Transform Your Garden this Summer with Versatile and Stylish Outdoor Tiles: Practical Guide for Utilization
Giving Your Garden a Makeover with Outdoor Tiles* Perking up your outdoor space with tiles
Summertime is just around the corner, and with it comes the urge to whip your garden into shape. But before you start breaking out the barbecue and inflatable pool, let's talk about an often-overlooked garden feature: tiles.
Don't get us wrong, we're not suggesting you ditch the traditional grey slabs for some rickety old cobblestones. No, we're talking about outdoor tiles—the perfect way to inject some personality and color into your garden scheme.
"Outdoor tiles can completely transform a garden," shares Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca' Pietra. "They set the tone and style in the same way flooring does indoors. Whether it's a courtyard, patio, path, or seating area, the right tile can help your outdoor space feel curated, cohesive, and beautiful."
But with so many tiles to choose from, deciding which ones, where to place them, and how to style them can seem like more work than laying the tiles themselves. That's why we've tapped the experts to help you navigate the world of outdoor tiles.
Styling Outdoor Tiles in Your Garden
"Outdoor tiles are a fantastic way to elevate your garden," says Lesley Taylor, founder of The Baked Tile Company. But to achieve that grand effect, it's important to choose the right tiles.
Ceramic, natural stone, porcelain, granite—you name it, there's an outdoor tile for it! And while all will work within garden landscaping ideas, some are recommended over others.
"Before laying outdoor tiles for decor, make sure they are durable and hardwearing," advises Steve Holloway, sales and marketing director, tiles at RAK Ceramics. "Choose weather-resistant materials, and look for tiles that are slip-resistant."
Porcelain tiles are a top pick for outdoor use, thanks to their robustness in the face of the elements. As much as we love ceramic tiles, their higher water absorption rate makes them less suitable for our unpredictable British weather.
Once you've chosen your material, it's vital to ensure your garden is ready for laying the tiles. "A well-prepped base is key to longevity," says Lesley. This may involve clearing the area, installing a base layer, leveling uneven ground, and taking steps to improve drainage in the garden.
But, enough with the practicalities! Let's talk about the fun part: styling!
Zoning Your Outdoor Space
One of the benefits of outdoor porcelain tiles is their versatility in use. While many people use them for patios, around an outdoor kitchen or barbecue area, there's no rule that says you have to stick to the expected. Use them to frame seating areas, define walkways, or even introduce a patterned feature under a pergola.
Creating a Cohesive Feel
When using tiles outdoors, it's essential to treat your garden in the same way that you would treat the rooms inside your home. For instance, if you want to keep things consistent, consider carrying the same tile designs through from your home to the garden. This will help create a seamless aesthetic.
However, if you prefer to maintain a clear distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces, you can achieve this by selecting complementary tiles that coordinate with your overall scheme. Add a splash of color with plants, textiles, and furniture to tie everything together.
Thinking Outside the Box
Don't limit yourself to traditional garden path ideas! Consider using tiles in unexpected ways—why not as a splashback in your outdoor kitchen, or even on vertical surfaces like planters and retaining walls? With the right tile and a dash of creativity, your garden can become a year-round destination for relaxation and entertainment.
Layering Soft Furnishings
In the same way that you'd furnish a room indoors, don't forget to add finishing touches to your outdoor space. Patterned tiles are perfect for creating a “rug” effect underfoot, so pair this with outdoor furniture in natural finishes, and don't forget the details—from planters and textiles to lighting.
Will you be shaking up your garden game this summer with some striking outdoor tiles?
- Exploring appropriate tiles for the garden, Lesley Taylor, founder of The Baked Tile Company, suggests prioritizing weather-resistant and durable materials, such as porcelain, for a suitable choice that can withstand the outdoor elements.
- To harmonize the garden design with the interior, Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca' Pietra, recommends carrying the same tile designs through from the home to the garden or selecting complementary tiles that coordinate with the overall scheme, while adding a splash of color with plants, textiles, and furniture creates a cohesive feel and ties everything together.
