10 Exterior Wall Tiles Designs Indian Houses Often Use in Home

Indian house architecture is as versatile as the geography and culture of the country. The majority of the time, traditional architecture uses naturally available materials for building and finishing the home including the tiling for walls outside the house. However, with increased urbanization moving to a distant city for employment and a better life has become a norm.

Such movement can leave you nostalgic for experiencing the architecture of your traditional homes and locale. Modern wall tiles and other finishing materials for home building can allow you to recreate any design for your home in almost any city and town.

Types of Tiles for Walls Outside Homes

Outside wall cladding requires sturdy materials which can withstand the demanding atmosphere without complaints. Here are five popular tiles for the outside walls:

• Porcelain or Vitrified Tiles: Porcelain tiles are known for their durability, strength, and resistance to stains and water. They come in various designs, including wood, marble, and concrete finishes, offering a wide range of aesthetic options for exterior walls.
• Ceramic Tiles: Ceramic tiles are a versatile choice and come in a wide range of designs, patterns, and colors. They are durable, low-maintenance, and suitable for different climatic conditions.
• Terracotta Tiles: Terracotta tiles have a rustic and earthy appeal. They are made from clay and often feature natural variations in color and texture. Terracotta tiles add warmth and character to the exterior walls.
• Stone Cladding Tiles: Stone cladding tiles are a popular choice for a luxurious and natural look. They are available in different types of stone, such as granite, limestone, slate, and sandstone. Stone cladding tiles provide a timeless and elegant appearance.
• Decorative Cement Tiles: Decorative cement tiles are traditional and feature intricate patterns and designs. They are known for their durability and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Cement tiles are a popular choice for traditional and heritage-style homes.

All the different tile materials open up possibilities for different designs and patterns for the outside walls. Since India has quite a diverse geography, Indian home building has used different materials for external décor in different places.

However, of all materials, porcelain and vitrified tiles are the most easily available and versatile choices for outside wall cladding. These tiles are durable and can mimic the appearance of several natural materials including hardwood.

Popular Tile Designs for Outside Walls

External walls of the house are given the required finish as per the design and personal preferences. However, the outdoor finish has more to do with structural safety than just the aesthetics of it.

Regardless of which external decorative cladding you decide for your house, it should safeguard the walls from the weather and other exposures.

Exposed Brick Structure

Traditional brickwork is commonly used in Indian homes, especially in rural and traditional architectural styles. The bricks are arranged in different patterns, such as stretcher bond, English bond, or Flemish bond, to create visually appealing and sturdy walls. Brickwork can be left exposed or can be plastered and painted to suit the design preferences.

The exposed brick structure usually requires additional finishing for moisture resistance and may look incomplete by urban standards. However, with modern vitrified tiles with three-dimensional elevation designs which mimic the exposed brick design you can avoid the problems of exposed unplastered walls.

The vitrified tiles are almost waterproof and mimic the appearance of the exposed wall design. Thus, providing the finish and safety to your building.

Stone Veneer

Stone veneer is a thin layer of natural or manufactured stone that is applied to the exterior walls. It gives the appearance of a solid stone wall but is lighter and more cost-effective. Stone veneer can be installed in different patterns, such as stacked, random, or ashlar, and is available in a variety of colours and textures, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the house.

Alternatively, you can use 3D elevation Tiles vitrified or ceramic wall tiles meant for outdoor walls. Unlike natural stones, tiles are much easier and cheaper to source and offer much more versatile designs, including random stones, sandstone bricks, marble, and limestone bricks.

Stone veneer is a popular wall finish for outdoor walls in houses with gardens. As vitrified tiles can stay unaffected

Stucco Finish

Stucco is a popular exterior wall finish in India. It involves applying a cement-based plaster mixture to the walls, which is then textured and smoothed to create a uniform and durable surface. Stucco finishes can be painted in various colors, providing a clean and contemporary look to the house.

Stucco finish has been one of the most popular finishes you can mix with tiles for walls outside your house, such as the garden and boundary walls.

Decorative Cladding

Decorative cladding is a common choice for exterior walls in Indian houses. It involves adding an additional layer of material, such as stone, wood, or composite panels, to the existing wall surface. Decorative cladding can create a visually appealing and textured look, adding character and depth to the house’s façade.

Vitrified tiles with wood carving texture are quite unique and popular for creating decorative cladding for buildings. H&R Johnson, a leading tile manufacturer in India, offers Cubic Wood glazed vitrified tiles in beige, brown and grey colours for outside wall tiling.

Jaali or Lattice Work

Jaali or lattice work is a decorative element used in Indian architecture. It involves creating intricate patterns using stone, wood, or metal grilles. Jaali work can be integrated into the exterior walls, windows, or balconies, providing privacy, ventilation, and a touch of traditional elegance to the house.

Even brickwork can be used to recreate Jaali architecture for homes.

How to Buy Outdoor Wall Tiles?

You can buy outdoor wall tiles from your local dealership. However, nowadays you can explore the tile designs and check their availability before visiting the stores. Check if the tile manufacturer has a local experience center near your home and visit there to experience the tile in different environments.

You can buy the tile designs you absolutely like, but they should also synchronize with your home architecture and design. There’s no point picking the best tile design which looks out of place with your home architecture.