Don’t stress about concrete slabs and stone. Learn the reasons why outdoor porcelain tile is one of the strongest and flexible material for outdoor flooring.
According to historians, the ancient Chinese created the first porcelain models more than 1000 years back. The material is often used in delicate figurines or kitchenware however the medieval Chinese recognized the material’s full potential centuries before. The 260-foot tall tower of porcelain from Nanjing was built using clay bricks from 1431. It was in use for over four centuries.
In recent years, porcelain tiles have seen an increase in their availability and acceptance, especially for outdoor use.
What exactly is Porcelain Tile?
Porcelain tile belongs to the ceramic family but it is produced with higher quality standards than normal ceramics. The highly refined and pure clay is fired longer in higher temperature than the other types of ceramic. This results in a flexible very durable material that can be put on walls or floors in both indoor and outdoor settings.
What are the different types of outdoor porcelain tiles?
Unglazed Porcelain Tiles
They do not have an outer finish which means that each tile has distinct patterns. While they lack a protective coating the unglazed porcelain tiles are durable against wear and weather. Unglazed tiles can be created using any type of texture and can also be polished to give shiny appearance. Unglazed tiles are classified in two types:
Glazed Porcelain Tiles
They are then sealed with the protection coating. They can be solid-colored or patterned. Customers typically have the option of choosing between a matte, semi-polished, or gloss finish. Glazed tiles can be classified into two types:
Tiles printed with images, that go through special glaze processes where the image of a digital printer is printed onto the tile. The result is that porcelain tiles are able to appear like stone, wood or other flooring types.
Color-bodied tiles that are colored through their entire thickness, as well as a glaze on the surface to provide protection and aesthetic value.
Porcelain tiles can also be classified into five grades by the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI). Grade one is considered to be the least durable, whereas grades five are the strongest.
Are Porcelain Tile good for outdoor Use?
Porcelain tiles make a fantastic material for outdoor use for many reasons:
All porcelain tiles have a water absorption percentage lower than 0.5 percent, which makes them stain – and weather-resistant. Since they don’t absorb much water, they won’t break in cold temperatures like other materials.
Porcelain tiles are highly resistant to UV fading even when they are placed directly in sunlight.
The manufacturing process used to make porcelain tiles is what makes them more durable and tougher than those made of ceramics that are used in high-traffic areas.
The pros and cons of Porcelain Tiles
Pros
Superior durability compared to other ceramics used in high-traffic areas;
Ideal for outdoor use.
They are able to be used indoors or outdoors, and are made with a variety of colors, textures and patterns.
Lighter and thinner than other outdoor materials, such as concrete and stone;
Low maintenance
Fire, stain, and moisture resistant.
Cons
Costlier than other ceramic products.
It is more robust than other ceramic products.
The material is difficult to cut without specialist equipment.
Installation
The installation of porcelain tile is comparable to other outdoor tiling job. It’s time-consuming and requires technical expertise. Porcelain tiles are extremely hard and, while this is what makes them tough but it also means that you require specialized tools to cut the tiles. Don’t attempt to install the tiles unless you’re a professional DIYer and willing to invest in the right tools to do the task.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Tiles made of porcelain are easy to clean with water and mild detergent. For more difficult dirt or deep cleaning, use a vinegar-water mix or a specific tile cleaner, along with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Avoid using brushes whenever feasible for polished or ceramic tiles. Avoid using ammonia- or bleach-based cleaners. oils-based cleaners, cleaning products with color, steel wool or brushes made of hard-bristle.
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