Outdoor Tiles

Outdoor spaces deserve just as much style as your indoors and the right tiles can totally transform a patio, balcony or garden path. However, you need to pick the materials that look great and can handle British weather (yes, including the sideways rain). Here's everything you need to know before you start planning.

What material is best for outdoor tiles?

Porcelain is the best choice for outdoor tiles. It's dense, durable and low-absorption, which means it won't soak up water and crack when temperatures drop. Outdoor-rated porcelain is also frost-proof and designed to handle heavy foot traffic, BBQ spills and muddy shoes without wearing down. Ceramic outdoor tiles and natural stone can look beautiful but they need more sealing and maintenance.

Are outdoor tiles slippery?

Outdoor porcelain tiles are made with anti-slip textures to keep things safe underfoot, even when it's raining or the garden hose has just been out. You'll see slip ratings like R11 or R12 on product pages; these tell you how much grip the tile offers:

• R11 is great for most patios and paths.
• R12 gives extra grip around pools or hot tubs.

If in doubt, go slightly higher on slip rating. No one wants a dramatic entrance just walking outside.

Can I tile directly onto concrete?

Yes, if the concrete is sound, solid and fully cured. Older, well-set concrete is perfect. Freshly poured concrete (usually anything newer than a few months) can shrink and move, which risks cracking your tiles.

If you're tiling a balcony or raised area, always add waterproofing first. It protects the structure underneath and stops water sneaking into places it shouldn't.

If your concrete is uneven, a self-levelling compound makes life easier and gives your tiles a better finish.

Do outdoor tiles need grouting?

Absolutely. Grout is what locks everything into place and stops water and dirt getting underneath your tiles. For outdoors, choose a flexible, weatherproof grout so your patio can expand and contract with the seasons without cracking.

We also recommend adding around 10% extra tiles when ordering in order to cover cuts, breakages or future repairs so you don't end up tile-hunting for a matching batch later.

Sealing isn't always necessary with outdoor porcelain but it can add extra protection against stains, algae and general garden life (especially in north-facing or shaded areas).