Garden Tiles

Porcelain tiles specified for external pedestrian use in commercial landscape, hospitality and amenity schemes: terraces, courtyards, roof decks, pool surrounds and garden paths. Frost resistance, wet slip performance and structural data are available for every range.

Specifying garden and landscape tiles

• Frost resistance. Specify frost resistance to ISO 10545-12 with water absorption to ISO 10545-3. Group BIa porcelain at 0.5% or less is the safe default; anything above 3% should not be used externally in the UK.
• Wet slip resistance. A PTV of 36 or above tested wet to BS 7976-2 is the minimum for level external circulation, and higher on ramps and steps. R11 to DIN 51130 is the common European equivalent, but UK projects and insurers work to PTV.
• Thickness and laying method. 8 to 10 mm porcelain suits a fully bonded bed on a drained substrate. 20 mm carries the breaking strength to ISO 10545-4 for dry-lay on pedestals, gravel or grass, which is the standard solution for podium decks and roof terraces.
• Falls and drainage. Bonded surfaces need a designed fall, 1:80 minimum. Pedestal decks drain through open joints into the void, moving the fall requirement to the deck build-up.
• Installation. C2-class flexible adhesive to BS EN 12004 with full bed coverage so no voids hold water, frost-resistant grout to BS EN 13888, and movement joints at 5 m centres or closer.

Where the scheme continues an internal range outside, confirm the external format has its own frost and PTV data rather than assuming it inherits the interior figures. For vertical surfaces see outdoor wall tiles, and for the full external range see exterior tiles.

Frequently asked questions

What slip rating do garden and terrace tiles need?

A minimum PTV of 36 tested wet to BS 7976-2 for level external surfaces, higher on ramps, steps and falls steeper than 1:20. Ranges are often produced in several finishes and only some carry the external value, so obtain the pendulum report for the exact finish. The slip resistant tiles collection lists ranges with published data.

Are porcelain garden tiles frost proof?

Dense porcelain is, provided it is tested to ISO 10545-12 with absorption of 0.5% or less. Ceramic and higher-absorption bodies are not suitable for UK external use. Installation matters as much as the tile: voids under a partially bedded tile hold water that freezes and lifts the unit.

How are garden tiles laid on a roof terrace or podium deck?

On adjustable pedestals in 20 mm porcelain. The pedestals sit on the waterproofing, level the deck over the structural fall and leave a drainage and service void beneath. Individual tiles lift out for inspection or repair, which is why the system is specified over a bonded build-up wherever there is waterproofing below.