Is Porcelain Tile Good for Outside Cold & Rainy Weather?

Water Absorption

• Water damages tiles if it enters the material and creates cracks, especially in cold weather as water expands when freezing. The amount of water a tile is capable of absorbing is the biggest factor in whether it can withstand the rigors of exterior use. Water absorption rates of 0.5 percent or less are required, and porcelain tiles meet or exceed that requirement. Beyond water absorption, porcelain tiles are also nonporous, which means water will not pool in tiny holes near the surface.

Dense and Durable

• The density of porcelain tiles is what keeps water out, and this property also makes porcelain extremely tough and durable. While porcelain is made from the same basic ingredients as ceramic tiles, those materials are much more refined. In addition, porcelain tiles are fired at higher pressures and temperatures than ceramic. This process results in tiles that withstand wear and resist chipping and cracking. These desirable properties also make porcelain more difficult to cut without wet saws equipped with diamond cutting blades.

Exterior Grade

• Most porcelain tiles will hold up well to cold weather and high moisture applications, but review the product information to be certain you buy exterior grade porcelain tiles. The manufacturer indicates a tile's suitability for exterior applications on the packaging. Exterior tiles are typically dusted with a gritty surface material to give traction in wet weather, making them less slippery. The gritty surface does make this type of tile more difficult to keep clean.

Tile Grading

• Tiles are assigned to one of five grades depending on durability and use. Classes I and II are for light to medium use in areas where there is little foot traffic. Class III is for medium to heavy residential traffic, Class IV applies to tiles made for commercial applications and Class V is for extremely heavy traffic, such as industrial settings. Purchase at least a Class III exterior porcelain tile for use outdoors.