Patios are an excellent place for you and your family to have some relaxing time. This is why you should be careful and ensure that you opt for the best materials and design. One of the options recommended by patio builders is the use of porcelain tiles in patios. Let’s take a look at some factors that you need to consider if you plan on using tiles for patios.
What Are Porcelain Patio Tiles?
Porcelain is known by its hardness. However, in reality, it is a type of ceramic that is used in a variety of applications. It has been around for centuries and continues to remain a popular option amongst homeowners for renovation or construction projects. You will find porcelain tiles mostly in the bathroom as they offer a lower rate of absorption.
In addition to that, you can also use these tiles for outdoor renovations or projects as well. Before you purchase and install porcelain tiles, make sure that they are thick and rated for use.
Pros Of Porcelain Tiles For Patios
Long-Lasting
The biggest benefit offered by porcelain tiles is that they are strong and hard-wearing, allowing them to withstand extreme weather conditions. Therefore, if you look after them, they will last for years and often look as good as new when it was first installed. Additionally, most porcelain tiles are non-porous, which means that you can easily clean the stains (if any) with minimum effort.
Tough
The manufacturing process of porcelain tiles involves baking the tiles at very high temperatures. As a result, the tiles turn into a glass-like material. Once the tiles have cooled down, they are so hard that only a diamond can be used to cut them into smaller piece or slabs. When buying porcelain tiles, make sure they are vitrified porcelain tiles.
Engineered
Porcelain tiles are not just made by anyone out there. Engineers overlook the manufacturing process and ensure that they are rectified and calibrated. This allows the batch to be consistent in terms of shape and size. Furthermore, its edges are sharp as well, which are best for contemporary style joints.
Fade Resistant & Low Maintenance
Another chief characteristic of porcelain tiles is that they are sun resistant. Therefore, the colors remain unchanged. The last thing you would want is your patio tiles fading just after a few months of installation. This is not the case with porcelain tiles.
On the other hand, as mentioned earlier, porcelain tiles unlike other patio materials require minimal maintenance. You can easily clean them using any cleaning tool. If you wish to have a patio made of tiles that do not require much cleaning, then porcelain is the best option.
Slip Resistant
Patio tiles can be dangerous since they are slippery. To avoid getting hurt, it is best to add a textured surface so that the area can have an anti-slip finish. This way you will not need to worry especially about the elderly losing traction while walking on tiles.
Cons Of Porcelain Tiles For Patios
Cost
Porcelain paving as compared to the cheapest stones and concrete slabs tends to be comparatively expensive, but they are cheaper than most premium stones and concrete slabs. However, at the same time, it is competitive against top-end stones and concrete slabs. This is primarily due to the tiles being thick, hard, and being able to survive for many years.
Installation
Installing or paving using porcelain tiles is a relatively different process when compared to other installation processes. This is why sellers also sell or provide other paving materials to ensure the slabs are installed perfectly. Porcelain slabs tend to be heavy and need to be installed in a different way. You might end up damaging the tiles if an amateur is chosen to work on them.
Fixing Costs
The installation of porcelain slabs is comparatively a little higher than the cheaper concrete and stone slabs available on the market. Porcelain slabs need to be installed and laid perfectly. The process does not leave a single chance of making a mistake. Therefore, make sure that you opt for a professional and thoroughly plan the installation first prior to purchasing the tiles.
Final Word
Using porcelain tiles for the patio is the perfect option if you have the budget and time for installation. Even though the installation process is slightly different, it will make your patio stand out once it’s complete. Therefore, ensure that you only select professional patio contractors to make your money worth it. Lagrass