How To Choose Tiles For Exterior Wall?

There are a number of factors to think about while deciding on tiles for an external wall. You need a long-lasting option that won't break the bank. So, let's look into what we can do.

Tile is one of the few materials that can actually spark an idea. Tiles, which come in a wide variety of styles, sizes, colours, and materials, are great for creating long-lasting indoor and outdoor surfaces and decor.

Tiles are low maintenance and work well in locations with a lot of foot traffic, as well as bathrooms and kitchens.

These days, tiles can be found in a vast array of materials, configurations, and styles. Particularly unlike floor tiles, wall tiles are not meant to support weight.

Wall tiles are made with a different kind of glaze that isn't made to withstand the wear and tear of foot movement. In comparison to floor tiles, they often weigh less and are thinner. This primer on wall tiles is written with architects in mind and explores the fundamentals of selecting and specifying wall tiles.

The information in this manual can help you get started with tile design, whether you're new to the field or an old pro.

Considerations

Though many of the same factors that influence the selection of indoor tiles also impact the selection of outdoor patio tiles, there are a few key concerns to keep in mind:

Strength: 

Outdoor tiles, in contrast to indoor tiles, must be extremely durable and able to resist a wider variety of weather and weather patterns.

And the durability they require is proportional to the load you plan to put on them.

Materials for a patio designed for a quiet retired couple are different from those needed for a patio used by a busy family with youngsters who will inevitably be throwing playsets around.

Budget: 

Patios can be fairly large, therefore tiling them with high-end materials might be more expensive than tiling a lesser indoor space like a bathroom.

Cost is a major consideration when picking out a tile for your patio.

Carpet tiles and inexpensive ceramic tile can cost as little as $1 per square foot to install, while a high-end marble or soapstone patio might cost as much as $50 per square foot.

Style: 

A patio's design and construction should complement the home's existing landscaping and structure.

Choose out supplies with hues and textures that complement your home's current style.

Resistant to Slipping Due to Texture:

Unlike indoor wall tiles or even indoor floor tiles, the thickness and "slipperiness" of a tile are quite significant in outdoor applications. Because of the high likelihood of rain on a patio, the tile surface needs to have a "tooth" that prevents slippage when wet.

It is essential for outdoor tiles to have non-slip surfaces, so this rules out some potential tile materials. The patio surface's texture should be considered when selecting patio furniture.

The Current Weather:

It is important to choose an outdoor seating tile that can endure freezing and thawing if you reside in a region that experiences these climate extremes frequently.

Unlike sandstone, which is quite impermeable, porcelain has a very tiny water absorption rate. Because of this, if a tile absorbs water but then freezes, it may split or the joints may become loose.

Light Exposure: 

Though it's sometimes overlooked, a patio's exposure to sunlight might affect which tile is ideal to use. Tiles should be darker in regions with a lot of natural light, while those in darker, more shaded spots should be brighter.

Materials & Types

To begin with, know that there are many various materials that can be used to make tiles.

It's important to note that there are a few common categories. Tiles, for instance, can be made from a wide variety of resilient materials like ceramic, rock, metal, glass, or even different kinds of clay.

The use of lightweight materials such as perlite or wood is somewhat less prevalent, yet it is possible. All throughout the world, you can find the following options for tiling your home.

Ceramic Or Porcelain

Ceramic and porcelain tiles, the two most frequent options for wall coverings, have different water absorption rates.

Porcelain tile, which has a low rate of water absorption, is ideal for damp environments such as bathrooms.

The clay used to make porcelain tiles is far more refined, dense, and durable than that used to make ceramic tiles. Thus, they are fired at greater temperatures, making them more durable than non-porcelain porcelain.

Tiles are typically made from red or white clay that has been fired in a kiln and glazed with a strong glaze that preserves the colour.

Ceramic tiles are best used in low to moderate foot pedestrian areas and should never be used outdoors. To add insult to injury, ceramic tiles aren't as hard as porcelain, making them simpler to cut. Most porcelain tiles that are approved for flooring use can also be used in various patio applications since porcelain is a very dense and sturdy variety of ceramic.

Tiles with a textured, matte finish are preferable since they are less likely to be extremely slippery than those with a very glossy surface.

It is important to check the product's rating for floor use, however most porcelain tiles are thick and durable enough for this application. The cost of porcelain tiles can range greatly.

