So, you’ve finally decided that your alfresco space needs a makeover - congratulations!
A well-kept alfresco can allow you to enjoy your outdoor space more, and having high curb appeal may increase the value of your home by 5-10%.
Laying alfresco tiles is the simplest way to make your property appear larger. Choosing a style that works for your home from the many different types of tiles available may appear difficult, but we’re here to help!
We have a detailed blog on everything you need to know about natural stones used as alfresco tiles.
So, let’s start!
Why Should You Use Alfresco Tiles?
Installing alfresco tiles can provide various advantages, including:
- Durability: Alfresco tiles are made to survive inclement weather, elevated temperatures and heavy foot activity. They are constructed of materials that are resilient to fading, splitting, and other sorts of harm.
- Slip-resistant: Alfresco tiles can help avoid accidents and injuries, especially in wet or snowy circumstances. They can also provide a level and stable surface for strolling and other activities.
- Low upkeep: Alfresco tiles are often simple to clean and need little upkeep. They are stain, mould, and mildew resistant and can be cleaned fast with a pump or pressure washer.
- Aesthetics: Alfresco tiles are available in a variety of colours, textures, and patterns, allowing you to create distinctive and visually appealing outdoor environments. They can also be utilised to enhance the appearance of a home or other outside elements.
- Added Value: Adding Alfresco tiles to a house can boost its value by providing an attractive and useful outdoor area.
Using tiles outside can be a practical and elegant way to create long-lasting, safe, and low-maintenance outdoor environments.
When Is It Best to Avoid Alfresco Tiles?
While alfresco tiles are a popular and practical solution for many outdoor locations, they are not always ideal. Here are several situations where you should avoid using alfresco tiles:
Surfaces that are uneven or unstable: Alfresco tiles should be set permanently on a stable, level surface. If your outdoor environment is uneven or unsteady, outdoor tiles may not be appropriate. Uneven surfaces can cause tiles to crack or shift, and unstable surfaces can be dangerous.
Freezing conditions: Certain varieties of alfresco tiles are not appropriate for freezing temperatures. Tiles not built to endure extreme cold may fracture or break when exposed to freezing temperatures. In chilly weather settings, choosing alfresco tiles that are freeze-thaw resistant is critical.
High foot traffic: While alfresco tiles are resilient and can tolerate strong foot traffic, there may be better solutions for really high foot traffic outdoor locations. In areas with high foot traffic, using pavers would be beneficial. They are thicker than tiles, making them more durable and hard-wearing.
While alfresco tiles are a versatile and practical alternative for many outdoor locations, they may only be appropriate in certain circumstances. Before picking on the ideal outdoor flooring solution, you must examine your demands and tastes, as well as the compatibility of the outdoor space.
Here Are Some Pointers to Help You Design an Alfresco Area with Natural Stone Tiles:
- Choose the appropriate tile. Natural stone alfresco tiles are available in a range of styles and hues, so choose one that complements your existing décor. When choosing the appropriate tiling, consider the colours of your furnishings, the general style of your outdoor space, and the climate in your area.
- Make a strategy. Before you begin putting up the alfresco tiles, you need to plan. This will assist you in ensuring that the tiles are in the correct order and that everything appears coherent.
- Use the proper tools. Natural stone alfresco tiles can be fairly hefty; therefore, installing the proper equipment is essential. Cut the tiles with a handsaw and smash them into position using a rubber mallet.
- Prepare the installation site. Check that the ground is level and clear of debris. Then, spread a layer of sand for the tiles to sit on. Next, arrange your chosen tiles so that they are tightly butted up against each other.
- The alfresco tiles should be sealed. After you’ve completed placing the tiles, cover them with a matching sealer to complete the look and protect them from the elements.
Different Types of Alfresco Tiles Available
Natural stone tiles of various varieties are appropriate for alfresco environments, providing longevity as well as aesthetic appeal. Here are some popular alternatives:
Travertine Tiles: Travertine tiles, noted for their natural beauty and timeless appeal, are popular for patio settings. They are available in a variety of earthy tones, creating a warm and inviting ambience. Travertine is a hard stone that can survive the elements.
Slate Tiles: Slate tiles are rough and textured, making them ideal for outdoor use. They are slip-resistant, long-lasting, and available in a variety of colours, allowing for creative flexibility.
Limestone Tiles: Limestone tiles lend an appealing touch to outdoor environments with their soft and muted colours. At the same time, slightly more tender than other stones, appropriate sealing increases their durability and creates a tranquil mood in outdoor settings.
Sandstone Tiles: Sandstone tiles are attractive due to their natural and rough appearance. They come in various warm tones and bring character to outdoor spaces. Sandstone is weather-resistant and robust, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
Granite Tiles: These alfresco tiles provide outdoor areas with a clean and sophisticated look. They are a wonderful alternative for outdoor kitchens or eating areas due to their durability and heat resistance. Granite is available in a variety of colours and patterns.
Bluestone Tiles: Bluestone tiles are long-lasting and offer a cool, elegant appearance. They are ideal for outdoor settings since they provide a solid, pleasant surface. Bluestone works well with a variety of design styles.
Marble Tiles (for Covered Areas): While Marble tiles are not often used outdoors, they can be considered for covered alfresco settings. They have a sumptuous appearance and feel, but adequate sealing is required to prevent weathering.
Cleaning and Maintaining Alfresco Tiles
- Sweep the tiles lightly with a brush to remove loose debris or leaves. If weeds grow between your tiles, scrape them out and brush them away first.
- Routine cleaning requires only a mild detergent or soap and warm water. Scrub the dirt away from the tiles’ surface with a brush. When attempting to remove accumulated dirt from the surface, you may need to wash it several times with water.
- A pressure washer can also be used to clean the tiles of accumulated grime. However, don’t forget to seal the surface right away.
- Regular sealing is essential. Depending on how frequently your space is used, reseal the tiles every 2-3 years.
Choose Stone Depot for Your Alfresco Tile Requirement!
When you work with a reputable alfresco tile supplier like us, you receive a wide range of options because we source from leading quarries and dealers in Asia, Europe, and Turkey. Stone Depot delivers directly from our warehouse to your job site. In addition, we exclusively sell high-quality premium natural stone pavers and tiles. Because this is the highest grade available, you can be confident that the tiles and pavers are accurately cut from Travertine and have a uniform thickness. So, look no further and get free samples delivered to your construction site.
*Disclaimer: All information and advice given above in the blog are to the best of our knowledge. Please reconfirm at your end before execution.
