Are Outdoor Porcelain Tiles Slippery?
Porcelain outdoor tiles are an excellent tiling choice and will serve you well for many years. However, you might be wondering how slip-proof they are, especially if you intend to lay them around a hot tub.
The good news is that porcelain tiles are naturally very grippy and safe to walk on even when wet; however, it’s not as simple as that.
There are degrees of difference in the quality and production of porcelain tiles, and some might be better for your patio than others.
The Importance Of Surface Texture
Porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for an outdoor area in the UK. Porcelain slabs are water-resistant and highly durable – perfect for Great British weather. But are they the ideal choice?
After you’ve decided on porcelain slabs, you need to consider the texture. Porcelain slabs have different textures ranging from completely smooth to highly slip-resistant.
Be sure to check our rating system for textured porcelain to ensure you get the best grip for your money. They’re also available in many colours, so you won’t have to sacrifice on style.
Are Porcelain Floor Tiles More Slip-Resistant Than Other Outdoor Tiles?
When it comes to laying tiles, you have the choice between porcelain and ceramic, compound material, plastic or rubber. But which should you choose to avoid slips and falls?
Many of these materials have pros and cons, but porcelain paving slabs are always a safe option.
Of the non-synthetic floor tiles available, porcelain pavers are the most slip-resistant. That’s because the manufacturing process uses very dense clay and granite which is non-porous.
As a result, water does not soak into the concrete bed easily and evaporates from its surface. This isn’t the case with most stone tiles.
Keep Your Tiles Clean To Avoid Slips
You might think it’s enough to lay your ceramic tiles and forget about them, but just like interior flooring, your outdoor patio tiles need to be cared for. Otherwise, it can pose a safety hazard.
When you forget to clean your outdoor slabs, grime and moss starts to grow, discolouring the porcelain paving and increasing the risk of slipping. This issue is easy to solve.
How To Clean Porcelain Paving
To clean your tiles effectively, remove all your patio furniture and clean the area with warm water.
Next, use a high setting on the pressure washer for bits of tough grime and stains. After this, you want to clean the surface with a stiff brush and put down some no-slip fade-resistant treatment.
For heavily soiled areas or to really get your patio looking as brand new as possible there are a number of different treatment solutions available from Lithofin.
The process should be repeated monthly to prevent the growth of moss and grime and to prevent avoidable accidents.
FAQs
Is porcelain tile good for a patio?
Yes, porcelain tile is one of the best materials you can buy for patios.
Porcelain pavers are purchasable at a great price, and give you the quality and appearance of stone without the vulnerability of concrete pavers. Make sure they are installed correctly, and they can last for years to come.
Are natural stone pavers slippery?
In general, stone pavers are not slippery when wet.
These pavers are made from quarried rock like granite and sandstone. This hard material might be somewhat absorbent when it rains, but they still keep their grip – making them a common feature in wet areas.
What is the best tile for wet conditions?
In the UK, wet weather is more common than the extremely high temperatures you find elsewhere globally, so you need paving tile that’s resistant to water and is low maintenance.
There are several choices for you, including stone, porcelain and ceramic – most porcelain paving offers the best value for money.
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