Give Your Outdoor Space a Makeover
Think of your outside area as a blank canvas. With the right kind of tiles, you can turn that blank space into something straight out of a home improvement magazine. Outdoor porcelain tiles are the secret weapon you need, adding both style and stamina to your space. They’re like the cool, reliable friend who’s always got your back.
Why Outdoor Tiles Matter
Outdoor tiles aren’t just about looking good; they're like the backbone of your yard. They provide a solid foundation so you’re not tripping over rocks or patchy grass during your next barbecue bash. Plus, with all the styles out there, you can give different zones of your yard their own unique vibe – like a chic patio for wining and dining or a walkway that feels like a garden adventure.
Porcelain tiles earn their stripes outdoors because they're tough as nails. Rain, shine, or a surprise snowstorm, these tiles won’t wimp out on you. They can handle whatever mother nature dishes out, all while keeping their cool look and strength.
Sprucing Up Your Yard with Porcelain Tiles
When it comes to tarting up your yard with porcelain tiles, it’s an exciting mix of dreaming big and being practical. With endless choices in style, colour, and feel, you can nail just about any look – from sleek city vibes to laid-back countryside charm.
Porcelain tiles are like the Swiss Army knife of outdoor design. Here’s just a taste of what you can do:
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Pathways: Give your garden paths a makeover that’d make even your snootiest neighbour jealous.
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Patio Areas: Craft the ultimate hangout spot for chilling or hosting epic get-togethers.
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Pool Surrounds: For safety first, choose tiles that give you grip even with wet feet.
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Outdoor Kitchens: Make your grill station a full-on gourmet zone with easy-to-clean porcelain.
Curious for more ways to jazz up your outdoor digs? Swing by our article on outdoor patio tiles for some inspo.
Choosing top-notch porcelain tiles and putting thought into their setup can turn your outside area into a blend of beauty and usefulness. If you’re a homeowner or designer itching to up your yard’s game, these tiles are your go-to.
Want to keep your tiles looking fab? Check our handy guide on how to clean outdoor tiles.
Benefits of Outdoor Porcelain Tiles
Sprucing up your outdoor space with porcelain tiles is a top-notch decision that's likely to make your yard the envy of the neighbourhood. They've got lots of perks, so let's dive into why they're the bee's knees.
Durability and Longevity
Porcelain tiles are tough as old boots. Whether you're dealing with little ones running around like there's no tomorrow or battling the ever-changing weather, these tiles stand strong without easily showing their age. Unlike the competition, they hold their own in both sizzling hot and freezing temps, as well as in the face of all that rainy drizzle. Their hardy nature means you'll kiss constant repairs goodbye.
| Property |
Porcelain Tiles |
Other Outdoor Tiles |
| Lifespan (Years) |
20+ |
10-15 |
| Scratch Resistance |
High |
Medium |
| Water Absorption Rate |
Less than 0.5% |
3-4% |
Low Maintenance Requirements
One of the standout features of porcelain tiles is how easy they are to keep looking brand new. Spilled some sauce or dealing with a bit of muck? No worries! These tiles laugh in the face of stains, mould, and mildew. A quick broom sweep and a splash of water now and then will do the trick. If you're looking for tips on keeping these gems sparkly, have a gander at our guide on cleaning outdoor tiles.
Stylish and Versatile Designs
When it comes to looks, porcelain tiles are like a fancy chameleon—there's no shortage of styles to match your vibe. Fancy a patio that could be mistaken for a stone paradise, or perhaps you're more into that rustic wooden charm? Porcelain's got you covered. And if modern sleekness is your thing, they've nailed that too. They bring all these fab styles while helping you transition seamlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces.
| Design Type |
Description |
| Natural Stone Look |
Emulates granite, slate, and travertine |
| Wood Grain Finish |
Provides a charming wood-like effect |
| Contemporary |
Fresh, stylish designs |
These designs also come with built-in safety; they're non-slip, so you won't be doing an unexpected slip-and-slide in wet weather. For deets, hit up our page on outdoor tiles non slip.
By opting for porcelain tiles, you're not just making your garden prettier, you're also making a savvy choice for durability and ease. Have a wander through our selection of outdoor tiles to find something that hits the spot for your backyard retreat.
Types of Outdoor Porcelain Tiles
Picking the perfect porcelain tile for your outside area can make a big difference, both in looks and how long things last. There’s a bunch of choices to check out, each with its own perks.
Full Bodied Porcelain Tiles
These tiles are the tough cookies in the tile world, holding their colour all the way through. So, if they get a little dinged up, no worries—the colour sticks around. They're fantastic for places where everyone walks, plays, or hangs out. These tiles laugh in the face of bad weather and foot traffic, so they’re a smart pick for any yard.
Table: Key Traits of Full Bodied Porcelain Tiles
| Trait |
What It Means |
| Colour Consistency |
Colour stays even if chipped |
| Toughness |
Stands up to rough use |
| Weather Proof |
Handles all kinds of weather |
| Best For |
Busy areas |
Glazed Porcelain Tiles
These tiles come with a shiny or matte cloak that guards against spills and water sneaking in. You have choices galore—glossy, matte, you name it! They’re easy to wipe clean, which makes them a savvy choice for spots where you like to chow down or just chill.
Table: Key Traits of Glazed Porcelain Tiles
| Trait |
What It Means |
| Protective Coat |
Blocks spills and stains |
| Slick Finishes |
So many looks—matte, shiny… |
| Easy Care |
Quick to clean up |
| Best For |
Eating areas, patios |
Textured Porcelain Tiles
Concerned about slipping? These textured tiles are your best pal. They’re designed to grip your feet, great for areas around pools or gardens. Plus, with their mimicry of real stone or wood, they add a dash of nature-inspired style to any space. Dive deeper into the world of outdoor tiles non-slip if you’re curious.
