Installing outdoor tile flooring is a great way to create a beautiful, durable new patio or walkway. With so many options like natural stone, ceramic, and porcelain on the market, it can be hard to choose the right product. The team at Shenandoah Flooring & Interior Designs in Waynesboro, VA, understands this challenge, so they offer the following tips to guide you to the perfect type of tile.

Consider the Location & Purpose

Two of the most important factors to consider when selecting outdoor flooring are where they will be installed and what purpose they will serve. Do you want to create a path to your garden? If so, then a tough stone like slate or granite might be the best choice. When you design a new covered patio, ceramic tiles rated for outdoor use are the perfect finishing touch. They are available in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to add personality to your yard.

Determine Whether You Need Extra Traction

Some materials become slick when wet, so it’s important to decide what type of traction your tile flooring will need. If you’re installing it in an area that receives a lot of foot traffic, look for a product with a rough texture that will provide grip and prevent slipping. If you are adding a decorative feature to your patio that will not be stepped on, the traction rating is less important. 

Think About the Maintenance Requirements

Just like the surfaces in your home, outdoor tile flooring requires a certain amount of maintenance to protect its condition. Glazed stone and slate are easy to care for—all you have to do is wipe up spills and power wash the surface once a year to remove stubborn dirt and mildew. Delicate products such as porcelain, ceramic and clay need to be cleaned more often since they are prone to discoloration. Since these materials are fragile and susceptible to cracking and chipping, they may need to be replaced periodically.

When you’re in the market for tile flooring to create a new patio or a walkway to your front door, the experts at Shenandoah Flooring & Interior Designs will help you choose the perfect product. These interior design professionals are committed to helping clients make their outdoor living spaces as attractive and functional as the rest of the house. Call (540) 943-2911 or visit them online to learn more about their products and home remodeling services.