Australia’s weather is made for outdoor living. Long summers, open skies, and plenty of time spent outside.
But outdoor spaces deserve more than just grass and gravel.
With the right tiles and layout, even a small courtyard can feel like a private retreat. Large patios become statement zones, and pool areas turn into resort-style escapes.
This guide gives you 15 innovative, design-led outdoor tiling ideas to upgrade your outdoor space.
Before you dive into styles and layouts, it’s important to first choose the right tile. Outdoor living spaces need tiles that can handle all kinds of weather, including rain, sun, moisture, freezing temperatures and even pool chemicals. The right tile will not only look good but also be practical, and long-lasting.
Here are some of the most popular types of outdoor floor tiles and why they work:
Porcelain tiles are the top choice for most outdoor use. They’re incredibly strong, water-resistant, and won’t stain or fade easily. With no sealing needed and less cleaning you’ll have a great-looking space all year round.
They also come in various styles like timber, concrete or stone looks, giving you design flexibility without compromising on durability.
Natural stone adds a timeless, organic feel to outdoor spaces. Travertine, slate, limestone or granite tiles create a premium look that blends beautifully with gardens or natural natural-looking landscapes.
Natural stone tiles are non-slip tiles that age well, but they do need regular sealing to protect them from water damage and stains.
If you love a raw, contemporary look, cement and concrete tiles are a great pick. They’re available in both plain and patterned styles, so perfect for adding visual interest or contrast zones.
Just note that cement tiles are a bit more porous, so they’ll need to be sealed to stay protected from moisture, especially in exposed areas.
Your backyard should be more than just a lawn or a leftover space. With the right outdoor tiles, you can turn it into a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy the great outdoors in style.
Porcelain is clean, modern, and super versatile when it comes to design. Go for large-format tiles laid in a straight pattern for a minimalist look, or add subtle texture with a concrete or stone-effect look.
For a seamless feel, extend the same tile from your living room out onto the backyard. It’s one of the easiest ways to make the space feel bigger and more connected.
Natural stone tiles and pavers give your backyard a grounded, natural feel, especially when paired with greenery or timber.
Use mixed sizes in a French pattern for a relaxed European vibe, or go for oversized pavers with gravel joints for a modern garden look. Curved edges or stepping paths can also break up square layouts and create flow through the space.
Tip: Stick to warm, earthy tones to make the area feel more inviting.
Sustainable design doesn’t mean boring. Try a grid layout with spaced pavers and grass or pebbles between them. This softens hard surfaces and feels more organic.
Terracotta or handmade-look tiles bring warmth and texture, while irregular layouts add charm. This style works especially well in gardens, around veggie beds, or with native planting.
Tip: Use gravel or recycled crushed stone between pavers for easy drainage and a low-maintenance finish.
These ideas explore how tile shapes, colours, and placements can enhance natural surroundings and bring structure to your garden.
Mosaic tiles are perfect around planter boxes, along steps, or as a trim to break up large paved areas.
They can also be used to create custom borders that define zones without using walls or fences. Choose materials or colours to add personality without overwhelming the space.
Tiled garden paths don’t have to be rigid. Go for stepping-stone layouts, spaced pavers with grass in between, or loose gravel with paver insets.
This layered, organic look helps hardscaping feel softer and more natural. It’s also a great way to guide foot traffic without interrupting the garden flow.
Tip: Choose tile colours that match your plant palette. Greys for cooler gardens, warm beiges for Mediterranean styles.
For a more contemporary garden design, metal-look tiles offer a striking contrast to greenery. Their subtle sheen and cool tones pair well with minimalist planting, corten steel accents, and modern outdoor furniture.
Use them in small sections, like behind a water feature or as a focal point in a gravel bed.
White or pale grey tiles in a garden might sound risky but when used right, they create a calm, clean backdrop that makes greenery pop.
Lay large white tiles in garden courtyards or around sculptural plants to make the space feel crisp and airy. You can also use white as a border or path to brighten shaded areas.
These patio tiling ideas are all about creating visual flow, defining zones, and adding character without going overboard.
Big tiles, big impact! Large-format tiles make a patio feel more open, clean, and seamless. Fewer grout lines help the area look tidy and modern, especially in tight courtyards or urban spaces.
They work beautifully in a straight-lay pattern, or you can use staggered joints to create subtle movement without busy lines.
Tip: Match the tile colour to your interior flooring for a smooth indoor-outdoor transition.
If your patio needs a bit of personality, patterned tiles are your go-to. Try for a Moroccan, encaustic, or geometric print. This works perfectly for a statement floor in an outdoor dining area.
