Outdoor flooring should be durable, easy to maintain and, of course, stylish! We're sharing these outdoor tile ideas to inspire your patio project.
Outdoor Patio Tiles: 10 Best Ideas
Updated on Jun. 20, 2025
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Checkerboard Tile Patio
Checkerboard flooring is elegant and timeless, though traditionally used inside the home. Bringing that style outdoors creates a breathtaking effect, as shown here with this patio designed by West of Main. It’s a great choice for someone who loves classic design with a twist.
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Patterned Tile Patio
Bold tile has become a big design trend in the last few years, and we are here for it. Patios with patterned tile, like this porcelain tile patio by @mynewcasa, demand attention and create a big statement in an outdoor space. Just remember when using tile with a busy pattern to keep your patio furniture clean and simple.
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Limestone Tile Patio
The soft, earthy look of outdoor patio tiles made of limestone (used here by @london_stoneworks) makes them an obvious material for outdoors. If your patio is near a pool or water feature, you can rest easy, because limestone resists mold and bacteria. It’s easy to keep clean, but should be resealed once a year to maintain its beautiful finish.
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Geometric Tile Patio
This patio by @thebungalowscalistoga packs a punch thanks to the cool geometric tile with a 3-D cube effect. Choose something daring if you want to squeeze as much personality as you can into a small patio.
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Slate Tile Patio
If you want an extra strong and durable tile patio, consider natural slate outdoor patio tiles, used here by @dreambound74. Slate is a dense, non-porous material that holds up well to the elements. And you won’t have to sacrifice on style. Color options range from grays, blacks and browns to more unexpected shades like purples and greens.
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Granite Tile Patio
This patio by @taylormadehomeno.14 features oversized granite tiles, and the effect is gorgeous. The solid gray color and minimal grout lines create a clean modern look. Granite is a long-lasting material resistant to stains.
Just make sure to reseal it at least once or twice a year. “Granite is porous,” says architect Matthew Coates. “Water and stains soak in if you don’t seal it every year or two. Unsealed granite is especially bad if it freezes.”
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Travertine Tile Patio
Thanks to the compression process used to make travertine outdoor patio tiles, they are actually three times stronger than concrete! Not only is travertine ultra-durable, it looks beautiful, as proven by this patio by @envyexteriorsinc.
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Small-Sized Tile Patio
Medium to large tiles are often used on patio floors, which makes these small tiles, installed by @calitile, a more unexpected choice. The brick-like effect looks beautiful installed on a spacious patio like this.
But for smaller patios, it’s better to choose a larger tile to avoid too many grout lines. “Fewer joints (think cleaning and debris removal), cleaner look, and a space that feels bigger,” says Coates. “Small tiles can get busy fast.”
Planning to remodel your patio? Find out the best patio flooring options.
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Pebble Tile Patio
A patio is the perfect place to show creativity with your choice of materials. We love these level pebble tiles by @island_stone. This tile is an ideal solution for those who want an even surface but love the aesthetic of natural pebbles.
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Patio with Tile Floor and Walls
Remember, tiles aren’t only for the ground! Consider tiling additional surfaces like a fence or wall near your patio to make a big statement. The coordinating walls and floor of this patio by @emsertile create a cozy and modern space.
FAQs
Can you use regular indoor tiles outside?
You shouldn’t. Indoor tiles are more fragile than outdoor patio tiles; the color fades quickly and they are more susceptible to cracks and scratches. If you use indoor tiles instead of outdoor patio tiles, your patio will have a significantly shorter lifespan.
Do outdoor tiles need to be sealed?
While not mandatory, sealing outdoor tiles is generally recommended if you want your patio to continue looking its best several years down the road.
Sealing provides a protective coating that prevents staining and water damage and is especially important for porous materials like granite, slate and travertine. Glazed tiles are the only ones that don’t need sealing.
About the Expert
- Matthew Coates is the CEO of Seattle Architects. His signature achievements include the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, the Harrison Urgent Care Facility, and the S’Klallam Tribe Youth Community Center.
