Patios and pavers: an excerpt from Tile Letter Magazine
Please click here to read the article in its entirety
The use of ceramic tile in exterior locations has been a popular choice for many years due to its strength, durability, and ease of maintenance. No other product rivals its versatility for use on a patio. But what is a patio?
Wikipedia states: a patio, from Spanish; “courtyard”, “forecourt”, “yard”, “little garden”) is an outdoor space generally used for dining or recreation that adjoins a structure and is typically paved.
The selection of available materials is almost endless as to color and texture as long as it meets the requirements of its environment. Colder areas subject to freeze-thaw weather situations will need tile that is appropriate for such conditions. Porcelain tile is a perfect selection since it is not affected by water absorption or freezing temperatures. The only other consideration would be the surface texture that isn’t slippery when wet.
Exterior tile installations have always been a challenge to the qualified installer due to the complexity of the environment. Consideration must be given to water management, expansion and contraction due to direct sun exposure, evacuation of standing water from the tile surface, and the effects of freeze-thaw conditions.