If they have a high enough PEI value, traditional ceramic and porcelain tiles can be used outside on patios.

Nevertheless, ceramic tile is not as durable as other options, so it's best for low-traffic patios. If you're set on ceramic tile, select floor tile designed for outdoor use instead of ceramic tile intended for walls, as the latter is typically too flimsy to be used outside. Ceramic tile, like porcelain tile, can have a broad range in price depending on the quality and size of the tile you need.

Glazed Wall Tile

Subway tiles, which have a width to height ratio of roughly 2:1, are the most common glazed tiles for use on walls.

The most common materials for glazed tiles are ceramic and porcelain. Tiles like this are often fired at a very high temperature to make them dense, long-lasting, and water-resistant.

Glazing is a technique used to create a surface that is transparent and enables for more vibrant colours. Keep in mind that glazed tiles' PEI Wear Ratings will indicate whether or not they are suitable for floors or walls.

Glass

Glass tiles are uniformly shaped bits of glass in a variety of colours. They come in both mesh-backed mosaic sets and standalone tiles.

A backsplash in the bathroom and kitchen can be made of glass wall tiles, and they can be decorated with patterns or left plain.

If you're looking for a tile for your wall, go no further than glass wall tiles. Also, their surface is even less porous than ceramic tile surfaces, making them one of the simplest to clean.

This indicates that they don't absorb a lot of toxins or other nasties. Dutch tiles, quartz, wood, polymer, and marble are but a few of the many possible additional finishing materials that might be paired with them.

Mosaic Tile

Mosaic tiles, as a decorative art form, often consist of tiny elements arranged in a shape or image.

Mosaics are inlay patterns made from tiles no bigger than 2 by 2 inches. The materials, hues, and tile shapes used in each mosaic design are all unique.

Several patterns and forms are available, such as square, penny ring, arabesque, chevron, and herringbone.

Backsplashes and walls are common places to find mosaic tiles in use. Although mosaic tile will be used for floors, this isn't a common practise because the numerous grout lines are a pain to keep clean.

Quarry Tile

Hard and waterproof, quarry tiles are crafted from the same ground minerals that are used to produce brick.

This unglazed tile has excellent slip resistance and can be used for flooring indoors or out. Yet, the minerals utilised and the high firing temperatures cause them to be much harder than clay.

Quarry tiles, unlike clay terracotta, are impermeable and water resistant. Neither ceramic nor porcelain tiles have a glazed surface, therefore they cannot be mistaken for porcelain. As a result, quarry tile has the potential disadvantage of being more challenging to clean.

Quarry tiles, despite their name, are not extracted from actual quarries but rather manufactured from a particularly dense variety of unglazed clay. They're ideal for use as a patio's paving material due to their durability and practicality. These tiles were developed to withstand the elements and look great in outdoor settings like patios and courtyards.

Quarry tiles, in contrast to ceramic tiles tiles, come in only a few colours: red, brown, and grey.

For a touch of the Mediterranean, nothing beats quarry tiles. The roughness of quarry tiles makes them nonslip even when wet, despite the fact that they are often unglazed.

In regions where winters regularly dip below freezing, quarry tile is not a good flooring option. It has a notoriety for being a stain magnet. Yet in the appropriate temperature, that's one of the best patio furniture options.

Natural Stone Tile

Tiles made from natural stone have been in use for centuries. The tiles' durability and ability to keep their good looks have ensured their continued popularity even today.

Granite, marble, clay, and travertine are the typical stones used to create wall tiles. In dry environments, they perform admirably. Tiles made from natural stone will always have square corners.

Stone tiles are permeable and can be weighty. Do not forget sealing until after you have finished installing everything.

Kitchens, restrooms, and hallways are just some of the many places you might come across natural stone tiles in a commercial or home setting.

Travertine

The colour and pattern of travertine, a type of natural stone, are stunning. This mineral-rich rock, which is sometimes mistaken for limestone, is extracted from the ground close to established mineral springs.

While it's durable and beautiful, it does have a slightly pitted exterior that can attract dirt until it's cleaned smooth.

Moreover, when wet, perfectly polished travertine can become quite hazardous. Depending on its origin, travertine's quality might be rather different.

