Solutions for installing edge profiles on 2-cm (3/4") terrace pavers

Over time, tiles installed in terraces or balconies tend to darken, often even chipping and cracking along the surface. Daily wear and weathering are the most common causes of outdoor paver damage, slowly weakening the material and leading to unsightly cracks which cause water infiltration and damage to the underlying substrate. The best solution is using compact, resistant, 2-cm (3/4") pavers installed with edge profiles designed for correct water drainage.

When to change the tile in terraces and balconies

Terraces and balconies are often neglected, and in time the flooring becomes worn and damaged, eventually needing complete renovation of not only the floor, but also the substrate and underlying layers. Such renovations can end up costing a lot of time and money – that’s why it’s wise to intervene as soon as the first cracks and chips appear. Ideally, we recommend immediately replacing the flooring with pavers suitable for outdoor use.

What characteristics should you look for in outdoor flooring?

Flooring installed outdoors must meet various requirements. First of all, it must be weather resistant: the material and thickness must be waterproof against rain and snow, resist loads and hail, in addition to withstanding extreme temperatures. Outdoor floor materials should also be protected against stains and mold which are common in humid environments. Slip protection is also essential on surfaces constantly exposed to water and ice. The right material must guarantee surface friction to prevent dangerous falls and accidents. Two-centimeter tile is the best solution for terraces and balconies, and today’s market offers endless options - let’s look at them together.

Why choose outdoor 2-cm (3/4") pavers

Compared to thinner tiles, 2-cm (3/4") pavers offer higher resistance to impact and are also easy to install, whether it be directly on the substrate or with pedestals for raised floor installations. What is the ideal material for outdoor tile installations? There are numerous materials appropriate for installations in outdoor environments – from terracotta, which is a beautiful yet fragile material, to wood, that is elegant and resistant to impact, but sensitive to weathering and temperature changes. Porcelain tile is the best option for outdoor installations: it’s non-slip, incredibly resistant to impact and temperature changes, and waterproof. Mostly made of pure minerals like clay, feldspar and sand, porcelain tile also contains natural pigments.

Different types of porcelain tile

Porcelain tiles, in addition to being resistant and ideal for terrace and balcony installations, offer a wide variety of colors and shapes. If you prefer a classic style, a square, stone-colored tile is a great choice, but if you opt for a modern design, you can pick from the endless assortment of fun shapes, finishes, colors and even wood grain available on the market.

The importance of edge profiles for terraces

To complete the tile installation and prevent any kind of water infiltration, we recommend applying edge profiles to the perimeter of the terrace or balcony. Edge profiles should be applied during the installation of the flooring to prevent water stagnation, guarantee correct water drainage and reduce the risk of infiltrations and cracks.

Edge profiles suitable for 2-cm (3/4") tile

Choosing the right edge profile is key, and a few different factors should be evaluated before selecting the most suitable profile. For terraces under construction, installing an edge profile under the substrate supplied with a waterproof membrane is ideal, while in simple floor renovations, an edge profile installed under the tile is more appropriate.

Which edge profile should you use to install 2-cm (3/4") tile?

If you decide to renovate the flooring in your terrace using 2-cm (3/4") pavers, the best edge profile to match the installation is certainly Bordertec BHO50, inserted under the tile. The unique section eases water drainage through the specifically designed perforated channel. The patented shape is also optimized with an upper lip that protects the tile edge and finishes the perimeter of the flooring. The aluminum profile line also includes corners and joints in two different color choices: Pastel Grey and Micaceous Grey.

​Bordertec BHO50A50

If you prefer an edge profile with simple, minimal shapes, the Bordertec BD20 is for you. The oval holes along the surface allow natural water drainage, which flows to the drip edge, protecting the wall below from water damage. Though more discreet, the profile trims the tile, optimizing and finishing the floor installation. The aluminum profile line also includes corners and joints in two different color choices: Pastel Grey and Micaceous Grey.

Bordertec BD20A22

Which perimeter profile should you install along with a drainage membrane under the substrate?

If a project is under construction and you can intervene in the substrate, the ideal choice is the Bordertec BHS55 profile. Its unique section protects and contains the exposed tile edge. As it can be installed under the tile, the profile is equipped with a drip edge sloped outwards, which protects the drainage membrane installed under the substrate and guarantees complete water drainage in the case of future infiltrations. The aluminum profile line also includes corners and joints in two different color choices: Pastel Grey and Micaceous Grey.

Bordertec BHS55A50

Types of installations for 2-cm (3/4") pavers

Two-centimeter pavers are beautiful, resistant and easy to install by following two different methods, depending on the setting and type of renovation.

Adhesive installation for 2-cm (3/4") tile

Adhesive installation is the most common indoor and outdoor installation method. Exposed to rain and thunderstorms, the adhesive used for the installation must obviously be waterproof and resistant to temperature changes. Two-component adhesives are commonly used since they are homogeneous and easy to spread. Once the adhesive is applied with a notched trowel, the edge profile can be placed, followed by the tile. Do you want to optimize installation with a fast leveling system that leaves a perfect gap between the tiles? Discover the innovative Leveltec system.

Two-centimeter tile installed on pedestals for raised floors

A popular trend in renovations nowadays is 2-cm (3/4") tile installed on pedestals for raised floors. The pedestals function as supports for raised floors of almost any height. There are several advantages to raised floor systems: increased load distribution, fast water drainage, simple installation adjustment for non-linear floors, easy substrate inspection and low labor costs. Once the pedestals are positioned and regulated following the installation layout, the 2-cm (3/4") tile can be installed. Edge profiles are also essential in this type of installation. The Bordertec BHO50, Bordertec BHS55, and Bordertec BD20 are compatible with raised floors.

Click here to discover Uptec, the best installation system for raised floors.