Best Outdoor Tiles: 7 Materials and Stores to Consider for Exterior Spaces

Choosing outdoor tile is really two decisions rolled into one. 

First, you need a material that makes sense for the way the space looks and functions. Then you need a source that understands what that material will be asked to do outside.

A family patio has different demands from a pool deck. A garden path does not behave like a tiled exterior wall. Climate matters too, particularly where surfaces are exposed to repeated freezing and thawing.

That is why the best place to shop is not necessarily the retailer with the biggest catalogue. Some sources excel at artisan materials and unusual finishes, while others are stronger in porcelain pavers, natural stone, full hardscape systems, or convenient in-person comparison.

These seven options cover distinctly different approaches to outdoor tile.

1. Artisan terracotta, terrazzo and cement: OUTERclé

For a patio where the floor is expected to contribute to the design, handcrafted materials bring something highly uniform paving cannot: variation.

Terracotta shifts subtly in color and texture. Terrazzo introduces movement through aggregate. Cement can bring geometry and stronger color, while brick creates repetition and architectural rhythm.

This is also where specialist sourcing matters. Developed from the world of clé tile, OUTERclé focuses specifically on exterior environments, organizing materials around patios, pools, facades, paths, fireplaces, fountains, driveways and other outdoor applications.

The exterior focus gives exterior tiles by OUTERclé a credible place at the top of this list. Rather than simply carrying a few outdoor-rated products alongside an interior catalogue, the brand approaches exterior surfaces as their own design category.

The tradeoff is that artisan character requires more attention during specification. Variation should be reviewed across several samples, and sealing, freeze-thaw suitability and installation requirements need to be checked for the particular product.

Best for: Design-led patios, courtyards, pool areas and exterior spaces where material character is a priority.
Why shop here: Exterior specialization combined with a broad artisan material vocabulary.

2. Porcelain pavers: Daltile

Porcelain is one of the most versatile choices for busy outdoor areas. Its dense construction and low water absorption make exterior-rated products particularly useful for patios, walkways and spaces exposed to regular weather.

Daltile is a strong source when that practical performance is the priority. Its Xteriors offering includes TREAD 2CM porcelain pavers in stone, concrete and wood-inspired looks specifically developed for outdoor spaces.

Larger formats can also make contemporary patios feel calmer by reducing the number of joints across the floor.

Do not rely on the word "porcelain" alone, however. Confirm that the exact product is approved for the intended exterior location and review its technical information for wet areas and local climate conditions.

Best for: Contemporary patios and homeowners who prefer dimensional and visual consistency.
Why shop here: Established manufacturer expertise with a dedicated exterior porcelain program.

3. Natural stone and porcelain together: MSI Surfaces

One of the most common outdoor decisions is whether to choose natural stone or a porcelain surface that interprets stone.

Natural stone has genuine veining, tonal shifts and geological variation. Porcelain offers a more controlled result and, depending on the product, may require less routine maintenance.

MSI Surfaces is useful for making that comparison because its hardscape offering spans both natural stone and porcelain pavers, including its Arterra porcelain range.

Stone type still matters. Travertine, slate and limestone have different porosity, maintenance and weathering characteristics, so avoid treating "natural stone" as one universal specification.

Best for: Homeowners deciding between the authenticity of stone and the consistency of porcelain.
Why shop here: Strong breadth across both natural and manufactured paving materials.

4. Porcelain as part of a full hardscape: Belgard

Sometimes tile is only one part of the project.

If the renovation also involves a pool deck, paths, outdoor kitchen, steps or other hardscaping, it helps to think about how those fixed surfaces relate before choosing the patio independently.

Belgard's outdoor porcelain pavers are designed for patios, pool decks and walkways, but the company operates within a much broader hardscape category that also includes concrete pavers and other landscape products.

That makes it less of a boutique tile destination and more useful for coordinating a larger exterior scheme.

Best for: Poolscapes and backyard renovations involving several connected hardscape areas.
Why shop here: Porcelain sourcing within a broader outdoor hardscape system.

5. Stone and outdoor tile with broad style choice: Bedrosians

Bedrosians sit between highly specialized artisan sourcing and mass-market home improvement retail.

Its outdoor category includes natural stone alongside ceramic and porcelain options, giving homeowners room to compare different material directions before settling on one.

This can be particularly helpful when you already know the color or architectural mood you want but are still deciding whether authentic stone variation or porcelain consistency makes more sense.

Whatever the choice, ask to see more than one piece when variation is expected. A single sample may not tell you how a stone or intentionally varied tile will read across an entire patio.

Best for: Projects where homeowners want a broad tile-and-stone comparison without moving straight to a big-box assortment.
Why shop here: A balanced mix of natural stone and manufactured tile.

6. Broad in-person comparison: Floor & Decor

Online inspiration is useful, but outdoor materials deserve to be seen at real scale whenever possible.

Floor & Decor's outdoor assortment spans porcelain pavers, natural stone, brick, large-format tile, cement-look surfaces, pool products and installation materials.

That breadth makes it particularly useful in the early comparison stage. You can assess whether slate feels too visually active, whether a large porcelain format suits the patio dimensions, or whether a warmer material works better beside the house.

It is also a practical setting for thinking about patterns. The same way a mosaic changes as its pieces are rearranged, a rectangular patio tile can read very differently in a straight grid, running bond or herringbone layout.

Best for: Homeowners who want to compare numerous materials, scales and price points in person.
Why shop here: Breadth, physical accessibility and installation products in the same retail environment.

7. Accessible patio tile for straightforward projects: Lowe's

Not every exterior project requires rare materials or specialist sourcing.

For a smaller patio, covered porch or straightforward residential update, Lowe's offers broad access to outdoor and indoor-outdoor tile in porcelain, ceramic, glass and natural stone categories.

The advantage here is convenience. Homeowners can compare surfaces alongside many of the other products involved in an outdoor improvement project.

That can make sense for a family space where the priority is a durable backdrop for everyday use, from furniture and muddy shoes to the occasional outdoor painting project.

Just pay careful attention to application labels. Products sold within a broad tile assortment still need to be checked individually for the exact outdoor setting.

• Best for: Smaller residential projects and homeowners prioritizing straightforward local sourcing. 
• Why shop here: National accessibility and convenient one-stop shopping.

What matters more than the store name

These seven sources serve noticeably different needs, but the basic specification questions remain the same wherever you shop.

• First, confirm where the tile is rated to be used. Patio, pool deck, wall and submerged applications are not interchangeable.
• Secondly, consider the climate. If the installation experiences freezing winters, verify product-specific freeze-thaw suitability rather than making assumptions based only on material type.
• Thirdly, for flooring, review traction and wet-use information, particularly around pools and areas regularly exposed to water.
• Finally, plan the installation beneath the surface.

Exterior tile requires a suitable substrate, appropriate drainage, correctly specified setting materials and accommodation for movement. Layout should also be established before installation begins so thresholds, steps and visible edges do not finish with awkward narrow cuts.

The best outdoor tile is therefore not one particular material or one universal retailer. It is the combination of the right surface, a knowledgeable source and an installation strategy designed for the conditions the material will actually face.