How to Choose Outdoor Tiles

Start with the space and how you use it

A covered patio, exposed courtyard and pool surround can have very different requirements. Let our team know whether your area receives rain, stays shaded, has steps or slopes, or will be used with wet bare feet. Include the location, existing surface and any plans for an outdoor kitchen or heavy furniture.

Think about the whole journey through the space: doorways, paths, changes in level and drainage points. Have your installer assess the site before you finalise the tile, particularly for balconies, stairs and areas above living spaces.

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External-finish porcelain tiles

Outdoor porcelain offers a wide choice of stone-inspired colours and contemporary designs. Look for a product specifically suitable for exterior floors, and check its surface finish and technical information for your intended area. A coordinating indoor and outdoor collection can help connect your living room with the alfresco area.

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Porcelain pavers

Porcelain pavers are worth exploring for courtyards, entertaining areas and garden projects. Some products suit more than one installation method, but the correct base, support and fixing system depend on the particular paver and site. Ask your installer to confirm the method before you buy.

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Natural stone

Natural stone brings individual colour variation and a relaxed, organic feel. Travertine can look lovely beside greenery, timber and warm neutral finishes. Compare several pieces together, and ask about suitability, sealing and cleaning for the specific stone and location.

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Understand slip resistance before choosing a finish

A tile's appearance does not tell you how it will perform underfoot. Ask for the slip-resistance test information for the exact product and finish you are considering, and have your installer or project designer confirm its suitability for the area.

A wet patio, sloping path, staircase and barefoot pool surround may call for different assessments. Avoid choosing on a single rating or an “outdoor” label alone. Surface condition, cleaning and drainage also matter, and no finish removes the need to keep the area well maintained.

Choose colours that connect with your home

Start with your brickwork, cladding, roof, indoor flooring and garden palette. Sandy tones and warm greige create a gentle backdrop for timber and greenery. Light grey can suit a contemporary scheme, while charcoal introduces stronger contrast.

Compare samples outside in sun and shade. A colour that feels subtle indoors can look quite different in bright daylight. Consider glare, visible dirt and how the surface feels in direct sun; colour alone cannot predict comfort underfoot. Shade and the way you use the space deserve a place in the plan too.

Plan tile size, layout and transitions

Larger formats can create a calm, open look, while smaller tiles and modular layouts add detail. Choose a size that works with the area's dimensions and drainage design. Your tiler can advise on cuts and layouts where the surface needs to fall towards a drain.

Plan thresholds, steps, exposed edges and pool coping early. If you love a continuous indoor-outdoor look, compare the coordinating finishes side by side: texture can change how the same colour appears. Have your installer confirm levels and doorway details rather than assuming matching tiles can be laid flush.

Give the installation details room in your budget

A beautiful outdoor area depends on the complete installation. Ask your installer about the base, drainage, falls, movement joints and any required waterproofing, along with suitable adhesives, grout and sealants. Tile selection should work with that plan.

Get a quote that includes preparation, removal of existing surfaces if needed, edge details, steps and labour. For raised paving, driveways or vehicle access, have the complete system assessed for the intended loads. Paver thickness alone does not confirm suitability.

Measure and order with confidence

Measure each section in metres, multiply length by width and add the areas together. A rectangular patio measuring 4 metres by 3 metres covers 12 square metres before allowing for cuts and spare tiles.

Have your installer confirm the final quantity and wastage allowance for the layout. Check availability and delivery timing before booking installation, and order the main area together where possible. Keep spare tiles from the same batch for future repairs.

Know the care routine before you buy

Ask how to clean the particular tile or stone and its grout. Outdoor textured finishes can take more attention to keep free of dirt and residue. Clear leaves and spills regularly and follow the manufacturers' instructions for suitable cleaning products.

If sealing is recommended, confirm the product, application and maintenance schedule. Have the effect of a sealer on appearance and slip resistance assessed before use. Check before using acidic cleaners, pressure washing or strong chemicals, especially on natural stone.

Common outdoor tile questions

Can I use the same tile indoors and outdoors?

Some ranges have coordinating finishes for each area. Check the suitability of each finish rather than assuming the indoor tile is also suitable outside.

Are porcelain tiles or natural stone better?

Both can create a beautiful outdoor area. Compare the exact products for suitability, appearance, care and total installed cost. Your choice should suit both your design and the way you use the space.

What should I choose around a swimming pool?

Have the exact tile or stone assessed for wet barefoot use, pool water exposure and the intended installation. Plan coping, edges and drainage together. Tiles for the pool interior and tiles around the pool have different roles.

Can outdoor tiles be laid over existing tiles?

Your installer needs to assess the existing surface, adhesion, drainage, levels and waterproofing where applicable. Confirm the proposed system before ordering.