The best tiles for outdoor alfrescos in Melbourne's north

From new estates in Epping, Wollert and Mernda to established homes in Bundoora, Reservoir and Preston, the alfresco has become the second living room of the northern suburbs. The right tiles make it safe, easy to clean and good looking all year. Here is what to consider, with ranges you can see at our Reservoir showroom. Courtyards in inner suburbs are covered in our Thornbury courtyards guide; this one focuses on larger alfrescos, patios and pool areas.

Weather in the north

The northern suburbs get hot, dry northerly days in summer, frosty mornings in winter and the occasional heavy downpour. Outdoor tiles need to stay grippy when wet, cope with temperature swings and not get too hot underfoot.

Slip resistance comes first

Outdoor tiles need a textured or grip finish. Where a slip rating is published you will see it on the tile.

• Covered alfrescos: rain still blows in, so choose a grip finish. A P4 rating is common for covered outdoor areas.
• Uncovered patios, paths and steps: look for a higher rating such as P5.
• Pool surrounds: wet bare feet need the most grip. Check the rating with your pool builder.

Browse P4 and P5 rated tiles, and read our outdoor tiles and slip ratings guide. Always confirm what your area needs with your builder.

Indoor to outdoor flow

Most new homes in Epping, Mill Park and South Morang open the family room straight onto the alfresco. Indoor and outdoor matching tiles come in two finishes of the same look: smoother inside, grippier outside. Laid in the same direction, they make the two spaces feel like one.

Tile or paver?

• Standard outdoor tiles (about 9 to 10mm): laid on a concrete slab with adhesive. The usual choice for an alfresco built with the house.
• 20mm porcelain pavers: thick enough to lay on sand, gravel or pedestals, so they suit garden paths, pool surrounds and decks over existing surfaces. Also very strong.

Size

600x600mm is the most popular outdoor size and suits most alfrescos. 600x1200mm looks great in larger spaces but needs a very flat slab and careful falls so water drains away from the house. For paths, a 400x800mm or smaller format follows curves more easily.

Colour and look

• Mid tones: light grey, beige and warm stone hide dust, leaf litter and footprints better than very pale or very dark tiles.
• Heat: dark tiles get hot in full sun. On an uncovered patio, choose a lighter colour.
• Looks that work outside: stone looks and concrete looks are the most popular; travertine looks suit Mediterranean style homes; timber look tiles give the feel of a deck without the oiling.

Browse the full outdoor tiles range.

Drainage and falls

Outdoor tiles must fall away from the house so water does not pool or run inside. Larger alfrescos may need a strip drain at the edge. Plan this with your builder or concreter before the slab is poured.

Pool areas

For pool surrounds, combine a grip rated paver with matching coping, and use pool tiles for the waterline. Our pool tiles and coping guide explains the options.

Outdoor kitchens and barbecue areas

A splashback behind the barbecue gets grease and heat. A glazed porcelain or subway tile wipes clean, and a matching outdoor floor tile ties it together. An outdoor sink with a kitchen mixer rounds out the space.

See them in person

Outdoor tiles look very different in sunlight than under showroom lights. Take samples home from our Reservoir showroom and look at them outside, wet and dry. We offer a free measure across the north, including Epping, Thomastown and Mill Park and Bundoora and Greensborough, and tiles are usually ready for free pickup in 2 to 4 days.

Common questions

What slip rating do I need for an alfresco?

A covered alfresco commonly uses a P4 rated tile, while uncovered areas and pool surrounds usually need more grip, such as P5. Confirm the requirement for your area with your builder.

Can I use the same tile inside and on the alfresco?

Yes, if the range comes in an indoor and an outdoor finish. The outdoor version has more grip but looks the same.

Are porcelain pavers better than standard outdoor tiles?

Pavers are 20mm thick and can be laid on sand, gravel or pedestals, which makes them ideal for paths and pool surrounds. Standard outdoor tiles are glued to a slab and suit most alfrescos.

Visit us or shop online

See the range in person at our showrooms: Geelong at 35A Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220, phone (03) 5223 2765, and Reservoir at 214 Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073, phone (03) 9867 5051. Both are open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm and Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, or book a renovation consult, and ask us to include installation by our qualified trades if you would like it quoted. Prefer to shop from home? Order online with Australia-wide delivery, or pick up from either showroom, usually ready in 2 to 4 days. See all the areas we serve.