Is There a Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Tiles?

Written by

Perini Tiles

16 October 2024

•

4 min read

Indoor and outdoor tiles: What’s the difference? When shopping for tiles, you will notice that different tiling solutions will offer different uses or applications. Where some tile collections are recommended for use in indoor spaces only, others can be used as an outdoor flooring solution while others still can even be used as a pool tile. In this post, we explore the different types of tiles available and why certain tiling options are better suited to specific applications throughout the home.

Indoor and Outdoor Tiles: What’s the Difference?

When shopping for tiles, it is important to take note of each product’s specifications in order to ensure they will be the most suitable choice for your intended application. While certain tiling solutions can be used in outdoor spaces, there are certain options that are best avoided. While there are many different tile materials that can be used in outdoor spaces, the key difference between indoor and outdoor tiles is in their surface finish and in the material’s ability to withstand the harsher environment of being outdoors (i.e. rain, frost, sunlight, etc.)

Our stunning Bata collection can be used as an outdoor wall tile as well as an outdoor/indoor floor tile. This elegant collection offers an ultra-realistic brick look and is available in a selection of modern colour options to suit any number of architectural styles.

A quality outdoor tile will be able to withstand exposure to the elements while providing a surface finish that will be simple and straight forward to maintain in a harsher outdoor environment. The difference between indoor and outdoor tiles becomes especially important when shopping for outdoor floor tiles in particular as these will need to also include a surface finish that will minimise the risks of slips or falls in outdoor areas of the home where the tiles can be exposed to rain, puddling, mud or other garden debris. Indoor tiles are often available in a wider variety of materials, styles and options as these tiles will not experience the same harsher elements that outdoor tiles would. Indoor tiles (especially tiles for flooring) will often also have a smoother texture while outdoor floor tiles will have a more roughly textured surface finish that is ideal for outdoor areas as it assists in minimising the risk of slips and falls.

Which Tiles are Suitable for Outdoor Areas?

Materials that are most suited for outdoor areas include certain varieties of natural stone tiles, porcelain tiles, terracotta tiles, glass tiles and terrazzo tiles. Of course, this is not to say that any and all tile collections that fall under these categories can be used in outdoor spaces however, these options are often the most suitable choices. Outdoor floor tiles specifically will also include a textured surface finish that will provide a level of slip resistance underfoot in outdoor areas.

For more detailed information on choosing slip resistant tiles, see our guides: Specifying Floor Tiles for Commercial Projects and The Safest Outdoor Tile Options for your Home.

When looking for outdoor tiles, confirming that your selected tiles can be used in outdoor areas is a crucial step in the design process: Always make sure to check each product’s specifications and recommended uses in order to ensure the most suitable fit.

Tile Care and Maintenance

Whether you are choosing indoor or outdoor tiles, it is always important to consider how these different types of materials are will be best maintained over time in order to ensure both their longevity and integrity in the home. Depending on your chosen tile’s material, there are different types of cleaning products and procedures that are recommended. For example, natural stone tiles such as marble, granite or slate tiles for example, will require sealing at regular intervals to ensure they are best protected against staining or discolouration. These more sensitive materials will provide an incredibly durable and long lasting surface finish throughout the home however, it is important to ensure you are using cleaning products that are specific to natural stone materials. If you are instead looking for a tiling solution that will not require sealing, porcelain tiles are an excellent alternative. These tiles are a non-porous solution that will provide a surface that is resistant to water, staining, scratching and heat, making them a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Many tile collections will include both indoor and outdoor floor tile options. An indoor floor tile will usually have a smoother finish than outdoor floor tiles as this allows for better ease of cleaning. Outdoor floor tiles for the home however, will often feature a more roughly textured surface in order to provide better grip underfoot. Our St James porcelain tile collection for example, includes a selection of luxurious neutral toned tiles, each available in an indoor and matching outdoor floor tile option which allows you to continue a similar look between the home’s indoor and outdoor spaces.

When looking at outdoor tiles specifically, it is important to take their material and surface finish into consideration to ensure the most ideal solution for your intended application. These types of tiles will need to be made of a material that can stand up against being exposed to the harsher environment of outdoor spaces while also offering a suitable surface finish that will minimise the risk of slips and falls during wet weather. When shopping for your indoor and outdoor tiles, it is important to keep these factors in mind in order to ensure the most suitable choices for different applications. Our team at Perini Tiles can assist you through the process of selecting the perfect tiles for your home; visit our Richmond tiles store or shop for tiles online here!