How to Choose Modern Outdoor Floor Tiles to Elevate Your Garden

25Oct

• By: Diamond Decks
• Outdoor Living

Did you know that the average garden is about 600 square feet? With gardens so large, many people look for ways to improve their visual appeal.

There’s more than visual appeal at stake. Modern outdoor floor tiles also help make your garden more resistant to weeds and weather, while also providing you with steadier footing.

If you’re curious about what outdoor flooring you should install for your garden, we’re here to guide you. Read on to learn more about modern outdoor floor tiles and how to improve your garden with them.

Why Patio Tiles?

There are many types of outdoor flooring. Brick, pavers, concrete tiles, and more are all popular options for outdoor flooring.

Patio and floor tiles have several benefits that make them excellent for your garden. Here are some of the most dominant benefits of these tiles.

Durable

The first and greatest benefit for many is that floor tiles are highly durable. Outdoor spaces are permanently exposed to the elements and other hazards. Along with the weather, these tiles must withstand dirt, mud, storms, wildlife, and flora.

The tiles are also strong enough to withstand the traffic of people walking over them. Many tiles can also tolerate the weight of gardeners passing with equipment, like wheelbarrows and wagons.

Resistant to Mold

Outdoor surfaces are notoriously difficult to keep mold and mildew-free. Some types of concrete can often grow algae due to its porous nature, while other types of stone will grow mold and mildew.

When these surfaces get wet, they also become a significant slipping hazard. As such, moldy or fungus-covered flooring poses a safety threat.

Tile is more resistant to mold, algae, and mildew. Primarily, this is because the surface is not porous, making it difficult for such flora to get an anchor over the tile. The same quality makes tile resistant to weeds, ivy, and grasses growing on it.

Resistant to Weather

Depending on the season, you may find a few issues with some types of outdoor flooring. Winter is particularly dangerous for the flooring due to water freezing and melting in the flooring.

Concrete, asphalt, and other porous stones are especially vulnerable. Water will fall into the cracks and holes as the flooring absorbs it. When the water freezes, it expands, worsening or creating cracks and damaging the floor.

Tile does not absorb water and therefore is more resistant to this effect. However, if your tile has a crack, you should cover or repair the crack as soon as possible to avoid such damage.

San Antonio winters aren’t as intense as much of Texas. Still, flash freezes or sudden cold snaps can cause this effect.

Resist Stains

Finally, some types of tiles resist stains. The most stain-resistant type of flooring tile is porcelain.

Other types are still more stain-resistant than other types of outdoor flooring. Look into what tile materials you intend to use to see how they can fend off stains.

How to Choose Modern Outdoor Floor Tiles

Now that we know the many benefits of patio tiles for your outdoor flooring, how can you choose the right tile materials? Here are some of the most important factors in choosing a tile to consider.

Safety

The first and most important factor to think of is safety. Tile can sometimes have a sleek, smooth surface. The surface can lead to slipping hazards.

The hazard is most notable during the rainy season or when watering your garden. Many tiles aren’t useful for patios or pools, for example, due to them getting slippery when they’re wet. Some of these tiles are popular in garden designs, so look into what sort of material you intend to use.

Porcelain, ceramic, vinyl, and rock tiles are all resistant to slipping. Their surface is a bit rougher, providing your feet with a better grip.

Aesthetic

One of the most crucial factors when looking into tile patterns for your outdoor flooring is the aesthetic. Tiles have an excellent aesthetic benefit for many reasons.

The greatest reason is that tiles are customizable and come in countless colors and shapes. You can design your dream garden and have the perfect outdoor flooring for the area.

Think of what sort of aesthetic would most match your outdoor garden. You can also mix and match different types and colors of tiles for the ideal appearance.

Design

Many custom tiles also come with a unique tile design. You can set your tiles to have a gorgeous one-of-a-kind design that’s unique to your garden.

Generally, most tiles are a neutral color. Your designs will also have a subtle appearance due to this coloration. However, there are tiles that can fit your preferences no matter what color scheme you prefer.

Cost

Finally, many gardeners are concerned about the cost of an outdoor flooring project. The cost of your patio tiles can change depending on what sort of tiles you’re using.

The material is one of the most dominant factors in cost. Modern outdoor floor tiles are made of countless different materials, each with its own benefits.

One of the cheapest sorts of tiles is simple stone tiles. These tiles may not have polish on top, making them somewhat similar to stepping stones.

Custom porcelain tiles are generally the most expensive, though this can vary immensely. The design you’re choosing, how large of a floor you’re creating, and several other factors will have a strong impact on the cost.

Design a budget before you begin shopping for tiles. That way, you can shop within your means instead of falling in love with a tile design that doesn’t match your finances.

Mastering Outdoor Flooring

Modern outdoor floor tiles are the perfect outdoor flooring material for your garden and patio area. Think of what qualities are most important to you and design a budget to see what best fits your desires.

If you’re in the San Antonio area and considering redoing your outdoor deck, contact us at Diamond Decks. Our highly acclaimed work can give you your dream patio and a gorgeous garden to match.