A well-designed outdoor with a beautiful patio accentuates the look of overall property. And to make this happen, the right selection of outdoor patio slabs or tiles is essential. With a pool of options available in the market, the decision of choosing the right type of floor can be overwhelming, and to make this process a little relaxing for you, we have come up with this comprehensive guide to help you choose the best outdoor stone tile for a visually appealing patio.
Let’s get started!
Here are some points that you’ll have to take into consideration for the best purchase:
Consider the Budget
The stone industry is as vast as an ocean. It has something unique for a variety of buyers with distinctive choices and preferences. Contractors, builders, and large-scale construction companies work on several residential & commercial projects for different clients. Thus, it is significant to choose the outdoor flooring tiles in accordance with the discussed budget. If the budget is high, then you can opt for high-quality options like granite and porcelain. They can be more expensive than their counterparts but work wonders for creating stunning patios.
Keep Weather Conditions in Mind
What’s the location of the outdoor construction project? Is it a mild climate zone? Or is it snowy, rainy or too hot? After reflecting upon these questions, choose the outdoor stone tiles for flooring which will be suitable to the specific climatic conditions. As every stone has distinctive properties and characteristics, it’s better to choose the tiles which are durable enough to withstand weather vicissitudes. For instance, if you don’t pick the right stone slabs for the patio, the flooring may get damaged, faded, chipped or cracked with the sudden climate changes.
Pay Heed to the Style and Colour That Can Complement the Space
Outdoor patio slabs enhance the decor of the space, and thus it needs to be selected carefully after considering the colour and style of the space. If you pick the colour conflicting the style of the space, it may obstruct the design, spoiling it to the core. Therefore, always look for something that will add up to the overall appearance, instead of spoiling it. Make effective use of some incredible patio floor designing ideas and choose the tile that blends in beautifully with the theme of the project.
Consider the Requirements Concerning Light
If the patio area is exposed to enough light, then one can opt for dark coloured outdoor stone tile as they make the space feel a little gloomy by creating a perfect colour balance. If you use light hues, then a sunny patio may look completely washed out, bereft of any contrasting feature. On the other hand, the use of light coloured stone flooring tiles in a dark patio will make it look brightened. Thus, if the patio is supposed to be constructed where there’s no exposure to direct sunlight, then always vouch for light colours to get the best visual effect.
The Level of Maintenance Required
The intrinsic characteristics of a stone differ and so does its need for maintenance. Before zeroing in on the tiles for outdoor use, make sure you consider the level of effort and time it takes to maintain the tiles you’ve selected. No one wants to invest much in upkeep and cleaning. On the contrary, it’s essential to regularly clean and wash with occasional sealing to keep the stone looking its best.
How Easily It Can Be Installed
When designing a patio or any outdoor area, installation of the outdoor patio slabs makes a real difference. Proper installation ensures levelling, drainage, and long-term durability. Thus, it’s essential to choose tiles and know about the right installation techniques. Make sure you consider these factors, such as mortar type, grout colour, and spacing between the tiles. Work with experienced professionals who are proficient at laying and arranging the floor tiles in the right way.
Check for Sustainability or Eco-Friendliness
Not all stones are environment friendly as their manufacturing process may be hazardous to the environment. But the best part is that there are several stones which are ethically extracted from quarries. You can choose locally sourced or recycled stone options to reduce the carbon footprint.
Now that you’re aware of some common considerations to keep in mind while choosing the best outdoor patio slabs, here are a few commonly used outdoor tiles options to create a dreamy patio:
Porcelain tiles
Offering durability and strength, you can swear by porcelain tiles for outdoor applications. From matt to glossy, these tiles are available in both finishes, but it is advised to go for a matt, textured surface which will be good for rainy seasons and prevent falling or slipping accidents.
Travertine Tiles
Travertine stone is porous in nature, but it allows water to gently pass down without any damage. However, the other spills and liquids on the surface, such as wine, syrups, or juices can develop stains, spoiling the look of the tiles. Also, this outdoor stone tile requires regular sealing and maintenance to keep looking lustrous and stunning. The good news is that travertine can last a lifetime if maintained properly. As these tiles are sturdy and highly-durable, they can withstand heavy loads and vehicular traffic. Maybe that’s the reason why people find it an amazing option for driveways and walkways. Is travertine expensive for creating a patio? If this question is hovering over your head, then be aware of the fact that the cost depends upon the colours, finishes, and textures.
Ceramic Tiles
These tiles are relatively cheaper than porcelain outdoor tiles. The reason behind is obvious. The ceramic floor is for light use and cannot withstand heavy traffic. Thus, it is best for light-use patios with warmer conditions. They are made from clay fired at high temperatures to create a hard surface layer, ensuring sufficient strength. As ceramic is slightly porous, water-infiltration may happen if water stands on its surface for quite a long time. Therefore, there may be some chances for real damage if excess water isn’t removed or wiped off immediately.
Slate Tiles
Being a slip-resistant and highly-durable natural stone, slate tiles come in textured surface with a variety of colours to pick from. From darker shades like black and dark grey to lighter ones like green and orange, slate tiles create high-end patios with outstanding aesthetics. As they are strongly resistant to rain, hail, and winds, slate is certainly a good option for outdoor flooring for regions with extreme weather conditions. Though slate tiles are made of hard natural stone, they are susceptible to scratching. Thus, if you use them in patios, then be wise while arranging heavy furniture units and refrain from dragging them to avoid further damage or scratches.
Concrete Tiles
Long-lasting and resistant to extreme weather, concrete tiles are a good option for outdoor patios. They appear like natural stone at a relatively cheaper cost. However, they require regular sealing and maintenance to remain intact for years to come. Most people find it tricky to spot the difference between concrete and cement. Well, the differences are many. Concrete tiles are much stronger than cement, and thus they can be used for outdoor use like driveways and walkways. They are even able to withstand freezing and thawing climates and have a long lifespan. As long as they are properly maintained and taken care of, chances are slim that they will not last to serve you with its beauty and charm.
Limestone Tiles
If the patio project needs to be carried out in a dry, mild zone, then limestone is a fair option to consider. But if you’re thinking of using it in areas with harsh winter conditions, then we bet it won’t be a wise decision to make. Limestone is a soft stone which is easily chipped or scratched if not sealed or maintained on a regular basis. The material you choose for outdoors should be able to resist freeze/thaw situations, otherwise the harsh blows can damage the surface. The good part about limestone tiles is that they are made with tough material. This stone prevents stubborn stains and does not warp from moisture. Being a water-resistant material, you don’t have to struggle with mould and mildew. It is relatively a low maintenance stone, and maybe that’s why several builders and contractors use this for large commercial projects and public areas. Being a sustainable choice for creating beautiful outdoors, you can choose this if you want an environmentally-friendly material for your project.
Not sure where to find your choice of outdoor stone tile for a patio?
Choose Strata Stones as we are strongly committed to delivering a vast collection of premium-quality stones and tiles for outdoor and indoor construction projects. Be it any colour, size, texture, or style, you will get everything needed to create outdoors that never fails to inspire. Connect with us without further ado, and seek guidance from experts in choosing the best tiles and stones for patios.
