that intense sunlight can fade bright colors.)
Quarry tiles with their natural red color and high clay content always look amazing and are hard wearing too. Slate tiles offer similar benefits but they don’t do as well in very cold environments, and they do need to be sealed to avoid scratches and stains.
Don’t be afraid to ‘cheat’
Stone patio tiles look amazing and are known to be hard wearing, but it’s not difficult to buy patio tiles which look very much like real stone but are actually made from porcelain (which is stronger and much cheaper!)
Look for something which is low maintenance
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are easy to clean either by sweeping debris away or with a quick wash. Porcelain tiles are also less likely to be affected by mildew or stains, so they look good with less effort, and they are generally less slippery than other tiles too.
Don’t rule out something a little ‘different’
Alternative options include interlocking tiles which fit together like a jigsaw – making it easy for pretty much anyone to install them. The tiles are made from polypropylene which is hardy in the sun, resists mold and is waterproof too.
These may not be the prettiest of choices but they work well and are affordable. Or there are artificial grass covered tiles which are great if you like going outside with bare feet, and have a taste for the quirky things in life!
