Tiles in grip and structural finishes are frost and stain-resistant whilst their slip-resistant finish make these the perfect option for outdoor use, especially around pools and outdoor entertaining areas. There is no need to oil or stain tile making it extremely low maintenance. They also will not warp, splinter, crack, or decay. In today’s busy lifestyle it is no surprise that this timesaving, eco-friendly option is gaining traction in the New Zealand building industry.

What is the difference between an outdoor and indoor tile?

Outdoor/external tiles are specially formulated to withstand frost, thermal shock, wear, and durability. They also have to conform to certain slip standards in order to pass New Zealand Building Codes. Interior tiles are usually about 10mm in thickness and have varying finishes from polished, honed, matt depending on the floors purpose and the look required.

How thick should an outdoor tile be?

That all depends on the surface area you are covering. Tiles are, on average, 10mm in thickness. When laid outdoors any surface product needs to have a grip surface that is non-slip (and Building Code-compliant). They also need to be produced to a standard whereby they maintain their quality in all weather and wear conditions. When you invest, ensure you purchase from a reputable supplier like Tile Warehouse where you are supplied with only first-grade quality and covered by appropriate product warranties.

Pavers are also an excellent option and these come in a 20mm thickness. Also known as 'Jack' tiles, porcelain pavers are usually 20mm thick and can be laid on grass, decks or sand but also in conjunction with pro-jacks. Pro-jacks, available exclusively from Tile Warehouse, are pods that are required in some areas of NZ if tiles are installed on outdoor decks, such as multi-residential and apartments. They are also height-adjustable so the solution for outdoor areas that require tiles to be raised up to the level of an interior living space. This creates a level threshold for optimum indoor-outdoor flow.

Some Council bylaws stipulate that pro-jacks are used when installing tiles on decks so it’s worth checking out by-laws. Visit the Tile Warehouse website for details on the Pro-Jack system