Advice and Design Ideas for Outdoor Tiles

Thanks to the advances in material technology, nowadays there’s very little difference between indoor and outdoor comfort. Waterproof upholstery fabrics and designer furniture combined with outdoor lighting convert exterior spaces into outdoor rooms that can be enjoyed all day long. The foundation for these spaces, both literally and metaphorically, is provided by outdoor tiles. We are going to help you create your ideal outdoor living spaces through this article, with advice on patio ideas and maintenance of outdoor tiles.

Santorini Grey Antislip 120×120 cm
Santorini Grey Nature 120×270 cm

Everything you Need to Know about Outdoor Tiles

The trend in exterior spaces is to blur the line between inside and outside. In some cases, the terrace is an extension of the living room or kitchen area where the flooring appears to be continuous. Alternatively, a completely different tile floor could mark the separation between the terrace and the main house. Whichever approach best suits your home, the outdoor environment is much harsher than indoors. So, whatever your choice, outdoor tiles must withstand the following challenges.

• Zero water absorption: outdoor tiles must be resistant to moisture. This is especially important in the British climate, where there is heavy rainfall all year round.
• Resistance to freezing: When water freezes, it expands, and the freeze-thaw action refers to the cracking of outdoor paving when rainwater penetrates. Therefore, experts recommend non-porous materials like porcelain.
• Non-slip outdoor tiles: outdoor tiles on terraces and especially around pools must have an anti-slip rating. The R rating (Ramp test) measures the slip resistance. An R rating of either R11 or R12 is preferable for outdoor areas.
• Resistance to heavy loads: outdoor tiles must be sufficiently durable to withstand the heavy loads of garden equipment, etc. Paving slabs and tiles for the outdoors typically have a minimum thickness of 20 mm to avoid cracks and other damage.
• Sub-strata and foundations: terraces can be constructed in the traditional way with sub-strata and sand bedding as a foundation for outdoor tiles. Or nowadays, the raised pedestal technical floor is also popular. Tiles are supported off the ground on elevated adjustable pedestals. Services and drainage are all hidden underneath.

Natural stone Multiformat Toscano Anticato BPT 120×60 cm

The Best Outdoor Tiles to Withstand UK Weather

The secret to creating a comfortable terrace where you’ll want to spend time is the choice of flooring. Outdoor tiles and other materials must withstand the elements and look just as good in a decade as on the first day. Therefore, the following flooring options are recommended as much for their beauty as their performance.

#01      Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most suitable man-made materials for outdoor tiles. Porcelain outdoor tiles are especially appropriate as an exterior grade flooring thanks to porcelain’s low porosity. Any rainwater falling on these tiles simply runs off without penetrating the surface. Therefore, it avoids the freeze-thaw cycle, which can damage more porous materials. Outdoor porcelain tiles are also very durable, thanks to their density, with a greater resistance to temperature variations over the year.

#02      Ceramic, on the other hand, is more porous than porcelain but nonetheless is suited to more protected outdoor zones. Nowadays, the range of designs is infinite and provides great scope to customise outdoor living areas. Ceramic is more comfortable underfoot in comparison to porcelain and dissipates heat faster. We will be looking at both ceramic and porcelain floor tile options through this article, as well as outdoor wall tiles.

#03      Natural stone is a favourite exterior tile in UK gardens; it looks substantial and has an unmistakable quality. Stone performs well in the outdoors, which is not surprising because it is a product of Mother Nature. Choose between granite, sandstone, limestone, marble, or slate; each of them will provide very different results. Unlike most other man-made materials, stone actually improves with time and gives off a rustic charm. Stone is equally suited to outdoor wall tiles as outdoor floor tiles.

Outdoor Tiles for Garden & Patio Ideas

There is no excuse for not applying the same creativity and commitment to the design of outdoor rooms as indoor rooms. Not only will the investment add greatly to the value of the house, but more importantly, it adds to the enjoyment of your home. The following outdoor patio tile ideas will help you fall back in love with the great outdoors.

Berna Topo 120×120 cm

#01      Garden terraces and slopes with level changes

For gardens and patio areas on a slope, terrace walls and steps are the ideal way to make the space more usable. Choose an anti-slip outdoor step tile with a textured nosing detail for the change in level. And match the retaining wall cladding with the same tile. You can add planters and concealed lighting for a beautiful, coordinated designer look.

#02      Patios and terraces around a pool

Add a luxurious and stylish look to pool decks with porcelain outdoor tiles surrounding the pool. Match the sides and bottom of the pool together with the steps using the same tile for a stylish, minimalist aesthetic. Large format floor tiles with rectified edges create a continuous surface effect. The floor tiles will have to be anti-slip with a suitable R rating to satisfy British building standards.

Verona Marfil Antislip 120×120 cm
Verona Marfil 120×120 cm

#03      Exterior patio flooring

Thanks to the superior quality of porcelain, you can create the same stylish flooring both inside and out. The options include traditional stone-effect floor slabs or the more contemporary concrete-effect aesthetic. Combine two or more colours to create borders or zones which add a luxurious touch and help define separate areas within a courtyard or terrace.

Colorado Bone Antislip 120×120 cm
Colorado Silver Antislip 120×120 cm

#04      Wood effect outdoor tiles

Timber is one of the most popular materials for UK decks, but timber bleaches under the sunlight and requires regular yearly maintenance. Timber-effect ceramic tiles, on the other hand, recreate the texture and look of wood underfoot without the hassle. Lay the tiles in linear planks or recreate the look of parquet flooring outdoors.

Gent Roble 19.3/29.4×180 cm

#05      Outdoor wall tiles ideas

Remember that outdoor tiles not only suit floors but are also ideal for vertical surfaces. Wall tiles provide the finishing touch for an outdoor area with all the protective qualities of porcelain, ceramic and stone. Choose between outdoor patterned tiles for the indoor/outdoor ambience or a textured tile that catches the light. Porcelain tiles can be applied directly to vertical wall surfaces or used as a rain screen with a gap between the façade and the tile cladding.

Ewood Camel Nature 120×270 cm
Stark Sand Nature 120×270 cm

Further Expert Advice & Design Inspiration

Explore our outdoor style advice and guides for more inspiration and tips on how to renovate your garden space. If you would like to see our range of outdoor tiles in person or meet with one of our experts, please contact us for an appointment. Otherwise, we will be happy to answer any of your questions on the topics explored in this review.

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