Choosing the right outdoor patio tiles can transform your patio from drab to fab. With so many tile options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which type is best for your patio. Here is an in-depth look at 14 different types of tiles for outdoor patios along with tips on how to choose the perfect tile for your space.
Introduction
An outdoor patio tile can make or break the look and functionality of your patio space. The type of tile you choose impacts the patio’s aesthetic, durability, slip-resistance, maintenance needs, and comfort underfoot. It’s crucial to select patio tiles based on climate, usage, aesthetic preferences, and budget.
This comprehensive guide examines 14 of the most popular outdoor patio tile options. We’ll explore the pros and cons of each type so you can zero in on your ideal tile material. Let’s dive in!
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile has been used for centuries and is a classic choice for patios. Available in a huge range of colors, textures, shapes, and patterns, ceramic tiles offer design versatility.
Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to clean
- Resists fading in sunlight
- Non-porous so resists stains
- Wide variety of styles
Cons
- Can crack or chip if heavy objects are dropped
- Slippery when wet
- Hard, cold surface for bare feet
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners who want a durable, low-maintenance patio surface. The variety of ceramic tile looks suits both traditional and contemporary homes.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is very similar to ceramic but is denser and more impervious to moisture. It’s extremely durable for outdoor use.
Pros
- Highly durable and scratch-resistant surface
- Stain, fade and frost resistant
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Cost-effective for look of natural stone
- Wide range of styles and colors
- Softer underfoot than ceramic tile
Cons
- Risk of cracking if substrate shifts
- Can be slippery when wet
Best for: Homeowners who want a stylish, durable patio surface that resembles natural stone. Great for warm, humid climates.
Natural Stone Tile
Quarried from natural sources like granite, limestone, and travertine, natural stone tiles convey an elegant, timeless look. Each stone has unique veining and patterns.
Pros
- Beautiful natural aesthetic
- Withstands weather extremes
- Can be sealed for stain protection
- Ages well over time
- Stays cool underfoot
Cons
- Expensive compared to man-made tile
- Needs periodic sealing
- Uneven surfaces require extra caution
- Shedding and etching can occur
Best for: Homeowners who appreciate the beauty of natural stone and want to invest in their patio’s long-term durability.
Slate Tile
Slate is a foliated fine-grained metamorphic rock that has been used as a robust roofing and flooring material for ages. It comes in a range of earthy colors like gray, purple, green, black, and red.
Pros
- Extremely durable and weather resistant
- Has an elegant, natural look
- Stays cooler than other stones
- Offers good slip resistance
- Can be sealed for stain protection
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Uneven surface requires cautious steps
- Can crack if subjected to impact
Best for: Homeowners who want a natural yet sophisticated look. Pairs well with gardens. Excellent durability makes it ideal for cold climates.
Bluestone Tile
Bluestone is a dense, durable sandstone quarried from various sources. The most popular variety for patios is Pennsylvania or Catskill bluestone.
Pros
- Attractive natural blue-grey color
- Extremely durable in all weather
- Resists fading and staining
- Stays cooler than other stones
- Non-slip texture with natural cleft surface
Cons
- Heavy and expensive to install
- Can crack if heavy objects are dropped
- Needs periodic sealing
Best for: Homeowners who prioritize durability and a cool walking surface. The blue-gray color has broad appeal.
Travertine Tile
Travertine is a form of limestone created by natural hot spring deposits. It has rustic holes and pits that make for beautiful patio pavers.
Pros
- Gorgeous natural aesthetic
- Available in range of earth tones
- Can be sealed for stain protection
- Non-slip surface
- Stays cool underfoot
Cons
- Pricey compared to porcelain or ceramic
- Holes collect dirt and debris
- Etches easily over time
Best for: Homeowners who want a Mediterranean look and appreciate travertine’s old-world charm. Expect some maintenance.
Concrete Tile
Concrete tiles are man-made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water. They’re more durable than poured concrete.
