How to Choose the Perfect Outdoor Tiles for Your Patio?

Ethan Smith

By Ethan Smith

30 Jan. 2025

8 min read

Outdoor Tiles For Patio
Photo: @alliedoutdoorsolutions

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    Outdoor space is the place where we tend to relax and enjoy the evening after a busy schedule. Whether it's a patio, pergola, or a gazebo, there should be a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces to give a feel of being inside the house. A well-planned and designed patio will take the exterior space to the next level with cozy vibes and outstanding visual appeal. Outdoor tiles are one of the exterior elements that play an important role in maintaining functionality and aesthetics on the patio. There are multiple tile options with different colors, materials, textures, and patterns with durability to withstand harsh weather conditions like storms, rain, or extreme heat. In this article we discuss various outdoor tiles for the patio for your home.

    Tips to Choose the Best Outdoor Tiles for a Patio

    A properly selected outdoor tile offers an exceptional look and sturdiness to bear the harsh climatic conditions. Let's have a look at the different tips to buy the best one for your patio:

    Size of the Patio

    The size of the outdoor space affects the selection of the tile because small tiles look good in small spaces and vice-versa. A big-sized tile in a small space looks overwhelming and gives the illusion of a small space.

    Consult a Landscape Contractor

    A landscape contractor who deals in outdoor patios can guide you with the best tile for your patio after considering certain factors like the size of the patio, the architecture of the existing building and many more discussed in this article.

    Buy Tiles From Shops Specializing in Tiles

    Specialized shops dealing in tiles will give the best advice considering all the factors affecting the choice because they have immense experience. These shops also provide installation services at little extra cost.

    Color and Decor of the House

    Tile selection depends on the color of the exterior house and the decor element because tile should match the existing elements. If a house has natural surroundings, natural stone tile may seamlessly blend, whereas, for a mid-century modern home, modern tile looks better.

    Amount of Light the Patio Receives

    If the exterior area receives more light, dark-colored tile would look amazing, and if there is a limited amount of light in the patio, light-colored tile is the best choice. Any flaw in selecting tile may make the patio look overwhelming.

    Stain Resistance

    Outdoor tile accumulates stains due to vegetation, so proper and timely care and maintenance is essential to avoid such problems. Seal the tile regularly and get rid of excess vegetation to deal with the stain problem.

    Durability

    Durability is one of the things you should always consider because a durable tile can withstand harsh climatic conditions and foot traffic for a longer period of time. It also saves money in early replacement of tile.

    Consider Weather Conditions

    Tiles installed on the patio should be sturdy enough to bear the brunt of scorching heat, freezing cold, heavy snowfall, and heavy rain because the tiles are exposed to all these elements. Check the ratings of tiles before buying and see if they can be installed in a partially covered area, partially open, completely covered, or fully exposed area.

    Check for UV Resistance Quality in Tiles

    Bright color tiles are prone to fading over a period of time due to exposure to sunlight, so consider neutral color tiles. If your preference is nothing but bright colors, think of a canopy or awning to protect the color.

    Budget

    Considering budget is vital because the price ranges between $1 for basic materials to $50 for high-end materials. Many times, high-end tile material in the patio costs more than tiling a small indoor space like a bathroom or kitchen.

    DIY Option

    If you want a DIY option to install tiles, select tiles that can be done without professional help, like rubber tiles, deck tiles, or interlocking plastic. Tiles like natural stone are not DIY as it is heavy and difficult to cut, creating the need for professional help.

    Best Outdoor Tiles for Patio

    The best tile materials for a patio are porcelain, stone, cement, sandstone, travertine, limestone, granite, soapstone, quarry,  terracotta, slate, ceramic, clay and wood deck, rubber tiles, and carpet tiles. Let's know more about them:

    Porcelain

    Porcelain Tiles
    Photo: @decovitaporcelaintile

    Porcelain is another material that is considered one of the best tile materials for outdoor areas due to its durability, freeze and thaw resistance, resistance to stain, less water absorption, and availability in multiple options. The durability comes because it is manufactured at high temperatures, which makes it denser compared to other materials. It is the best option if you want a budget-friendly and low-maintenance material. Porcelain with a matt finish is perfect for outdoor areas as it is not slippery like the glossy ones, which are slippery.

