A swimming pool is typically surrounded by a terrace or pool deck. Multiple materials, like tile, can be used to cover this area. For security reasons, it is generally recommended to consider several selection criteria when choosing a surface covering for your pool deck.
Therefore, before selecting the tiles for your pool deck, you should take the following points into account.
Why Choose Tile for Your Pool Deck?
Tile is one of the primary materials used to enhance the edges of your pool and complete your landscaping around the pool successfully. Indeed, it is not only durable and wear-resistant, but it is also cost-effective. Moreover, tile is easy to maintain. Since it is rot-resistant, it does not get affected by mold or moisture, unlike wooden pool decks. Additionally, tile is very aesthetic and comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and materials.
However, like all other materials, tile has not only advantages but also disadvantages. Ceramic is a material that immediately absorbs the temperature it is exposed to. Consequently, your tile-covered pool deck may become hot or cold depending on the seasons. Furthermore, it is very hard, making it quite uncomfortable to sit on the ground.
How to Choose Tile for Your Pool Deck?
There are a plethora of outdoor tile models, so much so that making an informed choice can be difficult. To help you select the right tile for your pool deck, we provide you with fundamental criteria you must consider.
Tile Selection Criteria
There is a myriad of selection criteria, but by considering the following, you can ensure you've made the right choice.
DTU Standards
To ensure your safety and that of your loved ones, opting for a tile that complies with the current standards for outdoor installation is crucial. Thus, consider the slipperiness rating in wet conditions, in both shod and barefoot conditions, to select a non-slip tile.
It is also recommended to consider the UPEC rating as it indicates the resistance of the material to abrasion, wear, puncture as well as water and chemical products. Your surface covering needs to be robust enough to withstand humidity and the risk of degradation. Moreover, your ceramic tiles should be resistant to withstand weather conditions. If you live in areas where temperatures drop significantly in winter, ensure that your tile is frost-resistant.
Format and Budget
In addition to DTU standards, considering the format and budget is also important when choosing your tiles. Today, large-format tiles (60x60) are trending. They help minimize the need for seams. Furthermore, the most standard formats (20x20 and 30x30) offer numerous possibilities for pattern planning.
Regarding the price of tiles, they vary and are suitable for all budgets. Thus, given the range of prices, you are certain to find a tile model that fits your budget, unlike, for example, a mobile pool deck where prices per square meter are always quite high.
Desired Aesthetic of Your Deck
The choice of a covering isn't only based on safety, format, and shape, but also aesthetics. This last criterion will set the mood for your outdoor space.
In terms of colors, different shades are available, ranging from rustic to natural hues, as well as more contemporary tones. It is crucial to know that the greatest asset of pool deck tiles is their diversity of appearance. For this reason, you should look for stone-effect tiles, wood-effect tiles, or cement-effect tiles based on your preferences.
Different Tile Materials
There are numerous floorings with specific characteristics and significant benefits. However, they have some drawbacks as well.
Porcelain Stoneware
Highly trendy for many years now, porcelain stoneware tiles stand out for their durability. Indeed, they are composed of a base that includes minerals such as quartz, silica, kaolin, or feldspar.
- Advantages: Porcelain stoneware tiles resist thermal shocks, cracks, and do not easily stain. Since they mimic concrete, stone, or wood perfectly, they come in multiple colors and shapes. They are easy to maintain and offer a good quality/price ratio.
- Disadvantages: Although the advantages of porcelain stoneware are significant, it also has limitations. This material can feel rustic to the touch and slippery if not non-slip. Visually, it is often coarsely refined, and maintaining it can be difficult if it is not of good quality.
Ceramic Tiles
This type of flooring refers to tiles made primarily from wet clay, with other natural elements like soil, sand, quartz, feldspar, and others incorporated. While ceramic tiles have significant benefits, they also have a few drawbacks.
- Advantages: Various reasons can motivate you to cover your pool deck with ceramic tile. Firstly, it is easy to clean and impervious to water and stains. Furthermore, it is durable and difficult to break. Lastly, being very thin and aesthetic, it resists dirt, dust, pet hair, and pollen. Hence, it doesn't create allergy nests.
- Disadvantages: Ceramic is extremely hard and can be freezing cold or very hot depending on the time of year. Also, ceramic tiles can be quite heavy.
Concrete
Thanks to its practical and aesthetic qualities, concrete tile is gradually becoming fashionable again.
- Advantages: This type of covering is soft, comfortable, and has a satin-like feel. Additionally, it stands out for its originality in various aspects. Combining resistance and design, concrete slab tiles are available in various colors.
- Disadvantages: The cost of these tiles is quite high due to their artisanal production, which requires specific skills.
Glass Paste Tile
Ideal for covering a pool deck, glass paste is pigmented throughout and results from the fusion of glass granules and coloring pigments. In addition to its qualities, this grants it transparency and brilliance.
- Advantages: Glass paste tile offers resistance that makes it nearly unshakeable by water, acids, bases, stains, and other threats. It is easy to maintain with water and soap. Moreover, it is available in numerous shades and appearances.
- Disadvantages: This type of covering is slightly more expensive than others, which is understandably due to its benefits.
Natural Stone Tile
Authentic and aesthetic covering, natural stone slabs are appreciated for their exceptional charm. They can even add a unique character to your home. This material is capable of adding value to your property should you wish to sell it in the future.
- Advantages: This type of covering is available in a wide palette of colors and formats. Typically, each model is carved from a block and customized based on your requirements. Known for its robustness, natural stone only gets more beautiful over time, even under sunlight and adverse weather conditions.
- Disadvantages: Maintaining natural stone tile is demanding. Also, its selling price is too high. Additionally, it should be noted that this cover is quite heavy.
Reconstituted Stone Tile
Designed to be modern and practical, reconstituted stone flooring has both advantages and downsides.
- Advantages: Reconstituted stone tiles are easy to install, as they are cut into small portions for easy transportation and setup. Easy to maintain, they are quite affordable. You can get reconstituted stone flooring for 50 dollars per sq meter.
- Disadvantages: The quality of this covering can sometimes be questionable. It is less aesthetic compared to natural stone.
Terracotta Tile
Generating genuine enthusiasm for years, terracotta tiles, also known as terracotta flooring, are composed of clay and sand.
- Advantages: Aesthetic, terracotta tile promises a warm, Provençal vibe. It is an eco-friendly, non-slip, and very sturdy material. It's also available in various colors and shapes.
- Disadvantages: Since it is porous, this type of cover must be treated with a sealant to prevent stains.
We have now reached the end of this exclusive article. We hope that by reading this article, you will be able to choose the best tile for your pool deck. For those who wish to decorate their home's exterior with originality, also explore our collection of inflatable floats:
