When you think of porcelain, you may think of elegant yet fragile tea sets, dolls, or figurines; however, architectural porcelain tiles and slabs are some of the hardiest, most damage-resistant materials you can use outdoors. When installed properly, porcelain surfaces, including pavers, flooring, and even porcelain walls, can turn your outdoor spaces into luxurious resort-like destinations that are easy to clean, weather-resistant, and resist scratching and cracking.
Porcelain is not likely to crack if you follow the manufacturer’s installation guide and prepare your subsurface carefully. However, porcelain can crack, break, or chip during shipping and handling. Porcelain can also be damaged during cutting, so installation and fabrication are best left to the professionals. Now, let’s take a closer look at outdoor porcelain to see why it’s an ideal surfacing material for outdoor environments.
Outdoor porcelain tile is resistant to weather under high temperatures or strong sunlight
High-quality outdoor porcelain is both waterproof and weatherproof. Although porcelain is a type of ceramic, architectural and decorative porcelain is denser and less porous than ceramic. Porcelain’s non-porous nature makes it resistant to water absorption, an essential consideration when choosing weatherproof materials. Rain, snow, and freezing temperatures won’t crack or damage porcelain, and high heat and direct exposure to bright sunlight won’t fade or discolor porcelain tiles.
Not all porcelain is created equally, so be sure you’re sourcing outdoor-grade, high-quality porcelain, as weather resistance can vary depending on manufacturing, grade, and surface treatments or finishes. Choosing a high-quality, UV-resistant material suitable for outdoor applications is essential when selecting outdoor porcelain tiles. You’ll also want to follow the manufacturer’s proper installation and maintenance guidelines. With the right care and installation, high-quality outdoor porcelain tiles can withstand most climates and weather events without cracking or visible damage.
What makes outdoor porcelain tile weather resistant?
Several factors contribute to porcelain’s outdoor performance, including the material’s density and non-porosity, which prevent moisture absorption and cracking due to freeze-thaw cycles. Now that we’ve discussed porcelain’s ability to withstand water and weather, let’s take a closer look at the manufacturing process and composition to understand what makes it an ideal outdoor material.
Material composition
As we mentioned previously, porcelain is a type of ceramic; however, there are some essential differences in the material composition. Porcelain tiles are made from a more refined clay that contains a higher percentage of kaolin. Kaolin is a specific type of clay mineral known for its purity and whiteness. The clay used in porcelain tiles is denser and has lower water absorption than the clay used for ceramic. Refined kaolin adds essential performance capabilities, including strength and durability.
In addition to high-quality refined clay or kaolin, porcelain also contains minerals such as feldspar, which helps with the firing and vitrification process that creates the material’s glass-like substance. Additional mineral additives and pigments are added to the mixture, including silica, which aids in porcelain’s water resistance, hardness, and smooth finish.
Manufacturing process under high temperatures
Porcelain tile manufacturers combine the clay and the raw ingredients into a slurry that’s poured into molds or formed into the desired tile shape. The mixture is pressed or dried to remove moisture and placed in a high-temperature kiln or manufacturing oven.
For best results, porcelain is fired at temperatures between 2,381 degrees and 2,455 degrees Fahrenheit or 1,305 degrees to 1,346 degrees Celsius. The extremely high-temperature curing process, known as sintering, results in a dense, non-porous material with low water absorption and excellent water resistance. Additional dyes, pigments, high-resolution designs, and other substances that help with slip resistance and UV protection may also be a part of the manufacturing process.
Specifications for porcelain outdoor tile
When sourcing porcelain for outdoor use, you’ll want to consider many factors, including durability, slip resistance, water absorption, UV resistance, frost resistance, and the product’s PEI rating. The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rating classifies tiles based on different levels of foot traffic. For outdoor areas with heavy foot traffic, choose tiles with a higher PEI rating (PEI 4 or 5) to ensure they can withstand wear and tear.
General product information such as price, availability, and aesthetics (pattern, color, sizes, and shape) also play an integral role in specifying the ideal porcelain for outdoor applications. Let’s take a closer look at porcelain’s durability and resistance to wear and tear, its cleanability and maintenance, and its installation process.
Outdoor porcelain tile is resistant to wear and tear
Porcelain’s high-temperature manufacturing process results in a dense, hard, and compact material that’s extremely durable. In general, porcelain tiles and slabs are durable and won’t crack, break, or chip when installed properly. However, great care should be taken when shipping, handling, installing, and fabricating porcelain tiles, as porcelain can be damaged during transportation and installation. Be sure to check porcelain tiles and slabs for any damage before installation.
Porcelain’s density makes it resistant to scratches, scuffing, and abrasions from foot-traffic and daily wear and tear. Outdoor porcelain tiles are non-porous and won’t stain or absorb water like other ceramic materials. If you’re using porcelain as a paver, driveway, around a pool, or any other flooring-type surface, remember to look for porcelain with a high PEI rating.
While chips and cracks are unlikely, you can repair some damage. Minor chips and surface cracks can often be repaired by filling them with epoxy or porcelain repair kits. Epoxy and resin may be able to cover deeper cracks and chips. Professional fabricators and installers may also be able to help with repairs or replace damaged porcelain.
Outdoor porcelain tile is easy to maintain
Proper maintenance and regular cleaning can protect porcelain’s appearance and prevent scratches, abrasions, and other damage. Fortunately, porcelain is easy to maintain and clean with soap, water, and gentle household cleaners. As with any surface or product, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance and cleaning instructions.
Some polished porcelain may require special care to protect the finish. Use caution when using sharp objects directly on porcelain surfaces, and avoid using caustic chemicals and steel wire sponges on porcelain surfaces, particularly polished porcelain.
Outdoor porcelain tile is easy to install
Installing outdoor porcelain tiles is relatively easy with the proper preparation. To ensure success, make sure the installation areas are level, clean, and dry. If you’re using porcelain on the ground, be sure to leave a gradual slope towards one side of the installation to ensure proper drainage. Laying out the tiles before installation can also improve the process and installation, allowing you to experiment with different arrangements and patterns.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to place and adhere the porcelain to your surface. If the tile needs to be cut or you plan to use it vertically for an outdoor wall or partition, you’ll definitely want professional assistance.
Contact us
Porcelain is an excellent outdoor material, but finding exactly what you need can be challenging. The surfacing experts at LX Hausys can help. Use our contact form to tell us more about your project, and one of our knowledgeable experts will respond promptly.
You may also want to check out our TERACANTO porcelain slabs, which make beautiful outdoor counters, tabletops, and statement walls.