When you hear outdoor tiles and indoor tiles, what comes to your mind? It is easy for one to assume or jump to the conclusion that the difference between the two is that indoor tiles are used in the interior part while tiles installed in the exterior part of the house are regarded as outdoor tiles. Of course, there’s an iota of truth in the above statement. But I want you to know that the differences between them are far more than that. Undoubtedly, this article will shed more light on their differences. Not only that, but I will also be explaining some of their similarities. So, for those wondering if there are differences between indoor and outdoor tiles, reading this article will lead you to know what is hidden to you.
But before I move further, I think it would be nice to start this write-up with the definition of the two terms.
What are outdoor tiles?
Outdoor tiles are specifically created to design the exterior part of a project. Also, It could be tiles made from natural stones like marble, slate, and limestone. Outdoor tiles help level the surface of any sloppy area. Outdoor tiles are tiles that are made from porcelain and ceramic. They can be used to decorate outdoor surfaces like decks and patios. Outdoor tiles are always challenging, and they are water-resistance tiles.
What are indoor tiles?
Indoor tiles are tiles created explicitly for the interior part of the house or office. It can be tiles made from porcelain, ceramic, marble, and natural stone tiles.
Having known the definition of the two terms, it will be easier for us to look deeply into their differences. Therefore, I want to implore you to pay rapt attention here.
Difference between indoor and outdoor tiles
- Durability: One of the differences between indoor and outdoor tiles is durability. Tiles created explicitly for outdoor purposes are harder than tiles produced for the interior part of the house. Several factors contributed to that. Although indoor tiles are durable, one cannot compare their durability with outdoor tiles. Don’t forget that outdoor tiles are meant to be outside, so they stand firm against the weather. If one thinks of using tiles created for an interior part in the exterior part, the tiles will fade over time. Indoor tiles cannot withstand the sunlight for an extended period. It will fade away.
- On the other hand, the only durability for tiles in indoor places like the kitchen and bathroom is resisting water. They are both durable, but one is more durable than the other. Don’t forget that outdoor tile can withstand direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions without getting damaged. No one dare try that with indoor tiles.
- Slip-resistant: Another difference that one can see between these two terms is the fact that they did not have the same ability to resist water. In most cases, indoor tiles always have a smooth surface, while most outdoor tiles are rough surfaces to prevent slippery due to water dropping on their surface. It is easy for one to get injured on indoor and outdoor tiles. You might wonder why one cannot install tiles meant for an interior part in the exterior part of any project. Of course, it is impossible. For instance, installing tiles that are intended to be in the living room in the compound may affect your driving. Cars might not easily move on a tile with a smooth surface.
- Appearance: Frequently, outdoor tiles’ appearance is of stones, pavement, concrete, and decking. So, this makes the outdoor tile’s surface more textured than the indoor tile.
Dear reader, the above-listed points are the differences between outdoor and indoor tiles. Having known that I want us to move straight to the similarities between these two terms
What are the similarities between outdoor and indoor tiles?
- Same installation process: Both outdoor and indoor tiles have the same sills and techniques for installing them. You don’t need an extra expert, so to speak, before installing any of these two terms. All you need is a competent tiler—a well-trained one. Installation requires the same process. There’s no unique way of installing both outdoor and indoor tiles.
- They can both be used in herringbone tile patterns: Herringbone tile pattern is a zigzag pattern for installing tiles. In this pattern, tiles are cut into pieces of the same size, and they will be laid in a zigzag form. In laying a herringbone tile pattern, the first tile must be applied at the center of the floor or the wall at a 90-degree angle, while others are laid at 45-degree angles. Therefore, both outdoor and indoor tiles can be applied in this pattern. I have seen several houses and offices using a herringbone pattern for interior and exterior decoration.
- They can both be fixed on walls and floors: As one can lay indoor tiles on both walls and floors, one can also lay tiles created for the exterior part of a project on walls and floors. There’s no limitation to where one can install them. I hope you will agree with me on this point. You can read about Porcelain Tile: Top 10 Benefits Of Porcelain Tile [A Complete Guide] by clicking here.
Places where one uses indoor tiles
- Bathroom
- Living room
- Kitchen
- Laundry room and other interior parts of the house
Places where one can install outdoor tiles
- Decks
- Patio
- Pool areas
Closing thought
Dear reader, I hope you have found something educative and informative. I have done justice to all that you need to know regarding outdoor and indoor tile. This article comprises of differences between the two terms. Not only that, but I also explained their similarities, then I finally listed places where they can both fit, either in houses or offices. Ultimately, I want to assure you that I am always open to receiving questions from you. Therefore, don’t hesitate to drop your question in the comment box if there is any. Moreover, if you have any contrary opinions to what I have written, you can also drop them in the comment box. You can read about What are the top 8 non-slip outdoor tiles that you need to know? by visiting http://finnmccoolsthehill.com/what-are-the-top-8-non-slip-outdoor-tiles-that-you-need-to-know/