They instantly lift a basic space and give you a design feature without needing extra decor. Keep the rest of the space neutral to let the pattern shine.
Tip: Use patterned tiles in a defined section of the patio to create a “rug effect” under furniture.
Tiles and furniture should work together, not fight for attention. Use tile layout and tone to frame furniture zones, like placing lounge chairs on a lighter tile area or adding contrast under a black dining setting.
Natural timber furniture pairs well with textured or matt tiles, while sleek metal pieces work with polished or darker finishes.
Tip: Lay tiles diagonally or in a chevron pattern to guide the eye and lead people into the space.
Slate look tiles give texture, depth, and a touch of natural drama. It works especially well in homes with darker palettes or those surrounded by stone, brick or timber.
Use mixed sizes in a random layout for an organic feel, or go with uniform cuts for a more structured look. It also hides dirt well, so it works great for entertaining zones.
Tip: Pair slate look tiles with soft outdoor lighting to enhance their texture and colour variation at night.
Decks and pools demand more from a tile. They need to be stylish, safe, and stand up to the elements.
Get the warm, natural feel of wood without worrying about fading, warping, or constant upkeep with timber-look tiles.
They look best laid in a plank-style or herringbone pattern, just like real timber. You can also use them to wrap around garden beds, planters, or built-in seating for a more integrated look.
By the pool, safety and style both matter. Textured external tiles offer extra grip underfoot and can create stunning visual effects, especially when the light hits the wet tiles at different angles.
Go for stone-look finishes, lightly brushed surfaces, or sandy matt textures. Lay them in clean lines around the pool or use contrasting grout to frame the area.
Choose cool blues, aquas, or even deep charcoal to create a resort-style feel. You can also use mosaics to add a feature wall or tiled fountain backdrop that ties the pool area into the rest of your outdoor space.
Outdoor tiles are having a design moment. This year’s trends lean into natural textures, bold shapes, and surfaces that feel just as refined as indoor spaces. Here’s what’s trending now:
What started as a throwback is now a favourite in modern outdoor design. Soft, speckled terrazzo-look tiles are being used to lift alfresco areas, add depth to pool surrounds, and bring energy to open courtyards.
Designers are ditching the transition strip. Running the same tile from the interior to the exterior creates one continuous space that is smoother, bigger, more intentional. It’s simple, but the visual impact is strong.
Earth-conscious houses are leading the way with sustainable tile choices. Recycled materials, clay-based finishes, and local stone are replacing mass-produced styles. Moreso, there has been a shift in manufacturing towards more sustainable practices.
Surfaces are getting bolder. Stone-look tiles with real texture are changing the way outdoor areas feel. Rough edges, layered finishes, and raw tones are adding richness without overpowering the space.
Patterns are no longer just decorative. Various shapes like hexagons, staggered lines, and broken layouts are being used to zone, frame, and lead. They give structure to open spaces and create subtle movement underfoot.
We’ve helped thousands of Australians transform their outdoor spaces, and we can help you too. TFO offers a wide range of outdoor living tiles built to last, with finishes and formats to suit every space, style, and personal preference.
Our in-house interior designer, Stephanie, is here to provide friendly, no-fuss expert guidance, from tile selection to planning your professional installation. With the right advice, turning your vision into reality is easier than you think.
Browse our collection of outdoor tiles online or visit one of our Sydney showrooms to get started.
Porcelain tiles are the most popular choice because of their strength, slip resistance, and low maintenance. Natural stone, concrete-look, and textured ceramic tiles are also great, depending on the style and surface.
Porcelain is the best choice for a durable external tile. It handles heavy foot traffic, weather changes, extreme heat and moisture without cracking, fading, or staining.
Outdoor tiles should sit on a solid base like a concrete slab or properly compacted mortar bed. The base needs to be level, stable, and designed for water drainage.
Use a tile adhesive suitable for exterior use, lay on a prepared concrete surface, and leave expansion joints where needed. A slight slope should be included to allow for water runoff.
Porcelain tiles usually don’t need sealing, but natural stone, concrete, and some ceramics do. Sealing helps protect against stains, water damage, and discolouration.
Yes, but only if the surface is properly prepared and you have tiling experience. Outdoor tiling has less room for error, so waterproofing, drainage, and correct adhesive are all critical.
Not always, but concrete is the most reliable base. Tiles can also be laid over compacted mortar or tile pedestals in some systems, but the surface must be solid and stable.
Yes, for some pavers or natural stone tiles. The sand and cement mix must be compacted well, and tile movement needs to be prevented with edging or grout. It’s not ideal for porcelain or thin tiles.
