Outdoor tiles and slip ratings: choosing tiles for alfresco, patios and paths

An outdoor tiled area should feel like part of the house, but it has to cope with rain, frost, sun, garden grit and wet feet. That makes slip resistance, strength and drainage just as important as colour. This guide explains what to look for in outdoor tiles for alfresco areas, patios, balconies and paths.

Slip ratings for outdoor areas

Tiles sold in Australia are tested for slip resistance under AS 4586. The ratings you will see most often are:

• P ratings, P0 to P5, from a wet pendulum test. Higher numbers mean more grip when wet.
• R ratings, R9 to R13, from an inclined ramp test, often quoted for outdoor and commercial tiles.
• Barefoot ratings A, B and C, relevant for pool surrounds and outdoor showers.

Outdoor surfaces get wet and often slope for drainage, so they generally need higher ratings than indoor floors. Pool surrounds, ramps and steps need particular care. Your builder, landscaper or certifier should confirm the right rating for your site, and you should check the rating on the tile's specification sheet rather than relying on a product name.

Choosing the right outdoor tile

Porcelain rated for outdoor use

Porcelain is dense and absorbs very little water, so it resists frost damage and staining. Many ranges come in an outdoor grip finish alongside a matching indoor matt finish, which lets you run the same look from the living room through the door to the alfresco. See outdoor tiles and indoor and outdoor tiles.

Thicker tiles and pavers

Thicker porcelain pavers, often around 20mm, can be laid on sand, gravel or pedestals in some situations, as well as on a concrete slab. Standard thickness tiles need a solid, properly prepared slab. Ask which installation method suits your area.

Natural stone

Stone such as travertine and limestone looks beautiful outdoors and stays cooler underfoot in lighter colours, but it needs sealing and more care than porcelain.

Colour, heat and maintenance

• Heat: dark tiles in full sun can get very hot underfoot. Lighter colours stay cooler around pools and on north facing patios.
• Dirt and leaves: mid tones and speckled or stone looks hide dirt, leaf stains and footprints better than plain white or black.
• Glare: very light, smooth tiles can be bright in summer sun. Textured finishes reduce glare.

Drainage and falls

Outdoor tiled areas need a fall so water runs away from the house, plus drainage at the low point. Large format tiles need a flat, well prepared base, and the fall has to be built into the slab. Around doors, check the threshold height so water cannot run inside. This is work for a qualified tiler or builder.

Grout and movement joints outdoors

Outdoor tiles go through bigger temperature swings than indoor floors, so movement joints are important to stop cracking. Choose a grout suited to exterior use, in a mid tone that hides dirt. Our grout guide explains the options.

Indoor to outdoor flow

A popular approach is to use the same tile inside and out, with a matt finish indoors and a grip finish outdoors, laid in the same direction and at the same level where possible. It makes the living area feel larger and ties the house to the garden. Talk to us about which ranges come in both finishes. Our floor tiles guide covers the indoor side.

Care

1. Sweep regularly so grit does not scratch the surface.
2. Wash with a pH neutral cleaner and a soft broom. Avoid acids on grout and stone.
3. Seal natural stone and cement grout as recommended.
4. Clean up leaves and fruit quickly, as tannins can stain.

See outdoor tiles in person

Grip finishes feel very different from indoor matt tiles, and the best way to compare is underfoot. Visit our Reservoir or Geelong showroom, and book a free measure so quantities and cuts are worked out from your actual area. Tiles are call to order. Browse HF Tiles and Stoneworld ranges online first.

Common questions

What slip rating do outdoor tiles need?

Outdoor areas generally need higher slip ratings than indoor floors because they get wet and often slope. Pool surrounds, steps and ramps need particular care. Ask your builder or certifier to confirm the rating for your site and check the tile specification.

Can I use the same tile inside and outside?

Yes, many ranges come in an indoor matt finish and a matching outdoor grip finish, so you can carry the same look through to the alfresco.

Do outdoor tiles get hot?

Dark tiles in full sun can get very hot underfoot. Lighter colours stay cooler, which matters around pools and on north facing areas.

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, Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, 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.