Promenade Tile Buying Guide

Whether you’re creating a roof terrace whilst extending your home or have an existing balcony that’s being revitalised, then you may be in search of promenade tiles. Unlike typical tiles or slabs, promenade tiles are designed with flat roofs and balconies in mind. Meaning they are a suitable weight, weatherproof, slip-resistant, and allow for ample drainage.

But a quick search will reveal that promenade tiles are available in a range of materials and finishes. Each provide a range of features, making them ideal for different uses. In this guide to buying promenade tiles, we’ll provide you with guidance on choosing the right tiles for your project.

Types of Promenade Tiles

From the materials they’re made from to the finish they adorn, there are several types of promenade tiles to pick from. Each have their own pros and cons, making it crucial that you find the right tile for your flat roof or balcony.

Materials

• Concrete – The most popular choice of promenade tile, concrete provides super strength and longevity. Plus, many concrete tiles are reinforced with glass fibres to provide greater load-bearing capabilities. Concrete promenade tiles can often be placed immediately above the surface or placed onto pedestals.
• Rubber – Suited for commercial premises, rubber is a low-cost option that’s able to withstand high footfall. Typically placed immediately above the surface, rubber promenade tiles are not able to withstand as much weight as other options but have a great lifespan whilst also being easy to replace.
• Porcelain – If you’re seeking a more luxurious aesthetic, then look no further than porcelain. Although more costly, porcelain promenade tiles are resistant to most stains and chemicals without requiring any sealant. Of course, they are more prone to chips and cracks then both concrete and rubber.
• Artificial Grass – Providing a more natural appearance, artificial grass tiles are equally popular on residential and commercial spaces. They typically consist of a rubber base coated in grass that’s produced from polypropylene. This combination provides both a unique appearance and superb durability.

Finishes

• Checker Plate – Designed to provide maximum grip, this industrial pattern is ideal for commercial use. This finish is sometimes referred to as ‘tread plate’ too. View our checker plate promenade tile.
• Striated – With a bark-like texture, a striated finish is equally suited for commercial and residential spaces. Whilst it may not provide as much grip as a checker plate finish, it will still offer superb slip-resistance. View our striated promenade tile.
• Riven – Made to replicate the appearance of natural stone, a riven finish is a great choice for use on residential projects. This is as whilst the surface provides some level of grip, it’s not as safe in wet conditions as checker plate or striated finishes. View our riven promenade tiles.
• Imperial – Offering the smoothest appearance, an imperial finish is reminiscent of an open-stoned flab. Due to the lack of texture, this isn’t suitable for areas with high footfall and where liability could be an issue. View our imperial promenade tiles.

Cost of Promenade Tiles

As you may expect, the cost of a promenade tile is influenced by a few factors. Firstly, the material used will have a significant impact with rubber tiles being the cheapest whilst porcelain tiles are the costliest. A concrete promenade tile, which are the most popular, will cost you anywhere from £2 - £4 per tile dependent upon the size, thickness, and finish.

When buying promenade tiles, it’s important to consider the various other items required. On some cases, these can be as costly as the tiles themselves but are a crucial part of the system. These include:

• Pedestals – If you’re laying your tiles above ground level, you’ll require pedestals. In most scenarios, these are placed at each corner of your tile.
• Adhesive – When laying your tiles at ground level, you’ll need to use a specially formulated adhesive. Whilst it can vary, our adhesive covers 5m2 per litre.
• Sealant – To maximise the lifespan of your tiles, it’s advised that you apply a specially formulated sealant. Although it can vary, our sealant covers 60 tiles per litre.
• Shims – Used when laying tiles on an uneven surface, these packers are self-adhesive and placed beneath tiles to ‘lift’ them to the desired height.
• Spacers – Much like when laying floor or wall tiles, these spacers ensure you have an even space between each of your tiles.
• Cleaner – To give your tiles a clean post-install and maintain them over time, you’ll benefit from a specially formulated cleaner.

Best Promenade Tiles

Best Tiles for Flat Roofs

Whether it’s a flat roof on a home that’s used for socialising or on an office that’s accessed for maintenance, you’ll want durable and slip-resistant tiles. As concrete promenade tiles tick all these boxes, they’ll be a great choice. Plus, with them being available in a range of colours and finishes you’re able to create a space that’s as attractive as it is functional. For a commercial space you’d likely benefit from a checker plate or striated finish whilst a residential space will look great with a riven or imperial finish.

Best Tiles for Balconies

As balconies typically have less traffic than a roof terrace, you’re less restricted by the durability of your tiles. So, as well as concrete promenade tiles you’re able to utilise rubber and porcelain. If you want a more natural aesthetic, you could even use artificial glass tiles. Whilst not strictly a promenade tile, many will choose to use decking tiles on their balcony for a truly premium appearance that ages beautiful over time. We’d recommend composite decking as it is able to withstand the test of time with minimal maintenance.

Which Promenade Tile Should You Buy?

Now that you're familiar with the types of tiles available and the benefits each offer, we hope that you now feel ready to buy your flat roof or balcony tiles. But if you need a little help choosing your tiles or calculating exactly what you'll need, get in touch with our award-winning team.