Your Guide to Selecting the Perfect Outdoor Tiles: 7 Key Considerations

Your Guide to Selecting the Perfect Outdoor Tiles: 7 Key Considerations
8 min read
17 November 2023

In recent years, we’ve all come to know the importance of having an aesthetically pleasing and structurally durable outdoor living space. It provides a beautiful backdrop to relax, unwind or host gatherings. Beyond that, it is proven that spending time outdoors promotes physical, mental and emotional well-being, reduces stress and enhances the overall quality of life. Isn’t it reason enough that we show some love to our outdoors?

In addition to being visually impressive, the outdoor flooring must, above all, be strong and long-lasting enough to resist all weather conditions. With a multitude of design options, tiles for outdoor areas can be an excellent way to liven up an ordinary concrete sidewalk or brick patio.

However, the process of finding the best tile for the outdoors can be challenging. There are numerous options to choose from, which explains why. So, for someone who lacks the required guidance and expertise, choosing suitable tiles for the location or the weather can be rather tricky.

In this blog post, we have put together a list of key considerations to keep in mind while selecting the most suitable tile material and enhance your outside living experience.

  1. Emphasise Durability

The greatest advice for having the ideal tiles for the outdoors would be to emphasise robustness and longevity. The structural integrity of the tile is an aspect that should not be overlooked. Outdoor tiles must be more resistant to wear compared to indoor tiles as they are constantly subject to sun exposure, humidity, moisture and other environmental damages over time. As a result, outdoor tiles must be robust enough to endure adverse weather and high traffic.

  1. Consider Slip Resistance and Texture

You should put safety first above all else. For this reason, regardless of the area required, you should consider the outdoor tiles' texture and resistance to slippage before selecting them. Because the exterior tiles are frequently exposed to dampness, mishaps and injuries can happen. It would be best if you chose tiles with a texture that keeps everyone safe by offering slip resistance.

  1. Consider Your Style

Don't forget to take your personal style as well as the style of your house into consideration. The aesthetic value of your home can be enhanced by its exterior design as it is essential for creating an impressive first impression. Complementing your home's architectural elements and general beauty is important, as it is likely the very first thing people visiting will see.

Rather than seeming like a separate space, the outside area should complement the overall design. Thus, you need to pay attention to the tile's design, colours and finishes.

  1. Set a Renovation Budget

Being mindful of your budget is another way to get the most suitable tiles for your outdoors without burning a hole in your pocket. It's no secret that outdoor areas such as patios and pools are large spaces that take a lot of tile pieces to cover. so, evaluate how much are you willing to spend and choose the material accordingly. You can mix and match materials to create the right mix of opulence and minimalism while staying within the budget.

  1. Weather Changes and Light Exposure are Essential

To what extent has anyone ever thought about light exposure when purchasing outdoor tiles? Many people are unaware that choosing the right patio tile depends in large part on light exposure. Typically, the patio area receives a lot of sunlight. A tile that is not intended for prolonged exposure to sunshine may change colour and lose its aesthetic charm over time. You sure don't want your patio space to have unappealing flooring.

Choose light-coloured tiles such as beige, ivory and soft greys, if your space receives lots of shade. It will make the space seem more cheerful. Dark-coloured tiles on the other hand go well when the space sees a lot of direct sunlight.

In addition to this, the weather of the region is another important consideration. You must choose outdoor flooring that is highly resistant to changes in temperature if you live in a region that experiences these.

6 Selecting the Proper Tiles for Each Outdoor Space

You need to think about where you want to install the outdoor tiles. While they are intended to withstand harsh weather, not all of these tiles are made equal. Some tiles are extremely water-resistant and suitable for pool areas, and some are stronger than others and well-suited for walkways, pathways and high-traffic areas.

Therefore, the flooring for the pool deck, patio and backyard all varies. Moreover, they can also be used as cladding for walls. So, be clear on the area of use before finalising the outdoor tile. 

  1. Consider the Surface Finish

Again, the finish you decide for your tile will depend on the area you wish to install it. For example, the tiles installed near the pools will need a higher slip resistance and rugged texture than the tiles installed in the alfresco dining area. You can choose the finish that best suits your design requirements.

  • Honed: This finish provides a smooth uniform appearance and a matte look that gives the stone a sleek, modern appearance.
  • Exfoliated: The stone's surface gets this texture by running a flame over it. Mostly seen in Granite outdoor tiles, this finish gives the tiles its heat and slip-resistant features.
  • Brushed: This texture gives the tiles a robust appearance and is mostly used for outdoor spaces.
  • Sandblasted: This finish lends a rough, textured appearance to the outdoor tile’s surface and resembles the grainy texture of sand. It works well for pool applications since it is an effective way of improving the inherent slip-resistant characteristics of natural stone tiles.
  • Natural Split: This treatment gives the tiles a rough, rustic appearance by dividing them along their natural seams.

Let’s Explore the Areas that you can Enhance with Outdoor Tiles

  • Outdoor living spaces: Patios, alfresco dining areas, courtyards, backyards, and pool surrounds are just a few of the outdoor spaces that outdoor tiles can exquisitely improve. They are multipurpose and adaptable and bring lasting elegance to your space.
  • Alfresco kitchen: Because they are robust and impervious to heat, outdoor tiles are a great choice. Whether used as kitchen flooring, backsplashes or countertops, they give off an exquisite appearance and create a warm cooking space.
  • Walkway and pathway: Build walkways and pathways with natural stone tiles for a sensible and cost-effective solution. They offer a secure hold on the ground as well as a comfortable stroll.
  • Pool areas: Pool areas are often enhanced with outdoor tiles made of Limestone, Marble, Bluestone and Travertine. They can provide safety advantages as well as turn the area around your pool into a lovely oasis.
  • Landscapes: Gardens and backyards can have a more organic appearance with natural stone outdoor tiles.

Bottom Line!

Whether your goal is to design an elegant modern patio, a charming garden walk, or a classic pool deck, the perfect outdoor tiles can help make it happen. More than just selecting suitable tiles, the idea is to create an outdoor retreat that captures your unique style and endures it all.

Looking for an experienced natural stone outdoor tile supplier in Sydney or Brisbane? There are many reliable suppliers. One of them, Stone Centre has been the leading supplier since 1984 offering a wide array of materials, styles and designs of outdoor tile and paver with unmatched quality and prices. Along with an extensive range, they have a highly responsive customer service that handles all inquiries promptly. Contact them today for more information or visit their website to get in touch with their stone experts.

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Stone Centre 2
Stone Centre has three decades of experience in the stone industry and is a global brand of premium natural stones. Our mission is to create exquisite spaces th...
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