    Ceramic

    Ceramic Tiles
    Photo: @parisceramicsusa

    Ceramic tile is not the first choice for outdoor floors because of its slippery nature. These tiles are recommended for patios if they come with a PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating. Ceramic tile is best suited for areas with mild weather conditions and for covered patios with low foot traffic. These tiles offer a splash of color to the outdoor space.

    Concrete

    Concrete Tiles
    Photo: @zbl_concrete

    The outdoor space should look like an extension of the indoor space and concrete tile helps elevate the area with its visually appealing look. If you host get-togethers regularly in the patios, concrete is a smart choice of tile as it is available in various color palettes (bold to neutral), styles (classic to modern) and patterns. However, consider its high maintenance due to exposure to natural elements like heat and cold.

    Natural Stone Tiles

    Natural Stone Tiles
    Photo: @ecooutdoor

    These tiles are ideal for outdoor areas as they blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings and have other qualities such as the ability to bear the brunt of harsh weather conditions, resistance to slip, and durability (can last up to 30 years) with proper upkeep. Stone tiles are porous, so regular sealing is essential to reduce stains. Tiles such as limestone and travertine belong to the natural stone family.

    • Travertine-It is best suited for the pool area as it can handle harsh outdoor temperatures without cracking.

    • Limestone-It is a versatile material for outdoor space. It is sturdy and available in various colors and textures to keep the exterior area cool. The disadvantage is it is prone to scratches.

    Carpet Tiles

    Carpet Tiles
    Photo: @decko_au

    It's a unique idea! The tile can be peeled and stuck, glued with adhesive tapes, and can be removed when there's a stain. It's a good choice for dry climate zones.

    Slate

    Slate Tiles
    Photo: @mishka_zeller

    Slate is a fantastic choice for patios because it is a natural material, is durable, available in shades of black and gray, weather-friendly, and slip-resistant. Just like many other materials, slate also requires regular sealing to control staining and water repelling.

    Plastic Tile With Interlocking Edges

    Plastic Tile
    Photo: @redforest_wpc

    This tile is preferred because its texture prevents slipping, is a DIY installation, is easy to remove, and water drains through as it is perforated and durable. If a patio has a concrete patio that needs touch-up, plastic tile is the best solution to cover the concrete tile.

    Quarry Tile

    Quarry Tiles
    Photo: @pro_remodel_renovations

    It is a hybrid synthetic stone made from clay mixed with natural minerals and fired to make it a hard product. It has a similarity to conventional bricks in the way it is made. Quarry is considered one of the best tiles for patios owing to its sturdiness and Mediterranean look. The only limitation is it is available in a few colors like brown, red or gray, unlike porcelain and ceramic, which have many options.

    Terracotta

    Terracotta Tiles
    Photo: @nitcoltd

    It extends earthiness to the exterior area with its unique European vibes. Regular sealing is required to be used safely in outdoor areas. These tiles have huge reminiscences of European structures.

    Wood Deck Tile

    Wood Deck Tiles
    Photo: @decko_au

    Wood deck is a weather-resistant material like cedar or redwood, which you can DIY. It can be installed over the concrete patio easily, but installation on a new site requires leveling and flattening like a pro. These are large pieces of wood planks attached to backing strips.

    Different Cost Estimates for Tiles

    The approximate cost consideration of different tiles is discussed below:

    Clay Tile

    The cost of clay tile ranges between $2 to $ 30 per square foot, and labor charges cost between $4 to $14 per square foot.

    Natural Stone

    The cost of natural tile ranges between $5 to $ 35 per square foot, and labor charges cost between $8 to $20 per square foot. Stone tiles such as sandstone and limestone are less expensive, and soapstone, granite, and slate are more expensive.

    Wood Tile and Synthetic Tile

    Wood tile costs between $8 to $12 per square foot, and rubber and carpet tile costs around $3 per square foot.

    Conclusion

    Selecting outdoor tiles for the patio is a part of the home decor element that requires in-depth information on various types of tiles to understand their suitability. Many types of tile were discussed in this article, which may help you choose the best tile for your patio.

    FAQs

    How does tile pattern impact the overall appearance of an outdoor space?

    Tile patterns hugely impact the visual appearance of the outdoor space. However, consider your home’s style, color, and pattern for best results.

    How do I prevent mold and mildew growth on outdoor tiles?

    The best way to prevent the growth of mold and mildew is to ensure proper drainage in the outdoor space, clearing off debris and proper application of sealant during the installation of tiles.

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