Welcome to my little post about outdoor tiles. Trust me, picking the right ones can make or break your patio design project. I’ve seen gorgeous outdoor spaces turn into slip hazards after the first rain and beautiful tiles fade to a sad shadow of their former selves after just one summer. Not fun at all.
But don’t worry! After helping countless homeowners transform their outdoor spaces, I’ve got some practical wisdom to share. Choosing tiles doesn’t have to give you a headache. Let’s walk through the process together, step by simple step.
How To Choose The Best Outdoor Tiles?
Picking outdoor tiles isn’t just about what looks pretty. Your outdoor space faces rain, snow, scorching sun, foot traffic, and maybe even barbecue spills. The right tile needs to handle all that while still looking good years later.
Consider the Climate
The weather where you live should be your starting point when choosing outdoor tiles. It makes such a huge difference!
If you live somewhere that freezes in winter, you need tiles that won’t crack when water gets into tiny spaces and expands. Look for tiles labeled “frost-resistant” or “freeze-thaw rated.” These are tested to make sure they won’t split apart when temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot climates need different considerations. Dark tiles absorb heat and can get super hot under the sun – not fun for bare feet! In sunny spots, lighter colors will keep your patio cooler and more comfortable.
And if you get lots of rain, porous tiles might not be your best friend. They can soak up water, grow mold health, and stain easier. The outdoor tiles from Cheap Tiles Online include options specially designed for rainy regions that resist water absorption.
Look for Slip Resistance
Nobody wants their roof patio turning into a slip-and-slide when it rains. This is so important, especially if you have kids or older folks using the space.
Tiles have something called a slip resistance rating. R9 is the minimum for outdoors, but I’d suggest going for R11 or higher for areas that get wet often.
Textured tiles give your feet something to grip. Run your hand over the sample – can you feel tiny grooves or a slightly rough surface? That texture creates friction even when wet.
Some tiles might look super smooth and gorgeous in the store, but turn treacherous after a light drizzle. Always ask about slip ratings before you buy, not after someone takes a tumble on your new patio.
Choose Durable Materials
Outdoor tiles need to be tough cookies. They take a beating from the elements year after year.
Porcelain is my go-to recommendation for most outdoor spaces. It’s nearly bulletproof – dense, non-porous, and resistant to staining, scratching, and fading. It can handle whatever you throw at it.
Natural stone like granite or slate can be beautiful and durable too, but needs more care than porcelain. Some stones are softer than others or might need regular sealing.
Ceramic tiles can work for covered outdoor areas, but they’re typically more porous and less durable than porcelain for fully exposed spaces.
Concrete tiles offer industrial charm and crazy durability, but they can be heavy and sometimes need sealing.
Whatever you choose, check the PEI rating – it tells you how much wear and tear the tile can handle. For outdoor spaces, aim for PEI III or higher.
Think About Maintenance
Be honest with yourself about how much time you want to spend taking care of your outdoor tiles.
Some tiles need regular sealing to prevent stains and water damage. Natural stone often falls into this category. Are you willing to reseal your patio every year or two? If the answer is no, stick with low-maintenance options like porcelain tile.
Textured tiles hide dirt better but can be trickier to clean. Smooth tiles clean up easily but show every speck of dirt.
Grout lines collect dirt too. Wider grout lines might look nice, but they’ll need more cleaning attention. Thinner grout lines mean less maintenance headache.
Think about your typical outdoor activities. If you grill often, you’ll want tiles that can handle grease splatters without staining. If you have trees overhead, choose tiles that won’t get permanently stained by fallen leaves and berries.
Match Style with Function
Your outdoor tiles should match both your taste and how you actually use the space.
For a pool area, smaller tiles often work better because they provide more grip points. Plus, they can follow curved edges more easily.
For dining areas, flatter, smoother surfaces make it easier to move chairs without wobbling.
For paths and walkways, textured tiles prevent slips even in light rain.
Your outdoor space should feel like a natural extension of your home. Consider your home’s architectural style and interior flooring when choosing outdoor tiles. This creates a smooth flow from inside to outside.
