5 Different Types Of Tiles You Can Use For Your Outdoor Patio

Making sure your backyard is in tip-top shape is often low on the list of priorities for homeowners, even folks who've had their home for some years may never get around to finishing their outdoor areas. If you're finally in the process of figuring out what you'd like your outdoor sanctuary to look like, it's a good idea to think about your patio area since it'll be used often by you and guests. Patio tiles are a great alternative to boring concrete and will upgrade the look of your garden and make your patio stand out.

Outdoor Tile explains that although patio tiles can sometimes be expensive and difficult to maintain, they're great for elevating the look of your backyard, they're environmentally friendly, and they are durable. Deciding the look you want to achieve and which tiles to use is the hard part, so here are five different tiles you can use for your patio.

If you're going for a more modern look, porcelain tiles are sleek and clean, which will look great on your patio. Porcelain tiles are made of clay that has been fired at 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Flooring America. Since they're seared in extremely hot temperatures, they're perfect for homes that are located in places with high temperatures. They can also resist humidity and moisture because they don't have any pores, unlike natural stone tiles. They are able to last you for years and are easy to keep clean.

There are different types of porcelain, graded from class one to five. The best porcelain you can buy is class five since it's the most durable, per Flooring America. You definitely want the strongest type of porcelain if you're going to be stacking various pieces of furniture on top of it. With class five porcelain, it can withstand the heaviest pieces without damage. 

Limestone is a natural stone that's somewhat more affordable than other types of natural stone. If you want to avoid artificial materials, then limestone is perfect for your patio. The tiles come in various colors such as red, gray, brown, and tan which can give your backyard a peaceful earthy look. They can make your patio look classy; they're cut from the actual stone instead of being manufactured, states Build Direct, so you'll have a mix of colors across your floor.

Unlike porcelain tiles, limestone has pores which means that it needs to be taken care of carefully to prevent damage. Build Directs explains that limestone tiles must be sealed once they're installed so that water or dirt don't get into the pores. They're also prone to scratches, so if you have patio furniture be careful not to scrape any chairs too hard across the tile. When installed correctly, limestone will completely transform your space into a luxurious and relaxing sanctuary.

If you're not a fan of limestone, then sandstone is a good alternative for your patio flooring. It's a natural stone or sedimentary rock that can take millions of years to develop, according to the Tile Home Guide, due to it being made up of compressed sand. It can make your patio look elegant as the colors of the stone change over time. Sandstone comes in earthy tones such as brown and gray, which will give your backyard a natural look. It does come in other colors such as red, black, yellow, white, and green, notes the Tile Home Guide.

Similar to limestone, sandstone should also be sealed frequently since it is porous and easily damaged if exposed to moisture or humidity. If you live in an area with lots of rain, you may want to stray away from natural stone tiles so that you don't have to replace them often. Sandstone works great in dry climates and will last you for years if it's well taken care of.

For a natural stone look that works in any climate, slate tiles are a great option for your patio. They have a high quality appearance, especially if you add potted plants around your patio. Slate is a metamorphic rock, which just like sandstone, takes time to form, according to Floor Coverings International. Slate is extremely versatile and comes in an array of colors such as gray, black, orange, even purple, so it can be matched to the theme of your patio.

Slate is a better choice for outdoors than some other types of natural stone as it's water resistant, which makes it easier to maintain. It should still be sealed after it's installed because slate is prone to stains. Slate or natural stone cleaner can be used to get rid of any small marks or scuffs, just stay away from acidic cleaners that have lemon or vinegar in them.

Possibly the easiest tiles to install are wood deck tiles since they are pre-formed and only require slotting together like a jigsaw puzzle. They can be arranged in any shape and size, claims DecksDirect. Wood deck tiles will give you a visually striking patio that all your guests will compliment. Even though they don't require much maintenance to keep them looking new, they still should be taken care of, states Build Direct. Use a soft sponge to clean any stains, dirt, or debris, and apply a deck brightener to help get rid of scuff marks.

Installing wood deck tiles is a great DIY project if you're looking for something that will elevate your patio and won't take too much time to install. You can also add a variety of décor items to your wood deck to spruce up the look of your yard, such as patio furniture, string lights, a fire pit, or a barbecue grill. It'll be your favorite spot to lounge in regardless of what season it is.