Outdoor spaces require special attention while designing as the materials used should be practical: they will have to withstand all the weather conditions. Keeping that all in mind can make styling a patio or a backyard tricky but no worries, we are here to help! This roundup is dedicated to patio tiles, with pros and cons, to choose the best option easily.
Cement Tiles
Pros
Cement tiles are incredibly durable, they can withstand both elements and heavy foot traffic, they don’t crack easily, which makes them one of the best outdoor materials.
Cement tiles don’t fade, as they age, they will eventually become richer and develop a slight ‘patina.’ Though these tiles come in a whole range of colors and patterns, you can stencil them quite easily yourself to match the patio style.
Cement tiles can endure freezing temperatures without cracking, making them suitable for various climates.
These tiles offer excellent slip resistance, providing a safer surface for walking, even when the tiles are wet, which makes them one of the best outdoor options for poolside areas and wet climates.
This lovely desert patio is styled with patterned cement tiles, white chairs, a table and potted cacti.
Such blue and white geo tiles are classy for any modern patio, support the style and colors with furniture and accessories. (via lovelyindeed).
The outdoor space bring a strong Mediterranean to Moroccan vibe with lovely cement tiles. (via cococozy).
The large outdoor space is done with black and white tiles that infuse the area with pattern. The white chairs echo with the floor.
The black and white cement tile with a cool print makes a statement. The rattan and wooden furniture softens its look.
This large outdoor space is styled with blue and white patterned tiles that immediately bring a Mediterranean vibe.
The patio shows off cement tiles that infuse it with pattern. The modern furniture and upholstery are neutral, the trellis is covered with greenery.
The patio is decorated with grey and white cement tiles. The dining zone is done in black and white, with white flowers.
This beautiful space is styled with black and white tiles and refined furniture in matching colors makes it feel indoor-like. Lush and non-manicured greenery around contrasts the patio.
These cement tiles feature a beautiful blue and white print, which is supported with other things around.
Cement tiles with bright geo prints make the space bold and catchy, and accessories match these colors.
Cement striped tiles make the patio catchy with pattern and color. Rattan furniture makes the space warmer with its look and texture.
This peaceful zone is done with grey and white graphic tiles, which create a modern feel in the space, woven furniture and lots of plants.
Cons
Certain foods or beverages have the potential to stain tile if the substance isn’t removed quickly. If it happens, you can use a very fine sandpaper to buff out the stain and reseal. Tile stains can be removed through sanding and resealing and the process won’t damage the pattern.
You have to continuously seal the tiles, perhaps even once a month. With high-quality sealing, cement tiles are waterproof, but you should still avoid letting water stand on the surface.
This patio is styled with grey and white geo tiles, and build-in grey bench is a perfect match. Potted plants and cacti are a nice solution to refresh the nook.
The modern outdoor nook shows off beautiful grey and white cement tiles, which deliver a Scandinavian feel. Mint blue folding furniture makes the space look fresh.
The modern patio is done with grey and white cement tiles, yellow folding furniture and potted tropical plants.
If you hesitate, you can cover only part of your patio with tile, and do hardscaping with the rest of the space.
The maximalist patio shows off a lot of color and pattern, various decor and prints but the floor is quite minimal, with black and white tiles.
Grey patterned cement tiles are a nice solution for a modern covered patio, support the colors with furniture.
This small and stylish patio is clad with grey tiles that create a modern feel and look. Potted topiaries refresh the space.
The patio shows off stylish black and white herringbone tiles, and Moroccan style furniture and large plants create an Eastern vibe.
The navy and white cement tiles create a catchy and unobtrusive Mediterranean feel in the patio.
This small space delivers strong Mediterranean vibes with blue and white tiles on the floor and terracotta walls.
The terrace is done with navy and white graphic tiles, they look eye-catchy yet laconic.
Navy and white patterned tiles instantly set the Mediterranean mood, and vines and plants around refresh the space.
This lovely Mediterranean patio is done in black and white, with patterned cement tiles, simple furniture, a fountain and greenery.
The vivacious and colorful space shows off beautiful red graphic tiles, and the bench is styled with colorful cushions.
This small and welcoming nook shows off checked tiles, a brick fireplace and built-in bench. The quirky metal chairs add a whimsical touch.
Porcelain Tiles
Pros
Porcelain tile is strong, durable and water resistant, it is less porous than natural materials.
Porcelain tiles can imitate all kinds of traditional flooring materials such as marble, granite, wood or even steel very convincingly. Visually, it can be hard to tell the difference from the real thing which is one their main selling point. Besides, porcelain tiles can feature a whole range of colors and prints that will set the tone in your space.
The density of outdoor porcelain tiles makes them more resistant to liquid penetration. The natural stain and water resistance of porcelain also helps to make the material very easy to maintain. It is also very easy to disinfect such a surface when necessary.
Outdoor porcelain tiles are hard, dense and strong, porcelain withstands most severe weather conditions and temperature changes.
If you only have a few damaged tiles, these individual pieces of porcelain tiles are not difficult to remove and replace. It is always a good idea to purchase slightly more than you need and keep an extra box or two of the product at hand.
The monochromatic space is done with graphic tiles, grey furniture, potted greenery and flowers. (via quietminimal).
The patio is done with navy and white tiles that refresh the space and bring the color. Potted plants and a terrazzo table make up a lovely setup. (via theeffortlesschic).
These adorable vibrant tiles paired with bright vines create a fantastic space. (via coteoutdoor).
This stylish black and white tiled floor is classics, and modern furniture and potted plants make the space cooler.
Black and white geo tiles set the tone in this mid-century modern space. The black fireplace and the chair support it.
This ultimate space is styled with black and white geo tiles, a corner sofa, a fire pit and potted plants.
This cheerful space shows blue and white chevron tiles, and dark tiles on the backsplash are also geometric.
Cons
Outdoor porcelain tiles are quite expensive, even more than indoor ones, and covering a large outdoor zone can be very costly.
Porcelain tiles are heavy, brittle and can be slippery in some circumstances, keep it in mind when installing porcelain tile floors.
Unlike natural stone, porcelain tile can look unnatural when laid, so if you want to imitate some traditional materials, it cannot work.
The installation process of your outdoor porcelain tile can be time-consuming and physically draining. Hiring a professional tiler to do the work can save you money on wasting expensive materials, but it will significantly increase the cost of your project.
Bright geo porcelain tiles take over the space. Bright boho pillows add even more color, and the potted plants refresh the space.
These bright porcelain tiles just wow with colors and patterns giving a Mediterranean vibe to the space.
Emerald Zellige tiles are the bold backdrop here, they strike both with color and texture. White concrete chairs calm down the zone.
This space is done in the classic black and white color scheme, which is realized with geo printed tiles and black and white furniture.
Classic black and white checked porcelain tiles never go out of style. Matching cushions support the color scheme, and potted greenery refreshes the space.
The balcony is done with bold blue Moroccan tiles, cane and wood furniture and potted plants. (via architecturaldigest).
Zellige tiles are quite a daring choice for outdoors as they aren't reallu durable but the look and the vibe are worth it.