Slate

When it comes to using natural stone outdoors, slate is among the best options. Because of the intense heat and pressure it experienced during its formation, slate is classified as a metamorphic rock.

It's impervious to moisture and has a high hardness index.

In addition, you can choose a product with the a natural texture that makes it less slippery than other natural stones.

Unlike popular belief, slate comes in a wide spectrum of colours, including blue, green, and even orange.

Granite

Granite, another volcanic natural stone that is occasionally used for patios, is a high-end, expensive paving material but has significant limitations when used outside.

Most granite tile is polished to a high sheen, which can makes it hazardous to walk on when wet.

In addition, this stone is more susceptible to stains and water damage because it is more porous than other types of tile.

Limestone

Limestone, a sedimentary limestone, has long been prized for its availability and versatility as a building element.

Lighter colours of limestone are better in reflecting heat than darker ones, and they include the most common ones.

Limestone, unlike harder stones like slate or granite, is easily damaged by scratches and chips. And stain prevention requires regular sealing. So, it is best suited for patios in dry regions and not so great in areas with hard winters.

Soapstone

Soapstone is a natural stone that gets its name from the way its surface feels; it is nonporous, making it very resistant from water and stains.

Because of its excellent resistance to heat, it can be put to good use even in extremely hot environments. It's a good option for usage in wet and cold areas, making it ideal for use near swimming pools.

Sandstone

The sedimentary rock sandstone is considerably more delicate than limestone and has the same constraints.

Its stunning appearance results from the compression of sands deposited in successive layers. However, it is easily scratched and needs to be treated frequently to prevent stains and water penetration.

Another stone that does better on patios in dry climates without freeze-thaw cycles is desert sandstone.

Plastic Tiles That Snap Together

The plastic tiles with the interlocking edges are a modern innovation in the tile industry.

The textured surface of these tiles provides an extra layer of safety against slips and falls, because they are simple enough for do-it-yourselfers to set up.

Distribute them on a flat area and connect the edges.

Although not the most aesthetically pleasing option, this can be a practical method of concealing a worn concrete patio. They last a long time and can be easily removed if necessary. Water may easily drain through the tiles because they are perforated.

Patio Pavers

Large squares of wood, composite, or plastic planking with adhesive backing and interlocking edges.

Decking tiles, typically constructed from cedar or redwood, give the appearance of a low-lying wooden deck yet do not require a substructure.

Rubber

Rubber tiles, similar to their plastic counterparts, are frequently used for sports courts and many other play areas due to their interlocking edges, which come together to provide a homogeneous, robust surface.

Tiles made of a very soft rubber are available for use in kid-friendly play areas. Rubber tiles are another option for the pool area.

Concrete

Concrete tiles, which are formed from poured concrete and offered textures and colours to imitate natural stone or greater ceramic tile, can provide the appearance of natural stone for a fraction of the price.

Carpet

Carpet tiles produced from indoor-outdoor carpeting are an interesting alternative. The tiles could be self-adhesive, taped down, or have interlocking edges, depending on the design.

They are simple to set up even on top of concrete slabs, and they can be taken up and changed if a tile gets stained or broken.

Sizes

The tile size is a major factor to consider when deciding on a tile for a project. There is an abundance of choice, but most people stick to a standard set of sizes that may be easily stated.

As much as the form and finish of your project can affect its visual appeal, so can the size of the tiles you use. Thinner and squarer than floor tile, wall tile ranges in size from 3x3 inches to 6x6 inches.

Tiles used in a mosaic pattern, for example, measure 2 inches on a side or less and can be set in place singly because of their modest size. Using larger tiles means less grout will need to be used, leaving behind a cleaner, more uncluttered appearance that can make a smaller room feel more expansive.

Keep in mind that larger tiles usually require more adhesive when being installed. Many typical dimensions and the contexts in which they are most often used are listed below.

Squarish Mosaic

As backsplashes in the kitchen or bathroom, mosaic tile is one of the most typical uses for the material in the home.

Ceramic, porcelain, and glass are the most used substrates for mosaics, followed by granite and metal. Separate tesserae measuring 1 inch on a side are what make up mosaic tile. Assembling a sheet of mosaic tiles into a square of around 1 foot by 1 foot involves joining twelve rows and twelve columns.

Two-inch-square mosaic tiles can be purchased loose or in a mesh binding.

