Having just completed our 4 month house renovation, I feel like we’re coming out of the fog. It’s been exciting and daunting in equal measure, but I’m very happy that it’s all over. I do have quite few friends, in real life and on the internet that are doing similar things though, and we chat lots about the decisions (the million decisions) that have to be made on a daily basis. Only the other day I was discussing patio tiles and slabs with a friend, the pros and cons of different types and the time that it takes to find the right one. Sourcing products for any kind of renovation project sucks hours from your day, and what starts out being great fun, can become a real chore over time.
Now the inside of the house is done, I have tentatively (and I mean that sincerely) been thinking about the back garden, and how it’s been very neglected over the last few years. It really needs some serious attention. It doesn’t work for our family any more and much of it is hard to maintain. I’m hoping that we’ll have the finances and inclination to do some long overdue work to the garden this Spring and Summer, so watch this space.
Like my friend, we too need to find some new garden tiles, replace some of the old, and maybe create a new seating area in a different part of the garden. The layout of our space just doesn’t really work for us any more, the children want more area for playing badminton, and the much-loved trampoline needs to be moved. Our shed is in completely the wrong place, and takes up a lot of our patio. So one product I’ve been looking at, with a fresh eye recently, is porcelain tiles, like these from PrimaPorcelain.
Porcelain Tiles can be used both outdoors and indoors, and are a wonderful alternative to natural stone, giving a contemporary finish. The can be smooth or textured, showcase the natural stone look, or even have a wood effect finish. They are becoming in increasingly popular choice for outdoor use and here’s why.
The Benefits of Porcelain Tiles:
- Recent advances in the manufacture of porcelain tiles means they can be made to a greater thickness. Now at 2cm thick they can be used as stuctural paving slab, increasing the outdoor uses for the tile.
- They are slip, fade and stain resistant and they are really low maintenance, requiring just a wash in soapy water once a year. For a busy family this is a huge benefit.
- Porcelain tiles are frost resistant too resisting sub-zero temperatures making them perfect for patios and swimming pools (wishful thinking!).
- With such a sleek finish, and being suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces, they make a seamless transition from one area to another.
I love the contemporary, smooth finish, and are very different to the textured tile that we’ve had in place for nearly a decade. The children would have no problem skating and riding their scooters around the garden across these tiles. Learning to ride a bike in our garden would have been a much kinder experience if we’d had porcelain tiles in place.
So, much to think about during the cold winter months, but the New Year always has me considering what projects we’re going to tackle. Maybe this time it’s the turn of the outdoors, and we’ll finally put the garden to better use.
What do you think of porcelain tiles? Do you have them? Are they a success in your home or garden? I’d love to know your thoughts.
Collaborative post
All images courtesy of PrimaPorcelain
Jen is an interiors writer and blogger and has an insatiable love of home style and decor
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I love the black tiles, especially as they run inside and out.
Hi Jen!
Love the blog and I wish I could have been nattering to you about extensions last year as we have completed our 4 month and long awaited (10 year) extension. It has changed the way we live as it has opened up a tiny kitchen into a big kitchen diner and the dining room is now a study.
But, enough, about extensions! Let me tell you about tiles!
We went for some fantastic porcelain tiles (you can use them indoor and outdoor with the outdoor coming in a slightly grittier slip-resist option).
I love my porcelain tiles. Originally we wanted wooden floors as we wanted a ‘warmer’ feel. But we went to EMC tiles and found a range of wood effect porcelain tiles that are so realistic. We went for one called ‘Vintage Wood’ in Ash (EMC03781, 150mmx900mmx9mm) costing £24.95/sq mtr). They look like wood and have the texture of wood. We laid them in a ‘brickwork’ effect. Also, they are perfectly suited to the underfloor heating we had installed and conduct the heat well so its always lovely and warm underfoot.We went for a grey/beige colour.
I don’t regret our decision to go with porcelain tiles rather than wood or Amtico, for example. Our tiles have all of the appeal of wood but are so much more durable and hard-wearing.
Go for it! You won’t be disappointed!
Hello Jen,
Porcelain tiles are beautiful, the ideal tiles i would want to use when i build my house someday. The fact that they can be used both indoor and outdoor makes them more attractive.
I hope to use them in my house when i build one.
Have a nice day Jen.
Tiles are very practical and I like them, but if you’re me, there always should be a rug or carpet indoors – my feet are always cold 🙁
Hi, Jane
It’s really great post. This idea could do with my house. 🙂
I love these and would love to have them in my home. I have some tiles throughout the kitchen and they are so practical – great for kids and pets!!! Jess xx
Just about to embark on major house renovation and am sold on in and out tiles, so thank you for the article. The only problem I’m having is that I can’t seem to find many makes that do these tiles in the old flagstone look alike style. I love prima porcelain but they may be too modern for my kitchen. Any tips?
I chose tiles for my apartment’s kitchen and hall. They are so easy to clean! With my busy schedule I’d love to spend less time cleaning and a bit more relaxing. I think it’s worth it. There are a thousand tile prints and colours so you can’t go wrong. For my bedroom I chose hard flooring. It gives that cozy feeling and it’s also easy for maintenance.
I don’t like tiles. They are easy to maintain, but without underfloor heating they are too uncomfortable in the winter. Personally i prefer wood and carpets, even my kitchen floor is wooden.
hello Jen, beautifully described about the porcelain tiles. Thank you so much for this blog. I have bookmarked it and shared it among my clients! Keep blogging!
I’m a big fan kitchens that open up and seamlessly run into the garden, and those tiles seem perfect for creating that effect.