The best outdoor flooring: patios, terraces and swimming pools

Choosing the best outdoor flooring is a crucial decision that can completely transform the look and functionality of your outdoor space. Whether you're designing a welcoming patio for family gatherings, an elegant deck for relaxing, or a swimming pool that combines beauty and safety, the choice of flooring influences the durability, aesthetics and comfort of these areas. A good outdoor floor should be weather-resistant, slip-resistant, easy to maintain and, of course, attractive.

In this article, we will explore the best options for outdoor flooring with tiles, from imitation natural materials such as stone, wood or cement, to other options such as porcelain stoneware tiles in all kinds of colours and decorative patterns. In addition, we will analyse the advantages of using tiles for outdoor flooring so that you can make the most of your outdoor spaces. Join us on this journey through the world of outdoor flooring and discover how to choose the best one for your patio, terrace or pool.

Characteristics of outdoor flooring

Tiles are a popular choice for outdoor flooring due to their durability, variety of styles and ease of maintenance. However, when choosing tiles for patios, decks or pool surrounds, there are several important factors to consider to ensure they are suitable for your space, your needs and meet current regulations.

1. Weather resistance. Exterior tiles should be resistant to climatic variations, including exposure to sun, rain and, in some cases, snow or ice. It is essential to select tiles that are waterproof and frost resistant to avoid damage from expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.

2. Non-slip. Safety is paramount, especially in areas that can get wet, such as around a swimming pool. Look for tiles with non-slip surfaces, which offer good grip even when wet. There are tiles specifically designed for exteriors with rough textures or special finishes that reduce the risk of slipping.

3. Aesthetics. The appearance of the tiles is crucial to complement the design of your outdoor space. Fortunately, outdoor tiles are also available in a wide range of colours, patterns and finishes, allowing you to create any style you desire, from rustic to modern. Consider how the colour and design of the tiles will blend in with your existing surroundings and décor.

4. Durability. Outdoor tiles should be durable and able to withstand high foot traffic and other types of wear and tear. Make sure the tiles you choose are rated for outdoor use and are able to withstand harsh conditions.

5. Maintenance. One of the benefits of tiles is their ease of maintenance. However, it is important to select tiles that are stain resistant and easy to clean. 

6. Adaptability to the environment. Finally, make sure that the tiles you choose are suitable for the specific environment of your outdoor space. Some tiles may work best in hot, dry climates, while others are more suited to wet or cold areas. Consider local conditions, such as sun exposure and humidity, when making your choice.

In this regard, it is worth noting that choosing tiles for outdoor flooring requires careful consideration of several key factors, from weather resistance and safety, to durability, maintenance and aesthetics. By taking these aspects into account, you will be able to select the tiles that best suit your needs and enjoy a beautiful and functional outdoor space for many years to come.

Types of porcelain flooring for exteriors

Among the characteristics of tiles for outdoor flooring, we have highlighted the aesthetics and adaptability to the environment, as porcelain stoneware can be manufactured in a wide range of colours, finishes and designs. This makes it a great attraction for outdoor flooring, as it allows it to adapt to any style.

Tiles imitating natural materials

Porcelain tiles that mimic natural materials are a perfect solution for those who wish to achieve the beauty and sophistication of nature. These tiles are designed to faithfully replicate the appearance of materials such as stone or wood, offering a wide variety of styles to suit any exterior design.

1. Natural stone. Porcelain tile that mimics natural stone is an excellent choice for those who want the rugged, elegant look of stone without the high costs and maintenance that stone requires. This type of tile can replicate the appearance of a variety of stones, from granite to marble to slate.

For example, in Dune we have the Pietrasanta series, inspired by the famous Cardoso stone, with a very wide graphic and chromatic variety, the result of a careful selection of blocks with very different and distinctive tones and veining, as can be seen in the image above.

One of our next novelties is this imitation slate tile, Ardesia, which is perfect for exteriors as cladding or paving, giving that natural stone sensation that is so popular nowadays in the world of interior design.

2. Imitation wood tiles. Porcelain tiles that imitate wood combine the warmth and beauty of natural wood with the durability and ease of maintenance of this type of tile. They are ideal for those who want a natural, warm and cosy look without the worry of warping or wear and tear of real wood.

Another of our future novelties is a series of imitation wood tiles, Quercus, designed to give that homely, warm and timeless touch to any project and which can be used as outdoor flooring without any problem.

