Interior vs Exterior Floor Tiles

Floor tiles can add a sense of style and finished beauty to floors both inside and out. The following article will share with you different tiles you can use on floors and their pros, cons and what they are best used for.

Glazed Ceramic

This tile is usually made by a machine and is then pressed, dyed and fired in a kiln. This process gives the glazed tile its hardened surface as well as color. The glaze is what many consider decorative and is used as wall and counter covers. You can, however, use these as floor tiles both inside and outside. They should be used in areas of light traffic. Unfortunately, they are not very water resistant.

Quarry Tile

Even though it is not actually terra cotta it still brings out that type of beauty in any home design. The natural color of the stone is preserved through the entire process. Quarry tile as a floor tile is a great choice for both indoors and out as it is naturally slip and water resistant as well as resistant to stains. You can purchase quarry tile with an abrasive grain which heightens the traction. The tile is durable and beautiful with sizes up to 12 inches square.

Porcelain

Tiles made of porcelain are typically thought of as kitchen and bathroom wall tile. Porcelain is made at very high temperatures which make them dense and therefore they are very durable. You can use porcelain tile in any room be it outside or in. They last a long time even under heavy foot traffic and are one of the most water resistant tiles on the market.

Saltillo

You will typically see this type of tile in Mexico and parts of Europe. They are made by hand as well as machines and a true terracotta tile so they have a lot of character. They are also very porous so they require more maintenance which includes sealer application every year. They can be used outdoors, but under light traffic and in warmer climates.

Marble

Best known for counters, marble is a beautiful and expensive stone. You can have marble polished or honed in order to create an effect that you want. You will find most marble application being used on inside walls, but they also make effective floors that see moderate traffic. They can be used outside, but in areas of a warmer climate and should not be used in areas that receive too much water or accumulation of grease.

Granite

Volcanic activity is blamed for the creation of granite. The special appearance of granite is created by quartz, mica and traces of feldspar. Whether you polish or hone granite, it will always stand out. Granite can be used to cover walls and floors that have heavy traffic both indoors and out. Polished granite is not recommended for areas with water or grease accumulation.

Slate

This may be one of the more resilient tiles you can employ. It is resistant to chemicals, fading and can withstand severe cold. Slate is ideal for outside use in moderately traveled areas.