Outdoor Tiles

How to choose outdoor tiles

What makes a tile suitable for outdoors?

An outdoor tile has to grip when wet and cope with sun, rain and temperature changes. Every tile in this range carries a P4 or P5 slip rating (260 at P4, 158 at P5), and 401 of the 418 are porcelain, which absorbs very little water. P5 gives the most grip, so it is the safer choice for steps, slopes and the area around a pool. Ask your builder or certifier which rating your project needs.

Do I need outdoor floor tiles, wall tiles or pavers?

Start with the surface. Outdoor floor tiles cover patios, alfresco areas and balconies, outdoor wall tiles dress garden walls, barbecue areas and outdoor kitchens, and paver tiles suit paths and paved areas. Outdoor porcelain tiles are grouped separately if you want a porcelain-only shortlist. Many ranges come in more than one size, so check where each product can be laid.

Which finish is best for an outdoor floor?

Choose an anti-slip finish for open, wet areas and plain matt where the floor stays mostly dry. In this range, Grip tiles (105 products) are the anti-slip version of their series, Surface Tec tiles (158) have an anti-slip surface made to be easier to clean, and Matt (120) suits a covered alfresco. Grippier surfaces hold more dirt, so plan on a scrub and rinse rather than a mop; our outdoor tile cleaning guide covers the routine.

Which look suits an outdoor area?

Most outdoor ranges copy natural materials without their upkeep:

• Stone look: Stone look tiles are the largest group here (233 products) and hide dust and leaves well.
• Travertine look: Travertine look tiles give a warm, resort-style finish around pools and courtyards.
• Terrazzo and concrete: terrazzo look and concrete look tiles suit modern, minimal spaces.
• Timber look: Timber look tiles give the look of decking without oiling or splinters.

What size outdoor tile should I choose?

Choose the size by the area and the fall the floor needs for drainage. In this range 600 x 600 mm is the most common format (154 products), followed by 600 x 300 mm (66) and 1200 x 600 mm (57). Larger tiles give fewer grout lines across a wide patio, while smaller formats follow falls and curves more easily on narrow paths and balconies. Browse large tiles for big open areas.

Which outdoor tile goes where

Outdoor tile FAQs