When it comes to creating a cozy outdoor living space, the patio flooring plays a crucial role in setting the tone. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to elevate your patio is by opting for outdoor tiles. Porcelain pavers are a top choice due to their remarkable strength and durability, followed closely by ceramic, wood tiles, slate, terracotta, and other natural stone options like soapstone, travertine tile, and cement.
If you prioritize durability above all else, granite tile stands out as the strongest natural stone option. In terms of overall patio flooring, concrete, composite decking, porcelain tiles, and brick are generally considered the best options. For a comprehensive look at these choices, check out our website. While it may seem counterintuitive, yes, you can definitely put tile outside on your patio – but only if you select tiles designed specifically for outdoor use.
Indoor tiles simply aren’t weather- and heat-resistant enough to withstand the elements. If you’re concerned about slip resistance, ceramic tiles are an excellent choice, boasting good traction and durability for high-traffic areas. Another option is soapstone, which provides a non-slip surface while still offering a unique aesthetic.
Straight Edge Patio Tiles
When it comes to tile selection, there are various options available, each offering unique benefits and design possibilities. Single tiles, for instance, provide the flexibility to create custom patterns by allowing you to arrange them in any configuration desired. One of their notable features is the flat edge design, which enables seamless butting together, resulting in a smooth surface finish.
Painted Floor Tiles
In place of installing tile, which would have added significantly to the overall cost, we opted for a creative solution: painting a pattern onto the patio using stencils. To ensure the design remained intact and the surface remained protected, we applied four coats of clear matte natural paver sealer, giving it a subtle sheen that complemented the surrounding environment.
Cement Patio Pavers
When it comes to outdoor patio tiles, homeowners often opt for affordable options that can withstand the elements. Concrete pavers are a popular choice due to their low cost per square foot, making them an attractive option for those looking to create a functional and stylish outdoor space. In this instance, the selection of gray and brick red hues for the tile perfectly complements the surrounding bench seating’s facade, creating a harmonious visual connection.
Bluestone and Flagstone
Patio designs often benefit from the natural beauty of bluestone and flagstone, which introduce earthy hues to the space. The unique, irregular pattern of these materials can be particularly effective when paired with an undulating edge, creating a visually appealing combination that adds depth and visual interest. Moreover, the use of sandstone-colored grout helps to accentuate the rich tones present in the deeper colors, resulting in a cohesive and harmonious design.
Geometric Stenciled Tile Look
To illustrate another example of a patio with a tiled appearance created using stenciled floor graphics, consider this design where thick lines and vibrant colors make the pattern stand out. This particular concept can be effectively complemented by a neutral color palette, as seen in this Homestead 128-inspired idea.
Bold and Graphic Tile Pattern
Indulging in porcelain tiles can be a truly rewarding experience. This stunning example, featuring a striking pattern, not only serves as a visual anchor but also becomes the crowning glory of the garden’s design. The photograph, courtesy of Adam Robinson Design, masterfully captures the tile’s captivating presence, making it the undeniable centerpiece.
Wood Look Patio Tile
When designing an indoor-outdoor space that seamlessly connects to the outdoors, it’s crucial to consider how weather conditions will impact the patio area. One way to achieve a stylish and durable look is by incorporating wood-look glazed tiles, which offer the aesthetic of hardwood floors. These tiles are designed to withstand the elements and heavier foot traffic from surrounding grassy and pool areas, making them an ideal choice for high-use outdoor spaces.
Large Outdoor Porcelain Tile Slabs
Large outdoor porcelain tiles can significantly enhance the ambiance of a patio, imparting a sense of depth and visual interest. The clean lines and minimal grout joints characteristic of linear settings create a sleek, modern aesthetic that can beautifully complement a contemporary home’s design.
To further emphasize this look, consider incorporating a neutral color palette featuring earthy tones such as browns and tans, which will evoke an organic, natural feel reminiscent of the great outdoors.
Outdoor Slate Tile
While other outdoor tiles may offer more flexibility in terms of installation, using outdoor slate tile requires a bit more planning and preparation. Unlike flagstone, which can simply be placed on top of grass or dirt, slate tile demands a smoother, more durable surface to ensure a successful installation. This surface can take the form of plywood or an existing cement patio, providing a solid foundation for your new outdoor slate tile.
Balcony Bliss
The humble concrete balcony is transformed into an inviting entertainment space with the addition of large white tiles. Gone are the days of a drab, uninspiring area; instead, a fresh and airy atmosphere emerges, perfect for hosting gatherings or simply enjoying the outdoors.
Interlocking Pavers
Covering a large patio space with interlocking pavers can be a breeze. Not only do they simplify the installation process, but they also offer a range of benefits, including permeability and an array of colors and patterns to choose from.
Large Tile Look with Paint
To achieve the look of large floor tiles on your patio, start by preparing the surface with a degreaser. Once clean, apply two coats of porch and floor paint, segmenting the design with painter’s tape. Additionally, when working on a project like this, it’s essential to have at least two to three coats of a good concrete sealer product to ensure longevity.
