Dzek + Formafantasma: ExCinere

4. Limestone Tiles

Limestone tiles provide a warm, natural look that complements various outdoor designs. As a natural stone tile, limestone has a unique ability to blend with natural surroundings. However, designers should consider the maintenance required to preserve its beauty in areas exposed to harsh weather conditions. With proper sealing and care, these tiles can offer visual appeal and remarkable durability in outdoor settings.

5. Travertine Tiles

Travertine tiles offer a timeless look that is well-suited for patios and decks. This type of natural stone tile is renowned for its distinctive patterns and smooth finish, making it a popular choice for those seeking elegance and practicality. Travertine’s porous surface can be enhanced with proper sealing to improve water resistance, ensuring that it remains a good outdoor tile option even in areas exposed to extreme weather.

6. Marble Tiles

Marble tiles bring a touch of luxury and sophistication to outdoor spaces, especially when used as accent pieces or in transitional areas. These tiles offer a unique aesthetic appeal with their natural veining and smooth surface. However, because marble can be susceptible to staining and wear under heavy use, designers often use it in areas with moderate foot traffic or as decorative accents in outdoor living spaces.

7. Terrazzo Tiles

Terrazzo tiles have seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to their playful patterns and high durability. Composed of chips of marble, porcelain, and glass set in a cement base, their resistance to water and wear makes them a popular choice for high-traffic areas such as outdoor patios and decks. These tiles also come in a variety of patterns and colors that complement many different design schemes.

8. Brick Tiles

Brick tiles exude classic charm and a sense of history that can lend character to any outdoor area. Their warm, earthy tones and tactile texture make them a great option for outdoor spaces that seek to bridge the gap between modern design and traditional craftsmanship. These particular tiles can handle harsh weather conditions when properly sealed, ensuring longevity and a timeless appeal.

9. Cement Tiles

Cement tiles offer a look that is both versatile and durable. Engineered for outdoor use, these tiles can withstand high temperatures, extreme weather, and heavy foot traffic, making them a good option for decks, patios, and pool areas. (Just keep in mind that they’re generally not freeze-thaw rated for cold climates.) They come in a vast array of patterns, too, making them a popular choice among designers.

10. Terracotta Tiles

Terracotta tiles evoke the warmth of the Mediterranean and bring rustic charm to outdoor spaces. Their earthy tan to red hues are reminiscent of natural surroundings and work exceptionally well in creating inviting outdoor living areas. While these tiles have rich texture and historical appeal, they do require sealing to ensure water resistance and longevity. When properly maintained, they can serve as a perfect tile for patios and decks.

11. Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tiles offer endless creative possibilities for outdoor applications. Measuring 2 inches by 2 inches or less in size, these tiles can be arranged in intricate patterns that become a centerpiece for any tiled patio or pool area. Mosaic tiles are not only visually captivating but also provide a high level of slip resistance (thanks to more grouting) making them a good option for areas prone to moisture and water splashes.

12. Glass Tiles

Glass tiles add a modern, high-end aesthetic to outdoor areas with their reflective surfaces and vibrant color options. They are often used to accentuate water features, pool areas, and contemporary patios, where their light-reflecting properties can create stunning visual effects. While glass tiles are a durable option for outdoor use, designers should consider their installation in areas where they will not be exposed to heavy impact.

13. Granite Tiles

Granite tiles are known for their robust strength and durability, making them a durable material ideal for outdoor applications. As a type of natural stone, granite offers a classic and refined aesthetic that appeals to both interior design enthusiasts and landscape architects. The possibilities don’t stop at tile, either — our Nimbus collection proves that sculptural elements are an equally striking expression of this natural stone.

14. Quarry Tiles

Quarry tiles, which may sound like a type of natural tile, are actually crafted from a mixture of clay, shale, and other natural ingredients, then fired at high temperatures. This process creates a dense, impervious surface that stands up well to extreme weather and high-traffic outdoor spaces. Do take note: These tiles tend to have a more uniform appearance, so if a bespoke look is what you’re after, look elsewhere.

15. Sandstone Tiles

Sandstone tiles are another natural stone option that brings earthy tones and a relaxed vibe to outdoor spaces. Their textured surface is not only visually appealing but also provides excellent slip resistance, which is crucial for pool areas where water exposure is common. This type of outdoor tile is a good option for creating a rustic look, and its natural patterns complement both modern and traditional designs.

How to Choose the Best Type of Outdoor Tile for Your Project

Selecting the best outdoor tile for your project goes beyond aesthetic appeal. Here are some key considerations that interior designers and landscape architects should keep in mind when choosing outdoor floor tiles for patios, decks, and other outdoor living spaces.

Weather and UV Resistance

Outdoor tiles must be able to withstand the full range of climatic conditions — from high temperatures and intense sunlight to harsh winter chills and heavy rain. They should also be able to resist cracking and fading over time.

For instance, porcelain tiles are a popular choice for exterior use because of their ability to maintain their color and structural integrity even when exposed to extreme weather. Natural stone options like slate and travertine tiles are also durable when properly sealed, making them a good option in areas that experience both hot summers and cold winters.

Texture and Slip Risistance

Texture plays a vital role in ensuring safety and comfort in high-traffic areas. Slip resistance is particularly important for outdoor spaces such as pool areas, decks, and patios where moisture is a constant factor.

For example, porcelain tiles are often finished with a slip-resistant surface that can help prevent accidents. Additionally, options like brick and terracotta offer textured finishes that not only enhance their visual appeal but also improve traction.

Strength and Durability

Strength and durability are key considerations when selecting outdoor tiles, especially in areas that see heavy foot traffic or frequent use. Materials such as slate, porcelain, and brick are renowned for their long-lasting performance, as they resist chipping, scratching, and fading when subjected to extreme temperatures and conditions.

A durable material is essential not only for maintaining the aesthetic appeal of an outdoor space but also for ensuring that the investment in high-quality tile stands the test of time. When choosing between different types of outdoor tiles, always assess how each option will perform in high-traffic areas.

Sealing and Maintenance

Maintenance requirements for outdoor tiles can vary significantly depending on the material. Some natural stone options, such as limestone and travertine, for example, require regular sealing to protect them against water penetration and staining. Other tile types, such as porcelain, require less in the way of upkeep.

When considering sealing and maintenance, designers should take into account the environmental factors of the outdoor space. For example, areas exposed to water features or extreme weather conditions may benefit from tiles that are inherently resistant to water.

Aesthetics

Finally, aesthetics play a pivotal role in the selection of outdoor tile. The right choice of tile material can transform an ordinary outdoor area into a stunning extension of interior design. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of brick tiles or the modern elegance of glass tiles, the aesthetic appeal of your chosen material should complement the overall design vision.

Interior designers and landscape architects often balance practicality with beauty, choosing tiles that not only perform well in extreme weather conditions but also add character to patios and decks. A well-curated selection of outdoor tiles can serve as a focal point in any design, highlighting natural surroundings and providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.