The Best Outdoor Tiles for UK Weather

We all know the weather in the UK can change quickly. You can have torrential downpours one minute and the next the sun is shining. 

With all these changes in our weather, it's even more important to have the best outdoor tiles for all seasons. 

No matter what the weather conditions are, we’ve created the ultimate guide for you to follow when you’re looking for the best outdoor tiles for the UK weather. 

What Are The Outside Tiles Up Against In The UK?

Common harsh weather conditions that can affect outdoor tiles include heavy rainfall, frost and freeze-thaw cycles, moisture, moss and algae, temperature fluctuations, and very hot weather. 

Some materials, such as unsealed natural stone or standard ceramic, can actually absorb rainwater, as they’re porous. This then leads to trapped moisture, which can expand in freezing conditions, and eventually results in cracking or spalling (flaking of the surface), or the tile could completely pop out of the mortar. The heavier the rainfall and water build up on the tiles over time, the more it could lead to slippery conditions and fading of the material.

If water can easily seep between the tiles, then this is when you start to see the growth of moss and algae in between the tiles, which can become a pain to maintain. 

What Features Make A Tile Suitable For The British Weather?

You want outdoor tiles that can withstand any weather condition, so when you choose tiles for your new patio, make sure they have these features:

Frost Resistance

This is an important feature as it ensures long-term durability. When temperatures drop below freezing, the tiles can crack, particularly as they absorb water and moisture, which can expand during freeze-thaw cycles. Having this resistance in place will save the tiles for a long period of time. 

Anti-Slip Surface

An anti-slip tile is essential for the British weather when we experience lots of rainfall throughout the year. There are certain materials some manufacturers use for outdoor tiles, which are textured so they have a strong grip that prevents any potential slips or falls and makes them a lot safer to walk on in very wet conditions. 

Water-Resistance

Water-resistant materials like porcelain normally don’t absorb any water, which makes them even more resistant to frost as well as water. Not only does this stop them getting slippy or cracking, it also makes it far easier to clean the tiles. A water-resistant tile repels liquids, so if you have any accidental spillages or start to see a build-up of dirt on the tiles, then you can easily wipe it away, stopping any moss growth and preserving their look. 

Durability

Tiles that are durable are often robust and non-porous. They can normally withstand heavy objects like garden furniture or barbecues if they’re a slightly thicker tile. 

Durable tiles don’t tend to fade from UV rays or long-term exposure to direct sunlight. This feature often makes them a safer and cost-effective option if you want tiles that look sleek and clean for a long time. 

Easy Maintenance

You want tiles, such as porcelain, that are really easy to maintain. They will be easy to clean in all sessions, and you won’t have to spend lots of money on seasonal chemical treatments or polishing. 

The Best Outdoor Tiles

Now you know the key features to look out for, we’ll go through the best outdoor tiles for your patio so you can make the right choice. 

Porcelain Tiles For Outside

Porcelain tiles are a popular choice for outdoor areas. They’re made from refined clay, sand, and natural materials, and are made by being pressed together under high pressure and extremely hot temperatures of around 1,200 to 1,400 celsius. There are various porcelain designs you can choose from, such as tiles with a natural-stone effect, marble effect and an industrial style. 

Pros of porcelain tiles: 

• Most have anti-slip surfaces, which are designed to be a safe option during wet conditions

• Less likely to fade due to being resistant to high UV rays and direct sunlight

• Low water absorption makes them better at resisting frost, snow, and ice, so they are less likely to crack during freeze-thaw cycles

• Because they’re often heavier and thicker tiles, they’re a highly durable option that is less likely to chip or get damaged. 

Cons of porcelain tiles:

• They’re often more expensive due to how they’re made

• They can be tricky to cut and install as they’re harder and denser

• If a non-slip outdoor grade tile isn’t chosen, then you’re more likely to experience a slippery surface during heavier rainfall. 

Natural Stone Tiles For Outside

Natural stone tiles are normally a premium choice because they are formed naturally and extracted from quarries where they are cut into tiles and slabs. They are then finished to the desired look, which is why you’ll often find natural stone tiles look very unique and come from different materials such as sandstone, granite, limestone, or slate. They come in a huge range of colours, from black to silver, and they have a mixture of textures, from brushed, tumbled, or smooth. 

Pros of natural stone tiles: 

• Many stone tiles have long-lasting durability, making them a good choice for harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind and changing temperatures

• They have excellent strength, making them the best outdoor tiles for patios or pathways and if you have heavy objects resting on them

• Their natural texture makes them anti-slip

• Natural stone materials like granite and slate are resistant to frosty conditions. 

Cons of natural stone tiles:

• Some stone tiles, if left untreated, can be prone to staining and difficult to clean, such as limestone, sandstone, travertine, and onyx

• Because these tiles are formed naturally, it also increases their value, making them a more expensive option, so not the best choice for those looking for budget-friendly options

• The natural stone tiles can be more susceptible to weathering and fading, meaning their colour can change over time, resulting in different colour variations on your patio. 
  

Ceramic Outdoor Tiles:

Ceramic tiles are formed when materials such as clay, sand, and other minerals, are shaped, dried and fired in a kiln at high temperatures. They’re often designed with a protective glaze, which adds colour and a nice pattern to each tile. You can often find these tiles with different styles, such as a stone or wood effect.

Pros of ceramic outdoor tiles:

• They’re fade-resistant, which means they won’t fade when under high UV exposure, so the colour of the tiles will last for longer

• They’re easy to maintain because they have a nice protective glaze, which makes it harder for stains to appear and makes it a simple process to wipe away any spillages

• They have a good anti-slip feature from their textured surfaces, which is good for wet conditions

• Outdoor-rated ceramic tiles are generally the go-to choice because they can withstand harsh weather conditions like heavy rainfall and direct sunlight exposure. 

Cons of ceramic outdoor tiles: 

• They’re less durable than porcelain, which means it’s easier for them to chip or crack under a heavy impact

• In general, they have a higher water absorption, which can make them more susceptible to frost damage if the outdoor-rated ceramic tiles aren’t used

• Due to being less durable than some other outdoor tiles, it means they might not have a very long lifespan and will need replacing sooner. 

Which Should You Choose?

The best outdoor tile is the porcelain tile. It’s durable, water-resistant, easy to maintain and comes with an anti-slip surface, so they’re really the perfect thing for all weathers. 

If porcelain is a little out of your budget, then a natural stone tile will look beautiful, though you should be aware that the colour can fade over time. 

If you’re looking to install porcelain outdoor tiles in your garden, then you can visit one of our local stores or have a look online to find the best style for your garden.