Outdoor Tilers in Christchurch

Outdoor tiling in New Zealand costs $80 to $160 per square metre for labour. Outdoor-rated porcelain tiles cost $50 to $200 per square metre for the product. A tiled patio of 20 square metres costs $2,600 to $7,200 for labour and materials. Pool surround tiling costs $100 to $180 per square metre for labour (pool tiles are typically more complex to lay). Outdoor steps cost $150 to $300 per linear metre. Prices include adhesive, grout, and preparation.

Outdoor tiles must have specific properties for New Zealand conditions: slip resistance (minimum R11 rating, or P4 to P5 for pool surrounds), low water absorption (less than 3 percent — porcelain is ideal), UV stability (will not fade in NZ's high UV environment), frost resistance (important in southern and inland areas where frost occurs), and thermal resistance (will not get uncomfortably hot in summer sun). Natural stone, outdoor-rated porcelain, and textured concrete tiles are all suitable for outdoor use in Christchurch.

Outdoor tiles must be laid on a properly prepared concrete substrate with adequate falls for drainage (minimum 1 to 2 percent slope away from the building). The concrete must be at least 100mm thick, reinforced with mesh, and cured for at least 28 days before tiling. A flexible, outdoor-rated adhesive is essential to accommodate the thermal expansion and contraction that outdoor surfaces experience. Standard indoor adhesive will fail outdoors due to temperature changes.

Pool surround tiles must meet specific safety and durability requirements. Use tiles with a minimum P5 slip rating for wet barefoot areas. Porcelain or natural stone tiles rated for outdoor and pool use are recommended. The tiles must be laid on a properly prepared concrete pad with falls away from the pool. Pool coping tiles (the edge tiles around the pool) must be bullnosed or rounded for safety. Consult with your pool builder and tiler to ensure the surround integrates properly with the pool structure.