Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Tiles

Whether you are planning to renovate your home or want to start from scratch, it is imperative to pick a suitable material for the tiling project. Tiles have gained immense popularity among homeowners these days as they instantly add appeal to any space while making it look lavish and classy.

However, you cannot make the selection solely based on their overall look and feel, as the location is the major factor that influences the tile type and material selection.

One wrong choice can make the flooring vulnerable to cracks while putting all your hard-earned cash in vain. So, before you jump into the final decision, scroll down the page and find the key differences between indoor and outdoor tiles to avoid any last-minute hassle.

5 Need-to-Know Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor Tiles

Indoor and outdoor tiles are two different types of flooring that can be used in a variety of settings. Understanding the differences between them will help you narrow down your tile selection. Therefore, to save your time and effort, we have outlined the major factors that differentiate indoor vs outdoor tiles from each other. Without further ado, let’s get into it.

1. Durability

There’s no denying that outdoor tiles are more durable and water-resistant than indoor tiles. Outdoor tiles often have a thicker layer of adhesive that makes them more resistant to scratches and breaks; however, indoor tiles feature a thinner layer of adhesive, which further makes them more susceptible to cracks and other damages.

From the sun beating down on them to rain saturating them to frigid temperatures, outdoor tiles go through a lot, reflecting their capability to handle damage. Since they are thicker than their counterparts, outdoor tiles are extremely hard to break.

In addition to the thickness, the material you choose also plays an integral role. Homeowners should go for Porcelain as it is an excellent choice because of its non-porous nature.

2. The texture of Indoor and Outdoor Tiles

The second-most noticeable difference between indoor vs outdoor tiles is the texture. Indoor tiles are typically smooth, while outdoor tiles are a bit textured. Since outdoor tiles are regularly exposed to different elements, like rain or snow (in cold climates), they are usually textured to provide slip resistance.

When it comes to the patio around your pool, you’ll definitely require friction and anti-slip texture underfoot. However, the texture varies for indoor tiles. While you are looking forward to the sleek flooring for your living area, textured tiles are required next to your bathtub.

3. Expansion Joints

An expansion joint is a strip of flexible sealant that facilitates fluctuations in tiles’ size and position. Since changes in temperature and humidity can cause tile to expand or contract, building expansion joins into your layout is mandatory.

So, whether you are installing tiles indoors or outdoors, it is required to plan expansion joints at any spot where a horizontal and vertical surface meets. In general, indoor tiles need fewer expansion joints in comparison to outdoor tiles. The expansion joints for indoor rooms are generally spaced 20 to 25 feet apart while it decreased to 8 to 12 feet for outdoor ones.

4. Glaze

The glaze is yet another factor that differentiates outdoor tiles from indoor ones. When it comes to outdoor tiles, they should be unglazed to reduce the slip factor. However, indoor tiles can be either glazed or unglazed, depending on your preference.

You can choose glazed indoor tiles to add appear to the dry parts of your home or unglazed ones in the bathroom or other areas where spills are common. Manufacturers can make glazed tiles by baking a layer of glass on top of them.

Unglazed tiles are recommended for outdoor use as they are not just better at protecting against slips but are also thicker and less prone to damage and cracks. Ceramic and Porcelain tiles are available in both glazed and unglazed versions, and homeowners can pick the one that compliments their space.

5. Grout

Grout is an essential material used between tiles and fills the spaces while keeping out dirt and moisture. Keep in mind that the success of your tiling project highly depends on the grouting work. The better the grouting, the longer the finished product will last.

While a variety of grout may work for indoor tiles, you just need to be more particular when choosing grout for outdoor tiles. The available options include premixed or cement grout.

Since this step is essential for the tiling process, it’s important that the grout you are using should stay dry during the curing process. It means that you have to be very careful before starting the outdoor tiling project. Also, hire a professional and leave the interior and exterior grout decision up to them.

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Summing Up

That’s all about Indoor Vs Outdoor Tiles. We hope our guide helps you learn the key differences between the two. Whether you are choosing indoor or outdoor, make sure your choice fits the purpose while adding a timeless appeal to your home.