What to Look for When Choosing the Best Tile for Outdoor Patio

The best tile for outdoor patio can give your yard a fresh look. It also enhances its curb appeal. Tiles interlacing with grasses is great, but the fully tiled patio is also neat to look at. When choosing the right tiles for your outdoor patio, you have to consider a lot of things. You cannot just put anything into it.

You need to pick up the right tile material and find the tile that can last through the changing seasons. Most importantly, you need to consider the safety of your patio. When they get wet, some tile materials also get slippery. 

So before making your decision for the best outdoor patio tile, it is best to know the right materials and other tile considerations. We will help you screen some of the best tiles for outdoor patio options.

Your front yard shows a piece of your personality to passers-by. It is also the first place in your home to welcome your guests—and you. And perhaps it is the place where half of all your parties will happen. Make it Pinterest worthy!

 

How to Choose the Best Tile for Outdoor Patio

There are a lot of tile materials to choose from for your front deck. You have porcelain, wood, and natural stones, among others. There are also varying colors. To create a stunning and safe front porch, you need to coordinate your design and the material’s safety properly. You can do this with the help of this simple guide in choosing the best tile for outdoor patios. First, you need to learn about the different tile materials:

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are very common materials when it comes to flooring. They are versatile to use, whether indoors or outdoors. They come from coarse clay, which produces that hard and stable tile surface. Ceramics are very popular because they are affordable and durable. They also have a more extensive selection of designs and color schemes that are perfect for complementing the home’s design. It is an easy-to-clean material, as well. There’s no need to use any special spray or cleaning solution to maintain it. Ceramic tiles also hardly develop any stains. On the downside, they’re hard to install. 

You need a professional with suitable cutting material to fit them together. These are the best tiles for outdoor patios if you are looking for budget-friendly and high-quality materials. SomerTile has a selection of high-quality tiles for your patio needs. This grey ceramic SomerTile Chino Hex Matte Ceramic Tile will transform your drab deck into a classic porch. They have uniform tone, geometrical design, and high gloss for that coordinated look.  

 

Porcelain

Porcelain tiles are very common for the bathroom floor. However, this material will also look good in your front yard. They are easy to clean, non-water absorbent, and weather resistant. Porcelain tiles can withstand different seasons and weather conditions. They will hardly crack under the summer heat or wear down after the heavy rain. Porcelain tiles are non-porous tile material. This means they do not absorb water that could eventually chip away at the porcelain. However, porcelain is notoriously slippery when wet.

Therefore, if this is the material you choose for your outdoor patio, you need to be careful while it is raining. This tile is the best tile for outdoor patio because it is hard enough and durable enough to withstand the outdoor temperature and elements. SomerTile FNURTNBL Vintage Naveta Porcelain Floor & Wall Tile is medium textured with a high-quality glaze porcelain floor tile. It’s good for outdoor use and is ADA-approved. This is especially slip-resistant compared to other porcelains; thus, it is the best tile for an outdoor patio. 

 

Wooden Tiles

For a safer choice, more and more homeowners are choosing wooden tiles for their front yard and patio. They are not only rustic, but they are also slip-resistant. A wood tile creates more drama when used with your live plants and outdoor decor. The texture and appearance of wooden tiles allow for a more natural setting. However, these are not as durable as porcelain tiles. Wood tile tends to wear away after a year or two. 

Although recent technologies have enabled woods to surpass various weather elements, they still have a limited life span. So, if you are not planning on frequent renovations, this may not work for you. This set of ten genuine interlocking teakwood tiles from Bare Decor EZ-Floor Interlocking Flooring Tiles will amp up your patio. It is an interlocking floor tile. You won’t need any glue or adhesives to put it in place. You just lay it down and snap it together. 

 

Natural Stones

Quite similar to the aesthetic and emotional appeal, natural stones create a stunning effect on your patio. There are different types of natural stone tiles. Some of them are granite, marble, slate, travertine, or limestone. They are more pleasing, but they are also a bit more expensive than porcelain and wood tile options.

Polished stone tiles are elegant, but they are too slippery. Most manufacturers hone them beforehand to make them more slip-resistant. Natural stone tiles come in many forms. These are just some of the best tiles for outdoor patios. Here are some examples of natural stone tiles you can use: 

Granite Tiles

These are the most durable and the hardest among the natural stones. They are known for their unique colors. However, they might need regular maintenance to keep their luster. Granite tiles are more lasting when compared to ceramic tiles. Granite is porous but is not prone to chipping or cracking. 