The wire backing that secures the tiles can be cut with a utility knife without damaging the tiles themselves.

Blend

While they resemble subway tile, these pieces are too little to be considered authentic subway tile. As such, we can classify it as a mixture. The breadth of this sort of tile is twice as great as its height, creating a 1:2 aspect ratio.

Mesh forms the back of the blend's edging. Its most popular use are in the kitchen and bathroom as backsplashes or as wainscot on the walls.

Subway

One of the most widely used tile styles, Subway tiles have a 1:2 aspect ratio

Subway tiles are at least 3 inches in height and 6 inches in width. You can find them in places like showers and tub surrounds, as well as on the walls of your bathroom or kitchen.

Although ceramic and porcelain are the most common materials for subway tile, glass and metal are also occasionally used.

Flooring With a Square Shape

4-inch square tiles are most commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens, but you'll also find them on floors and countertops.

Ceramic, porcelain, glassware, stone, and metal are just some of the common materials used to create 4-inch tiles that can be used for both showers and backsplashes.

Board Tile

The standard dimensions for plank tiles are four inches in width by twenty-four inches in length or more. Yet, they can be as wide as 12 inches if necessary.

The planks were designed to be used as long, narrow tiles for flooring. Wainscot, backsplashes, and accent walls made from plank tiles are a common sight in today's stylish homes.

Pores and Sparks

The amount of water that may be absorbed by a tile is determined by its porosity, which is the number of voids relative to the number of solids. Water absorption decreases with tile density.

Since many installations need to be watertight, knowing a tile's porosity is essential.

Porous tile, for instance, is not suitable for use outdoors in climates with frequent freezing and thawing.

Bisque, the raw material used to make tiles, can be burnt once or twice. The tile's durability is modified by the heating treatment.

Harder tiles result from higher temperatures and longer firing times. Single-fired tiles have the glaze applied to the unfired material before being cooked once in the kiln.

A double firing of the tiles increases their thickness. The tile is baked again after it has been coloured or decorated.

Maintenance & Durability

Tiles can be used in many different applications and are built to last. Most messes can be wiped away with a damp cloth, and they dry quickly.

Surfaces that are smooth and glazed are typically simpler to maintain than their rough and unglazed counterparts.

Wall tiles, depending on the type, can assist provide a water seal in areas where moisture is an issue and are typically easy to maintain.

In some cases, the use of tiles can be expected to last for generations.

Tiles are long-lasting and won't fade in the sun. Picking wisely can increase the value of a room or design by preserving and protecting it.

Conclusion

Of the few building materials, tile has the unique ability to inspire new designs and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It requires little upkeep and thrives in high-traffic areas, as well as moist environments like bathrooms and kitchens. Floor tiles are glazed differently than wall tiles to resist the wear and tear of foot traffic, whereas wall tiles are often lighter and thinner. Carpet tiles and affordable ceramic tile can cost as little as $1 per square foot to install, while a luxurious marble or soapstone patio can cost as much as $50 per square foot to install. The patio's size, shape, and material should all work together to create a comfortable outside space that is visually pleasing and safe for everyone who use it.

Selecting an outdoor seating tile that can withstand freezing and thawing is as vital as the tile's thickness and "slipperiness" in an outdoor setting. Lightweight materials like perlite or wood can be utilised in addition to heavier ones like ceramic, granite, metal, glass, or even different types of clay. Different from porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles have a lower water absorption rate and are often constructed from red or white clay that has been baked in a kiln and covered with a thick glaze that keeps the colour. Which tile is best to use might also be affected by how much sunlight it receives. Avoid installing ceramic tiles in outdoor locations with high foot traffic.

The thickness and durability of porcelain tiles make them suitable for this purpose, however the cost may vary greatly depending on the tile's size and quality. Glass tiles are small, consistent shards of glass that come in a wide range of colours. They are often fired at a high temperature to make them strong, durable, and impervious to water. They are one of the simplest to clean because their surface is less porous than even ceramic tile surfaces, and they can be adorned with designs or left plain. Tile mosaics are works of decorative art that are made up of small pieces that are pieced together to make a larger design or picture. Square, penny ring, arabesque, chevron, and herringbone are just some of the many patterns possible with tiles measuring just 2 inches on a side.

