Outdoor Flooring Options

Saltillo pavers

These 12" x 12" paving tiles are imported from all over Mexico where they are manufactured as a cottage industry. Local clay is dug and packed into box forms, then removed and dried in the sun were some may be marked by the footprints of passing roosters or coyotes. Size can be so irregular that one inch wide grout joints are used. The problem with Saltillos is that they must be sealed after being laid for an indoor or outdoor space. They crack and chip easily and though marvelously rustic to look at, they are not considered higher quality and are in no way frost resistant which means they can't be used outdoors anywhere but in the mildest climates.

Quarry tiles

These thick, unglazed red-brown clay tiles are among the most popular patio tile for a stronger, more long lasting 12" by 12" floor tile than the Saltillo. This tile is extruded and therefore very dense and typically frost proof or a least resistant. Quarry tiles are available in a wide range of sizes and colors.

Arto Brick produces high quality red clay floor paving with an Old World handmade charm in the heart of Southern California. Their success over time has proved that American made products can be equally beautiful and competitively priced against imports says third generation owner Armen Alajian. "Sometimes imports are better or worse, depending on how it was made. High fire, low fire, dirty clay, clean clay, there are so many variables. We make stoneware with U.S. clay, but in Mexico you can be all over the map in terms of clay quality. Cheaper clays may be beautiful but they don't work outside."

Stoneware

These are the hardest of the clay body tiles because they are high fired to incredible density and durability.

Polychrome

This term applies to any tile that features multi colored glazing. Spanish style is one of the most common, but blue Delft is another example. Polychrome tiles can be produced on low fired clay as with many Mexican products or frost proof stoneware.

Glass

Glass tile, typically small mosaic pieces are popular for swimming pools and as accents for modern designs that are more tactile.

Eric Edelson of Fire Clay Tile utilizes 100% recycled bottle glass for their line of glass tile. "Our glass tiles are frost proof. Recycled materials make our product better and stronger and we strive for high quality with through body color. Our glass tile line offers 40 different colors and 17 unique shapes going well beyond the typical mosaics."

Porcelain

Considered the hardest and most weatherproof tile, porcelain is often used in very large tiles in lieu of stone due to its light weight and durability. The challenge is that the larger the tile the more difficult it is to work into the system of expansion joints of the concrete substrate. Therefore it may be difficult to retrofit into older homes, and for new ones the architect must design joints in the wall to work properly with the precise lines of large rectified tile.

Federico Martin of Integral Renovation projects is importing a great deal of porcelain tile for modern architecture. "In the United States, porcelain tile is not well known, but we in Spain and Italy appreciate its value. It's the hardest face tile on Earth with less water absorption for adaptation to climate extremes. Nothing is going to pass into this tile and no ice forms in the pores. This is rectified tile so there are minimal joint spaces with very little grout for a seamless result. New trends in modern design are large slab units that reduce the number of joints. Everything is more industrial looking."

Swimming pool

Pool tiles are a specialty manufactured to withstand the rigors of treated water and outdoor weathering over time. Pool tiles can also make reliable accent tiles for paving due to their innate durability.

Concrete tile

Cement tiles are made using pressure rather than being fired in a kiln. This reduces energy demands of firing so they tend to be more common in the warm Third World regions. Cement tiles have not yet developed a quality standard in the United States and are difficult to specify as a result. Therefore few landscape architects are willing to risk their reputation on an unverified tile that will experience the rigors of year around weathering.

"Concrete is more durable - cement tile has a look that's different. Its a natural material that absorbs color with gentle variations like a soft wave," says Melanie Stephens of Granada Cement and Concrete Tile. "They feel fantastic so if you like to walk bare foot, these remain room temperature and smooth and soft. I have them take off their shoes and socks and feel the material with their feet."

Slate tile

Slate and other very hard stone types are cut into thin tile sized units that are laid just like ceramic tile. Slate itself is best reserved for walls or out of the way flooring because under heavy traffic it will flake and chip.

Wood tiles

These are the newest tile option designed for resurfacing wood decks or degraded surfaces. They are most often used on decks, porches and balconies and integrate well with wood flooring indoors.