Granite tiles might be a more expensive option, but they are worth the investment. You can try this Emser Granite Tile in absolute black if you want something elegant. But there are also other color variations to choose from depending on your personality and style. 

 

Marble

Marble is a popular natural stone that makes up some of the most upscale architecture. They have a veined pattern on their surface that comes from the sedimentary rock deposits. Marbles are exquisitely beautiful; however, they are also expensive, especially the specialty ones. Marble tile may cost you more for installation, as well. Marble is also not as durable as ceramic tile. Their porous surface easily chips away when soaked in water. 

That’s why you need to make sure that you maintain it well. Avoid exposing these tiles to acidic materials that can cause fading and discoloration. This Stone Center Online Emperador Light Marble Square Mosaic Tile has a natural marble beauty. The 2”x2” of marble is mounted on a 12”x12” of the tile sheet. This will give your patio its unique personality.

 

Travertine

You can see travertine being used in many swimming pool designs. When honed, travertine is slippery. Therefore, it is wise to have them installed unpolished, though they might feel a bit rough to bare feet. Travertine is not as showy when you use them for the front porch. They exude a timeless feel of elegance that is quite different from the rustic wooden tiles. This is one of the best tiles for an outdoor patio since they are resilient and slip-resistant when unfinished. They are also easier to cut, so they can fit corners and odd spaces.

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However, these are porous stones that are prone to chipping and staining. You can get this 8″ x 48″ Mocha Travertine Planks Tile for that antique feel from the best tile for an outdoor patio. 

 

Limestone

Limestone is the most inexpensive kind of natural stone tile. Limestone is made with natural mineral deposits that display a creamy texture. These stones are versatile and can be used for both indoor or outdoor settings. They may even look good on your walls and counter! They are easily customizable, but they chip away easily. Larger tiles are also more substantial than other tile materials.

If you decide on limestone tiles, you also need to maintain it well to prolong its life. Hence, you may need to reseal them. This Montego Sela Sea Grass Honed Limestone Tiles will give a distinct look on your deck. If you want that natural and simple look, you can count on this as the best tile for an outdoor patio.

 

Slate

If you want something unique but also durable, then slate is the best tile for you. Slate flooring gives that aesthetic appeal to your deck you are looking to achieve. The best thing about slate tile is the selection of colors and designs for you to choose from. They also have varying textures. It is a very versatile choice to easily complement your home design and overall style.

However, they need special equipment to cut since they are brittle and prone to breakage. You also need to reseal slate so that it can maintain its beauty. Using slate on your floor or walls do not only add beauty to your home, but it also increases its value! Slate is a good investment and the best tile for outdoor patio quality-wise.  Have fun on your patio with this Mosaic Mercantile Slate Glass Tile. It is waterproof and great for the outdoors.

 

Other Considerations When Choosing the Best Tile for Outdoor Patio

Now that you know the different tile material that is suitable for your outdoor patio, what are other things you need to consider? Materials and textures alone are not enough.

Here are other things you need to think about:

The Climate and Weather Conditions

Your choice of material should also regard the changing weather in your locality. Natural stones are sensitive to extreme cold and extreme heat. You need to weigh the effects of the climate over their value and elegance. This will save you a lot of remodeling once they chip off and become unattractive. Porcelain and ceramic are the best options. But if the climate permits, you can always grab high-sheen stones to boost your front yard’s appeal. If you live in areas with milder climates, then those elegant stones can handle it!

Your Home Design

Synchronize your motifs and themes with your house’s entryways. Although presently, with freedom of choices, you can always do as you please. Whether you want those eccentric color combinations, or you are looking to put some more emphasis on your patio, it’s for you to decide. However, matching your overall home design to your patio allows for other benefits. For instance, it will provide an idea of space to widen a narrow deck. They can also create a seamless and harmonious look for added elegance.

The Budget

If you can afford it and suits the other criteria, then buy it. Before you start laying down your foundation, make sure that it will cover the space entirely. You don’t want to do half the job just because that’s all your bank can take. Your budget will direct you to the right material that you can use. Besides, if you are going to use hard-to-install tile materials, you will also need to factor in additional labor costs for it.

Your front yard is the first place your guests and passers-by notice. You need to make it more welcoming and attractive. Give your dreary yard a new life with the best tile for your outdoor patio. It is where most of your memories and photo ops happen, so dare to make them stand out.