Rubber tiles which are water resistant. PHOTO | COURTESY
Many homeowners opt for stone options which have a natural looking appeal for outdoors, but still fancy their indoors which has beautiful decorated tiles. You can bring the inside look out by using ceramic tiles on the patio, drive-way or garage.
Here are some of the options to overhaul the outdoor flooring which can enable you throw in a cozy rug or modern furniture.
Rubber tiles
These are water-proof tiles ideal for the swimming pool area.
These tiles, which require no adhesive to fix, are interlocked to form a big mat and drain water through the pores.
Rubber tiles are similar to the flooring used in gyms.
They are costlier than other normal tiles and range from Sh4,500 for a 50mm squared one with a thickness of 15mm. These tiles are also ideal for the children play areas as one doesn’t have to worry of slippery floors during the wet season.
They are best suited for all weather conditions and they don’t freeze due to extreme heat. “Most homeowners prefer these tiles because they interlock, and they can install them with no adhesive or skills required,” says Martin Mwaniki of East African flooring.
Mazeras tiles
They come in machine-cut or natural-cut sizes and blend in well with the surrounding.
Their rough texture makes them a favourite and they come in a variety of colours and shades of brown, grey, black and gold.
Stephen Muteti of Jemkos Investments, dealers of mazeras stones along Nairobi’s Ngong Road says the mazeras stones have become quite popular.
The stones last longer compared to other flooring materials and once you fit them, they can be removed and transferred to other spaces.
Porcelain tiles
Porcelain tiles are much more suited for outdoors use than ceramic tiles as they do not stain and also have a low water absorption rate.
Although they are mostly used indoors, you can buy those with non-slip textures that are perfect when it rains.
Porcelain tiles. PHOTO | COURTESY
“Porcelain tiles are generally more expensive compared to ceramic tiles, due to their durability hence making them great outdoor choice for the patio, steps, walkways, or anywhere you could think to use them,” says Shailesh Hirani, the marketing manager at Variety Flooring Works.
Just like indoor porcelain tiles, they come in a variety of colours and sizes to choose from.
Slate tiles
Slate tiles are mined from metamorphic rocks and have uneven cut, making them ideal for the outdoors. The surface has to be brushed with a stone brush to remove any sharp edges that might cause cuts.
Slate tiles.
Most people prefer slate tiles as they are used in their natural forms and come in various colours.
Their uneven surface is good for all weather conditions and makes it slip resistant.
Vinyl wooden tiles
Vinyl tiled floors are now a big hit among those who prefer to have wooden flooring for their balcony and patio without having to worry of the durability when it rains.
They are waterproof and can be used in wet areas within and outside the house.
They have rough finishes, making the non slip. They come in various colours. They are also heat and insect proof.
