Keen to renovate your outdoor area? You may want to tile a patio or create a beautiful water feature with natural tiles around it. If this is on the cards, you have a decision to make. Nowadays, technology has given us access to a wide range of outdoor tiles and materials that could be used to upgrade your outdoor area; you just need to choose one. To help you, we’ve listed some of the best outdoor tiles one can use below to give you a head start on your choice:

1. Sandstone

Sandstone comes in various types, with the softer version known as serpentine. In general, sandstone is a lovely texture and tone. However, it does need to be sealed regularly so that the stain from the concrete or vegetation doesn’t eventually come into the cracks where you’ve installed these tiles.

In addition to that, regular sealing would also protect your tiles from water and moisture penetrating them if you live in an area that’s more prone to rain. One of the best aspects of sandstone is that it’s usually more affordable than other natural stone options.

2. Slate

Slate is one of the most durable and longest-lasting tiling options outdoors, so if you want to invest in longevity, slate is a good choice. You can buy slate tiles in various colours, with earthy colours being the most common.

Another bonus of slate tiles is that they are highly water-resistant, ensuring that water rarely gets through them to the foundation below, which is likely one factor contributing to why they last so long.

3. Travertine

Another natural option, travertine stone, has a glossy appearance and is usually mined near mineral springs, so its price is generally higher. Travertine is hard and polished. However, minor imperfections like dirt and water marks tend to show quickly. Thankfully, you can just as easily wipe them off with this easy-to-maintain tile.

4. Concrete

If you want a natural stone look without worrying about the price tag that comes with many natural stone tiles, concrete slabs or tiles are your best bet. Concrete slabs are made from simple materials, allowing them to be stained easily to match the look you’re going for. You could even leave them as is if you want. Concrete is also firm and would offer you years of use before you need to look at replacing it.

5. Granite

For those of you who want a more luxurious feel, granite is up there with the best quality tiling options and is also the most expensive. Granite is a high-quality paving material that’s extremely durable.

However, granite must be regularly sealed to improve durability and water resistance. In addition to that, granite is extremely heavy, making it difficult to install compared to other tiling options.

6. Porcelain

Porcelain tiles are a favourite across Australia for outdoor use because of their toughness, low maintenance, and versatility. Made from refined clay and fired at high temperatures, they’re incredibly dense, which means they resist moisture, scratches, and fading from the sun.

Many outdoor-rated porcelain tiles also have textured finishes that provide grip, making them ideal for wet areas like patios and around pools. With styles that mimic stone, timber, and even concrete, porcelain gives you the look you want without the hassle that often comes with natural materials.

7. Limestone

Limestone tiles bring a soft, natural look to outdoor spaces and work especially well in gardens, courtyards, and alfresco areas. The light, neutral tones help keep the surface cool underfoot in the Australian heat, and the subtle texture adds a relaxed, earthy feel.

However, like many natural stones, limestone is porous and needs to be sealed to protect it from stains and weathering. It’s not as hard as granite or slate, so it’s best used in lower-traffic areas or where you’re aiming for a more refined, decorative finish.

8. Quarry

Quarry tiles are made from natural clay and fired at high temperatures, making them dense, tough, and suited to high-traffic outdoor areas. They usually come in earthy tones like red, brown, and grey, which fit well in rustic or traditional Australian outdoor settings.

While not completely waterproof, quarry tiles handle moisture better than many natural stones, especially when sealed. Their rough texture provides natural slip resistance, which is useful for driveways, verandahs, or walkways.

Find the best outdoor tiles here

Don’t rush when it comes to choosing the right tile. Remember, once installed, there’s no going back for a few years. Do your rounds and check what outdoor tiles are available. Check out Cheap Tiles Online for a cheap range of outdoor tiles. You can find all the tiles above on their site and more if you want something different.

Final thoughts

You want outdoor tiles to be durable, strong, functional, and aesthetically pleasing, adding to the overall look of your outdoor area. To achieve this, you need to carefully review the tile options above and decide what best fits your vision for your outdoor area and whether or not it will also fit your budget.