The best tiles for terraces and balconies are porcelain tiles with water absorption of 0.5% or less, a slip rating suited to wet outdoor use, and frost resistance where winters freeze. The choice between a standard thickness and a 20 mm paver then depends on the structure and the laying method.
Terraces and balconies sit over rooms, voids or open air. So the tile has to work with waterproofing, drainage and the weight the structure can carry, not just look right.
The tile itself
- Body: porcelain (group BIa) resists water, frost and stains far better than ceramic.
- Surface: a textured or anti-skid finish, typically R11 under DIN 51130, or the value your market's method sets.
- Frost: a pass to ISO 10545-12 if the site sees freezing temperatures.
- Colour: lighter colours stay cooler underfoot in strong sun than dark ones.
- Format: medium sizes are easier to lay to falls than very large tiles.
Our guides on anti-skid tiles and frost resistance cover the first two checks in more detail.
Balconies: usually bonded
Most balconies are laid with tiles of normal floor thickness bonded to a screed. The screed is laid to a fall, so rain runs off to a drain or edge. A waterproofing layer sits under or within the build-up.
Weight matters on a balcony. A 20 mm paver weighs about twice as much per square metre as a standard tile, and the screed adds more. The building's engineer should confirm the load. For most balconies, a standard-thickness porcelain tile in a modest size is the simpler choice.
Use a deformable cementitious adhesive for outdoor use, such as class C2 S1 under EN 12004, with full coverage under the tile. Hollow spots fill with water, freeze and push tiles off.
Roof terraces: often pavers
On flat roof terraces, 20 mm pavers on adjustable pedestals are common. The waterproof membrane stays untouched below, water drains freely under the tiles, and the surface can be levelled without a screed. Pavers can be lifted to reach drains.
Pedestal laying needs a paver that the factory approves for it, at the size you choose. Our guide on laying methods for 20 mm pavers explains the options.
Details that cause most problems
- Too little fall, so water ponds on the surface or under the tiles.
- No movement joints at the perimeter and across large areas.
- Tiles bonded straight onto a membrane that is not designed for it.
- Edge pieces cut from field tiles, leaving sharp or chipped edges at the front.
- Thresholds with no step or drain, so water runs indoors.
Many of these are design and installation issues. Still, your range should offer what installers need: matching skirting, step pieces or bullnose edges where possible. See matching steps and copings for what Morbi factories can supply.
Next step
We source outdoor porcelain in both standard and 20 mm thicknesses, check slip and frost reports, and supervise packing. To plan a terrace and balcony range, book a free sourcing review.