Home Garden

Is There Such a Thing as an Outdoor Floor Tile?

As more homeowner's choose to expand their living space into the outdoors, the often ignored backyard may replace the kitchen as the traditional family gathering space. Manufacturer's have responded to this trend by offering consumers complete kitchens, comfortable and stylish furniture and carpeting and floor tiles designed for outdoor use. With a little imagination and work, you can transform your backyard into an inviting "stay-cation" destination.
  1. Wood Tiles

    • Interlocking wood tiles are an attractive option for the do-it-yourself homeowner. The wood tiles are available in a variety of hardwoods, including Brazil Walnut, Brazil Teak and Eucalyptus. The tiles are highly versatile as they can be installed over an existing surface or placed directly on prepared ground. The wide variety of wood and tile patterns available allow you to create unlimited floor designs.

    Rubber Tiles

    • Since many manufacturers use recycled tires to produce the tiles, rubber tiles are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional patio pavers. The tiles are very versatile and are well suited for use in almost any outdoor area. They are very flexible, allowing them to conform to the contours of your landscape. Rubber tiles have the added advantage of being extremely weather and slip resistant, even when wet. The soft surface reduces foot and leg fatigue and provides a safe landing surface in a child's play area.

    Stone Tiles

    • The natural element of stone tiles makes them an attractive choice for outdoor use. Besides being eco-friendly, they are aesthetically pleasing, weather resistant and durable. Tiles, especially designed for outdoor use, have made stone a viable choice for the average homeowner. Tiles have an interlocking design, allowing them to be snapped into place over any hard and stable surface without the use of adhesive or grout.

    Ceramic Tiles

    • Ceramic tiles offer a wide variety of decorating opportunities. However, don't assume the ceramic tiles you used in your bathroom are an option for your backyard patio. Check with a professional before installing a ceramic tile outdoors. Use a tile specifically designed for outdoor use; porcelain is a common option. These tiles are hard and dense enough to endure a freeze and thaw and have a water absorption rating of 0.5 percent or less. Glazed ceramic may become slippery when wet, making them a poor option for outdoor use. Outdoor tiles are available unglazed or scuffed to provide slip resistance.