What Are The Best Outdoor Tiles For Rooftops, Patios, & Decks?
By Created: April, 2024 - Modified: May, 2024
Related Product: StayLock Tile Perforated Colors 9/16 Inch x 1x1 Ft.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Outdoor Tiles
When choosing the flooring for your exterior project, you’ll need to consider multiple factors.Location
Think about the area where you’ll be installing the tiles and how that affects the qualities your flooring needs to have. For example, if you’re installing a pool deck, then a non-slip design that channels water away is important. The tiles you choose for a balcony, terrace, porch, or veranda may need to be strong enough to support the weight of patio furniture.
Size of Installation
Measure the size of your roof deck or other installation location. If you’re working with a smaller space, you may be able to invest in a more expensive tile. But if you have a larger project, you may need to choose more affordably priced outdoor deck tiles. Understanding the size of your installation can help you calculate how many tiles you will need and choose the best product.
Expected Foot Traffic
Consider the amount of traffic your outdoor patio tiles are likely to see. Rooftop tiles used at home will see less traffic than tiles used in commercial settings. If you’re planning a commercial installation, it’s important to buy a commercial tile with the durability needed to withstand such intense use. Our 95% Premium Colors Rubber Sterling Roof Top Tile is recommended for heavier foot traffic, as the top layer is prone to not showing as much wear as the solid-color tiles do.
Temperature
The location of your project will also impact the amount of sun your outdoor tiles will see. If the tiles are in a location exposed to lots of direct sunlight, they can heat up. Lighter-colored tiles are best for areas exposed to full sun since they can stay cooler than darker tiles. We conducted a temperature test in which a number of outdoor tiles spent at least 4 hours in the sun before taking their surface temperature reading using an infrared thermometer.
The PVC products were clear favorites in the temperature department, ranging from 87 degrees to 123 degrees Fahrenheit. The coolest was blue in color, while the hottest was black.
Cost Effective
As you start to narrow down your tile options, consider the cost of the products and the shipping price. Outdoor tiles can be expensive to ship, and certain products, like the Sterling Rubber Tiles, have particularly high shipping costs. Contact the Greatmats customer service team for shipping quotes, which can help you determine the total cost of each product.
Materials
Our outdoor tiles are available in rubber and PVC materials. Each material type offers different pros and cons. Rubber is the most durable material. It can withstand the weight of heavier patio furniture and will hold up to commercial installations. However, rubber is more expensive than PVC tiles and is significantly heavier.
PVC tiles are lighter in weight, easier to cut, and a popular choice for residential and backyard installations. They’re more affordable than rubber tiles but aren’t as strong, so you’ll need to consider whether you need to place heavy furniture on the flooring.
Additional Features
Depending on your project, you may want to look for tiles with additional specific features. Interlocking tiles are often portable, making for an easy installation and giving you the ability to relocate or store the tile away during the off-season.
Waterproof tiles are a must when you’re installing them outside. Additionally, choosing a tile with a non-slip surface can contribute to the safety of the area, especially when it’s wet.
Consider the tile colors, too. You might want to choose multiple colors to create an eye-catching pattern. Opting for a UV-resistant tile means the colors are more durable and won’t quickly fade when exposed to the sun’s rays.
Base Material or Subfloor
Finally, consider the type of base material or subfloor the tile requires. If you’re working with a grass or dirt surface, you may want to apply a weed barrier to prevent weeds from growing through the tiles' perforations. Other common subfloor and base surfaces include gravel, an existing wood deck, a concrete patio, or a roof membrane. Be sure to choose a tile suitable for your existing surface.
The Best Outdoor Tiles for Rooftops, Patios, and Decks
We offer several quality outdoor tile options at Greatmats.
The Sterling Roof Top Tile is a highly durable rubber tile that can withstand harsh elements. It’s available in nine color options and is made from recycled rubber for eco-friendly benefits. The hidden interlocking system creates a clean layout, and the tile is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
The StayLock Tile Perforated Colors is a PVC tile designed to maximize drainage, ideal for outdoor use. It’s comfortable underfoot and features shock absorption in case of a fall. The tile remains slip-resistant when wet and features an interlocking system that allows it to be removed again. It’s available in five colors.
The Patio Outdoor Tile is a PVC tile designed for use in wet areas. The perforations quickly drain water away, and the tile is slip-resistant when wet. The flexible tile provides some cushion and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It is UV-resistant and available in four colors.
Order Your Outdoor Tiles Today
As you explore these outdoor tile options, contact Greatmats with any questions. We’re happy to provide shipping quotes and help you choose the tile that’s best for your project.