We all know that outdoor living spaces must be functional and attractive. But most importantly, the outdoor flooring must be sturdy and durable enough to withstand all the elements. Tiles for outdoor rooms can be a good option to upgrade a traditional concrete slab or brick patio and also come with many more design choices.

When it comes to choosing the right outdoor tiles, can be challenging and confusing. This is because there are a lot of choices. Without proper guidance and knowledge, you can end up with the wrong tiles that will not be suitable for your area or weather conditions.

1. Focus on the Durability of the Tiles

The best tip for having the perfect outdoor tiles is to focus on strength and durability. Not many people consider the strength of the tile, which is a huge mistake. Unlike indoor tiles, outdoor tiles should be tougher and prone to scratches, cracks, or other damage that can last long. Therefore, outdoor tiles need to be strong enough to withstand harsh conditions and high traffic areas.

2. Don’t Ignore Slip Resistance and Texture

Safety should be a top priority for you. This is why you must not ignore the slip resistance and texture of the tiles when choosing outdoor tiles, irrespective of the area requirement. The outdoor tiles are often exposed to moisture which can lead to accidents and injuries. To prevent accidents and slipping, you should choose tiles that are slip-resistant or have tile texture that helps keep everyone safe and sound.

3. Keep in Mind Your Style

The most important thing you focus on is style. The exterior of your house can make or break the appeal of your house. This means it is crucial for making a great first impression. Since it will be the first thing your guests will notice in your house, it is essential to complement the overall appeal and architectural features of your house.

The outdoors must not look separate area, instead, it must blend in with the overall theme of the house. So, you must focus on the materials of the tiles. The style, design, textures, and colors of the outdoor tiles should go well with the overall appearance of your house.

4. Set Your Budget

Another tip for having the best outdoor tiles is to keep in mind your budget. Everyone knows that the patio is a spacious area and if you get luxurious tiles for covering the area, it will cost you a lot. It is not wise to spend all your fortune on outdoor tiles. We know the exterior of your house is the first thing your guests and passers-by notice, but still, it is not worth burning a hole in your pocket.

5. Light Exposure and Weather Conditions are Crucial

How many have you ever considered light exposure to outdoor tiles before buying? Well, there are a lot of people who don’t know light exposure has a key role to play in deciding which outdoor tile you should get.

We all know the patio, usually, gets a great amount of sunlight. If a tile is not made for high exposure to sunlight, it will become discolored and ruin the appeal. You don’t want your patio to look unappealing.

If you have a shady area, you must go with bright-collared tiles. This will brighten up the space. In case the area will receive plenty of sunlight, you must choose dark-collared tiles.

Besides this, another thing you must not ignore is weather conditions. If you are living in an area where there are extreme changes in temperature like freezing and thawing, you will need an outdoor tile that can easily withstand it.

Sandstone might not be a great choice for such weather conditions. This is because it is porous and can absorb the water. The water freezes and during this process, the tile can crack or break the joint. On the other hand, porcelain has a low rate of absorption.

Hence, you must pay attention to weather conditions and light exposure when buying outdoor tiles.

6. Choosing the Right Tiles for Every Outdoor Area

When you are buying outdoor tiles, you have to consider where you will be using them. We all know that outdoor tiles are made to bear the elements; however, all tiles are not made equal. Some tiles are sturdier than others while some are highly resistant to water.

There are different tiles for the patio, deck area, pool, and flooring. Whether you will be using it on the wall or floor, you will need to keep it in mind before choosing the outdoor tile.

7. Consider the Finish

Here are some commonly used finishes for tiles.

Wood Finish Tiles

One of the finishes that you can choose is wood finish tiles. It is capable of having a stable surface and installing is extremely easy. The wooden tiles are durable and can withstand different weather conditions.

Decking Tiles

Decking tiles are large squares of wood having a backing strip with interlocking edges. Mostly, it is made from water-resistant wood like redwood or cedar. It helps in creating a ground-level deck without the understructure.

Carpet Tiles

Another outdoor tile finish you can get is carpet tiles. It is a unique style and perfect for adding a touch of class and sophistication. The tiles are made from indoor-outdoor carpeting that is peel and stick. The carpet tiles might have interlocking edges or adhesive tape. You can install these tiles over concrete slabs. The best thing about such tiles is that they can be removed without any hassle.

Interlocking Plastic Tiles

It is a new form of tile that has a plastic surface with interlocking edges. The best thing about these tiles is their texture. The texture of interlocking plastic tiles will help in protecting against falls and slips. Using such tiles is a good way to cover a concrete slab.

Rubber Finish

Rubber finish tiles are good for play areas and sports courts. Usually, the rubber tiles have interlocking edges that can join other tiles to form a uniform surface. Since these tiles are very soft, they can be used near pools.