Nothing makes us want to get outdoors more than blue skies and some sunshine. Of course, it helps if you have a beautiful outdoor space, and creating such a space starts with selecting durable, weather-resistant, and stylish materials. Create your own private getaway with ceramic tile and turn every ordinary day into a stay-cation you’ll look forward to.
Ceramic tile is a natural choice for outdoor surfaces, offering outdoor durability with options that are scratch-, stain-, moisture-, frost-, and fade-resistant for beauty that lasts for decades.
Did we mention that ceramic tile comes in hundreds of styles, formats, colors, and textures to create the exact look you’re imagining? Here are some beautiful outdoor tile possibilities to get you started designing your own outdoor living spaces.
Outdoor Tile Looks
Stone-Look Outdoor Tile
Natural stone is a classic look for outdoors and can easily transition right into your home. Thanks to the versatility of stone-look ceramic tile, you can choose between subtle or dramatic color and texture variations, as well as lighter and darker designs. This outdoor space beautifully juxtaposes lighter stone-look tiles with darker tiles for a heightened contrast.
Marble-Look Outdoor Tile
Marble looks belong in grand entryways, ballrooms — and your backyard. This patio opts for a marble-look ceramic tile with a light color and erratic gray veining to give the space an elegant vibe.
[Related: 2020 Tile Trends: Modernized Marble]
Outdoor Wood-Look Tile
Ceramic tile’s moisture resistance means you can use the same wood-look tile from your bedroom in your bathroom and kitchen — and then take it outside to your patio and even right up to your pool. Large wood-look tiles in a warm hue give this patio a natural setting, all the more unique with an urban backdrop.
[Related: 2020 Tile Trends: Refined Natural Wood Looks]
Terra Cotta-Look Outdoor Tile
Have we been transported to a Spanish villa? No, that’s just the power of terra cotta-look tile. Especially when paired with white stucco, terra cotta-look tile creates a dreamy Mediterranean aesthetic.
Terrazzo-Look Outdoor Tile
The terrazzo style has been a popular choice for outdoor spaces and is now trending more than ever. Part of the fun of selecting terrazzo-look tile is exploring variations in the color, size, shape, and even texture of the fragments and chips. This outdoor terrazzo-look tile is peppered with shades of white, blue, and black.
[Related: 2020 Tile Trends: Speckled Surfaces]
Back-to-Basics Cement-Look Outdoor Tile
Want the classic look of cement with the benefits of ceramic tile? These large square cement-look ceramic tiles add just the right amount of visual interest while keeping the decor understated.
[Related: 2020 Tile Trends: Industrial Chic Tile]
Checkerboard Outdoor Tile
You may be more used to seeing checkerboard tile indoors, but who’s to say that the classic white and black look can’t find a home outdoors? Distressed tiles with a cement-like texture give the space all the grandeur of this traditional look while tailoring the style to fit an outdoor aesthetic.
[Related: Black and White Tile Trends for Every Space]
Metallic Outdoor Tile
No grass in your backyard? You can still find some lush green to admire with a choice like this unique jade metal-look tile. When paired with the pendant lighting and concrete-look wall tiles, the metallic tile flooring creates an urban sensibility in the otherwise natural space.
Patterned Outdoor Tile
If monochrome or natural looks aren’t your thing, consider that ceramic tile comes in just about any pattern you can imagine — including the black and white star pattern on this tile patio. Patterned tile is a great way to add visual interest to an outdoor space and can be as complex or simple as you choose.
[Related: Tile Trends: Geometric Tiles & Pattern Play]
Outdoor Tile Applications
Outdoor Tile Fireplace
Flooring isn’t the only surface where you can use outdoor tile — ceramic tile is also ideal for creating your dream outdoor tile fireplace. Ceramic tile is nonflammable and won’t smoke or give off toxic fumes when exposed to heat and/or flame. That means the homeowners of this patio were able to choose from the vast array of ceramic tile options in order to create the perfect fireplace for their outdoor living area.
Outdoor Tile Pavers
Whether leading from the sidewalk to your front door or connecting different areas of your backyard, pathways are an outdoor space essential. Ceramic tile’s versatile functionality allows for your outdoor tiles to be installed as a solid surface and also as stepping stones — see the gorgeous natural stone-look tiles shown above.
Pool Tile
Ceramic tile is a smart, time-tested addition to pool interiors, steps, surrounds, and water features. Tile’s waterproof system protects your installation with a style impact beyond compare — just look at the amazing pool and patio design above.
Outdoor Kitchen and Bar Tile
Happy hour has never looked better. A one-of-a-kind ceramic tile design for your outdoor kitchen, bar, or dining area will rival even the most stylish restaurant.
Want more outdoor tile ideas? Visit our Outdoor Tile Pinterest board to find the perfect backdrop for all your outdoor living!