Just like the interiors, the exteriors of a home such as the balcony, terrace, and garden are important and integral to the overall design and character of the home. It is therefore important that due care is given in the design of these areas. Ideally, the design and furnishings of the outside area should be synchronized with the inside area and vice versa, so that both areas seamlessly integrate and reflect the entire design ethos of the house.
Tiles used outdoors should be checked for texture and durability. While there are different types of exterior tile, choose the ones that are easy to install and maintain, and give your home a seamless and elegant look. Here you can find information about the different types of exterior tiles.
porcelain
Porcelain tiles are one of the hardest and most dense tiles that are also frost-resistant. They are durable and give every room a unique aesthetic. “Porcelain tiles are made from high quality components and together form an almost luxurious product. They have a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less, ”says Gita Ramanan from the Design Café. Available in a variety of colors, designs and textures, these tiles are non-porous and easy to clean. The downside to these tiles is that their high density makes them difficult to cut, drill, and secure.
Porcelain tiles can come in a variety of abstract colors and shapes. Photo credit: Nitin Chavan / Getty Image
Natural stone
If you want to add a warm, rustic feel to your exterior, choose natural stone tiles such as sandstone, slate, Cuddapah, and Kota tiles. “These stones look elegant and are visually appealing. They feel great underfoot and look beautiful when put on. Since these stones are natural, there are always color and texture variations, which makes each piece unique, ”says Baashobe Majumdar from HomeLane. The disadvantages of these tiles are that they are porous and therefore easy to stain.
terrace
Terrazzo tiles are composite tiles and contain chips of marble, granite, glass, and quartz. They have a long service life and require little maintenance and can therefore be used in heavily frequented areas. One of the disadvantages of terrazzo tiles, apart from their high cost, is that the surface of these tiles does not hold heat well during the winter months, which makes the floor feel very cold.
Terrazzo are ideal for high-traffic areas. Credit: jodiejohnson / Getty Images
terracotta
Terracotta tiles are earthy and look natural. They are made by firing sophisticated clay mixtures at high temperatures. These look ideal in outdoor areas like gardens and even patios. Terracotta tiles are known for their durability and toughness and give the room a natural and classic look. “They are mold and mildew resistant when properly sealed. If they’re not properly sealed, they can shorten the life of the tiles, ”says Sheena Rawla of The Colonial Design House.
Terracotta tiles look timeless. Credit: phototropic / Getty Images
cement
Cement tiles come in intricate patterns that add an element of art to any room. They are usually handmade and give balconies and terraces a traditional feel. While the benefit is their sleek exterior appearance, it is imperative that these tiles be carefully sealed to prevent fading, staining and moisture ingress into the tiles.
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