Pros
- Durable and weather resistant
- Skid-resistant surface
- Cost-effective relative to natural stone
- Range of color options
- Can mimic stone, wood, or terra cotta
Cons
- Not as durable as natural stone
- Hot under bare feet in summer
- Can develop cracks over time
Best for: Cost-conscious homeowners who want the look of natural materials with added durability. Great choice for warm climates.
Wood-look Porcelain Tile
These porcelain tiles mimic the texture and appearance of natural wood. They add warmth without the maintenance of real wood.
Pros
- Softer, warmer feel underfoot than stone
- Provides look of wood without maintenance
- Highly durable and fade resistant
- Resists cracking and chipping
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Lacks the dimensional depth of real wood
- Cooler underfoot than real wood
Best for: Homeowners who like the appearance of wood but not the required upkeep. Provides a cozy feel.
Brick
Classic rectangular bricks made from fired clay have been used for patios for centuries. Their colors range from orangey reds to charcoal blacks.
Pros
- Timeless, traditional aesthetic
- Durable in all climates
- Skid-resistant surface
- Stays cool underfoot
- Range of color options
Cons
- Eventual weeds in sand-swept joints
- Can crack and deteriorate over time
- Not as comfortable under bare feet
Best for: Homeowners who appreciate the time-honored look of brick. Provides a classic, inviting feel.
Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers come pre-cast in a range of shapes, colors, textures and sizes. They assemble like puzzle pieces to create attractive patios.
Pros
- Durable, long-lasting, and weather-resistant
- Skid-resistant surface
- Range of colors/finishes available
- Can remove and replace individual units as needed
- Offers drainage between units
Cons
- Eventual weed growth between pavers
- Not as comfortable underfoot as stone or wood
- Hot surface in warm climates
Best for: Homeowners who want a geometric, patterned look. The modular format simplifies repairs.
Peastone
Tumbled peastone consists of small, smooth river rocks approximately 3/4″ in diameter. They create a free-flowing, organic look.
Pros
- Natural appearance
- Allows for drainage between stones
- Softer surface for bare feet
- Inexpensive
- Easy to walk on
Cons
- Can feel unstable underfoot
- Needs containment border
- Weeds/moss can grow between stones
- Not wheelchair/mobility aid friendly
Best for: Homeowners who appreciate the casual, au naturel look and feel of peastone. Combines well with garden landscapes.
Decomposed Granite
Decomposed granite consists of small bits of granite rock compacted together. When stabilized, it forms a firmer surface than peastone.
Pros
- Natural, rustic appearance
- Allows for patio drainage
- Inexpensive material option
- Softer feel under bare feet than solid tiles
Cons
- Prone to weeds and ants
- Can feel unstable underfoot
- Requires edging for containment
- Can erode over time if not stabilized
Best for: Homeowners who like the loose, informal vibe and natural feel of decomposed granite. Combines well with desert landscaping.
Rubber Pavers
Rubber pavers offer a flexible, forgiving surface. They are comfortable underfoot and safe for kids.
Pros
- Provides cushioned, comfortable surface
- Safe, skid-resistant texture
- Allows drainage between pavers
- Limits patio noise
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Limited color and style options
- Retains heat on hot days
- Not the most attractive option
Best for: Homeowners with children or others concerned about slip hazards and injuries. Provides a safe play surface.
Gravel
Gravel consists of small stones under an inch in diameter. When compacted, it forms a permeable and informal patio surface.
Pros
- Inexpensive option
- Allows rainwater drainage
- Easy to walk on
- Easy to install
- Natural appearance
Cons
- Weeds and moss can grow between gravel
- Can feel unstable underfoot
- Tends to scatter from foot traffic
- Requires containment edging
- Not barefoot or mobility aid friendly
Best for: Homeowners wanting a casual, low-cost patio surface. Combines well with more polished sections.
