As summer approaches, it's time to rejuvenate your garden and patio spaces. Outdoor tiles have evolved far beyond the traditional cement slabs, offering a wide variety of styles and functions. They provide a practical surface perfect for furniture and creating distinct zones in your garden. From natural stone to 20 external practical porcelain, concrete or wood effect, as well as classic Victorian patterns, the options are extensive. At Tiles Ahead we present the most innovative, unique, and beautiful outdoor tile ideas to inspire your patio makeover. Read on to discover the best tiles for enhancing your outdoor areas.
How to Choose Outdoor Tiles
When choosing outdoor tiles, there are several key factors to consider to ensure durability, safety, and aesthetic appeal.
- Material
Porcelain outdoor tiles are favoured for their durability, ease of maintenance, and wide range of design options. Made from dense natural clays and fired at high temperatures, porcelain tiles are exceptionally hard and resistant to cracking, chipping, and extreme weather conditions.
They resist discolouration, chipping, and staining, and can mimic other materials like stone, wood, or concrete. Porcelain outdoor tiles are typically made to be extra thick and resistant to wear. 20mm thick tiles are practical for patios, providing both aesthetic versatility and long-lasting performance.
- Size
Large format tiles can make spaces appear larger and more seamless. They are particularly good for patios, courtyards, and pathways. The fewer grout lines with larger tiles also mean less maintenance and a cleaner look.
- Pattern and Color
For adding character and interest, consider using patterned tiles. Neutral colours like grey, beige, and white are versatile and can complement various architectural styles and landscaping elements.
- Slip Resistance
Due to frequent rain, outdoor surfaces in the UK need to be slip-resistant to ensure safety. Porcelain tiles with a high slip resistance rating (often measured as R ratings, e.g., R11, R12) are preferred for outdoor use. All our outdoor ranges qualify for that.
- Climate and Weather Conditions
Tiles used in outdoor settings in the UK need to be frost-resistant. Porcelain tiles are well-suited to this as they do not absorb water, preventing frost damage during colder months. Porcelain slabs are chosen for their low water absorption rates (usually less than 0.5%), making them less likely to crack or warp due to water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles common in the UK.
The wet climate requires tiles that are robust and can withstand constant moisture and temperature changes. Porcelain tiles are highly durable and suitable for such conditions, resisting wear and tear better than other materials. Outdoor porcelain tiles often have a slightly rough or matte finish to enhance traction when wet. Porcelain tiles are easy to clean and maintain, which is important in a rainy climate where outdoor surfaces can become dirty and stained more quickly.
- Installation Area
Different areas may require different types of tiles. For example, thicker tiles (20mm) are recommended for high-traffic areas, while thinner tiles may be suitable for vertical surfaces like walls. Always match the tile's properties with its intended use to ensure longevity and performance.
- Budget
While it's tempting to go for the most luxurious options, it's important to balance cost and practicality. At Tiles Ahead we offer porcelain tiles which provide a good balance between cost, durability, and aesthetic options. Set a budget and explore various options within that range on our website to find the best value. Browse our Sale collection to get the best deals at the most attractive price points on the market!
Best Garden & Patio Tiles
Outdoor tiles need to be resilient, capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions and heavy foot traffic. The best garden tiles for outdoor use include:
- Victorian Tiles
Perfect for traditional-style homes, Victorian tiles enhance the look of pathways, porches, doorsteps, and create beautiful patio areas. The intricate patterns and vibrant colours can also add a touch of elegance and sophistication to garden walls.
One of the key benefits of Victorian patio tiles is their versatility. They come in various designs, from classic black-and-white chequerboard patterns to more elaborate mosaics and geometric shapes. This allows homeowners to customise their outdoor spaces to reflect their personal style.
- Stone Effect Tiles
Stone effect outdoor tiles mimic the natural beauty of real stone, providing a rustic and earthy feel to patio and garden spaces and blending seamlessly. Elegant and versatile,they come in different neutral colours and natural patterns.
These tiles range from unglazed matt to slip-resistant finishes, giving patios a natural and timeless look that is also safe in wet conditions. Complementing the natural appearance, adding plants and a stone bird feeder can enhance the overall aesthetic, making your patio a serene and inviting area.
- Wood Effect Tiles
For those seeking the warmth and charm of wood without the maintenance issues, wood effect patio tiles are an excellent option. The authentic wood grain patterns and textures of these tiles create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for both traditional and contemporary patio designs.
