Outdoors, the real issue is water
What determines the lifespan of an outdoor cladding is how long water stays on the surface. Accumulated water seeps into the pores; when the temperature drops below zero, it freezes, expands and stresses the stone from within. That is why outdoors you first make sure water drains away, and then you choose the cladding.
Things to do before installation
- Give the floor a slope to ensure water runoff and check that the drainage actually works.
- Use adhesive and grout that are suitable for outdoor use, flexible and frost-resistant; indoor products do not last long in the open air.
- Leave sufficient expansion joints to counter floor settlement. Laying long terraces without dividing them invites cracking.
- Apply sealer. A water-repellent surface both reduces moss growth and lowers the amount of water in the pores.
Surface choice
Matte, textured and tumbled surfaces are preferred outdoors; they provide grip in the rain and do not glare in the sun. Polished surfaces are both slippery and hard to maintain outdoors. Travertine is a stone frequently used in the open air: its porous structure provides grip on the surface, and its light beige tone does not overheat in the sun.
Care
The most common problem with outdoor coverings is the buildup of moss and dirt. Washing once a year with a brush and pH-neutral cleaner is usually enough. If you use a pressure washer, do not point it directly at the joints; the grout will wash out. Renew the sealer every two to three years.
Sales unit and calculation
Tiles are priced per square meter and sold in boxes; mosaic sheets, borders and accessories are priced per piece. Enter the square meters you need in the calculator on the product page; it finds how many boxes you need and adds the waste allowance. The allowance we recommend is between 10 and 15 percent.
