How do you determine if a tile should be used inside or outside or in a cool climate verses a warm climate?
Don’t limit yourself to thinking that tile can just be used indoors. It is an ideal patio covering and for decorative front porch stoops. If you decide to use tile outside, make sure you use a porcelain tile that meets slip resistant requirements. Exterior tiles have a surface texture that helps make them slip resistant. Top-quality tile manufacturers make special outdoor tile that has a slightly gritty surface, even though the tile is glazed. The invisible grit provides superb traction when tiles become wet. To be used outdoors, the tile must be frost proof and unglazed for floor use. Exterior tiles are usually graded to indicate their particular slip-resistance. Note that there is always a trade-off between slip resistance and maintenance and cleaning. Slip-resistant tiles will accumulate more dirt and will naturally require more regular attention.
