Outdoor floors, terraces and poolside
The outdoors sets its own rules, frost, UV, rain, fallen leaves, wet feet. An outdoor floor has to combine three qualities, frost resistance, decisive anti-slip performance and colour stability over time. At Atelier Matière, we almost always point to 20 mm porcelain stoneware for terraces and poolsides, either complementing or continuing an indoor material.
Indoor-to-outdoor continuity, using the same effect family but a different finish adapted to the outside, remains a strong architectural gesture. The eye reads a single space, the foot feels the right finish for each use.
Anti-slip rating, R10 or R11
The R rating measures the slip resistance of a wet surface. R10 suits a sheltered terrace, R11 is required for poolsides and highly exposed areas. The A, B or C rating adds a measurement for wet bare feet, A for private pool decks, B and C for public pools. We systematically validate the rating before ordering.
Frost resistance
An outdoor tile must show water absorption below 0.5% to withstand freeze-thaw cycles. 20 mm full-body porcelain stoneware (Cotto d'Este, Florim, Marazzi, Lea Ceramiche, Inalco) meets that threshold. Natural stone calls for a more cautious selection, some Italian travertines and limestones hold up well, others do not. We flag this on every technical sheet.
Installation on pedestals
For terraces over an existing slab or in the renovation of a roof terrace, laying 20 mm stoneware on PVC pedestals allows fast installation, perfectly flat surfaces, service runs beneath the terrace and simple removal. The pedestals adjust to the slope of the substrate while the tile stays perfectly horizontal.
Poolside, a signature gesture
The coping and pool surround call for a dedicated piece, with a rounded or bullnose edge for safety and comfort underfoot. We compose with the outdoor ranges from our Italian suppliers, textured finishes, finished edges and corner pieces for a design mastered down to the last centimetre.
Let’s compose your project
Every material needs to be touched, compared and confronted with the light of the project. We welcome you by appointment in one of our two Paris showrooms to refine your selection.