Ceramic tiles are one of the most common and strong tiles. From floor to wall, we use ceramic tiles in different places. These tiles are hard and durable. So, you can use ceramic tiles for different purposes also.
But you might be confused about whether ceramic tile can be used outside or not. You have to know whether ceramic tiles are suitable to use in the outside weather or not. Moreover, learning about the consequences of using ceramic tiles outside is also essential.
Besides, you should know the appropriate process for installing ceramic tile outside. Let’s see details about it.
Can ceramic tile be used outside?
Ceramic tiles can be used outside. Generally, ceramic tiles are hard and durable like most ceramic materials. Moreover, ceramic tiles can resist outside weather conditions. But while installing, you should do the waterproofing job. Moreover, ceramic tile has many styles and patterns.
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However, ceramic tiles are suitable for exterior use. Because these tiles can cope with the different weather outside. Moreover, these tiles can be used on the outside wall and floor.
When it comes to tiling outside, you might want to create a unique outlook. From this perspective, ceramic tiles are the best. Because ceramic tiles have a lot of designs, patterns, and styles. You can customize the design of your exterior wall and floor.
But the installation process is the most important thing. Because if you don’t install the ceramic tiles outside correctly, it might be uneven. Moreover, the floor or wall of ceramic tiles will not be waterproof.
Indoor ceramic floor tile:
Ceramic floor tile is one of the best for indoor tiling. First of all, the indoor ceramic floor tile remains clean and smooth. Moreover, you can find different varieties of ceramic tiles for use indoors.
Indoor ceramic floor tiles are so hard and durable that you can use them in different places. Generally, we search for durable tile while tiling the outside wall or floor. So, you can also use indoor ceramic floor tiles for exterior use.
For these ceramic floor tiles, you should also install the tiles carefully. If the tiles trap moisture and water, the tiles will get damaged soon. Moreover, the durable tile will no longer remain durable.
When installing indoor floor tile outside, you have to make sure the tiles will be waterproof. Otherwise, the tiles and floor will be damped and damaged soon. So, you can use indoor ceramic floor tiles outside also.
Is ceramic tile good for outdoor use?
Yes, ceramic tile is good for outside use. You might want to know the reasons why ceramic tile is good for the exterior. So, let’s see the benefits of using ceramic tile outside.
Hard:
When we think about tiling the outside wall or floor, we search for hard materials. You might know that ceramic materials are one of the hardest materials. So, ceramic tile can be a perfect tile to use outside.
Ceramic tile has enough hardness that it can resist physical damage. So, the ceramic tile will remain in good condition whether the weather is harsh.
Durable:
While using tiles outside, durability is another issue. You should install a durable tile to remain in good condition for a long time. Moreover, less durable materials will cause you to install the tile repeatedly. This will lead to a higher cost of installation.
From this perspective, ceramic tile can be a good option. Ceramic tile is comparatively more durable than other tile materials. So, you can use ceramic tile outside to attain more durability.
Waterproof:
Ceramic tile is also a water-resisting tile. If you can install the ceramic tile well, it will resist water from entering the tiles. The exterior tiles come close to water because of rain. So, the tiles should be waterproof.
Ceramic tiles can resist water perfectly if you seal the tiles after installation. So, this property makes ceramic tiles suitable to use outside.
Versatile:
Ceramic tiles are one of the most versatile tiles. When we tile outside walls and floors, we want to make them unique. So, ceramic tiles will be perfect for making the outside wall and flooring unique.
Ceramic tiles are available in plenty of styles, colors, patterns, and designs. So, you can customize the tiles or use them in different ways.
How to use ceramic tile outside?
Now that you know you can use ceramic tile outside, you must know the installation process. Otherwise, the tiles will remain uneven and ineffective. So, let’s see how you can use ceramic tile outside.
Fix the design:
You have to fix the tile design and style before installation. Because once you install the tiles, you can’t change the design. If you want to change the design or style, you have to re-install the entire tiles from the beginning.
Use high-quality materials:
While tiling outside walls or floors, you must choose high-quality tiles and materials. Because the outside wall and floor come close to harsh weather often. So, the entire tiling should be durable. For this, you should use high-quality tile and materials.
Allow the tiles to expand and contract:
When you apply tiles on the wall or floor, they set well. But after a while, the tiles expand or contract because of temperature differences. So, you have to keep minimum space so that the tiles can freely expand and contract.
Moreover, allow enough time to dry the tiles. Otherwise, the tiles will not remain durable for a long time.
Seal the tiles well:
After installing the tiles in their places, you have to seal them with sealing materials. Otherwise, the tiles will not be waterproof. Water or moisture in the tiles can damage the entire tile. So, making the tile waterproof is pretty important.
Do ceramic tiles fade in the sun?
No, ceramic tiles don’t fade in the sun. Generally, the colors of the ceramic tiles are set permanently. So, there is no chance that the sun will damage the color or texture.
The color of the ceramic tiles remains permanently colorfast. So, if you use ceramic tiles outside, the tiles will not fade in the sunlight. That’s why ceramic tiles are perfect to use outside of your house.
Can ceramic tile freeze or crack in cold weather?
Yes, ceramic tiles can freeze or crack in cold weather if the tiles are not installed well. While installing tiles, you should know tiles’ expansion and contraction behavior. So, you have to keep a minimum gap between tiles while installing the tiles.
If you don’t keep the minimum gap, the tile can crack or freeze in cold weather. Because in cold weather, tile will contract and induce cracking. Even the tiles can freeze in excessively cold weather. That’s why an appropriate installation process is essential.
How long does ceramic tile last outside?
How long the ceramic tile lasts depends on the maintenance and quality of the ceramic tile. If you use a high-quality ceramic and maintain the ceramic tile regularly, the tiles can last up to 40 years.
But if you don’t use a high-quality ceramic tile, the tile will not be durable. Moreover, sealing the ceramic tiles can make these tiles long-lasting. So, the life of a ceramic tile depends on many things.
Can ceramic tiles be left or stored outside?
Ceramic tiles should not be left or stored outside. It would be best if you kept ceramic tiles indoors or covered outside. If you leave ceramic tiles outside or store them outside without covering, they will gradually become damaged.
You might know that ceramic tiles are prone to damage. So, if you don’t cover them, they can face physical damage. Moreover, continuous weather changes can affect the ceramic tiles. So, storing the ceramic tiles indoors is pretty essential.
Can you seal ceramic tile for outdoor use?
Yes, you can seal ceramic tile for outdoor use. Generally, people seal ceramic tiles outside to protect the ceramic tiles from moisture and water.
Once the ceramic tiles have moisture or water, they will get damped and damaged soon. So, keeping the ceramic tiles waterproof is important. People like to seal ceramic tile for outdoor use to make the ceramic tiles waterproof. So, you can seal ceramic tiles for outdoor use.
Final Thoughts
Ceramic tiles are hard and durable. So, these properties make ceramic tiles suitable to use outside. Moreover, ceramic tiles are available in different colors and designs. So, you can customize the exterior according to your choice. Moreover, ceramic tiles are also waterproof.