Outdoor areas come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. What kind of space you have is up to you but for most stone and tile are usually must haves.
The benefits of stone and tile in an outdoor area are numerous. Besides being incredibly durable, they are also easy to clean and maintain making your outdoor area easier to enjoy. Most stone and tile (once properly sealed) are water and slip resistant which makes them perfect for the outdoors. Add in that you can get them in virtually any color, texture, design and size you want and you’ve got a great material to use for an outdoor space.
With so many benefits and a variety of options the question arises: Where do you use tile in your outdoor spaces? And furthermore what tile should you use?
Here are our top five areas to use tile outdoors, and which tile or stone works wonderfully in them.
Where: Walkways, patios, and decks
Stone and tile are the perfect flooring for the outdoors. Here durability is key. Most people go for a natural or basic look to complement their space or other features. However utilizing a mosaic or interesting floor design could offer your space something unique. Utilizing these materials here
also helps to keep the heat away and offers a cool place to hangout.
What: Natural stone tiles such as our Mediterranean Shell Stone from Malta or a variety of Travertine stone from Turkey add elegance to any space. Tiles made to look like slate, brick or even wood have become popular replacements due to their easy maintenance, cost and longevity. Some ceramic products and slates are simply too soft to be used successfully outside. But porcelain and solid stones like granite, slate, marble, travertine, limestone and quartzite are good options.
Where: The pool, water features, fountains, and outdoor showers
Utilizing a slip resistant tile or stone either inside these areas or surrounding them are vital. These areas need stone or tile to keep them safe and effective, but they don’t have to be boring. Use color and design to play them up and create depth and reflection.
What: One of the most common types of swimming pool tile is glass tiles or porcelain such as Newker or Crossville. Another popular choice for water features are mosaic tiles like Bati Orient tiles or using stone to tile your swimming pool. This adds a natural element, similar to swimming in a lake or pond. Bengal Gris is a great anti-slip tile option.
Where: Your outdoor features (fireplaces, stairways, or feature wall)
This is where you really get to let loose with tile and stone. Tile or stone allows you to play with color, design, texture and size to create something really dynamic. Using them this way creates a focal point for your space and highlights your outdoor feature.
What: When it comes to features it’s all up to you on what you want to use, the world is your oyster! Outdoor wall tiles can be glazed or unglazed and for many feature areas glass or mosaic tiles are popular. Granite or stone tiles are also popular especially in fireplaces because they are so heat resistant.
Where: Entertainment areas & kitchens
For many, an entertainment area is a must have in any outdoor space and the outdoor kitchen is a popular commodity. Much like your pool and water features materials like tile and stone will keep your entertainment areas clean and easy to maintain. Use a backsplash or design around countertops and bar to give your space functionality and color. This will also allow you to create a focal point out of your entertainment area.
What: Porcelain tiles are much more suited for outdoor use than ceramic tiles. Not only do they not mildew or stain, but they also have such a low water absorption rate that they are near waterproof which is perfect for bar areas. For a good choice the natural qualities of granite make it one of the most commonly used stone for countertops in both indoor and outdoor kitchens as well.
Where: Paths and driveways
Kind of an obvious place for tile or stone, but many people don’t consider it instead opting for gravel. You can create a more natural looking drive or pathway using the right stone and spacing.
What: Most tile will not work for driveways or pathways as the heavy traffic will crack or wear away the tile. The perfect material for these areas is stone. Heavy-duty flagstones or brick work well in these places. For smaller pathways, Travertine also works well. Travertine was used to build the Coliseum and many other famous structures worldwide, so we’re pretty sure it will hold up in your outdoor areas!
