What Are the Disadvantages of Porcelain Tiles Outside?
Porcelain tiles look fab under aluminium pergolas—but are they perfect?
Short answer: not quite. They can be slippery, cold, and a nightmare to drill.
Still keen? Good. Stick around as we uncover the sneaky downsides of these stylish slabs before you tile your patio into regret.
The Allure of Outdoor Porcelain Tiles: A Quick Overview of Benefits
Let’s not throw the tiles out with the bathwater—porcelain has a lot going for it. In fact, its popularity is booming in UK gardens for some very good reasons.
Durability and Longevity
Porcelain tiles are like the Land Rover of garden flooring. Tough, weather-resistant, and built to take a beating from the unpredictable British elements—without losing their charm.
Low Water Absorption and Frost Resistance
Ever had concrete crack in winter? Porcelain won’t flinch. With ultra-low porosity, it keeps moisture out and laughs in the face of frost.
Stain and Scratch Resistance
Outdoor parties, muddy paws, dropped burgers—porcelain takes it all in stride. No nasty stains, no deep scratches, and no reason to panic when your mate spills his Rioja.
Wide Range of Aesthetics (wood-look, stone-look, modern)
Fancy a rustic wood-effect without worrying about rot? Or maybe the elegance of stone without the price tag? Porcelain’s got a style to suit every patio, whether you’re after sleek urban vibes or a more natural garden setting.
Unveiling the Disadvantages of Outdoor Porcelain Tiles
Right—time to lift the lid on what isn’t so perfect. Like anything that looks too good to be true, porcelain tiles have their pitfalls. Let’s break them down.
Higher Upfront Cost
Let’s be honest—porcelain paving isn’t the bargain bin option.
Manufacturing Process and Material Quality Influence Price
It’s not just about looks. The advanced firing process and materials used to create quality porcelain tiles bump up the price.
Comparison to Other Outdoor Flooring Options
Porcelain is often more expensive than concrete and some natural stones. It’s a long-term investment—but not one to dive into without budgeting properly.
Challenging and Costly Installation
Here’s where the dream patio starts to feel like a project management course.
Hardness Requires Special Tools
Porcelain’s density means you’ll need diamond-tipped blades just to cut it. Standard tools? Forget it.
Expertise Needed for Proper Cutting and Laying
This isn’t a "call your DIY-loving uncle" situation. Getting a clean finish without chipping the edges takes real skill.
Increased Labour Costs and Potential for DIY Difficulty
Professional installers don’t come cheap—and for good reason. Mistakes can cost you a whole tile run, not to mention your weekend plans.
Importance of a Level and Stable Base to Prevent Cracking
Your base needs to be flat, solid, and well-drained. Skimp on this and you’ll be back to square one, patching cracked tiles before winter.
Weight and Handling
Think porcelain tiles are dainty little things? Think again.
Heavier Than Some Alternatives, Requiring More Effort
They’re surprisingly hefty, especially the 20mm ones designed for outdoor use. You’ll definitely feel the burn lugging them into place.
Potential for Slippery Surfaces (Especially When Wet)
Here’s one people really need to watch out for.
Importance of Anti-Slip Ratings
Always, always check the R-rating. For outdoor use, R11 or higher is a must—unless you fancy turning your patio into a slip-n-slide come rain.
Textured vs. Smooth Finishes
Glossy tiles look great... until you step on one with wet feet. Textured finishes offer much better grip and peace of mind.
Heat Retention (for darker colours in sunny climates)
Yes, we do get the odd scorcher here in Britain. And when we do...
Darker Tiles Absorbing and Retaining More Heat
Dark porcelain can get hot enough to fry your soles. It’s a rare issue—but worth noting if your patio gets full sun.
Choosing Lighter Colours for Cooler Surfaces
Go for light greys, beiges, or creams to keep things cool underfoot, especially around kids or pets.
Less Natural Look for Traditional Aesthetics
If your garden leans more country cottage than contemporary spa, porcelain may stick out a bit.
Modern Aesthetic May Not Suit All Garden Styles
Porcelain often looks crisp and clean—but that might not blend well with older homes or more rustic surroundings.
Comparison to Natural Stone or Wood
Unlike stone or timber, porcelain doesn’t age or weather. That’s a win for some—but for others, it misses the character and charm of natural materials.
Mitigating the Disadvantages: Tips for Outdoor Porcelain Tiles
Don’t worry—most of porcelain’s problems are fixable with the right approach. Here’s how to make your patio plans foolproof.
Investing in Professional Installation
If you’re not confident cutting through dense tile with laser precision—don’t. A seasoned pro will save you time, stress, and likely money in the long run.
Choosing High Anti-Slip Rated Tiles
Slip resistance isn’t just a buzzword. It’s crucial for safety, especially in wet, shaded, or north-facing gardens.
Selecting Lighter Colours for Sun-Exposed Areas
If your garden’s a suntrap, pick paler shades. You’ll save your feet—and get a brighter, more inviting look to boot.
Thorough Planning and Budgeting
Factor in tools, labour, sub-base prep, and those all-important slip-rated tiles. A bit of upfront planning can mean years of hassle-free enjoyment.
Is Outdoor Porcelain Paving Right for You?
So, where does this leave you? Should you go ahead and tile up your garden?
Weighing the Pros and Cons for Your Specific Needs
Porcelain offers serious style and strength—but only if you choose the right product and install it properly. It’s not for everyone, but when done right, it delivers a stunning result.
Considering Your Climate, Foot Traffic, and Aesthetic Preferences
Think about how your space is used. Kids running about? Lots of rain? Want something timeless or trend-forward? Your answers will point you in the right direction.
Other articles our customers have found useful:
- What should outdoor porcelain tiles be laid on?
- Securing a pergola to porcelain tiles
- Fixing pergola posts to porcelain tiles; what to be aware of
- Can You Put a Pergola on Porcelain Tiles? A Complete Guide for UK Patios
- What Are the Disadvantages of Porcelain Tiles Outside?
- Best Outdoor Porcelain Tiles for Under a Pergola