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Best Tiles for Outdoor Use
Best Tiles for Outdoor Use: What Works and What Doesn’t
When spring comes around, it’s easy to get swept up in the idea of an outdoor home renovation, but the execution can be harder than the dream. The perfect outdoor aesthetic starts with the foundation, literally. Tile is one of the most versatile, durable, and design-forward ways to upgrade your backyard while keeping things relatively low-maintenance.
Whether you’re envisioning a poolside escape, a rustic outdoor kitchen, or a sleek urban patio, tile opens the door to all kinds of design possibilities. But before you pick your favorite pattern or color, it’s important to understand that not all tiles are built to handle outdoor conditions.
From durability to slip resistance, the materials and finishes matter more than you might think. So, how do you choose the right tiling for your backyard? Let’s break down what works, what doesn’t, and how to match the right tile to your space.
What to Look for in an Outdoor Tile
- Durability is non-negotiable.
Outdoor tiles need to withstand it all: heat, cold, rain, and sun. If it can’t handle the elements, it’s going to fade, crack, or degrade over time. - Prioritize slip resistance.
Especially in areas near pools or where water is likely to end up, choosing tiles with grip or texture can help prevent accidents. - Choose low-porosity materials.
Outdoor tiles should resist moisture. Materials that absorb water can crack when temps drop, so stick to low-porosity options. - Consider chemical resistance.
Think about where you’re placing the tile: around pools (chlorine), driveways (de-icing salt), or grills (grease). Outdoor-rated tiles should stand up to these challenges.
What Works Outdoors
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Porcelain Tile: The Go-To for Outdoor Durability
Porcelain is dense, low-maintenance, and engineered for the elements. It doesn’t absorb much water, resists stains, and handles wear beautifully.
Try This: Studio Collection: Inspired by the raw beauty of concrete, this HD inkjet porcelain tile is built for modern outdoor spaces. With its rich mid-tones and soft brush stroke texture, Studio delivers an urban-industrial vibe with the performance of porcelain.
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Stone-Look Porcelain: Natural Beauty, Built to Last
Stone-inspired porcelain tiles give you the organic, earthy look of real stone with none of the high maintenance. They're great for patios, pool decks, and pathways.
Try This: Miami Collection: With a smooth matte finish and realistic stone variation, this collection is ideal for exterior spaces. Warm, natural tones make it easy to blend into the surrounding landscape while offering the strength of porcelain.
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Textured & Patterned Porcelain: Safety Meets Style
Tiles with texture not only look great—they also help with grip in wet areas. Patterned designs add personality to patios, walkways, and garden areas without sacrificing slip resistance.
Try This: Summertime Collection: Made in Spain, this 8”x8” matte porcelain tile comes in three striking patterns. It’s as sturdy as it is stylish, perfect for adding flair to your outdoor floors while standing up to the elements.
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Terrazzo-Inspired Porcelain: Classic Meets Contemporary
Want to add visual texture without going overboard? Terrazzo-look porcelain tiles bring subtle speckling or bold aggregates, depending on your style, and they’re tough enough for outdoor use.
Try This: Terrazzo Collection: This porcelain line offers a balance of soft elegance and rugged charm, featuring styles with both refined speckles and colorful sediment-like fragments. Perfect for patios or outdoor feature walls that need a little extra character.
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Outdoor-Rated Ceramic Tiles: Yes, They Exist
Ceramic tiles generally aren’t recommended for outdoor use—but there are exceptions. Outdoor-rated ceramic tiles are designed to resist water and temperature changes while offering a warm, handcrafted look.
Try This: Terran Collection: Made in Spain, these 6”x6” unglazed ceramic tiles offer the traditional feel of terracotta with a raw, earthy surface that’s suited for patios, pool surrounds, and more. Durable and designed for water exposure, Quarry brings timeless character to any outdoor space.
What to Avoid Outdoors
Not every tile can brave the outdoors. Here’s what to steer clear of:
- Standard Indoor Ceramic
Unless it’s rated for outdoor use, most ceramic tiles are too porous and fragile for changing weather. Save them for indoor spaces. - Glossy or Polished Finishes
They may look high-end, but high-gloss tiles can be dangerously slippery when wet and are prone to weathering and water spots. - Glass Tile (on the ground)
While glass tile can be stunning on pool waterlines or vertical features, it’s too slick and fragile for floors or walkways.
Choosing tiles for outdoor use is about more than just looks, it’s about finding the right materials that are built to last. From reliable porcelain collections to specialty ceramics designed for the elements, the key is knowing what performs and where. With the right tile and proper installation, your outdoor space can be as beautiful as it is durable, season after season.
Other Outdoor Tiles Available
