Porcelain Tiles vs. Natural Stone: Which is Best for Your Outdoor Space

Get rid of the hassle of 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 developed the art of porcelain over 1000 years back. The material is often used in exquisite kitchenware or figurines however the medieval Chinese realized the material’s higher potential centuries before. The 260-foot tower of porcelain in Nanjing was built using ceramic bricks around 1431. It stood for four centuries.

Recently, porcelain tiles have increased in popularity and acceptance, especially for outdoor use.

What exactly is Porcelain Tile?

Porcelain tile falls within the ceramic family, however it is produced with higher quality standards than normal ceramics. The highly refined and pure clay is fired longer as well as at greater temperatures. 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 various types of Tiles made from Porcelain?

Unglazed Porcelain Tiles

They do not have an outer finish which means that each tile has distinct patterns. While they lack a protective coating Unglazed porcelain tiles are durable to wear and weather. Unglazed tiles can be created in any kind of texture, or polished to create an attractive appearance. Unglazed tiles are classified in two types:

Glazed Porcelain Tiles

These are then sealed by an anti-corrosion coating. They are available in solid colors or patterned. Customers are often able to choose between matte, semi-polished, or gloss finish. Glazed tiles are classified into two types:

Printing tiles, which go through special glaze processes where an image created using digital technology is printed onto the tile. It means that porcelain tiles are able to appear like stones, wood or any other flooring types.

Color bodied tiles, that are colored through the entire thickness and as a coating to provide protection and aesthetic value.

Porcelain tiles can also be classified into five grades by the Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI). Grade one is the most durable, whereas Grade five has 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 that is less than 0.5 percent, which makes them stain – and weather-resistant. Since they don’t absorb much water, they won’t be damaged by freezing temperatures as other materials.

Porcelain tiles are highly resistant to UV fading even under direct sun.

The process of making 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 outdoor porcelain tiles

Pros

Superior durability compared to other ceramics in high-traffic zones;

Perfect for outdoor use;

The versatility of these products is that they can be used indoors as well as outdoors, and can be made in a variety of textures, colors and patterns.

Lighter and thinner than other outdoor materials, such as concrete and stone;

Low maintenance

Fire, stain, and moisture resistant.

Cons

Higher priced than other ceramics;

It is more robust than other ceramics;

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 knowledge. Ceramic tiles are extremely durable which ensures they are durable but it also means that you require specialized tools to cut them. Do not attempt to install porcelain tiles by yourself unless you’re a professional DIYer and prepared to invest in tools to do the task.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Tiles made of porcelain are easily cleaned with water and mild detergent. For more difficult dirt or deep cleaning, you can use a vinegar and water mix or a special tile cleaner, along with a soft-bristle comb. Avoid using brushes, if you can for polished or glaze tiles. Do not use ammonia- or bleach-based cleaners. oils-based cleaners, cleaning products with pigment, steel wool or brushes made of hard-bristle.