OUTDOOR S-TILE
products we place on surfaces outside need to cope with. Rain is a pretty regular occurrence in the UK, so thinking about the slip resistance of flooring is a big consideration.
Choosing the right slip-resistance for any tiles you use outside very much depends on whether you are likely to walk over the surface regularly when it’s wet.
The path leading to your front door for example, really should have a tile that works well underfoot when wet or dry. Therefore, a tile that is classed as anti-slip would be advantageous.
A patio that’s only used when the sun is shining is a different matter. A frost-resistant, matt-finished porcelain tile would be ideal, even when it isn’t actually classed as anti-slip. However, I would strongly suggest you avoid any tiles with a polished surface as simply walking from moist grass onto this type of surface could be risky.
I know many people are used to seeing polished marble used externally abroad, but natural stones do absorb a certain amount of moisture through the tiny pores within the product and it is never as slippery when wet as shiny porcelain, despite this, it cannot cope with frost, so isn’t as great a choice for patios in the UK.
STYLE
YOU want your outdoor space to blend in with the style of the landscape that you are adding it to, so it is really important to match the design of your home to the new design and colours of your patio.
Try to pick materials with textures and colours that are compatible with the overall style of your home.
Tiles are so varied in style you can inject the same personality into your garden as you can in your home.
Also, don’t forget many of the items you use to dress your living spaces in the home can be simply transferred into the garden when you are entertaining there.