Choosing the right tiles for your exterior walls is a critical decision that influences your home’s aesthetic and functional aspects. With a wide variety of materials, designs, and finishes available, understanding the factors that affect durability, budget, style, and weather resistance is essential.
This guide will walk you through the most important considerations when selecting tiles for outdoor walls, from evaluating the tile material’s resilience against harsh weather conditions to ensuring your choices align with your budget and desired aesthetic. Let’s explore how to make the best choice for your exterior walls.
Let’s get straight to the point.
When choosing exterior wall tiles, prioritise durability, style, and climate suitability. Porcelain tiles are ideal due to their strength and water resistance, while natural stone, quarry, and concrete tiles also work well for outdoor use.
Avoid ceramic tiles unless rated for the exterior. Consider slip resistance, weather conditions, and sunlight exposure. Budget and aesthetics are key; larger tiles create a modern look, while smaller tiles are better for detailed designs.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Exterior Wall Tiles
1. Durability Of The Tile Material
Exterior wall tiles are consistently exposed to varying weather conditions, making durability a key factor in their selection. The material you choose must be resilient enough to withstand elements like heavy rain, scorching heat, frost, and even wind-blown debris.
Tiles made from hard-wearing materials, such as porcelain or natural stone, offer the best performance in outdoor settings.
- Porcelain tiles: Highly durable and dense, making them water-resistant and suitable for all weather conditions.
- Natural stone tiles: Offer great strength but may require sealing to protect against moisture and weathering.
- Concrete tiles: Known for their ability to withstand temperature fluctuations, they are ideal for regions with extreme weather.
2. Budget Considerations
The cost of exterior wall tiling can vary greatly, depending on the type of tile material, the size of the area, and installation costs. When planning your budget, it’s important to balance quality and affordability.
While premium materials such as natural stone can provide a luxurious finish, more cost-effective alternatives like ceramic or porcelain can offer great durability without breaking the bank.
- Ceramic tiles: Affordable and available in many designs, though they may not be as durable as other materials.
- Porcelain tiles: Slightly more expensive than ceramic but offer better resistance to moisture and wear.
- Marble and granite tiles are beautiful and luxurious but can be significantly more expensive in terms of material and installation.
3. Style, Design, And Aesthetic Appeal
The tiles’ aesthetic appeal should complement your home’s overall design and the surrounding environment.
Exterior tiles come in various colours, textures, and finishes, and it’s important to select a design that suits your taste and complements your home’s architectural style.
- Modern homes: Sleek, large-format tiles with a polished or matte finish can create a clean and contemporary look.
- Traditional homes: Textured or patterned tiles with natural stone or rustic finishes can enhance a classic or rustic aesthetic.
- Colour coordination: Lighter shades for a spacious, airy feel, while darker tones can create a bold statement.
4. Slip Resistance And Surface Texture
When choosing tiles for exterior walls, particularly in areas exposed to moisture, like near swimming pools or gardens, slip resistance becomes a critical consideration.
The surface texture of the tiles can impact not only safety but also the ease of maintenance and cleaning.
- Textured tiles: Rough or matte finishes provide better traction, reducing the risk of slipping.
- Slip-resistant tiles: Ensure safety in wet conditions, making them ideal for areas exposed to rain or near water features.
- Matte finish: This not only improves grip but also helps minimise glare and reflect less heat, contributing to overall comfort.
5. Weather Resistance And Climate Suitability
Weather resistance is critical when selecting tiles for exterior walls, particularly in climates with freezing temperatures or intense heat.
Frost-resistant tiles are essential for cold regions, as they are less likely to crack when subjected to freeze-thaw cycles. Likewise, areas with extreme sunlight require tiles that won’t fade or deteriorate under UV exposure.
- Porcelain tiles have a low water absorption rate, making them perfect for freeze-thaw climates.
- Ceramic tiles perform poorly in freezing conditions as they are more prone to water absorption and cracking.
- Salt-resistant tiles: Important in coastal regions to protect against salt corrosion from the sea air.
6. Sunlight Exposure And UV Resistance
The sunlight exposure an exterior wall receives can affect your tile material and colour choice. Constant exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading in some tile materials, especially darker-colored tiles.
In hot climates, lighter-coloured tiles can help reflect sunlight, keeping the surface cooler and reducing heat absorption.
- UV-resistant tiles: Ensure longevity by preventing colour fading in areas with high sun exposure.
- Light-coloured tiles reflect heat and maintain a cooler surface suitable for hot climates.
- Darker tiles: They can absorb more heat and are prone to fading, but if they are UV-resistant, they can create a striking visual contrast.
Materials And Types Of Exterior Wall Tiles
When selecting tiles for an exterior wall, it’s important to choose the right material based on durability, style, and the specific needs of your project.
1. Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are one of the most popular options for exterior walls.
They are made from refined clay and fired at high temperatures, making them extremely dense and water-resistant. Porcelain tiles are durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for outdoor use.
2. Ceramic Tiles
While ceramic tiles are commonly used for interior applications, they are also suitable for outdoor walls.
Ceramic tiles are more porous than porcelain and may absorb water, leading to cracks during freeze-thaw cycles. If you choose ceramic tiles for exterior walls, ensure they are rated for outdoor use.
3. Glass Tiles
Glass tiles are often used for decorative purposes, especially in feature walls. They come in various colours and offer a sleek, modern appearance. Glass tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Still, they are not recommended for large-scale exterior walls due to their fragility.
4. Natural Stone Tiles
Natural stone tiles, such as slate, granite, limestone, and travertine, provide a timeless and sophisticated look for exterior walls. Each type of stone has unique characteristics:
- Slate: A durable, non-slip option in various colours, making it suitable for outdoor walls.
- Granite: A strong, dense stone that resists moisture, though polished granite can be slippery when wet.
- Limestone: Lighter in colour, limestone tiles can create a bright, warm look but may require sealing to prevent staining.
- Travertine: Known for its natural beauty, travertine can be prone to absorbing water and may require sealing.
5. Quarry Tiles
Quarry tiles are made from unglazed clay and are durable for outdoor use. Their non-slip surface makes them a practical choice for areas that may become wet, and their rough texture adds a rustic charm to exterior walls.
6. Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles offer a cost-effective solution for exterior walls. They can be manufactured in various colours and textures, mimicking the appearance of natural stone or ceramic tiles.
Concrete tiles are durable and weather-resistant, making them a practical choice for outdoor applications.
7. Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic tiles are small tiles arranged in decorative patterns or images. While they are more commonly used for accent walls or features, mosaic tiles can also create visually striking designs for exterior walls.
Tile Sizes For Exterior Walls
Choosing the right tile size is another important consideration when planning an exterior wall project.
Tiles come in various sizes, from small mosaics to large slabs. The size of the tiles can impact both the visual appearance and installation process.
Small Tiles (Less Than 4 inches)
Smaller tiles, such as mosaics, are often used for detailed work or accent walls. They can create intricate patterns and add texture to an exterior wall. However, smaller tiles require more grout, making installation more time-consuming.
- Ideal for creating artistic and detailed designs
- Suitable for curved or uneven surfaces
- It can be used to create a visually striking focal point
Medium Tiles (4 To 8 inches)
Medium-sized tiles are commonly used for exterior walls. They balance aesthetics and practicality, offering easier installation than small tiles while allowing creative designs.
- Versatile for different styles, from traditional to modern
- Easier to install and maintain than small tiles
- It can create a more uniform appearance on larger surfaces
Large Tiles (8 inches Or more)
Large-format tiles can create a clean, modern look with minimal grout lines. They are especially popular for contemporary designs and can make a space appear larger. However, large tiles may be more difficult to handle during installation and require a flat surface to ensure proper adhesion.
- Perfect for creating a sleek, minimalist aesthetic
- Fewer grout lines reduce maintenance and cleaning time
- Ideal for open spaces, enhancing the sense of spaciousness
- It can be used to emphasise linear patterns or geometric designs
Conclusion
Choosing the right tiles for exterior walls involves considering various factors, including durability, budget, style, and weather conditions. Porcelain, quarry, and natural stone tiles are some of the best options for outdoor applications due to their strength and water resistance.
Meanwhile, the size and texture of the tiles will impact both the visual appeal and functionality of the space. By selecting tiles suited to your specific climate and aesthetic preferences, you can create a stunning, low-maintenance exterior wall that will enhance the look of your home for years to come.
FAQs About Exterior Wall
What Makes A Good Exterior Wall?
Brick is the most traditional and common external wall cladding material. It is fire-resistant, low-maintenance, non-toxic, and highly durable. Brickwork also provides excellent thermal performance and sound insulation.
What Is The Best Type Of Exterior Wall?
Brick is better able to withstand harsh weather and fire than some other materials. Brick veneer is lighter than brick used to make up the walls of a structure, and installation is quicker. Brick requires low maintenance and is environmentally friendly.
What Type Of Exterior Walls Support The Structure?
A bearing wall supports the weight of the structural elements it connects in a building – the floor below and the roof above.
How Long Do Exterior Walls Last?
In general, interior paint lasts 5 to 10 years. Exterior paint lasts 5 to 7 years. However, your exterior paint’s longevity will depend on regional climate conditions, the material used, and the type of paint used.
How Thick Should Exterior Walls Be?
The thickness of exterior residential walls when using ICFs depends on several factors. Standard ICF external walls need six inches of concrete. However, areas susceptible to high winds require at least 8 inches of concrete thickness.