Choosing the best tiles for the outdoor area can be challenging. We all know outdoor tiles require more resistance and durability because of their exposure to sun and humidity. In this blog post, we want to share some essential tips on how to choose the best tiles for your outdoor area.
Many tiles are perfect for outdoor areas. There are multiple factors to consider and there are personal preferences as well. You would have several good options to choose from, so there is no limitation on your options. There are, however, some popular options that we will get into in this article.
First, let’s look at what you need to consider when choosing your outdoor tiles. Then, we will have some tile recommendations from our designers for you.
What to consider when choosing outdoor tiles
These are some of the factors to consider before choosing your tiles for outdoor space.
Climate
This is perhaps the most important factor to consider. In Australia, you get a lot of suns, and depending on your location in the country you could also have a lot of exposure to rain and humidity.
Consider how well the material you choose could last in that climate. For instance, natural stones are often a great choice, but some travertine tiles are extremely porous and humidity could destroy them over time.
Durability
This is crucial for outdoor tiles. No matter the climate, tiles will have a harsher environment outside than inside because of exposure to various climate conditions. Some tiles are just not right for outdoor because of their durability.
Choose tiles that have the best durability when it comes to exposure to light, weather conditions, and humidity. This is the most important factor to consider when buying outdoor tiles. You need to prioritise durability over everything else because if your tiles don’t last long, you will need to replace them.
Slip Resistance
Another important factor for outdoor tiles is slip resistance. This is extremely important if you have a swimming pool, but even if you don’t make sure your tiles have a high slip resistance, they can be slippery when it rains.
Maintenance
Outdoor tiles often require more maintenance. It is highly recommended that you apply sealing upon installation and re-apply it every year or two. Sealing could help in maintaining your tiles, even if you have natural stone tiles such as marble or granite pavers.
Cleaning your tiles with the right cleaning solution is also vital. Don’t use any adhesive or acidic solutions if you have stone pavers. Instead, use the correct stone cleaning solutions.
It is a good idea to clean your tiles every few weeks to make sure no residue remains on the tiles and causes stains or pores on your outdoor tiles.
Aesthetic Preferences
This goes without saying that it’s a good idea to stay within your aesthetic style when choosing your outdoor tiles. Your outdoor space is just an extension of your home and it will look a lot better when it all comes together and complements each other.
Using neutral colours such as white and grey are easy options that often go well with most styles.
Budget
After all, your budget will determine your choices. Stick to your overall renovation budget, determine your material options, and then from there choose the tiles that you like the most.
One thing to keep in mind is to not overlook quality when you are choosing outdoor tiles. If you find a tile that fits your budget and has the qualities for outdoor tiles, but it is not as beautiful as you want it, we would recommend going for that. Quality and durability are significant factors when choosing outdoor tiles. You want to avoid high maintenance (which will cost you more) at all costs.
Recommended ties for outdoor areas
In this section, we want to show you some of our recommended materials and tiles for outdoor tiling.
Stone Pavers
Natural stones have long been a popular option for outdoor tiling due to their durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions and humidity. It is highly recommended to seal and reapply sealing to your outdoor tiles, but generally, they require minimal maintenance. Here we look at the different types of natural stone that you can use for your outdoor space.
Marble
Marble pavers exude timeless luxury and sophistication, making them a sought-after choice for upscale outdoor spaces.
Derived from metamorphic rock, marble pavers exhibit exquisite veining patterns and a polished, reflective surface that adds opulence to patios, driveways, and walkways.
Their natural colour variations, ranging from classic white to dramatic black, offer versatility in design. Marble's durability ensures it withstands the elements while retaining its beauty.
Though they require occasional sealing to maintain their luster, marble pavers reward homeowners with unmatched elegance and an enduring aesthetic appeal. When used judiciously, these pavers elevate outdoor areas, infusing them with a touch of timeless grandeur.