When compared to clay terracotta, the hardness and water resistance of quarry tiles make them a preferable option. They are not mined, but rather fabricated from a heavy, unfired clay. They are strong and practical, making them a great option for a patio's paving material. Outdoor flooring made from natural stone tiles is a great choice. Tiles for walls are typically made from granite, marble, clay, or travertine.

In contrast to granite, a volcanic natural stone commonly used for patios, travertine is a mineral-rich rock quarried near mineral springs. Limestone, a sedimentary rock, has been highly sought after for centuries due to its durability and adaptability. The natural stone known as soapstone was named for the way its surface disperses and reflects heat. Slate, which is impenetrable to water and has a high hardness index, is a great natural stone to use outside. Sandstone's resistance to water and cold makes it a great material for usage around pools.

These days, you may find plastic tiles with interlocking edges, a recent innovation in the tile business that adds an extra safety measure against trips and falls. Wood deck tiles, often made of cedar or redwood, can be installed directly onto a surface without the need for a separate substructure, giving the illusion of a low-lying wooden deck. Similar to its plastic cousins, rubber tiles are ideal for usage in playgrounds and sports arenas due to their interlocking edges. The appearance of genuine stone can be achieved at a fraction of the cost with concrete tiles, which are created from poured concrete and provided in textures and colours to replicate natural stone or greater ceramic tile. A novel option is carpet tiles made from indoor/outdoor carpeting.

One crucial consideration is the tile size. Visual attractiveness can be affected by the size of the tiles utilised in a project. Most wall tiles are between 3 and 6 square inches in size, while mosaic tiles are 2 inches on a side or less and can be installed independently. Subway tiles are typically used in wet areas, such as showers and tub surrounds, and on walls in the bathroom and kitchen, where their 3" height and 6" width come in handy. You can use blend tiles as a wainscot or backsplash on the walls due to their 1:2 aspect ratio.

Typical kitchen and bathroom tile sizes are 4 inches square. A wide variety of materials, including ceramic, porcelain, glass, stone, and metal, are utilised to make 4-inch tiles that are suitable for use in either showers or backsplashes. The standard size for a board tile is 4 inches by 24 inches, although they can be as big as 12 inches if needed. The porosity of a tile is the ratio of the number of voids to the number of solids, and it is this ratio that determines how much water the tile can hold. Tiles are low-maintenance and sun-resistant, making them an excellent choice for outdoor spaces. If you choose carefully, you can safeguard and preserve a room's or design's aesthetic value, so increasing its market worth.

Content Summary

• Choosing tiles for an outside wall requires careful consideration of a number of aspects.
• The purpose of this article is to provide architects with a foundational understanding of wall tiles in order to assist them in making informed decisions when selecting and specifying wall tiles.
• Considerations
• There are a few crucial considerations to bear in mind when choosing tiles for an outdoor patio, though many of the same elements that influence the selection of indoor tiles also effect the decision of outdoor patio tiles.
• When compared to its indoor counterparts, outdoor tiles are expected to withstand a far wider range of conditions.
• While deciding on a tile for your patio, you should keep your budget in mind.
• When used outdoors, tile thickness and "slipperiness" are more important than they are when used indoors for either walls or floors.
• When shopping for patio furniture, keep in mind the surface's texture.
• Ceramic and porcelain are the most typical materials for glazed tiles.
• Mosaic tiles are typically installed on kitchen and bathroom walls.
• The look and feel of quarry tiles is unrivalled for a Mediterranean flavour.
• Tiles for walls are typically made from granite, marble, clay, or travertine.
• Natural stone tiles will always have squared off edges.
• Natural stone tiles are commonly used in commercial and residential kitchens, bathrooms, and corridors.
• Travertine is a beautiful natural stone with a unique colour and pattern.
• The interlocking edges of the plastic tiles are a new development in the tile business.
• Pool areas might also benefit from the use of rubber tiles.
• The size of the tiles you use can effect the project's visual appeal just as much as the shape and finish you choose.
• One of the most common use of mosaic tile is as a backsplash in a kitchen or bathroom.
• Shower and backsplash tiles of 4 inches in width are typically made from ceramic, porcelain, glass, stone, or metal.
• Knowing a tile's porosity is crucial because of the need for watertightness in many installations.
• The heating procedure changes the tile's durability.