And remember scale matters! Tiny mosaic tiles might look busy in a large space, while enormous tiles might overwhelm a small patio. Hold sample tiles up in your actual space to see how they’ll look.
Check Tile Thickness and Strength
Not all outdoor tiles are created equal when it comes to strength. This matters a ton for areas with heavy furniture or lots of activity.
For residential patios and walkways, look for tiles at least 8-10mm thick. For driveways or areas where you might park cars, you’ll need 20mm or thicker.
Porcelain pavers are super thick outdoor tiles specifically made for exterior use. They can be installed directly on grass, gravel, or sand without requiring a concrete slab underneath.
Breaking strength matters too. This measures how much weight a tile can support before cracking. Outdoor tiles should have a higher breaking strength than indoor ones since they might need to support heavy planters, furniture, or even vehicles.
Don’t forget about the base underneath your tiles! Even the strongest tile will crack if the foundation shifts. Make sure your contractor prepares a proper, stable base for your outdoor tile installation.
Evaluate Color and Finish
Color isn’t just about looks when it comes to outdoor tiles.
Lighter colors stay cooler in the sun but show dirt more easily. Darker colors hide dirt but can get hot enough to burn bare feet in summer.
Medium tones with some variation or pattern offer the best of both worlds – they stay relatively cool and hide some dirt.
As for finish, matte or textured finishes generally work better outdoors than polished ones. They provide better traction when wet and hide water spots.
Consider how your tile color will look when wet too. Many tiles darken significantly when wet, which can temporarily change your whole outdoor color scheme during rain.
Tiles with some color variation hide dirt and small stains much better than solid-colored tiles. Those small speckles and variations aren’t just for show – they’re practical too!
Set a Realistic Budget
Outdoor tile projects can get pricey fast, but there are options for every budget.
The tile itself is just one part of the cost. Factor in underlayment, adhesive, grout, sealer, and labor. Installation costs often exceed the price of the actual tiles.
Porcelain typically costs more upfront than ceramic but might save money long-term due to its durability and low maintenance.
Natural stone varies wildly in price. Some stones like slate can be relatively affordable, while exotic marbles might break the bank.
Don’t forget to budget for about 10% extra tiles beyond your square footage. You’ll need extras for cuts, breaks, and potential future repairs.
Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves a ton down the road. Super cheap tiles might crack, fade, or need replacement in just a few years, while quality ones can last decades.
Test Before Buying in Bulk
Never purchase all your outdoor tiles based just on a tiny sample in a showroom!
Ask for larger samples or several pieces to take home. Put them in your actual outdoor space to see how they look in natural light at different times of day.
Pour water on the sample to check how slippery it gets when wet and how it looks when damp.
Leave a sample outside for a few days to see if it stains or fades in the elements.
Try cleaning a small spill on the sample. Is it easy to wipe clean, or does it absorb the stain?
Some tile stores will even let you borrow or rent larger sample boards that show a bigger section of the pattern. This helps you visualize how the finished project will look much better than a single tile can.
Consult Experts but Trust Your Instinct
Talking to professionals can save you from expensive mistakes, but you’re the one who has to live with the tiles every day.
Tile salespeople know their products, but they’re also trying to sell something. Ask specific questions about how the tile performs outdoors in your climate.
Contractors have practical installation experience. They can tell you if your chosen tile might be tricky to install or require special materials.
Landscape architects and designers can help coordinate your tile choice with the overall outdoor design plan.
After getting expert advice, trust your gut feeling. If something doesn’t feel right about a tile choice, there’s probably a reason. Keep looking until you find one that checks all your boxes for both practicality and style.
Conclusion
Choosing the right outdoor tiles doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take your time, consider your climate zone and lifestyle, and balance beauty with practicality. Remember that your outdoor space should be both gorgeous and functional, a place where you can relax without worrying about maintenance headaches.
The perfect outdoor tile is out there waiting for you. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to spot it when you see it! And once those tiles are installed, you’ll enjoy them for years to come, through countless barbecues, pool parties, and quiet morning coffees on the patio.