Wood effect outdoor tiles require minimal maintenance compared to actual wood. They do not need staining or sealing and are resistant to common issues such as rotting, warping, and insect damage. Installing these tiles can also enhance the value of your property by creating an attractive, functional, and low-maintenance outdoor space.
- Marble Effect Tiles
Marble effect tiles bring a touch of luxury and sophistication to patios and garden areas. They are easy to clean and maintain as they do not require the same level of care as natural marble, which can be prone to scratching and staining. This makes them a convenient option for busy homeowners who desire the opulent look of marble without the associated upkeep.
They come in various shades and veining patterns, adding elegance and timeless appeal to any outdoor space. Perfect for creating a high-end look, marble effect patio tiles can transform patios into refined, stylish areas, making them ideal for entertaining or simply enjoying a serene garden environment.
- Grey Tiles
Grey porcelain patio tiles are an excellent choice for creating a sleek and modern look in outdoor spaces. These tiles complement various styles of properties and blend seamlessly with different colours of brickwork and fencing. They are available in large rectangular or square formats, allowing for creative and personalised layouts.
Grey porcelain tiles offer a timeless and elegant appearance that can enhance any outdoor space, whether it is a modern urban garden or a traditional countryside patio. Overall, grey porcelain patio tiles provide a combination of aesthetic appeal, durability, and low maintenance, making them a popular and practical choice for enhancing garden and patio areas.
- Large Format Patio Tiles
If you want to make a statement with your outdoor design, consider using very large format tiles. These tiles’ size starts at around 80 cm, which makes them ideal for patios, courtyards, and pathways, creating a seamless and expansive look. The use of large tiles can make outdoor spaces appear larger and more open.
Large format tiles allow for quick and easy installation, especially when placed directly onto level grassy areas. This reduces the need for extensive groundwork. Additionally, large tiles can be grouted traditionally or spaced further apart and filled with decorative stones. Their versatility and ease of installation make them a popular choice for those looking to upgrade their patios and pathways with minimal effort while achieving maximum visual impact.
- Split Face Wall Tiles
Split face tiles, with their irregular surfaces and rustic appearance, are ideal for creating stunning outdoor feature walls. Whether made from durable porcelain or cut from natural stone, these tiles are exceptionally robust, making them perfect for cladding houses, garden buildings, and walls.
Despite their intricate look, split face tiles are affixed to panels, simplifying installation and ensuring a quick and straightforward fitting process. Additionally, these tiles require little to no grout, reducing maintenance and enhancing their natural, textured finish. Their unique aesthetic and practical benefits make split face tiles a popular choice for adding character and durability to any patio design.
- Indoor to Outdoor Tile Transition
With the rise of spacious open-plan living areas and wide-opening patio doors, the trend of using tiles that have matching indoor and outdoor ranges has become increasingly popular. Porcelain tiles are excellent choices for this seamless transition, with the primary difference being the thickness of the tiles. Outdoor floor tiles are typically 20mm thick to withstand the pressures of outdoor use and with an adequate slip rating for safety.
Installing tiles in the same layout both inside and outside creates a seamless flow from house to garden, enhancing the sense of space and continuity. This approach makes the transition between indoor and outdoor areas more fluid. By maintaining consistent tile design and layout, homeowners can achieve a unified and stylish appearance that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of their property.
As we've explored, choosing the right outdoor tiles can significantly transform your garden and patio spaces into beautiful, functional areas. Whether you're leaning towards the timeless elegance of Victorian patio tiles, the modern simplicity of concrete effect tiles, the natural charm of stone effect tiles, or the luxurious feel of marble effect tiles, there's a style to match every preference and need. From creating feature walls with split face tiles to designing seamless indoor-to-outdoor transitions with matching porcelain tiles, the options are vast and versatile.
At Tiles Ahead, we offer a comprehensive range of outdoor tiles with 20mm thickness, Victorian patio tiles, and large format tiles. Each type is designed to withstand various weather conditions and heavy foot traffic, ensuring both durability and aesthetic appeal. By considering factors like material, size, pattern, slip resistance, and climate suitability, you can select the perfect tiles to enhance your outdoor living spaces.
For more inspiration and to explore our extensive collection, visit our Cwmbran Showroom, conveniently located 5mins off M4 and 10mins drive from Newport, South Wales, with big car park infront. Here, you'll find innovative and unique ideas to help you create the perfect garden and patio oasis, plus we work with the best tilers in the area, covering projects in the whole South-East Wales area.
