We are often asked if thick 10mm porcelain tiles can be used outside. You may have even seen conflicting answers to this question yourself, so we aim to answer this question once and for all...
In theory, yes you can use 10mm tiles outside providing you follow stringent fixing guidelines. However - even after doing all that - you'll find that 20mm thick porcelain tiles are much better suited to life outdoors and external use.
So why would you consider using 10mm thick tiles outdoors anyway?
Using outdoor porcelain tiles as an alternative to traditional concrete slabs or natural stone allows you greater choice of colours and styles. You can mimic wood or different stones without any of the sealing or maintenance. Porcelain is much harder wearing and easier to clean too - so it's a no brainer to use this material outside.
Then comes the finances, 20mm thick tiles are more expensive. It's all made out of the same stuff right? So why pay more? This is where the suitability comes in...
The advantages of using 20mm tiles externally
✔ 20mm thick porcelain paving is completely frost proof so will never crack with the extreme temperature fluctuations we have here in the UK between Summer and Winter.
✔ Porcelain outdoor floor tiles are non-porous which makes them great for stain resistance.
✔ 20mm thick porcelain floor tiles are 5 times stronger than the 10mm equivalent. Due to their hard-wearing material and double thickness the tiles are less likely to crack due to heavy use.
✔ The incredibly strong & hard-wearing vitrified porcelain means that heavy furniture – like trampolines and BBQs – can be used. You can be safe in the knowledge that your tiles are not only incredibly strong, but are scratch-resistant too!
✔ Only 20mm thick porcelain tiles can be installed onto paving pedestal based systems on balconies and terraces. These systems suspend the tiles above a void. This is great for running cables under, for drainage, or just for a cheaper and quicker install.
✔ Now the big one - slip resistance. 10mm tiles are designed for internal use, meaning they have a lower anti-slip rating than the 20mm versions. All Valverdi outdoor tiles have a high R11 slip resistance rating, making these tiles a great choice, no matter the weather.
The benefits above easily demonstrate why 20mm thick tiles are better suited for life in the great outdoors, but the differences become even more apparent when you look at what 10mm tiles cannot do...
The disadvantages of using 10mm tiles externally
10mm thick porcelain tiles do have some great features, but they are designed as indoor tiles receiving indoor foot traffic. As such, there are some issues that arise when using 10mm tiles externally:
✗ Firstly, they must be laid on solid cement bed, which is both time and financially intensive. You'll need a contractor to lay and level the cement with the correct falls to allow water drainage. Cement can take anywhere around 6 weeks to fully harden before tiles can be laid.
✗ 10mm thick tiles cannot be installed on to paving support pedestals as they don't have the strength needed to use such systems.
✗ They are more susceptible to cracks & chips as they don't have that 5 times strength they 20mm equivalents do.
✗ 10mm thick tiles may smash completely under the weight of heavy patio furniture like trampolines, tables and BBQs.
✗ 10mm thick tiles are designed for indoors, and as such have a lower slip resistance rating. This means they may become slippery when wet and hazardous in icy conditions. They are also not recommended for swimming pools for this same reason.
At the end of the day, the final decision is of course yours as the user. It's certainly true that some people install 10mm porcelain tiles outside and never have an issue, but we've seen enough horror stories over the years to always advise using 20mm thick tiles outside.
That's why here are Valverdi we have a co-ordinating range of 10mm indoor tiles and 20mm outdoor tiles. Create your perfect space by matching indoor and outdoor tiles that are purpose made for the spaces in which they sit.
Benefits of Valverdi 10mm and 20mm Porcelain Tiles
The Valverdi range of co-ordinating indoor 10mm and outdoor 20mm tiles were designed specifically to enable you to have the same look inside and outside your home without compromising on quality.
There are some dual benefits that both the 10mm and 20mm porcelain tiles share:
✔ The Valverdi range will not be damaged by frost or changing temperatures.This makes the 10mm indoor tiles perfect to use with underfloor heating systems, and the 20mm outdoor tiles ideal for use in both Winter and Summer!
✔ The tiles are stain resistant, perfect for floors in bustling kitchens or out on patios. You can be confident that no wine spills, cooking splashes, or muddy dog paws will tarnish your beautiful Valverdi tiles.
✔ Valverdi Indoor-Out is 100% colourfast, even after decades in the sun. They never bleach or fade. In fact, Valverdi tiles will look the same in twenty years as they do on the day they are installed!
✔ All Valverdi tiles - whether indoor or out - have machine cut perfectly straight edges. This process is called rectification. Rectified edges make for cleaner and uniform grout joints and a much more professional looking finish to your tiling project.
Of course, we are biased. So why not see for yourself? You can order 3 free Valverdi samples direct to your door. We're so confident you'll love them that we even pay the postage.