Floor

The perfect balcony floor tile is an optimal combination of looks and functionality, with the tiles at Orientbell Tiles ticking both the boxes. With practical, classy, and stylish tiles, you can easily trust them for your space without re-checking. With some of the latest technology being used in manufacturing, the balcony floor tiles are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to water, harsh weather, stains, and scratches.

As these tiles come in a number of different designs, you can easily choose the ones that go with the overall style and aesthetic of your home. Looking to give your balcony a cosy and inviting feel? Wooden tiles can do the job. Want to give your balcony a look of luxury? Add marble tiles to the space. If you wish to go for the extravagant, patterned tiles with geometric or floral patterns can be used for a focal point.

The balcony of your home is a space where you unwind with a mug of your favourite beverage, or where you may entertain guests. At the same time, it is also the area that is most exposed to outside elements. Rather than decorating the balcony with the leftover material, it is recommended by experts that you should keep a budget for them and add the tiles to the space after thorough research. For that goal, here are some tips to keep in mind while installing floor tiles on your balcony:

1. Keep the style of your home in mind: As the balcony is an extension of your home, make sure that the overall style is extended over to the balcony too.
2. Think about the climate: The selection of the tiling material will considerably depend upon the climate. So if you want to avoid the cracking of tiles under extreme weather conditions, you should go for the stronger ones.
3. Choose the right finish: If you live in an area that sees ample rain, frost, or both, choosing the right finish becomes important as these elements can make the surface of the tile slippery and more prone to accidents. Consequently, opt for balcony floor tiles that are frost resistant and anti-slip and a finish that enhances the lustre without increasing the slipperiness.
4. Colour: The colour that you choose for a space impacts the overall feel of the space. Since the balcony is usually outdoors, opting for overly bright colours will detract from the natural beauty. You can instead opt for subtle and neutral colours that blend well with the surroundings in such cases.

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With an abundance of options across different factors, here are some of the colours in which the balcony floor tiles are available for your choice:

1. Beige
2. Black
3. Blue
4. Brown
5. Chequered
6. Cream
7. Green
8. Grey
9. Ivory
10. Multicolour
11. Orange
12. Pink
13. Purple
14. Red
15. Sandune
16. Wenge
17. White
18. Yellow

Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding balcony floor tiles:

Which tiles are best for the balcony floor?

Ceramic tiles and vitrified tiles are some of the best choices for the balcony floor, as they are durable, resistant to extreme weather and water, and low-maintenance. Vitrified tiles and ceramic tiles are also straightforward to install and last for a long time without any extra maintenance. Another advantage of these tiles is that they come in a wide variety of colours and designs, ensuring a myriad of options for you.

How do you waterproof a balcony tile?

It is not possible to completely waterproof a balcony tile, as water can find the smallest of crevices to enter the tile. However, you can minimise the damage from water by applying a sealant on the grout where the tiles join. The only solution for total waterproofing is to remove all tiles and lay a waterproof membrane below them.

Which tile is best for balcony?

Tiles that undergo minimal change due to the impact of water, frost, and extreme weather conditions, and are durable, slip-resistant, and capable of enduring high foot traffic are the best for a balcony. While a lot of tiles fit these criteria, ceramic and vitrified material are the two most popular materials when choosing balcony floor tiles.

How do you tile a balcony?

Here are the steps that you should follow while tiling a balcony:

Step 1: Finding The Right Tile

It is important to select tiles that are perfect for outdoor use. Otherwise, you would be required to replace them every few years. The balcony tiles should be robust, anti-slip, and water, frost, and weather-resistant, all while having the ability to withstand foot traffic. If your chosen tile is rated for outdoor use, you can move on to the next step.

Step 2: Prepping The Balcony

If your balcony is made of concrete, the surface will need to be roughened to get rid of curing compounds or sealants that may be present on the surface. This is the correct time to ensure that your balcony has a slight slope to prevent water accumulation.

Step 3: Choosing The Right Expansion Joints And Mortar

If the surface area of your balcony is 8 square feet or more, it is advisable to add expansion joints to help reduce the movement of tiles that occurs due to freezing and subsequent thawing.

Similarly, the mortar that you choose should be manufactured for outdoor weather conditions. Thin-set mortar is the best choice for outdoor tiling projects, as it minimises the movement of tiles, reduces moisture absorption, and maintains a strong bond with the tile.

Prepare the mortar according to the instructions, and spread a thin layer over the entire surface of the balcony. This will help with the waterproofing.

Step 4: Add A Waterproof Membrane

However water-resistant a tile may be, there is always a chance of water seeping through to the floor. Adding a waterproof membrane will help protect your balcony from such water-related damage. Several types of membranes are available out there, so do your research and choose the one that works best for you.

Apply the waterproof membrane (liquid or sheet) on the mortar. Once the mortar has set, use silicone caulking to seal the edges along the walls, near the door, and around the railings. This step will ensure that no water seeps through the cracks under the tile.

Step 5: Add Another Layer Of Mortar And Lay Your Tiles

Spread a little mortar at a time and place your tiles on it. Take care of not spreading too much mortar as it dries quickly. Add spacers between the tiles and expansion joints at regular intervals (if using any).

Step 6: Wait For 24 Hours

Once the balcony surface is covered with tiles, wait for at least 24 hours for your mortar and the tiles to settle before moving on to the next step. If you can wait for more than the stipulated 24 hours, it is better since it gives the tiles more time to settle.

Step 7: Add The Grout And Seal It

Grout is the material you add to the spaces between the tiles. Choose a grout that is fade and stain-resistant, and can also endure the weather conditions so that your balcony remains in fantastic shape for a long time. Apply the grout with diagonal motions using a grout float across the expansion joints. Clean the excess grout off the surface of the tile using a wet cloth.

Once the grout is completely dry, add the sealant to ensure maximum waterproofing.

Step 8: Let It All Dry

Once you finish the last step, allow the sealant to dry completely before you start using your balcony.

TriaLook is an excellent tool to help you see how the tiles will look post-installation in your space. Available on the Orientbell Tiles website, it is a visualiser tool that allows you to upload a picture of your space from a laptop or smartphone. Once done, you can see how your space will look after installing any of the available tiles and remove any doubts you have!