Outdoor & alfresco tiles

Perfect Choice

For Outdoor Spaces

Who said tiles should be confined to indoor spaces only?

Outdoor & Alfresco Tiles

Who said tiles should be confined to indoor spaces only? Because tiles are so practical, versatile and hard wearing, they can also make the perfect choice for outdoor spaces. It can add a little more sophistication to your backyard and keep maintenance low.

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Credit: Silvertone – Photography

Where to use outdoor tiles

Tiling is a great option for your patio, entertaining area, outdoor kitchen, by the pool or your balcony. Continuing a tiled floor from an indoor living area is a great way to extend your home, and seamlessly merge the indoors with the outdoors.

Types of outdoor tiles

With exposure to elements like wind, rain and temperature change, it’s important to choose an outdoor tile that is resistant to stains and slips. Look for a slip rating of R10 or above, R11 and R12 are the best for external use.

You should also consider tiles with a low water-absorption rate (even if you’re not tiling near a pool), as this will make your tiles less susceptible to cracks and stains.

When selecting an outdoor tile, choose a material and colour that blends in with your landscape and the overall architecture of your house. A good rule of thumb – light coloured tiles will brighten up shady areas of your outdoor living space, while darker tiles will tone down bright outdoor areas exposed to lots of sunshine and prone to glare.

One of our top tile choices for outdoors is unglazed ceramic tiles. Ceramics tiles are extremely durable and non-porous, which means they can withstand mother nature and are easy to clean (when properly sealed).

A great thing about outdoor porcelain tiles is they’ll never absorb water, even after a heavy storm. So you won’t have to worry about any cracks forming. If you decide on a porcelain tile, make sure you go for a matte option to reduce the slip factor.

Other popular tiles we carry that have matching outdoor finishes include our timber look tiles, stone look, concrete look even plain tile ranges. If you have a particular look you are after and can’t find it on our website please contact our showroom to see if we can find it for you.

Some of Our Products

Why you should choose tiles over pavers?

We can think of plenty reasons why outdoor tiles are a better option, starting with:

  • Longer lasting – tiles are extremely durable because tiles are laid with adhesives on a concrete slab and grouted, they are more secure than pavers which are dry laid without adhesives and can possibly move or have garden overgrowth separate them.
  • Easy to maintain – because tiles are so stain resistant the overall upkeep is minimal. Any spills can be remedied with a quick wipe, and a regular sweep will keep things clean.
  • Affordable – in most cases the cost of tiles is more affordable than pavers (assuming a concrete slab exists).

Explore our impressive range of outdoor tiles

With more than 50 years industry experience, the expert team at Ceramic Tile Supplies can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. 

Be inspired with the latest styles in outdoor tiles for your home. Start browsing or visit our Myaree or Wangara showrooms to view the full range today.

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Credit: SIlvertone Photography

Frequently Asked Questions - Outdoors and Alfresco Tiles

What kind of tiles is best for outdoor use?

Selecting outdoor tiles involves considering several critical factors. You’ll want tiles that can withstand various weather conditions, including rain, wind, and heat, while also being resistant to stains and slips.

Ceramic tiles are an excellent choice for outdoor applications due to their durability, non-porous nature, and low maintenance requirements.

Porcelain tiles, with their exceptional resistance to water resistance and cracks make a secure second option.

Other popular options include timber-look tiles, stone-look tiles, concrete-look tiles, and plain tile ranges.

Find out our selection of outdoor tiles here.

Can outdoor tiles be installed on concrete?

Certainly, concrete is a common substrate for outdoor tiles. Properly poured concrete should withstand the elements and prevent cracking.

How to choose the right colour for my outdoor tiles?

The colour you choose will depend on what you wish to achieve: light-coloured tiles will brighten shady areas in your outdoor space, whereas darker tiles can tone down bright areas exposed to intense sunlight and glare.

What are the differences between tiles and pavers?

Outdoor tiles enjoy a refined appearance. Made from porcelain, clay, stone, slate, granite, marble, or bluestone, their surface coatings provide durability, water and weather resistance. Affordable, they are long-lasting and easy to maintain. Plus, they can be glazed with different colours or patterns offering an array of possibilities to customise your outdoors.

Outdoor pavers are usually made from concrete, brick, or natural stone hence they are thicker than tiles but have a rough, porous surface. They come in a more limited style variety and their colours are more likely to fade over time from sun exposure and weathering.

Understanding slip ratings (R10, R11, R12…)

A Slip Rating assesses a tile surface’s slip resistance. These ratings follow Australian Standards and are made to help you select tiles testifying of their safety in outdoor areas. 

When choosing outdoor tiles, it’s advisable to look for a slip rating of R10 or higher, such as R11 or R12, for optimal suitability in external settings.