Deciding on External Wall Tiles
Picking the ideal external wall tiles can breathe new life into your home's appearance and serve practical goals too. Let's chat about why these tiles matter and what you really need to weigh before you decide.
Why External Wall Tiles Matter
External wall tiles ain't just a pretty face; they've got perks that make 'em a go-to for folks sprucing up their homes, architects, and even those snooty interior designers. Here's why:
Looking Good: These tiles are all about adding style to your place’s outer look. Whether you fancy sleek, modern vibes or stick to old-school styles, there's a ton out there to tickle your fancy. Want some inspo? Check out articles on decorative wall tiles and large wall tiles.
Tough as Old Boots: Forget paint and flimsy finishes—good wall tiles are in it for the long haul. They scoff in the face of nasty weather, keeping your walls looking sharp. Exterior wall tiles are extra-special, purpose-built to laugh at whatever Mother Nature throws at 'em.
Easy-Peasy Upkeep: Dreading the whole maintenance hassle? Wall tiles keep it simple. A splash of water and a wipe, and they're as good as new—no endless repainting needed.
Things to Think About Before You Buy
There's quite a bit to mull over when choosing the right external wall tiles. Here's what you need to know:
Material: Picking the right stuff is key. Every tile type's got its upsides and downsides. Dig deeper in our guide on different types of tile materials.
| Tile Material |
Pros |
Cons |
| Ceramic |
Easy on the wallet, plenty of styles |
Not the toughest, absorbs water |
| Porcelain |
Very durable, laughs off water |
Pricier, heavy lifting |
| Natural Stone |
Unique vibes, earthy feel |
Needs sealing, pricey |
| Glass |
Shiny, modern twist |
Can crack, costs a bit |
| Concrete Look |
Trendy, industrial |
Super heavy, might need sealing |
Local Weather: The weather's a biggie in choosing the right tiles. Certain tiles, like sandstone tiles outdoor, work well when the weather's mild, but they might throw a strop in extreme conditions.
Color and Style: Tile colors and designs can really set the mood for your home. Don't forget to pick a shade that'll play nicely with your house's style and surroundings. Green tiles shout nature (green wall tiles), while whites keep things fresh and posh (white wall tiles).
Your Cash Stash: Money matters. Sure, the tiles come at a cost, but think about getting 'em put up too. More on stretching your dollars in our budget planning and cost factors section.
Getting Them Up: How complicated's the setup? Some tiles might need a pro’s touch, others you can handle with your own two hands. Curious about getting started? Visit the installation process section.
Having these points in your noggin' can help you pick external wall tiles that boost both looks and utility. Whether you’re leaning towards white marble tiles for that timeless feel or edging for dark green tiles for something more now, choosing the right tiles can give your home's façade a proper makeover.
Material Matters
Picking the right tiles for your outside walls isn't just about looks—it's about finding the right fit for how your home works, and making it easy to keep looking sharp for years.
Different Types of Tile Materials
Let's talk tile options. Knowing a bit about each type can really help you make the best call for your place.
- Ceramic Tiles
- Porcelain Tiles
- Natural Stone Tiles
- Glass Tiles
- Terracotta Tiles
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Every tile has its ups and downs. Here's a quick look to help you decide what's best for you:
Ceramic Tiles
| Pros |
Cons |
| Easy on the wallet |
Not as tough as other choices |
| Tons of styles to pick from |
Can chip easily |
| Simple to scrub clean |
Doesn't handle crazy weather well |
Porcelain Tiles
| Pros |
Cons |
| Super tough |
Costs more than ceramic |
| Doesn't let water in |
Needs a pro to put in right |
| Stands up to harsh weather |
Not as many style choices as ceramic |
Natural Stone Tiles
| Pros |
Cons |
| Looks naturally unique |
Can be pricey |
| Built to last ages |
Needs sealing regularly |
| Boosts home value |
Heavy and tricky to work with |
Got a style in mind? Check out marble bathroom tiles or sandstone look tiles for more options.
Glass Tiles
| Pros |
Cons |
| Modern, sleek vibe |
Fragile and can break easily |
| Makes rooms look brighter |
Hard to install yourself |
| Doesn't soak up moisture |
Costs a bit more |
Terracotta Tiles
| Pros |
Cons |
| Gives a warm, rustic feel |
Needs sealing because it's porous |
| Easy on the budget |
Cracks if it freezes too hard |
| Perfect for sunny spots |
Not a huge range of colors |
Each type brings something different to the table. Whether you're drawn to the classy white wall tiles or the earthy charm of terracotta tiles, your pick should match your style and needs. For more patterns and textures, take a peek at our decorative wall tiles.
Style and Design Choices
Picking out external wall tiles isn't just about slapping stones on a wall; it's like choosing the clothes your house is going to wear in public. Let's have a little chat about the patterns, textures, and colours up for grabs.
