Designing a roof terrace often presents several challenges. From style choices to selecting the right materials, each decision plays a crucial role in the success of your outdoor space. Amongst these considerations, one of the most important decisions revolves around choosing the right flooring material. Not only does the flooring you select influence the aesthetics, but also the functionality and longevity of your roof terrace.

Natural stone, concrete, mosaic, and brick are all tempting options, each with their own unique appeal. Yet, between this array of choices, porcelain tiles emerge as the standout contender. Offering a host of benefits for your roof terrace space, porcelain tiles combine durability, aesthetics, and versatility – the ultimate solution for a practical and captivating haven.

In this article, we explore the exceptional qualities of porcelain tiles, revealing why it’s the go-to material for all roof terraces.

1. Porcelain tiles are durable and long-lasting

One of the primary advantages of porcelain tiles is their exceptional durability and longevity. Unlike traditional ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are baked at higher temperatures, making them denser and less porous. This density gives them superior strength, making them highly resistant to wear and tear as well as heavy foot traffic. When installed correctly, porcelain tiles can last for decades, ensuring your roof terrace remains beautiful and functional for years to come.

Roof terrace project

2. Porcelain tiles provide weather resistance

Due to their exposed nature, roof terraces must withstand the elements all year-round. Whether that be sun, rain, or snow, your flooring material needs to remain functional.

Fortunately, porcelain tiles are known for their excellent weather resistance. Being resistant water absorption, porcelain tiles are known not to crack or deteriorate, even due to freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, porcelain tiles are fade-resistant, so they won't lose their colour or finish when exposed to intense sunlight. This makes them an ideal choice for any climate, whether you expect to experience hot summers or harsh winters.

Porcelain tiled roof terrace

3. Porcelain tiles require low maintenance

When it comes to outdoor flooring, low maintenance is a crucial factor. Porcelain tiles are incredibly easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep to preserve their looks. Regular sweeping or occasional mopping is usually all that's needed to maintain their appearance. Unlike natural stone or wood, porcelain tiles don't require sealing, staining, or refinishing, which saves you both time and money in the long run. With porcelain tiles, you can spend more time enjoying your roof terrace and less time on maintenance chores.

London Wall roof terrace project

4. Porcelain tiles offer versatility in design

Porcelain tiles offer a wide range of design possibilities, allowing you to create a roof terrace that reflects your business and complements the buildings architecture. They come in various colours, patterns, and finishes, including wood-look, stone-look, and contemporary designs. Whether you prefer a rustic, classic, or modern aesthetic, there's a porcelain tile option to suit your taste. You can even mix and match different tile styles to create a unique and visually appealing terrace design.

Roof terrace in Clerkenwell

5. Porcelain tiles are slip-resistant

Safety should be a top priority when choosing materials for your roof terrace. Porcelain tiles provide a slip-resistant surface, reducing the risk of accidents, especially when the tiles are wet. Many porcelain tiles have textured finishes that enhance grip, making them a safe choice for outdoor spaces where slipperiness can be a concern. The low absorption rate of these tiles means they are less likely to grow moss and algae, which can otherwise cause a slip hazard.

Slip resistant porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles from Raaft – the roof terrace experts

At Raaft, we offer complete roof terrace systems designed for life. Our range of porcelain tiles come in various styles, colours and finishes to suit your needs. See the endless possibilities available to you with the Raaft terrace system and talk to a technical expert with experience of industry best practice to begin your roof terrace journey today.