About Patio Tile

Tile has been used for varying purposes since at least before Christ was born. Although the technology that is used to produce tile has significantly evolved, the practicality of tile for use as flooring and roofing material has remained popular and functional. In modern construction, tile is produced from practically any substance that has similar quality to stone, but when combined with modern sealants provides a durable, lasting covering for patios.

History

Tile has been used by man long before Christ was born. The earliest known examples of tile being employed for roofing materials has been found in Greece from the Corinth area. By 600 B.C., roofing tiles were widely used about the countries in the Eastern Mediterranean to include Italy. Well-known for its fire resistance, tile was widely popular for use in temples and other religious buildings for the added fire protection it provided the buildings. Eventually, from its success in the roofing industry, tile became more widely adopted as an option for installing patios and continues to be today.

Significance

Tile has been popular as a surface covering for many years. From the ancient architecture of Greece to backyard patios today, the durability and beauty of a well-constructed tile deck is renown. Although the cost of installation is greater than that of wooden decks, a tile installation normally outlasts the home or business owners who install the deck. In recent years, popular retailers such as Lowe's and Home Depot have provided homeowners with the ability to install high-end tile decks as "do-it-yourself" projects that will endure for many years.

Function

Patio tile provides the function of providing a nice, durable covering that can withstand the elements if the proper composition is chosen for installation. From the 1950s through the mid-1980s, it was popular in home construction to install plain, concrete-based patios. In the past decade, patio tiles have been a popular option to install over the legacy patios in order to provide a more durable covering that also improved the visual appearance of the deck area.

Types

There are a number of types of patio tile. Commonly made of ceramic or stone, sometimes glass tiles can be used for outdoor patio areas if used in conjunction with other tile types. Ceramic tiles have also become more popular for use in patios, although they are more susceptible to cracking from heavy traffic or improper installation than stone or concrete-based tiles. Other patio tile compositions are granite, marble, slate and natural stone. Each type of tile has varying qualities of hardness, durability and ability to withstand significant temperature differences in colder climates. Modern sealers have enabled greater options for use in outdoor patio tiles, however, even the best sealants do not fully protect against freezing weather for weaker materials.

Considerations

When choosing tile for deck construction, there are a few factors to take into account before making the decision on what type of tile to install. Ensure that the climate where the home having the patio installed is taken into account. Many tile types will crack in colder climates. When choosing ceramic tiles for cold climates ensure that a tile that has undergone kiln firing longer and at a high temperature is chosen due to its increased water-tightness and density. In extremely cold climates, thick stone tile may be the only potential suitable option. Location of the patio installation should be taken into account. If installing around a swimming pool or area that can get wet or slick, then a tile with a high friction or rough surface should be chosen to avoid having friends or loved-ones slip and fall. Cost of installation should also be considered for tile deck installations. Tile will cost significantly more than a wooden patio to install, but will benefit the owner through longer life and less regular maintenance.

Resources

• Handy Deck's Tile Patio installation guide
• Ron Hazelton's guide to installing tile patios