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A garden secret: 20mm porcelain tiles
Have you been watching inspiring garden makeover programmes? Maybe they have got you thinking about your outdoor space?
If a garden renovation is in the works for you, the autumn is a great time to get started in order to get around issues with very bad weather and seasonal planting. But, firstly, we must think about the groundwork, the landscaping, your seating areas… and this may well include TILES!!!
20mm porcelain tiles: You'll find no flaws in our outdoor flooring!
Actually, it’s no secret that porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for any garden. Decking may well be popular, and a cheaper option in the short run, but people are coming to realise that tiles can be a better and longer-lasting solution! There’ll be no more worrying about the constant maintenance of wood, to prevent it going rotten or spruce it up after it’s been scratched.
The same goes for natural stone which needs regular sealing to protect against water damage. The good news about porcelain is that its low porosity means it’ll always be water resistant, without any help from you! If you’d like to ditch the old sealer or sander for good, spending less time labouring and more with your feet up enjoying your garden, exterior tiles may well be your answer!
Pictured: Bari Sable porcelain tiles - stepping stones to paradise!
Apart from its water absorption qualities, porcelain has always been an excellent material for tiles due to its superior resistance to wear and tear. You can read for yourself about the merits of porcelain in our informative article, but the secret we didn’t mention before is the thickness of the tile. The magic number here is 20!
Indoor porcelain tiles are usually around 10mm thick, but the chunky 20mm tiles offer the ideal technical and aesthetic solution for gardens, terraces and balconies. Twice the thickness, twice the greatness! The additional depth gives greater resistance against stresses and tension and the power to stand up to whatever weather conditions are thrown at them! Come rain, or come shine, our 20mm porcelain pavers won’t mind - they won’t crack in the frost or fade in the glorious sunshine - no siree!
Pictured: Sassari Honey porcelain tiles - I wouldn't believe it's not wood, would you?
Due to their increased strength, it is not necessary to use adhesives when laying your tiles. Instead, you can opt for a ‘suspended system’ using adjustable support pedestals so they are not permanently secured. This technique allows you to easily rectify a slightly uneven surface, without using skilled labour. Pipes and cables can be neatly tucked away in the cavity beneath which also allows for drainage of rainwater.
Or, the easiest option out there is dry laying on gravel or grass. You can easily create a stepping-stone walkway or turn a patch of grass into the perfect patio. A contemporary style patio is not only easy to achieve but also will not require as many tiles, so is a neat way to cut renovation costs!
Pictured: Sanvito Marfil porcelain tiles - A case of the tropics in your back garden!
Our porcelain slabs are also great for driveways, but these would need to be fixed in place with a suitable adhesive to ensure there’s no movement when cars drive over them. They would also make a perfect dance floor, especially if you opt for a rectified tile! No heels will get caught between tiles and you needn’t worry about slipping as they have an R11 slip resistance rating - safety first, always safety first!
Pictured: Bari Negro outdoor tiles - a smooth and classy pathway to invite or draw in
Take a look at our collection of 20mm exterior tiles. Many have the option of choosing a rectified or non-rectified edge, so you can customise your desired look. Porcelain tiles have come a long way in recent years and they can now be made to replicate a manner of different materials, be it wood, marble, stone or concrete. But don’t just take our word for it! You can order free samples of many of our tiles here, so you can see the likeness and quality for yourself. Order today, and very soon you’ll be crossing off ‘decking maintenance’ from your annual to-do list forever!
Pictured: Toscanawood Ice outdoor tiles - It's not 'all hands on deck' where maintenance is concerned!
