17 Patio Tile Ideas for an Instant Outdoor Upgrade

A tiled patio is the perfect canvas for a range of decor, seating, fire pits, and more, and will hold up over time. While a basic concrete patio will work fine, there are plenty of ways to show off your style, complement your home's architecture, and refurbish a dated yard with stone pavers, porcelain tile, brick, wood tile, and more.

Looking for some tiled patio inspiration? We've rounded up designer-approved patio tile ideas that utilize a variety of materials and aesthetics.

Use Large-Format Tile

This cozy outdoor living space from Urbanology Designs features large-format tile, a warm wooden overhang, and neutral furnishings. all great choices no matter your budget.

James Stanley, principal and founder of JamesStanleyNY, believes that tiling your patio can be a fantastic way to add both form and function.

"Not only can you get a really great creative look and feel with tiling, but with the right material choices, you can get a very durable patio as well," he says.

Mix Materials

This Texas home from Urbanology Designs mixes classic limestone and painted brick on the front patio for a contrasting design. While the furnishings are minimal, the juxtaposing materials bring it all together.

Go Maintenance-Free

Natural stone comes with some upkeep, so instead, designer Aimee Longo of The Layered House encourages her clients to go for porcelain when it came to their patio update.

"They wanted something a little more cost-effective and without the worry of staining," she says. "We opted for a porcelain tile that is reminiscent of limestone which is durable, doesn’t stain, and without the yearly resealing upkeep and price tag."

Look at Performance and Value

Stanley is also a big fan of porcelain pavers because they are lightweight, long-lasting, and look great. Furthermore, they are also scratch- and stain-resistant and are more budget-friendly than natural stone, yet a bit pricier than ceramic tile.

Go for Contrast

Stone pavers and white painted brick make designer Mary Patton's Houston yard look effortless. She then added a pop of color with outdoor folding chairs, a blue fixture, and plants.

Tile the BBQ

"Tiles are a fantastic way to add both durability and beauty to any patio," says designer Lauren Ramirez of HouseMill Design. She suggests using large format neutral tiles with a matte finish for a modern look; natural earth-toned stone for a more rustic feel; or patterned tiles to create a statement look.

Add Some Charm

Chicago-based designer Kate Marker of Kate Marker Interiors added a modern, charming aesthetic to this gray brick patio with a patterned side table and white outdoor sofa.

Go Large-Scale

Large-format gray tile shows up in Arbor & Co.'s Pacific Northwest project. Laid-back furniture, hanging lights, and circular rattan pieces create a casual outdoor entertaining space.

Refresh With Natural Materials

This Newport Beach home from designer Laura Brophy of Brophy Interiors epitomizes Southern California living with a multifunctional outdoor grill, seating, and stone patio tile. Plus, there's even an indoor/outdoor yoga studio.

Incorporate Greenery

This simple neutral tiled patio is the way to go if you want something classic. This yard from Calimia Home is infused with greenery and a pergola.

Try Out Wood

Wood or composite planks are a great choice for any outdoor space, including your patio. Typically crafted from weather-resistant cedar or redwood, it's an easy tile that doesn't require the need for a structure below. Feeling handy? Try DIYing the patio tile yourself.

Brick By Brick

Cost-effective, long-lasting, and versatile, you can't go wrong with a classic red brick tile patio. This one also happens to be filled with colorful florals, greenery, and a wooden pergola.

Don't Forget to Have Fun

Australian designer Amelda Wilde went for it with a rainbow limestone laid in an unusual pattern that took two weeks to complete. A green dining table and chairs from Hay and green overhang finish the look.

Upgrade With Paint

This concrete patio got a graphic update with black and white paint. Instead of laying a rug, the homeowner went the DIY route and created "tiles" in a triangle pattern.

Use Indoor-Outdoor Tile

If your kitchen has an attached patio, consider using the same tile in both space. Studio Peake chose a colorful large-scale graphic pattern that flows from the inside to the outdoors in this London home for a seamless look that makes both spaces feel more spacious.

Choose Patterned Tile

Create a decorative feel on an outdoor patio with patterned tile. Emily Henderson Design chose an airy blue-and-white pattern to elevate an outdoor dining space that's perfect for entertaining.

Layer a Rug Over Tile

Warm up gray stone-effect patio tile with a large area rug. This covered patio from Mary Patton Design has an outdoor kitchen and living room seating area that is anchored by a a graphic patterned rug.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tiles for an outdoor patio?

Porcelain tiles are largely considered the best tile choice for an outdoor patio. Choose textured matte finish tiles that are less slippery when wet.

How do I install tile over a concrete patio?

To install outdoor tile over a concrete patio, prep the surface by cleaning it with a broom, pressure-washer, and/or degreaser. Allow it to dry completely before repairing any cracks with masonry caulking or a crack isolation membrane. Then apply the tiles and grouting.

Read Next: 37 Concrete Patio Ideas to Elevate Your Backyard Design

Read the original article on The Spruce.