Outdoor Tiles
Outdoor tiles set the foundation and aesthetic for patios, pool surrounds, garden paths and other open areas, so they need to stay durable, provide a steady grip and handle Australian weather comfortably while maintaining their look. At Cheap Tiles Online, you’ll find a range of options across finishes, colours, and sizes, all priced for value and backed by our Price Beat Guarantee. We stock porcelain, stone-look, concrete-look and other outdoor-ready finishes suitable for exposed areas.
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How to choose tiles for each outdoor area?
Alfresco and Patio Areas
Look for tiles that are comfortable underfoot and easy to keep clean. Porcelain is usually preferred because it doesn’t absorb moisture and handles temperature changes well. A slight texture helps with grip, especially in spots exposed to rain.
Pool Surrounds
Prioritise traction and water resistance. Tiles around a pool should have a surface that stays stable when wet and won’t heat up too quickly in full sun. Many buyers choose lighter colours to reduce heat underfoot.
Pathways and Garden Zones
Paths benefit from a more textured finish that provides grip on sloped or high-traffic areas. Darker tones or stone-look options tend to hide dirt better, which keeps maintenance low.
Balconies
Balconies often require tiles with good drainage and a surface that won’t become slippery after rain. This is why tiles with a textured surface are generally ideal; they provide more traction underfoot.
Outdoor Kitchens
Tiles exposed to food prep and cooking should resist stains and be simple to hose or wipe down. Porcelain or concrete-look options usually hold up well to spills and barbecue grease.
Outdoor Walls
Outdoor floor tiles are constantly exposed to the elements, like the harsh UV rays of the Australian sun or rain. Because of this, they need to be more water-resistant and durable. Porcelain tiles are often a good choice because of their durability. Natural stone tiles are another good option.
Outdoor Tile Materials Explained
Porcelain
Porcelain is one of the most common choices outdoors because it’s dense and low-porosity, which helps it handle rain, sun and temperature changes. Surfaces range from smooth matt to structured textures.
Ceramic
Ceramic is generally better suited to covered outdoor areas where exposure to the weather is limited. It’s lighter than porcelain and easier to cut, but not usually used in fully exposed areas unless the product is specifically rated for it.
Natural Stone
Natural stone options work great for the outdoors because they are naturally textured, weather-resistant, and durable. We can provide you with travertine-like tiles or other natural-looking tiles to give your outdoors an adventurous look.
What to consider before buying outdoor tiles?
Durability
Outdoor areas need tiles that can handle changing weather, temperature shifts and constant foot traffic. Porcelain is often the most reliable choice for exposed spaces because it is dense, hard-wearing and less likely to absorb moisture than ceramic.
Slip resistance
Grip is an important factor outside, especially around pools, steps and uncovered patios. The required slip rating depends on the area and how it will be used. Textured surfaces generally offer better stability underfoot in wet or damp conditions.
Cleaning and maintenance
Outdoor tiles usually only need rinsing and mild detergent to stay clean. Matte and textured finishes tend to hide dust and weather residue well, while smoother surfaces may show marks more easily but are quick to wipe down.
Heat and moisture exposure
Outdoor tiles should be able to handle heat from full sun, changes in temperature and regular moisture. Porcelain performs well in these conditions because it stays stable and does not absorb much water.
Grout choice
Grout used outdoors needs to cope with weather and movement. Darker grout colours often stay looking fresher outside, while matching grout can help create a more seamless floor. Epoxy or weather-resistant grout may be preferred in areas with heavy exposure to rain.
Sealing requirements
Natural stone tiles used outside usually need sealing to protect them from moisture, marks and general weathering. Porcelain tiles do not require sealing, which makes them easier to maintain long-term.
Tile size and format
Large tiles create a wide, open look on patios and alfresco areas, while smaller formats work well on paths, steps or sloped areas where more cuts and flexibility are needed. Choosing a size that fits the layout helps reduce waste and keeps the installation tidy.
Outdoor Tiles FAQs
Larger formats suit patios and open spaces, while smaller or more textured tiles work better on paths and sloped areas where extra grip is useful.
Slip requirements depend on where the tiles will be used (pool surrounds, steps, covered areas, etc.).
Porcelain is often chosen because it’s dense, low-porosity and handles weather well. It’s generally the safer option for exposed areas.
Most porcelain tiles hold colour well in UV light. Some ceramics and natural stones may show gradual fading depending on the material and finish.
Only if the tile is rated for outdoor use. Many indoor tiles don’t have the surface texture or water resistance needed for exposure to rain.
