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How to Choose Outdoor Tiles

When it comes to designing your perfect outdoor area, outdoor tiles offer a versatile and stylish alternative to traditional pavers. Unlike pavers, which often require a concrete slab or meticulous placement, external tiles deliver a sleek, uniform finish with minimal effort. Whether you’re aiming to create a seamless flow from your indoor space to your patio or a hard-wearing surface for an outdoor living space, outdoor tiles bring a level of sophistication and practicality that’s hard to beat.

Outdoor Tile FAQs

The best tiles for outdoor use are porcelain tiles with a textured or matte finish, specifically rated for external areas. Porcelain is extremely durable, non-porous, slip-resistant, and able to withstand Australia’s weather extremes. Look for outdoor tiles with a high slip resistance rating (P4 or above).

For more buying advice, read our guide: What to Look for When Shopping for Outdoor Tiles.

The disadvantages of outdoor tiles can include:

  • Installation complexity, especially over uneven ground
  • Slip risks if the tile finish isn’t appropriate
  • Surface temperature sensitivity, where darker tiles may retain more heat

That said, choosing the right tile—such as a slip-resistant porcelain tile—minimises these issues significantly.

Outdoor tiles are typically laid over a concrete slab, screeded base, or tile-support pedestals for raised decks. A proper substrate must be level, well-drained, and stable to prevent cracking or movement. In some installations, a membrane or uncoupling layer is added to reduce water absorption and isolate movement.

While tiles themselves (especially porcelain) are water-resistant, the substrate beneath them must be protected from water ingress. Waterproofing membranes are essential in areas like balconies, patios with enclosed bases, or rooftops to prevent water damage and structural issues. For ground-level paving, drainage and slope are often more critical than membrane application.

The strongest outdoor tiles are full-bodied porcelain pavers, designed to handle heavy loads, temperature swings, and foot traffic. These tiles are fired at high temperatures, making them incredibly dense and resistant to cracking, stains, and fading—perfect for patios, walkways, and alfresco areas.

With correct installation and proper maintenance, outdoor tiles—especially porcelain—can last 20 to 30 years or more. UV-stable finishes, weather resistance, and frost tolerance (in colder regions) all contribute to long-term durability. Ross’s offers premium outdoor tile options built to last in Australian conditions.