3. Terracotta. Porcelain tiles that imitate terracotta are ideal for creating a Mediterranean or rustic atmosphere. You can go for a more traditional terracotta, which provides a warm and welcoming look, perfect for patios and terraces or a slightly more aged terracotta, capable of adding a rustic and authentic touch, ideal for creating a traditional and charming atmosphere.

Our Terracotta series faithfully reproduces the imperfections of traditional terracotta tiles, as well as the changes in tone and the marks on the surface of this material. It's a great choice when you're looking to give a more rural feel to a terrace or interior patio.

Tiles with bright colours, modern designs and patterns

For those looking to make a bold statement with their outdoor spaces, porcelain tiles with bright colours, modern designs and patterns are an ideal choice. Not only do these tiles add personality and character to an outdoor area, but they can also turn any patio, deck or pool area into a vibrant and attractive focal point.

1. Bright colours. Tiles with vivid colours, such as intense blues, passionate reds, lush greens or bright oranges, can infuse any outdoor space with energy and vitality. These colours can be used to create dynamic patterns or simply to add touches of colour in specific areas, creating a cheerful and welcoming ambience, as seen in the image with our Chicago collection.

2. Geometric patterns. Geometric patterns, such as hexagons, triangles and squares, add a contemporary and artistic touch to outdoor flooring. These designs can be used to create eye-catching mosaics that delimit areas, provide continuity between indoors and outdoors and/or mark a particular path. In this sense, our Mintons series, which reproduces the hydraulic mosaics of the 19th century Victorian era, is perfect for achieving this geometric mosaic effect.

3. Floral and botanical motifs. Tiles with floral and botanical motifs are perfect for those who wish to integrate natural elements into their exterior decoration. These designs can add a touch of elegance and freshness, complementing the surrounding vegetation and landscape. Our beautiful Gaudi series offers tiles with different floral motifs in different shades to suit any patio or terrace design.

Flooring recommendations for each type of outdoor use

Selecting the right flooring for each specific area of your outdoor space is crucial to ensure functionality, durability and aesthetics. Depending on the intended use of each area, certain materials will be more suitable than others. Below, we offer recommendations for decking, patio and pool area flooring.

Best outdoor terrace flooring

Terraces are extensions of the home that provide a space to relax and enjoy the outdoors. With the rise of In&Out projects, which seek to integrate indoor and outdoor spaces, choosing the right flooring for your terrace is more important than ever. In this post we remind you of the main tips for choosing the best flooring for your terrace.

One of the most outstanding features of our Pietrasanta series, designed especially for projects conceived with a uniform aesthetic, is the variety of formats (90x90, 45x90 and 7x28) and its minimal difference between the Matt Polished and Anti-Slip pieces, which favours its use both outdoors and indoors, as the aesthetic of the tile is maintained and the difference is only noticeable to the touch.

The best outdoor patio flooring

Choosing the right flooring for your outdoor patio is essential to creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Good flooring not only enhances the appearance of the patio, but also provides durability and ease of maintenance and we must bear in mind that an indoor patio for a private home is not the same as an indoor patio or terrace for a restaurant, which must withstand more foot traffic.

The best flooring for swimming pools

When it comes to choosing flooring for areas around swimming pools, safety, durability and aesthetics are key considerations. The right flooring must not only withstand constant exposure to water and sun, but also be completely slip-resistant to provide a safe environment while also being attractive to users. Below, we will explore various options for ideal pool decking, ensuring that they meet the strength and style requirements needed to complement this central space in your outdoor area.

The Pietrasanta and Tahiti collections are designed together, as both have anti-slip pieces that are perfect for giving that modern and different touch to the pool. You can choose, as in the first photo, to continue with the uniform aesthetics of the terrace up to the pool itself (Pietrasanta also has steps available) or, as in the second photo, you can make the edge of the pool with Tahiti, thanks to its bullnose pieces.

Choosing the best outdoor flooring is essential to ensure that each area fulfils its functional and aesthetic purpose. From the warmth of wood effect tiles and the elegance of stone effect tiles, to modern and colourful designs, there are a wide variety of options that can suit your needs and preferences. By considering factors such as durability, water resistance and aesthetics, you can create outdoor spaces that are safe, welcoming and visually appealing. Dare to bring your outdoor space to life!