14 October 2026
Outdoor and Alfresco Tiles: How to Choose Tiles for Outside
Short answer: choose a porcelain tile or paver with a grip (textured) finish and a slip rating suited to outdoor use — P4 or P5 is commonly specified — and a thickness that suits how it will be laid.
Slip resistance
Outdoor areas get wet from rain, hoses and pools. Check the slip rating on each tile and confirm what your project needs with your builder or certifier. See our slip ratings guide.
Tiles or pavers?
- Standard thickness tiles (often around 10 mm) are usually glued to a concrete slab, like an indoor floor.
- Thicker pavers (often 20 mm) can also be laid in other ways, depending on the manufacturer's guidance, such as on sand, gravel or pedestals.
Every tile on our site lists its thickness, so you can check what suits your job.
Indoor–outdoor flow
Many porcelain ranges come in a matt finish for inside and a matching grip finish for outside. Using the same look on both sides of the door makes a living area and alfresco feel like one space.
Sun, heat and colour
Lighter colours generally stay cooler underfoot in full sun, which is worth considering around pools and on north-facing areas.