Choosing the right type of tile or stone for your patio flooring is a little more complicated than going into your local big box home improvement store and picking the one you like best. If you’re interested in updating your patio with stone or tile, learn which materials are best. Arming yourself with this knowledge can help ensure that your patio and pool deck look great and function well for many years to come.

What To Look For When Choosing Stone And Tile For Patio Renovations

When choosing tile or stone for your patio flooring, you want to consider the durability and the water absorption rate. You want a stone or tile that’s quite durable because they will need to stand up to the elements such as rain and wind. You never know if heavy winds will knock over your new outdoor kitchen’s furniture and you don’t want broken tile in addition to a broken grill or patio furniture. Look for a hardness rating of 4 or higher for best results.

Warmer climates, such as Southwest Florida, can handle stone or tile with a higher water absorption rate because they don’t go through cycles of freezing and thawing that Northern climates experience. However, for best results, it’s best to choose a substance with a low rate of absorption, so look for one that’s rated under 0.5%. 

It’s also important that you find a surface that isn’t slippery when wet. Whether you’re going to be in and out of a backyard pool or you enjoy heading outside after a rain, look for a surface that won’t leave you and your family vulnerable to slips and falls.

Lastly, look for something that’s stain resistant. Spills can happen, especially if you entertain frequently. You want to busy yourself entertaining guests, not frantically scrubbing a red wine stain off your tile.

Stone And Tile Options For Patios

There are a several excellent options for stone and tile patio flooring. These include:

Slate. Slate became very popular as patio flooring. It won’t fade, even if the sunlight shines directly on the tile. However, it is quite porous, which means that it’s necessary to seal it every once in a while. There’s no hard and fast rule as to how often slate needs to be resealed, but homeowners can easily tell by putting a few drops of water onto the tile. If water soaks into the slate, it’s time to reseal it. Seals come in matte or shiny versions and you should choose one based on personal preference.

Marble. Marble is another great choice for outdoor renovations; however, if you live in an area with a lot of acid rain, the marble could break down more quickly. If you’re interested in using marble in your outdoor renovations, ask your contractor if it’s a good choice for your area.

Porcelain. Porcelain can be used in outdoor renovations, but it’s important that you’re using the right type. Although glazed porcelain is typically used inside, unglazed is actually preferred for outdoor use. It’s quite stain resistant, making it an ideal choice for high traffic entertaining areas.

Ceramic. Ceramic tile should only be used in warmer climates because it can crack easily if a freeze hits, which makes it ideal for Southwest Florida.

If you’re not sure which tile or stone to use in your patio renovations, let Beattie Remodeling help guide you towards the perfect material. We’ll be able to evaluate how you use your outdoor space and create a design plan that fits your needs perfectly.

Beattie Remodeling, a division of Beattie Development,  serves all of Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Naples. To see all of our remodeling resources, stop by our Design Center at  1213 Coral Parkway E in Cape Coral, visit our website or call 239-766-4150.