Patterns and Textures
Patterns and textures on your wall tiles are like makeup for your house – they can totally change its look. Here’s a sneak peek:
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Brick Pattern Tiles: If you want your place to look like it’s been hanging around since the old days but in a good way, go for brick pattern tiles. Think of those charming rustic pubs or trendy industrial lofts.
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French Pattern Tiles: Fancy a spot of old-world charm? French pattern tiles will make your walls look like they stepped out of a Parisian postcard – all elegant and classy.
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3D Wall Tiles: Want your walls to shout rather than whisper? Go for 3D tiles. They give your walls a pop-off-the-page look. Perfect if you’re feeling brave and want to try something modern and snazzy. Check out more about these bad boys here: 3D wall tiles.
| Pattern Type |
Characteristics |
Suitable Styles |
| Brick Pattern |
Old-school cool, rustic |
Farmhouse chic, loft style |
| French Pattern |
Sophisticated, traditional glam |
Vintage luxe, elegant |
| 3D Wall Tiles |
Eye-popping, dimensional |
Futuristic, fresh |
Textures like rough, shiny, or matte can jazz up your exterior even more. For instance, concrete-look tiles give off an industrial vibe, while timber look tiles are more about cozy, natural vibes. It's like having a whole wardrobe for your walls!
Colour Selection
Getting the right colour is like finding that killer outfit for a night out—it’s going to set the mood and showcase your personality.
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White Wall Tiles: White’s the go-to for that clean, can't-go-wrong style. It makes everything look bigger and goes with nearly anything. See some options with our white wall tiles.
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Green Tiles: Want to bring a bit of nature to the curb appeal party? Green tiles are in! Whether it’s the deep, rich vibe of emerald green tiles or the earthy, laid-back look of sage green tiles, you can't go wrong here.
| Tile Colour |
Characteristics |
Suitable Styles |
| White |
Crisp, makes things look bigger |
Contemporary, classic, minimal |
| Green |
Relaxing, earthy, natural |
Eco-friendly, bohemian, current |
Mix up colours and patterns for some extra pizzazz. Imagine combining white kit kat tiles with green kit kat tiles for a unique splash of personality.
Nailing the right pattern, texture, and colour can turn your home's earthy shell into a style statement. Check out our stories on decorative wall tiles for more inspiration, and get those creative juices flowing!
Practical Considerations
When picking out those snazzy external wall tiles, you're gonna wanna think about how tough they are, how much elbow grease it'll take to keep them looking sharp, and whether they can handle the weather without throwing a tantrum.
Durability and Maintenance
Tiles on the outside need to be as tough as a week-old leftover pizza, yet easy enough to maintain without feeling like you're raising a pet. Durability, the rockstar in this tale, takes the stage when those tiles face Mother Nature head-on. The kind of tile you choose is the secret sauce to how long they'll last and how often you'll need to give them some TLC.
Check out this quick-reference table to see how common tile materials stack up in durability and maintenance:
| Tile Material |
Durability Rating |
Maintenance Level |
| Ceramic |
High |
Low |
| Porcelain |
Very High |
Low |
| Natural Stone |
Medium |
High |
| Glass |
Medium |
Low |
| Concrete |
High |
Medium |
Your buddy porcelain is usually the top choice—tough as nails and barely fusses over maintenance. On the flip side, natural stone tiles might demand a bit more pampering and elbow grease to keep them looking on point.
For a deeper dive into keeping tiles spick and span, take a gander at our articles on decorative wall tiles and large wall tiles.
Weather Resistance
Now, think about this: your wall tiles will be up against the elements day in and day out. So, picking tiles that won't go bananas when it rains, shines, or snowflakes is crucial. Their weather-fighting skills come from their material pedigree and any snazzy surface treatment they’ve had.
Peep this table to see how different tile materials fare against the elements:
| Tile Material |
Water Resistance |
UV Resistance |
Temperature Resistance |
| Ceramic |
Medium |
High |
Medium |
| Porcelain |
High |
High |
Very High |
| Natural Stone |
Medium |
High |
Medium |
| Glass |
High |
Medium |
Medium |
| Concrete |
Very High |
High |
High |
Porcelain wins again with its super weather-fighting powers. It’s the go-to for exteriors that laugh in the face of rain, sunburns, and the odd freeze. Your home’s outer shell will stay looking like a million bucks.
If you're all about tiles that play nice with unpredictable weather, scope out our pieces on exterior wall tiles, concrete look tiles, and timber look tiles.
Armed with this cheat sheet on tile toughness and their weather battle plan, you're in a killer position to pick wall tiles that will not only make your home look dashing but will also stand tall against time and temperament.
Installation and Costs
Installation Process
So you’ve decided to spruce up your home with some fabulous external wall tiles. Let’s cut to the chase on how to get them on your walls right.