How to Choose the Best Tile for Your Outdoor Patio
Now that you know the pros and cons for the most popular patio tiles, how do you choose the right one for your space? Here are the key factors to consider when selecting outdoor patio tiles:
Climate
Select outdoor patio tiles suited to the climate where you live. In cold climates prone to frost heave, avoid porous natural stones that absorb moisture. Opt for frost-resistant materials like porcelain or ceramic instead. In warm, humid climates, go for tiles that stay cooler underfoot, like bluestone or limestone.
Usage
Think about how you’ll use your patio. If kids or pets will play on it, avoid slick surfaces and opt for more grip like textured porcelain or rubber pavers. For poolside patios, focus on finding highly slip-resistant tiles suitable for wet conditions.
Maintenance
All outdoor tiles require some degree of maintenance but some need more than others. If you prefer low-maintenance, choose inorganic tiles like porcelain or ceramic over high-maintenance natural stones that require periodic sealing.
Aesthetic Taste
Tile choice often comes down to visual appeal and style preference. Decide whether you like the raw beauty of natural stone, the clean lines of ceramic, the warmth of wood-look porcelain or the whimsy of patterned concrete. Pick patio tiles that reflect your personal taste.
Budget
Outdoor patio tiles range widely in cost from $2-10 per square foot depending on the material. Set a realistic budget and choose tiles that provide the look you want at a price you can afford. Porcelain and ceramic tiles offer durability at a lower price point than natural stone.
Safety
For patios used by kids, elderly people or those with mobility issues, focus on finding slip-resistant tiles with some traction and flex. Rubber pavers, textured porcelain and cleft slate all offer good grip. Smooth tiles can be hazardous when wet.
Substrate or Base Material
Make sure you choose patio tiles suitable for your substrate. For patios with a concrete base, nearly any tile will adhere well. For loose packed gravel bases, opt for mortarless options like peastone or pavers. Talk to a landscape pro about recommended tiles for your particular substrate.
By weighing all these factors – climate, usage, maintenance, aesthetics, budget and safety – you’re sure to select the perfect outdoor patio tiles to suit your unique space, lifestyle and taste. Enjoy transforming your patio with tiles that will withstand the test of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best patio tiles for wet areas like pool decks?
For pool decks, patio tiles with grip or texture are safest when wet. Top options include textured porcelain, slate with cleft surface, grooved concrete tiles and rubber pavers. Avoid super smooth tiles.
How do I know if my patio is suitable for natural stone tiles?
Natural stone tiles require a stable, compact gravel base or concrete patio beneath. Avoid laying heavy stones like bluestone or travertine atop sand, dirt or new concrete that hasn’t fully cured, as it risks shifting and cracking.
Should I choose porcelain or ceramic tile for patios?
Both porcelain and ceramic provide affordable elegance and durability outdoors. Porcelain is harder, denser and more water-resistant. Ceramic offers a wider diversity of colors, prints and textures to choose from. Choose depending on climate, budget and style preferences.
How do I prevent natural stone patio tiles from staining?
Applying a quality penetrating sealer formulated for natural stone will provide an invisible barrier against stains from food, oils, grease and hard water. Reapply sealer yearly. Avoid acidic cleaners which can etch stone.
How long do concrete patio tiles last compared to stone, brick or pavers?
Concrete tiles are quite durable, averaging 20-30 years lifespans or more. But natural stones like granite, bluestone and slate will far outlast concrete, providing 50-100+ years of service when properly installed and maintained.
What kind of tile is best for a stone patio on a slope?
For patios on a slope, it’s crucial the underlying base is compacted properly to prevent erosion and shifting. Flagstone types of natural stone with an irregular cleft surface provide excellent traction on angled patios. Mortar installation also helps secure tiles on slopes.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal tiles for your outdoor living space is an important decision. Take time to consider your climate, preferred look, usage, maintenance expectations and budget. Understanding the pros and cons of each patio tile type will ensure you make the best choice.
Aim for tiles that offer maximum durability, traction, stain resistance and ease of maintenance. Well-chosen patio tiles can upgrade your outdoor experience for decades to come. With this guide’s help, you’re ready to transform your patio with tiles that perfectly suit your unique space and lifestyle.