Travertine
Travertine pavers are a popular choice for outdoor flooring due to their natural beauty and durability. These sedimentary rock tiles, formed by mineral deposits from hot springs, offer a timeless elegance to patios, walkways, and pool decks.
Their unique porous texture provides excellent traction, reducing slip hazards, and they remain cool underfoot even in scorching temperatures. With a range of earthy tones, from creamy whites to rich browns, travertine pavers blend seamlessly with various architectural styles.
They are also remarkably low-maintenance, resisting weathering and erosion over time. As a versatile and visually appealing option, travertine pavers enhance the aesthetics and functionality of outdoor spaces.
Limestone
Limestone pavers are a versatile and enduring choice for outdoor flooring. Formed from sedimentary rock, they bring a natural, rustic charm to patios, garden paths, and pool decks.
Limestone's earthy hues, including warm beiges and soft grays, harmonise with various architectural styles. Their textured surface provides excellent slip resistance and a tactile appeal, making them both safe and visually appealing.
While limestone is durable, it may require occasional sealing to maintain its appearance, especially in high-traffic areas. Overall, limestone pavers offer a timeless and cost-effective solution, blending seamlessly with outdoor landscapes and providing a durable, attractive surface for years to come.
Granite
Granite pavers are the epitome of durability and elegance in outdoor flooring. These igneous rock tiles are celebrated for their exceptional strength, making them a perfect choice for driveways, walkways, and patios subjected to heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions.
With a wide array of colors and textures, granite pavers cater to diverse design preferences, from sleek blacks to speckled grays and warm reds. Their natural resistance to staining and wear minimizes maintenance requirements, ensuring long-lasting beauty.
Granite's timeless appeal and polished finish or rustic textures add a touch of sophistication to outdoor spaces, making it a preferred option for those seeking enduring luxury.
Cobblestone
Cobblestone pavers are a nostalgic nod to the past, evoking a timeless charm in contemporary landscapes. Crafted from natural stone, typically granite or basalt, cobblestones are renowned for their rugged, irregular shapes and uneven surfaces.
They create a distinctive, old-world aesthetic, often seen in historic streets and quaint European towns. Cobblestone pavers are not only visually appealing but also incredibly durable, capable of withstanding heavy use and adverse weather conditions.
Their uneven surface provides excellent traction, making them a practical choice for driveways, walkways, and courtyards. These pavers infuse a sense of character and heritage into outdoor spaces, transforming them into inviting and picturesque settings.
Sandstone
Sandstone is a popular choice for outdoor tiles, celebrated for its exceptional qualities. Its natural charm and durability make it an ideal material for various landscaping and hardscaping projects.
With its earthy tones and unique veining, sandstone brings a timeless aesthetic to outdoor spaces. Its non-slip surface ensures safety, even in wet conditions, making it perfect for pool decks and patios.
Moreover, sandstone is weather-resistant, standing up to harsh elements and maintaining its integrity for years. Its low maintenance requirements and resistance to fading or discoloration make it a cost-effective choice.
Sandstone tiles not only enhance the beauty of outdoor areas but also endure the test of time, adding lasting value to any landscape.
Porcelain and Ceramic Pavers
Porcelain and ceramic pavers are versatile, modern solutions for outdoor spaces. Created through the firing of clay and minerals, these pavers offer durability, low maintenance, and a vast range of design possibilities. Porcelain pavers, in particular, are renowned for their exceptional resistance to stains, fading, and extreme weather conditions.
They come in an array of styles, mimicking natural stone, wood, or concrete textures, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences. These pavers are lightweight, easy to install, and eco-friendly. Whether used in patios, pool decks, or walkways, porcelain, and ceramic pavers provide a sleek, contemporary look while offering the practical benefits of longevity and easy upkeep, ideal for modern outdoor living.
Porcelain pavers are a great cost-effective option that requires less maintenance and does not need sealing. The only downside is that although they can stand high an low temperatures, they might feel hot in the heat unlike natural stone.
Here is some of our latest porcelain pavers that we recommend to our clients:
