Thinking of giving your garden a makeover? Whichever style you are thinking of going for, whether its cool and contemporary or more meandering cottage style, its always advisable to factor in a patio to act as a focal point for entertaining family and friends during the summer months (as well as the occasional sunbathing session when youve got a minute to yourself).

But its important before you order any tiles to know which ones are best suited for outdoor use as outdoor tiles have to put up with a lot more than their counterparts inside your home, especially in terms of extremes of temperature. Chose the wrong tile and you could find yourself with cracked tiles as soon as the first frost hits.

Sabine White Marble Effect Outdoor Tiles 60x60cm (2 Pack)

Can you use porcelain tiles outside?

Porcelain is definitely the go-to tile for use in the garden. Porcelain is routinely lauded for its durability, looks and ad (as well as looks) inside the home. And the same goes for the garden, where porcelain is equally in its element.

If you are thinking of going for porcelain then make sure to go for the right type of porcelain tile, one preferably that is at least 2cm thick and with a high slip resistance to make them safe for the family in all weather.

Vitrified porcelain is best as its impervious to frost, mould and staining making it a great low maintenance option for many years to come. Its also ensures your tiles wont fade or scratched through regular use.

Porcelain tiles come in a variety of styles

Merlot Graphite Outdoor Tiles 60x60cm (2 Pack)

One of the other benefits of using porcelain tiles outside is that they come in a variety of styles. This means you can keep things nice and minimal with a cement or concrete effect or alternatively go for something altogether more extravagant such as marble or stone.

Outdoor porcelain tiles can also warm up in direct sunlight so if youve created a patio in a suntrap, it might be worth choosing a lighter finish to reflect light rather than a darker finish which is more likely to absorb light (and with it heat).

Can you use ceramic tiles outside?

Contrary to what some might say ceramic tiles are not frost proof and if used outside could pop and crack in the cold weather. Unlike porcelain tiles, there is too much moisture left in ceramic tiles during the manufacturing process. This leaves room for moisture to expand when it freezes resulting in the aforementioned cracks. This isnt to say you cant use them. If you would like to use ceramic tiles then we would recommend quarry tiles. Their unique glaze makes them suitable for both use indoors and outdoors.  

Taking the indoors outdoors

Porcelain is also a highly affordable choice for extending the look from the inside of your home outside. If you are thinking of going for this look, then make sure you select internal porcelain tiles that are also suitable for outdoor use. And try avoiding gloss finish porcelain tiles wherever possible when being used outdoors as they can become very slippery when wet. Opt instead for textured, matt finish tiles.

If youre sold on outdoor porcelain tiles then why not take a look at our selection of highly affordable, easy to install outdoor tiles.  We have a great selection for both outdoor floors and also outdoor walls, including our new Split Face tile range. They are absolutely perfect for glamming up your garden this summer. 

Split Face Black Tiles 15x30cm

Need more information?

If you have any questions regarding selecting the right tiles for use outdoors, then feel free to contact our Customer Services team.

Recommended reads

If you would like to know more about outdoor tiles, then why not check out these related advice articles from Tile Warehouse:

How to lay a patio

Best way to clean outdoor tiles