Outdoor Wall Tiles - The Complete Design Guide
Outdoor spaces like patios, poolsides, and gardens allow us to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors right at home. Decorating these spaces with visually appealing and durable outdoor wall tiles takes them to the next level.
Weather-resistant tiles open up creative possibilities to enhance plain walls around our living areas. With countless sizes, textures, colors, and patterns to choose from, tiles lend an air of style and luxury to the exterior.
Choosing the Right Outdoor Wall Tiles
Selecting suitable outdoor wall tiles involves balancing aesthetic appeal and practical considerations.
Durability Considerations
Outdoor wall tiles must withstand moisture, rainfall, sunlight, freezing temperatures and thawing cycles. Check specifications like water absorption rates, deep abrasion ratings, and frost resistance levels before deciding.
Tiles made specifically for exterior applications with dense compositions will have higher durability. Test results as per American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards also provide quality assurance.
Aesthetic Considerations
One can select from a vast variety of textures, colors, shapes, and designs today. Consider an overall color scheme and themes you want to incorporate when choosing.
For instance, natural stone finishes and earthy tones lend an organic look, while bold geometric prints and iridescent glass mosaics provide a playful pop of color.
Getting The Right Tile for Each Location
Certain kinds of outdoor wall tiles work better in specific settings:
- Pool areas demand moisture-safe porcelain or ceramic tiles to withstand chlorinated water.
- Organic and asymmetrical natural stones complement garden spaces nicely.
- Textured terracotta or encaustic-style cement tiles suit patio floors.
- Brick, stacked stones or wood-look planks can delineate living spaces beautifully.
Popular Materials for Outdoor Tiles
Ceramic and Porcelain
Dense, impervious porcelain and ceramic tiles are manufactured by pressing clays and mineral pigments under extremely high pressure.
Glazes make the surface non-porous, enhancing stain, moisture and slip resistance. Glossy finishes reflect light well in shaded areas.
A budget-friendly excellent material for wet zones like pool surrounds and fountains, porcelain tiles withstand heavy usage, making them perfect for commercial settings too.
Natural Stone Tiles
Mined from quarries across the world, natural stones like granite, marble, limestone and slate provide unmatched beauty and longevity.
Available in diverse veining patterns, shades and finishes like tumbled, honed or polished, they can emulate a sophisticated yet rustic aesthetic.
Being porous, sealing is vital to prevent staining or discoloration. Reputable seamless installation is also critical to avoid water seepage.
Design Concepts and Installation Planning
Creative Focal Points
One can elevate plain walls into a work of art using tiles in creative ways. Some ideas include:
- Backlit walls with translucent glass tiles
- Dimensional tiles featuring floral motifs or marine life
- Vertical plant walls framed with tiles as supporting structures
- Geometric medallions as a striking focal element against neutral tiles
- Gradually transitioning colors blended into a seamless mosaic backdrop
Professional Design Software
Specialized software allows homeowners to digitally envision the whole setting with chosen tiles before installing anything. This facilitates experimentation and calculations for tile quantities without guesswork.
Pre-Installation Steps
To ensure tile installation success:
- Inspect wall integrity and repair underlying flaws
- Install waterproofing membranes, concrete backerboards if required
- Account for control or expansion joints in the facade
- Prepare surface - clean, level and prime for optimal adhesion
Grout Considerations
Types of Grout
While cement-based grout offers economy, epoxy grout is more durable in wet zones. Epoxy resists staining, rarely needs sealing, boasts high strength and cures quickly. Although costlier, it lasts much longer.
Grout Color Ideas
One can make the grout disappear against the tile or stand out starkly depending on aesthetic goals. Dark grout paired with light stone tiles produces depth and contrast. Bright white grout against colorful mosaics looks clean and eye-catching.
Protecting and Maintaining Outdoor Tiles
With proper care, outdoor tiles withstand decades of exposure while retaining visual splendor.
Follow manufacturer guidance on using compatible cleaning agents for routine washing. Resealing porous grout and natural stone periodically is advisable.
Inspect for cracks or damage after harsh winters annually. Repair promptly to prevent exacerbation of issues.
Implementing protection measures like exterior rug pads, patio covers, and off-season furniture storage enhances longevity.
Strategically placed lighting cast tiles in a whole new glow for extended enjoyment into the evenings.
Further embellish with water features, vines, garden beds, sculptures and other design elements that interplay beautifully with the tiled walls.
With virtually endless possibilities, outdoor wall tiles allow homeowners to create functional, durable spaces that reflect their personal tastes.