Why You Should Plan Next Summer’s Garden Make-Over This Winter

Although winter is just around the corner, there’s no reason why you can’t start preparing your garden make-over for next summer. If you’ve been thinking about redoing your garden tiles, but haven’t yet taken the plunge, there’s no better time than the present. By figuring out the design and style you’ve been envisioning now, you can start getting everything you need to convert your dream garden into a reality. Although it may seem obscenely early to start planning your next big summer project before you’ve even put up this year’s Christmas tree, the advantages of doing so are two-fold.

First, by purchasing the outdoor tiles and other materials now for next year’s refurbishment project, you’re more likely able to fit it into your pre-Christmas budget rather than purchasing them next spring when you’ll be saving up for that next trip abroad. It’s also more likely that you’ll be able to find outdoor tiles on sale in the off season; consider it a Christmas present to yourself – the gift that will keep on giving for years to come.

Secondly, even though you’re unlikely to actually start digging up your garden this winter, having everything ready to go by the time the weather turns more favourable means that your new garden summer ready before the heatwave even begins, giving you even more prime time to make the most of it.

In this article we’ll look at the kind of tiles that are best-suited for outdoor use, style tips and tricks for getting the most out of your tiles and the range of outdoor tiles we have in stock for your garden make-over.

What to Look For in Outdoor Tiles

Just like the tiles used indoors, outdoor tiles come in a vast array of colours, textures, styles, sizes, and materials. In fact, there are a number of tiles on the market that are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. However, unlike tiles specifically designed for indoor use, outdoor tiles need to be strong and durable enough to withstand the elements, from extreme heat and rain to snow and freezing temperatures. Not all tiles and materials can or should be used for all applications.

In order to choose the best tiles for your garden project, you’ll need to consider the style you want to create or enhance, the size of your outdoor space and its intended use. For example, if you’re intending to install a pool, you might not want to use slate tiles, as they can be very slippery when wet.

Some tile materials are super tough and can handle a lot, while others are much more fragile and prone to being scratched, damaged, or breaking. Laying the wrong type of tile in and forcing it to endure things it wasn’t meant to can lead to dealing with constant tile removal and repair, which could have easily been avoided by choosing the correct tile. As a general rule, porcelain or slate tiles are best-suited for outdoor use.

Heavy duty porcelain tiles have many advantages over other ceramic tiles for outdoor use; from being frost-proof and scratch-resistant to being low-maintenance. Matt finish porcelain tiles are also ideal for being slip resistant, which would be well-paired with an outdoor swimming pool. Apart from not being slip resistant, slate offers many of the same advantages as porcelain tiles. In fact, if you’re looking for a more natural look paired with a smooth comfortable walking surface, slate tiles might be the better choice.

Style Tips and Tricks for Outdoor Tiles

Matching the style of your space with a similar style of tile can go a long way in creating a great looking and cohesive space. Thinking about the style you want to create or match will help you to decide on which type of tiles are right for your project.

Be wary of using dark tiles in areas with poor or dim lighting, as this will not only take away from the look of your new tiles, but will also make the space look dull and gloomy. By choosing lighter coloured outdoor tiles for areas with low light, and darker tiles for areas with more light, you’re sure to find the right balance for showcasing your new tiles.

Just as you can create the illusion of having more space by using the same tiling throughout your home, you can extend this spatial illusion to your garden, as well. In addition to giving your home a more spacious ambience both indoors and out, using the same tile throughout will also give your space a unified aesthetic.

Our Range of Outdoor Tiles

Re-Works

An aesthetic analysis of various stone characteristics has gone into the creation of these stunning, porcelain tiles. With elegant colour variations and graphic combinations, these tiles embody a contemporary interpretation of natural stone. Available in a variety of colours, finishes and types, Re-Works tiles will add a touch of elegance to your garden.

Cardoso

Inspired by the Cardoso stone, Cardoso tiles are made from stone-effect porcelain. Whilst the stone is typically a dark, bluish grey, our tiles have been produced in warmer shades, allowing you more flexibility. Light-coloured vein markings sprawl over the surface of our Cardoso tiles, which are perfect for both interior and exterior application. Suitable for both walls and floors, these porcelain tiles will blend seamlessly together when flowing out of your home’s interior and into your garden.

Creative Concrete

These full-body, porcelain tiles embody a contemporary reinterpretation of the various methods of working concrete. Available in several sizes – in both square and rectangle – as well as a multitude of colours, Creative Concrete tiles breathe life into a space and provide a strong, modern look with their mixed tones and sophisticated style. If you’re looking to give your garden a contemporary edge, Creative Concrete tiles are the way to go.

Slaty

The warm and rustic hues found in natural slate have been perfectly crafted and infused into our Slaty tile range. Transform your garden into a home outside of home with the strength and beauty of these slate tiles. Personifying both style and bucolic tones, Slaty tiles are the perfect way of incorporating earthy and natural elements into your garden’s aesthetic.

Rather than wasting half of your summer installing your new garden patio – the time when you’d most like to be taking advantage of it – starting it as soon as the weather turns warm enough next spring will ensure that your new garden is ready to go for a summer filled with fun. So, why put your dream garden off any longer; let Roccia help you get started today. Feel free to come and view our range of outdoor tiles at either our tile showroom in Preston or our tile showroom in Bolton.