There are so many beautiful ideas when it comes to designing your home with stunning outdoor tiles. Outdoor tiles are a unique and stylish way to create a personalized space surrounding your home. Homeowners looking to add a touch of sophistication can look to outdoor tiles to make the area outside their door into an outdoor oasis.
Before you explore your options for tiles to apply to your patio, walkway, deck, or pool it is important to know what to look for and what to avoid. Doing your research beforehand will let you determine what options are best for your home and which are not. Sometimes you will find that the type of material you want originally doesn’t work for the space and another material will need to be used.
If you want to know if porcelain works for decks, or which types of tiles last longest in swimming pools then explore our FAQ section below. We have provided answers to the most asked questions regarding, cost, style, maintenance, and durability for the most popular types of outdoor and exterior tiles.
The answer to this question is a bit detailed. There are actually several kinds of tile that hold up well in outdoor spaces. Porcelain tiles are hailed for their durability in the outdoors. They make excellent patio tiles, deck tiles, and tiling along entryways. Ceramic tiles are another popular choice for outdoor spaces. While they are not as thick as porcelain they are strong enough to withstand climate conditions such as snow, rain, and direct sunlight. Another bonus of ceramic outdoor tile is the cost – it tends to be more affordable than porcelain and other materials.
Porcelain outdoor tile is water and weather-resistant, low maintenance, and generally slip-resistant. Ceramic outdoor tile has many of the same qualities minus the water resistance. Both materials come in dozens of patterns and colors so your options will be plentiful. Ultimately you will get more for your money if you invest in porcelain, but ceramic can be a great choice if working on a smaller budget.
In addition to ceramic and porcelain outdoor tiles natural stone pavers, rubber tiles, and vinyl tiles are suitable for use outdoors. Each of these materials is water-resistant and weather-sustaining making them great alternate options if either porcelain or ceramic tiles won’t meet your needs.
Yes, it is possible to tile over outdoor surfaces that have a concrete foundation. However, the process will require some preparation to ensure the tile binds appropriately. Many homes have patios covered in concrete which can be upgraded with porcelain or other outdoor tile.
Initially, the concrete must be ground down, so a coating of binder thin-setin set) can be applied. Next, the desired tile should be dry-laid to cover the thin set. Once the tile is laid grout should be applied to help set the tile. After the grouting has dried completely a protective sealant will go over the tiles to keep them safe from staining, cracks, and climate damage. This step completes the process and makes tile over concrete ready for enjoyment.
Outdoor tiles may not be needed in every instance. It is best to consider using them if you have pets and small children who will be using the space by providing added slip resistance. This is most helpful around swimming pools, patios, and decks. If you want to place furniture on your porch or around your pool outdoor tiles will give the space traction and add aesthetic value.
You never want to use tiles that are for interior spaces outdoors because they simply will not hold up. They are not suitable for the conditions outside and they could be unsafe to walk on. Ensure that the tiles you plan to install are for exterior use before embarking on any remodel or renovation. The tiles you select should be able to withstand exposure to the elements.
Rubber tiles are ideal for outdoor areas where there will be lots of foot traffic. If you plan to set up a basketball court or a play area for young children rubber would be your best bet. If you want a space that has more aesthetic appeal then opt for slip-resistant ceramic or porcelain tile.
Porcelain outdoor tile is hands down the most waterproof option for outdoor spaces. You get the look of fabulous quality tile and years of durability.
Yes. The rating for grout varies, so you must use a brand that is explicitly rated for use outdoors. The two most common types of outdoor grout are premixed grout and cement-based grout. Both options will ensure that your outdoor tiles are correctly laid and help keep water and other debris from accumulating under and around the tile. Outdoor mosaic tiles will require a premixed or outdoor-grade epoxy tile for best results.
There are a few key differences between outdoor tile and natural stone pavers. The first difference is their application – outdoor tiles are excellent for areas that will see foot traffic and receive weather exposure. Stone pavers are better suited for areas that will be used for heavy loads like driveways. Pavers are much thicker than tiles so they are better for areas that will be used for heavy equipment such as lawnmowers, tractors, etc.
Porcelain is more durable than ceramic, making it superior for outdoor use. Not only is porcelain more dense, but it's also impervious to water, mold, and sunlight. Ceramic has some of these qualities but it cannot be expected to hold up as well as porcelain in exterior spaces. If you can afford to invest in porcelain we suggest you do so to get a heartier tile with longer staying power.