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Preparation: Begin with a clean slate. Wipe the wall free of grime, dust, or old paint. Make sure it’s as dry as a bone and nothing’s flaking off.
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Measuring and Planning: Get your tape measure out and see how many tiles it’s going to take. Plan things out so you’re not cutting tiny slivers of tile in tricky spots. Symmetry is your friend.
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Applying Adhesive: Slap on some quality adhesive that can handle the outdoors. Spread it on the wall like butter with a notched trowel.
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Laying Tiles: Stick the tiles on the gooey surface, give ‘em a good press, and use spacers so your grout lines don’t look like they went on a bender.
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Cutting Tiles: If you’ve got a corner or edge, time to play with power tools—a wet saw or tile cutter should do the trick.
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Grouting: Let the adhesive chill and set. Then fill in the gaps with grout, using a rubber float. Clean off any extra with a damp sponge, not your sleeve.
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Sealing: Once dry, seal the deal—literally. A coat of sealer will keep moisture and stains at bay.
Want more DIY tips on tiles? Check out our reads on tile grout and exterior wall tiles. Save a weekend for the project and a bottle of wine for later!
Budget Planning and Cost Factors
Let’s talk money. Before you embark on this tile quest, make sure your wallet can handle it. Here’s what you’ll want to think about:
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Materials: Whether you fancy ceramic, porcelain, slate, or sandstone, each one hits your wallet a bit differently.
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Tile Size and Coverage: Big tiles get more area covered quicker, but they might lighten your wallet more per pop.
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Labour Costs: Bringing in the pros? That’s going to cost. Rates change depending on how tricky your job is and where you live.
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Preparation and Extras: Don’t forget the hidden costs—adhesive, grout, and sealers add up!
| Cost Factor |
Estimated Cost Range ($ per sq. ft.) |
| Tile Materials |
5 - 20 |
| Adhesive and Grout |
1 - 3 |
| Labour |
10 - 15 |
| Preparation |
1 - 4 |
| Sealer |
0.5 - 2 |
Splashing out on top-notch quality now means less cash spent on repairs later, plus it can make your house look amazing from the outside. For budget-friendly options, check out our white wall tiles and sandstone tiles.
With some good planning and budgeting, you’ll soon be loving your new wall tiles and claiming all the bragging rights in the neighbourhood.
Where to Find Inspiration
Hunting for that perfect zing for your home's outer walls? Don't sweat it. Whether you're picking as a homeowner, interior fixer-upper, or an architect with a master plan, cruising through ideas and getting some tips from the pros can be your spotlight moment.
Exploring Design Ideas
If you're scratching your head, trying to dream up ideas for your external wall tiles, it's time to start your adventure through design land. Here are your trusty guides:
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Online Interior Design Platforms: Sites like Pinterest and Instagram are like the candy stores of design ideas. Type in "external wall tiles", "decorative wall tiles", or "exterior wall tiles", and you're golden. Expect more pictures than you can shake a stick at.
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Design Magazines: Dive into a design mag. They've got jaw-dropping photos and all the gossip on what's hot in the world of tiles. Look in issues that spotlight home makeovers and outdoor spiff-ups.
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Home Improvement Shows: Tuning in to home improvement television can spark some real aha moments. Check out the gear and styles they’re throwing into their makeovers for some juicy insights.
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Tile Showrooms: Give your tiles the ol’ touch-n-feel test. Visiting a tile showroom lets you dig on the textures, colours, and quality - seeing is believing.
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Neighbourhood Walks: Take a stroll around the block. Peek at the local homes' exteriors; you might just unearth the inspiration that nails your style.
Keep that imagination wide open and free. Try on a range of styles like Moroccan tiles and concrete look tiles—find the one that sings to you.
Seeking Professional Advice
Getting your Google on for inspiration? Solid move. But chatting with the experts can help ditch the headaches and dodge the wrong turns. Here's how you can cozy up to some professional wisdom:
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Consult with an Interior Designer: These design whizzes know how to marry your fave look with just the right practicality. They can dish out customized tips and layout strategies.
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Work with an Architect: Going for a mega redo? Your friendly neighbourhood architect can step in with advice on structure and suitability, making sure your tiles are fit for the job.
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Hire a Tile Specialist: These pros live and breathe tile. Their hands-on know-how with different materials and ways to slap those tiles on the wall mean they’ve got tips galore to guide you.
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Ask for Recommendations: Homework pays off. Reaching out to friends, family, or anyone who’s recently spruced up their place could give you some cool insights and solid referrals.
Throw creativity into the pot with some expert wisdom, and you're set to choose tiles that’ll have your home’s walls smiling. From slick white wall tiles to bold green wall tiles, your house front is just waiting for its makeover magic.
