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With the time you can invest in carefully selecting the perfect tiles for your next interior refresh, we’ve put some info together to detail the lifespan you can expect from them, along with info on durability, maintenance, cleaning and more. Read on below to find out more, and if you have any questions get in touch with our team today who will be happy to help.
Tile Lifespan & Material Properties
The lifespan of tiles can vary depending on the type of tile and how they are installed. Ceramic and porcelain tiles, for example, can last for decades if they are correctly installed and maintained. These tiles are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. However, natural stone tiles, such as marble and granite, can be more prone to cracking and chipping and may last for a shorter time.
Natural stone tiles are more porous, letting in water and staining more easily. By contrast, granite and porcelain hold firm against moisture, which is a great starting point in deciding which tiles to place indoors and outside your home.
The longevity of the tile also depends on the location where it is installed. For example, tiles in high-traffic areas or areas subject to moisture and humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens, may only last for a short time as tiles in less frequently used home areas.
Proper installation and maintenance are crucial to ensuring the longevity of tiles. You should install tiles on a level and stable surface, sealed or grouted to prevent moisture from penetrating the surface. Regular cleaning and sealing can also help to prolong the life of tiles.
Tiles should generally last for several decades if they are correctly installed and maintained. However, it's important to remember that tiles can be subject to wear and tear, and they may need to be individually replaced or repaired at some point.
Indoor and outdoor tile differences in durability and hardness
As you’d expect, there are significant differences between indoor and outdoor tiles:
Tile Durability: Outdoor tiles need to be able to withstand a wide range of weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. They also need to be able to withstand heavy foot traffic, as well as potential damage from outdoor furniture and gardening equipment. As a result, outdoor tiles tend to be more durable and thicker than indoor tiles. They are also more slip-resistant to provide safety.
Tile Hardness: Outdoor tiles need to be more complicated than indoor tiles to withstand the wear and tear caused by outdoor conditions. Outdoor tiles are usually made from materials such as porcelain, granite, and quartz, with more hardness, being more durable than indoor tile materials like ceramic or marble.
Tile Appearance: Outdoor tiles also tend to have a more rugged, natural appearance than indoor tiles, which are more refined. Outdoor tiles are often textured and have more earthy, neutral colours that blend well with the natural environment.
How to improve the lifespan of your tiles?
You can take small steps to enhance your tiles' longevity, and being proactive can make a big difference in the longrun
You’ll find indoor tiles easy to clean, but given they receive more wear and tear, it makes sense to develop a regular cleaning routine.
Outdoor tiles can withstand more wear, but they benefit from a more intensive cleaning from time to time. You should schedule a cleaning at the change of each season, but pay particular attention to cleaning after winter. The coldest months of the year are often harsh on tiles, exposing them to the conditions and creating an environment which makes moss and organic growth more likely.
How to improve the lifespan of your tiles?
Cleaning indoor and outdoor tiles can be a relatively straightforward process, but there are a few tips to keep in mind:
Regular cleaning: For indoor tiles, a regular cleaning with mild detergent and warm water can help to keep them looking new. For outdoor tiles, a regular cleaning with a pressure washer or a garden hose can help to remove dirt and debris that can accumulate over time.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as acidic or abrasive cleaning solutions, on both indoor and outdoor tiles, as they can damage the tile's surface and cause discolouration or fading. Be cautious, even with cleaning chemicals that may claim they are ‘tile safe’, as some tiles may still be affected. Always test a small section of tile first, or on a spare tile if you have some to hand.
Stains and grout: To remove stains or discolouration on indoor and outdoor tiles, use a mild detergent and a soft-bristled brush to scrub the affected area. For grout, use a specialised grout cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water.
Sealing: Indoor and outdoor tiles should be sealed to protect them from moisture and stains. Outdoor tiles should be sealed regularly to maintain their durability and appearance. Sealing makes the tile less porous, allowing you more time to wipe liquids and stains away.
Special precautions: For outdoor tiles, be extra cautious when using a pressure washer; keep the pressure low and adjust the nozzle to avoid damaging the tile. Also, be careful when using acidic cleaning solutions on natural stone tiles, as these can etch the tile's surface.
Regular maintenance: Regularly check the tiles for any cracks or missing pieces and repair or replace them as needed.
Replacing tiles is usually a simple process
The final tip reiterating the importance of regular maintenance leads to the need to replace tiles if they crack or break. In most occasions, the tile to be replaced can be chiselled out; you should clean the space and install a replacement tile. To this end, when buying tiles, we recommend purchasing additional tiles (approx. 10% of the total bought) to provide you with spares to fit in if required.
What great tiles will you find at The Online Tile Store?
You’ll find a vast selection of tiles at The Online Tile Store, including our customers' favourites:
Outdoor tiles
Our outdoor porcelain tiles come in many great looks and colours, but rest assured, they are all-weather resistant. No matter the weather conditions your walls or porch area face, our porcelain tiles look great and take everything thrown at them.
Marble tiles
Marble tiles give you the best of both worlds. These tiles look fantastic and are suitable for virtually all settings, but they are durable and require very little maintenance. If only everything were as easy as pairing our marble tiles with your home!
Extra large tiles
If you have ample space, extra-large tiles add a touch of quality while considerably reducing installation time. These extra-large tiles are ideal for bathrooms, offering dependable flooring and a touch of class where you need it most.
At The Online Tile Store, we love the versatility of tiles. They look fantastic, and mainly, they are durable and ready for anything. You can preserve the lifespan of your tiles with a few steps, and we prepare tiles for all conditions. Of course, even the most rigid tiles can crack or break, so having a few spare makes common sense to maintain the appearance of your property, but generally, our tiles can be relied on at all times, so why not check them out for yourself?