Table: Key Traits of Textured Porcelain Tiles
| Trait |
What It Means |
| Grippy Surface |
Won’t let you slip |
| Looks Like |
Stone or wood lookalikes |
| Slip Safe |
Keep folks upright in wet spots |
| Best For |
Pool decks, garden trails |
Checking out these tile types will help you decide what’s best for your outdoor hangout zones. Whether your aim is to have something tough, pretty, or safe, a porcelain tile can match those needs. For more tips on decking out your space with tiles, wander over to our outdoor tiles page.
Picking the Perfect Porcelain Tiles
Finding just the right outdoor porcelain tiles for your garden or patio takes a bit of thought. You want them to look good and stand up to whatever Mother Nature throws their way.
Considerations for Outdoor Use
When it comes to choosing those tiles for outside, you'll want to think about how tough they are, how much grip they've got, and whether they can handle your local climate. These tiles are going to need to shrug off everything from rain to blazing sunshine. And let's not forget slipperiness. Nobody wants to do an unplanned splits in the rain.
A few things to keep in mind:
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Toughness: Make sure your tiles are built like a tank to handle the elements. Porcelain's a solid pick for sticking around.
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Grip: Choose tiles with a non-slip finish. They're not all the same in this department, so give the ratings a look. You can dig deeper with our outdoor tiles non-slip guide.
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Weather Ready: They should laugh in the face of frost, rain, and sun. Porcelain's usually pretty weatherproof.
| What to Check |
Why It Matters |
| Toughness |
Very Important |
| Grip |
Very Important |
| Weather Ready |
Very Important |
Choosing the Right Size and Shape
Now, about the tile size and shape. It can change the whole vibe of your outdoor space. Here's how to choose wisely:
Tile Size
Your tile size plays into how big or cozy the area feels. Bigger tiles can open a place up and speed up the laying process, while small tiles add detail but may mean extra grout work.
| Tile Size |
Best For |
| Big (60x60 cm or more) |
Open patios, spacious areas |
| Medium (30x30 cm to 60x60 cm) |
Just about anywhere outdoors |
| Small (below 30x30 cm) |
Intricate designs, tight spots |
Tile Shape
The tile shape should match your yard's style. Classic squares, sleek rectangles, or the funky hexagons all offer something different:
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Squares: Timeless and flexible, great for straightforward layouts.
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Rectangles: Perfect for modern flair; try different patterns for an edgy look.
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Hexagons: Add a unique twist, perfect for standout designs.
Mix and match different sizes and shapes for a harmonious vibe. Get more tips with our modern outdoor floor tiles article.
Wind up your tile selection by looking at options that tick your boxes for style and practicality. We've got more ideas in our articles on outdoor tiles for alfresco and travertine outdoor tiles.
Installing Outdoor Porcelain Tiles
Boosting up your outdoor hangout with porcelain tiles isn't rocket science, but a little homework goes a long way. Here's how you can slap those tiles on like a pro, step-by-step.
Preparing Your Yard
Getting your act together before you dive in is super important. First, take a hard look at the spot where you want to put those outdoor porcelain tiles.
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Clear the Area: Say goodbye to anything in your way–old flower beds, leftover junk, and all that shrubbery.
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Level the Ground: Make sure it’s as flat as your granny’s pancakes. You might need to toss in or shovel out some dirt.
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Install a Subfloor: To keep things steady, lay down some concrete or chuck a layer of gravel.
| Preparation Step |
What to Do |
| Clear the Area |
Kick out debris, plants, and any old stuff |
| Level the Ground |
Smooth it out; adjust the soil |
| Install a Subfloor |
Use concrete or gravel for sturdiness |
Installation Process and Techniques
Putting those porcelain babies down needs some TLC. Stick to these moves for a job well done.
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Measure and Plan: Break out the tape measure and map out where everything’s gonna go.
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Apply Adhesive: Slather on some outdoor tile adhesive–don’t skimp on this, it’s what keeps things stuck.
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Lay the Tiles: Set your tiles down real careful-like, using spacers to keep everything evenly gapped.
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Cut Tiles if Necessary: When things get wonky around corners, a tile cutter is your best pal.
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Grout the Tiles: Finish by slapping grout in between the tiles to lock them in.
| Installation Step |
What to Do |
| Measure and Plan |
Measure space and design your layout |
| Apply Adhesive |
Use special outdoor glue |
| Lay the Tiles |
Space them evenly |
| Cut Tiles if Necessary |
Reach for that cutter for tricky bits |
| Grout the Tiles |
Fill up those gaps with grout |
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
Keeping your outdoor floor tiles spiffy is what keeps them from going on strike. Try these handy tips:
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Regular Cleaning: Give them a sweep or wash to keep the grime at bay. More cleaning wisdom is in our how to clean outdoor tiles.
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Seal the Tiles: Slap on some sealant to fend off water and stubborn stains.
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Check for Damages: Comb over them tiles now and then for cracks or boo-boos, and patch them up fast.
| Maintenance Task |
What to Do |
| Regular Cleaning |
Sweep or hose them down |
| Seal the Tiles |
Block out moisture threats |
| Check for Damages |
Spot cracks early |
Stick to this playbook, and you’ll ace a knockout outdoor revamp with those porcelain tiles. Peek into our articles on outdoor tiles non-slip and outdoor wall tiles for a bit more zing.