Marble Patio Tiles
While it’s easy to overlook marble when exploring outdoor tile options, it’s essential to remember that this natural stone comes from quarries, not a glass workshop. In reality, marble can excel as an outdoor flooring material, just as it does as a bathroom or kitchen wall tile. When used in larger, textured slabs, marble proves particularly well-suited for outdoor spaces.
However, when used as patio tile, marble requires more care than many materials – but the stunning results are well worth the extra effort.
Quarry Tile
Incorporating elements of the natural world into our surroundings can be incredibly rejuvenating, and quarry tiles are no exception. With their earthy color palette, they have a unique ability to bring the outdoors in. The tile in question had been hidden beneath a linoleum floor covering for some time, but with its removal and subsequent cleaning and sealing using products from Tile Doctor, it’s now restored to its former glory.
Warm Ceramic Tile
This Mediterranean-inspired patio boasts a unique tile design that harmonizes seamlessly with its surroundings. While traditional brick tiles are characterized by their smaller size and textured appearance, these wider, smoother tiles offer a distinct aesthetic that complements the home’s style. The reddish brown hue of the tiles takes on a warm, inviting quality when illuminated by outdoor lights and paired with a pergola, creating a cozy ambiance perfect for evening gatherings.
Cooling Gray Patio Tile
The gray slate patio tiles imbue the outdoor space with a serene ambiance, striking a perfect balance between calmness and natural charm. The lighter hues evoke an airy feel, while the darker tones bring a sense of earthiness, providing respite from the summer heat.
Classic Red Brick
The enduring appeal of classic red brick pavers lies in their adaptability to various patterns and color schemes, making them a timeless favorite among homeowners. Whether incorporated into a traditional colonial setting or used to enhance the aesthetic of a modern abode, these versatile tiles seamlessly blend with diverse architectural styles.
Terracotta and Talavera Tile Design
Terracotta tiles have long been a staple of Mediterranean-style and Tuscan homes, but here they’re given a fresh twist on a raised patio. The rounded edges of these soft-hued tiles add a touch of elegance to the space. Meanwhile, Talavera tiles are taking center stage on the stairway risers. This tin-glazed ceramic tile is a masterclass in color and pattern, featuring hypnotic designs that add visual interest to the space.
At Mission Tile West Showrooms, these beautiful tiles come together in perfect harmony.
Arabesque Cement Patio Tile
The allure of Handcrafted Arabesque cement tiles lies in their warm, light brownish red hue, which effortlessly infuses Moroccan flair into your patio’s aesthetic. This stunning tile variety not only complements the vibrant blues of a pool and the reflective glass of a fire bowl but also boasts a pattern that can be successfully scaled to adorn larger outdoor spaces.
Mid-Century Patio Tile Design
The versatility of outdoor tile options knows no bounds. From sleek and modern to rustic and earthy, the possibilities for creating a unique outdoor space with tile are virtually limitless. Take, for example, this stylish covered patio, which incorporates tiles that evoke the mid-century modern aesthetic. With such an array of choices available, it’s easy to imagine transforming your own backyard into a haven that reflects your personal style.
Cobble Look Tiles
With a sleek, high-gloss finish reminiscent of polished porcelain, interlocking patio tiles boast a distinctive appearance that sets them apart. Furthermore, the textured surface and smaller tile size ensure a level of traction that mitigates concerns about slipperiness, making this material an attractive option for outdoor spaces.
Spanish Ceramic Tile
In the heart of this Mediterranean patio, Spanish-style unglazed ceramic tiles take center stage with their warm terracotta hues, evoking a sense of cultural connection. The versatility of these tiles is undeniable, allowing homeowners to find a pattern and color that perfectly complements any existing decor, making them an effortless addition to any space.
Cement Mosaic Tiles
In a subtle yet striking display, small black and white cement mosaic tiles appear to dance beneath a similarly hued canopy. The intricate arrangement of these tiny elements yields a textured appearance that appears to pulse with life.
Two Tile Types Create a Transitional Patio
Incorporating terracotta and white elements, this stunning transitional patio demonstrates how to seamlessly blend form and function. While stencils can achieve a similar look, using pre-printed ceramic glazed porcelain tile or concrete tile provides a crisp, professional finish. For inspiration, visit Regal Construction & Remodeling’s work.
Stone Tile Elegance
While they may appear to be authentic, these artificial tiles are actually human-made creations. Their versatility allows for customization into various patterns and designs that mimic the look of natural stone tile. Specifically, this type of tile is engineered to resemble reclaimed brick, but it’s also possible to find versions that convincingly emulate travertine, limestone, or quarried slate.
Furthermore, their eco-friendly properties make them a viable alternative to quarried stone, offering an environmentally responsible option for those seeking to reduce their environmental footprint.
Natural Tile for Outdoor Kitchen
In this outdoor kitchen design, the goal was to create a seamless integration with the existing home. To achieve this, every element had to harmonize perfectly, including the patio floor tiles. The angular placement of these tiles creates an optical illusion that makes the walkway appear wider, giving the space a more expansive feel.
