How To Choose Outdoor Patio Tiles

In Australia, we’re big lovers of outdoor living. For those looking to add this type of area to their home or remodel an existing one, patio tiles are a must.

Ideal for the warmer months, an alfresco style outdoor entertainment area offers an idyllic place to lounge next to the pool, dine alfresco, or take in the surrounding views. Whether you have an expansive area to work with or perhaps just a cosy patio, there are endless possibilities when creating a chic outdoor oasis for hosting family and friends from the comfort of your own home.

An outdoor entertainment area is the term we use to describe an additional portion of your home that is attached to the house or building. While there’s no exact definition as such, they can include outdoor kitchens, balconies, pool areas and fire pits, and more commonly, patios. What yours resembles all depends on your style, the size of your space, and of course, budget. 

If you’re one of the many Australians looking to get your outdoor entertaining area ready for summer, then introducing new patio tiles is a cost effective means to do so – but how do you choose the right ones?

Our Outdoor Patio Tiles Shopping Guide

While you might adore the idea of sandstone tiles to capture the essence of the Mediterranean in your outdoor entertaining areas, grand design plans can come crashing down when faced with expectation versus reality.

Before settling on new outdoor tiles for these types of areas, it’s worth noting that there are generally five key things to consider before investing in a flooring material. Needless to say, the right fit usually goes far beyond finding the perfect colour or tone.

Consider Your Climate – When weighing up your options for patio tiles, it’s important to remember that these flooring materials will ultimately live outdoors. Therefore, your local climate has a role to play in your selection, as extreme weather – both hot and cold – can weaken tiles that aren’t suited to the weather, causing them to crack, expand or pop out of place. 

Non-Slip Matters – While no tile can guarantee a complete non-slip rating, the positioning of patio tiles means that they’re often exposed to the elements, particularly rain. Wet tiles of any form can be slippery and therefore dangerous, but in outdoor areas, choosing unglazed or coarse tiles such as the new Neve Series can help to prevent any slips or falls.

Water Absorption Rating – If you live in a region that is prone to large downfalls of rain, it’s a good idea to avoid porous tiles, as they can absorb far too much water, and encourage the growth of algae, moss, lichen and various forms of rot. For outdoor use, porcelain tiles are the go-to choice as they boast the best water resistance with the lowest absorption rate.

Exposure To Stains – If your outdoor summer time activities consist of friendly gatherings over the barbeque with a beer, then there’s a good chance that your patio tiles will be on the receiving end of any food or drinks that are dropped on the floor. Certain tiles like ceramics, timber and unsealed stone will require a sealer or glaze to prevent stains from settling in.

Durability Of The Tile – Before investing in any flooring material, every homeowner wants to ensure that their new product of choice is going to go the distance. However, not all outdoor patio tiles were made equally, so for exposed outdoor areas, consider porcelain or stone look tiles, granite, travertine, marble, slate, limestone are also good alternatives.

If you’re in the throes of giving your patio a facelift or are perhaps debating doing so, there usually comes a point where you need to start shopping for outdoor flooring materials. Mistakes can be costly in this space, so it’s important to get things right from the start and do your research on what products are going to match up with your end goal. 

Whether it’s advice on the perfect type of tile or what flooring solutions best fit your household’s lifestyle, the good news is that a visit to your local Tile Wizards outlet can provide all the answers and more. 

Chat Flooring Materials With The Professionals

While your options for renovating on a budget are almost limitless, selecting the right type of flooring for your home renovation certainly isn’t an easy feat. With each space, comes a different preference or priority: are you chasing style, functionality, or simply want the most bang for your buck?

In operation for over 26 years, at Tile Wizards we pride ourselves on getting you more, for less. We pioneered the warehouse format, and our stores are purposefully designed to make your selection easier, and ultimately offer our customers quality, price and the right advice. 

Even if you are just after some honest and friendly advice – please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Tile Wizards today for a free quote. We pride ourselves on being able to work with you in order to bring your dream flooring solution to life.