Flooring outside is a tricky business.
Whether you choose grass, decking, gravel or tiles, the surface in question not only has to look good, but should function well against any kind of stress the weather chucks at it. In a climate as rainy as England, that’s no small feat.
Tiles are a fabulous option. They come in myriad styles and patterns, helping to add low-maintenance style to your space.
Intricate Victorian-style geometric designs are making a comeback, especially at the front of the house and in vestibules and hallways, upping kerb appeal. Meanwhile, back patios offer the perfect stage for natural stone like slate and marble or wood decking. The magic of tiles is that they can replicate the look of natural materials for a fraction of the cost and consequent upkeep.
Choosing the right tiles for your outside space depends on what you’re working with and how much turf, if it’s present, you’d like to keep. Doing up small sections - like a space for your outdoor dining table or seating set - will give you a taste of the look without racking up too high a bill. If a small but impactful home improvement project is on the cards, adding tiling to the garden could be right up your street.
If you’ve got a little DIY nous, it’s not too hard a task either. The level of difficulty depends on the look you’re trying to achieve. For covered balconies, porches and patios, vinyl floor stickers could be your new BFF, while IKEA sells interlocking tiles that click together and can be cut to size. Gardens have more possibilities with paving slabs, supersized tiles and indoor/outdoor tiles to align together or intersperse between gravel or grass.
Whatever your moodboard, we’ve rounded up the best outdoor tiles to give your space a lift.
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Quarry Red Floor Tile - 150mm x 150mm
For semi-covered spaces, this red tile imbues warmth into the space. Resembling kiln-fired terracotta, they can be used both inside and out, creating a pleasing seamlessness from the kitchen to the patio if your layout works. The surface is lightly textured to enhance anti-slip properties which means it’s a ready surface to pop an outdoor rug on top of.
Buy now £0.71, Total Tiles
Laneetal 22 Pcs WPC Decking Tiles
Create a patio or hot tub deck area with these 30 x 30cm tiles which mimic the look of timber. The weather-resistant designs are crafted from wood and plastic composite with narrow gaps to help with drainage. One pack will cover 2sqm and can be installed by anyone with basic DIY skills.
Buy now £76.49, Amazon
Ayora Matt Beige Stone Effect Outdoor Porcelain Floor Tile
Large slabs are much easier for maintenance, as there are fewer grout lines for dirt to get trapped in. These porcelain tiles are beige in colour and matt in finish with a slip-resistant surface that makes them great for BBQ pits and pool areas. They’re sold by the single unit so you can purchase the correct number for your space with zero waste.
Buy now £43.00, Tile Superstore
Venus Black Stone Effect 16mm Outdoor Porcelain Tile
You’ll be amazed at how a little black tile can smarten up the garden. This slate style is set against gravel but would look equally as dramatic against grass. Designed to withstand the elements, the durable surface is ideal for high-traffic areas.
Buy now £7.91, Total Tiles
Greenwich Anthracite Marble Effect 20mm Outdoor Porcelain Tile
Achieve an elegant marble-clad look for less with these porcelain tiles designed to look like expensive green marble. The luxury tiles are both pleasing to the eye and practical with water and frost resistance. The patterns are mixed, helping to achieve an authentic marble look.
Buy now £11.87, Tile Superstore
IKEA MÄLLSTEN Floor decking
If you’re into DIY, your social media algorithms have probably shown you a few makeovers featuring IKEA’s checked floor decking. The simple palette of colours and timeless style make it a classic, a draw boosted by the simplicity of installation. Each tile comes with an interlocking grid on the reverse, so all you have to do is line them up and knock them into place with a mallet. There are nine porcelain tiles in each pack that have been covered with anti-slip protection for safety.
Buy now £35.00, IKEA
Topps Tiles
One of the biggest names in the industry, Topps doesn't just offer a world of tiles - it's a whole universe.
As well as the usual lineup of indoor and outdoor tiles, Topps also offers antibacterial tiles to help keep things hygienic and Victorian-style floor options, for those who favour a vintage vibe at home.
Create an Insta-worthy run up to your front door or give your hallway the drama it deserves with geometric patterned tiling. As first impressions go, it doesn't get better than this.
Buy now £44.83, Topps Tiles
