Installing pergolas on porcelain tiles
Installing pergolas on porcelain tiles
Tiles under 20mm will have issues with cracks due to the weight load of the pergola , tiles under 10 mm even using a Diamond drill bit can cause cracks , we recommend 20mm . We will not take responsibility for any cracks /damage to external porcelain tiles on installation of our pergolas for tiles that are under 20mm.
✔ 20mm thick porcelain paving is completely frost proof so will never crack with the extreme temperature fluctuations we have here in the UK between Summer and Winter.
✔ Porcelain outdoor floor tiles are non-porous which makes them great for stain resistance.
✔ 20mm thick porcelain floor tiles are 5 times stronger than the 10mm equivalent. Due to their hard-wearing material and double thickness the tiles are less likely to crack due to heavy use.
✔ The incredibly strong & hard-wearing vitrified porcelain means that heavy furniture – like trampolines and BBQs – can be used. You can be safe in the knowledge that your tiles are not only incredibly strong, but are scratch-resistant too!
✔ Only 20mm thick porcelain tiles can be installed onto paving pedestal based systems on balconies and terraces. These systems suspend the tiles above a void. This is great for running cables under, for drainage, or just for a cheaper and quicker install.
✔ Now the big one - slip resistance. 10mm tiles are designed for internal use, meaning they have a lower anti-slip rating than the 20mm versions. All Valverdi outdoor tiles have a high R11 slip resistance rating, making these tiles a great choice, no matter the weather.
The benefits above easily demonstrate why 20mm thick tiles are better suited for life in the great outdoors, but the differences become even more apparent when you look at what 10mm tiles cannot do...
The disadvantages of using 10mm tiles externally
10mm thick porcelain tiles do have some great features, but they are designed as indoor tiles receiving indoor foot traffic. As such, there are some issues that arise when using 10mm tiles externally:
✗ Firstly, they must be laid on solid cement bed, which is both time and financially intensive. You'll need a contractor to lay and level the cement with the correct falls to allow water drainage. Cement can take anywhere around 6 weeks to fully harden before tiles can be laid.
✗ 10mm thick tiles cannot be installed on to paving support pedestals as they don't have the strength needed to use such systems.
✗ They are more susceptible to cracks & chips as they don't have that 5 times strength they 20mm equivalents do.
✗ 10mm thick tiles may smash completelyunder the weight of heavy patio furniture like trampolines, tables and BBQs.
✗ 10mm thick tiles are designed for indoors, and as such have a lower slip resistance rating. This means they may become slippery when wet and hazardousin icy conditions. They are also not recommended for swimming pools for this same reason.
At the end of the day, the final decision is of course yours as the user. It's certainly true that some people install 10mm porcelain tiles outside and never have an issue, but we've seen enough horror stories over the years to always advise using 20mm thick tiles outside.