Garden tiles: ideas to spruce up your outdoor space

How to use garden tiles to great effect

As the summer season approaches, our attention inevitably turns to our outdoor spaces. After many long months of being cooped up indoors, everyone is keen to make the most of the longer days, lighter nights, and simply being outside. The events of the past few years have underlined just how precious our gardens are – and how, increasingly, they are considered to be an integral element of our overall living space. The right garden tiles can help you transform your garden and really make the most of your outdoor area, however big or small that may be. So whether you are keen to create a large space for entertaining, a relaxing place to enjoy family time, a cosy outdoor dining area, or simply somewhere to enjoy some peace and quiet, we've got a whole host of garden tiles to suit.

Large format garden tiles, such as our Ca’ Pietra Blenheim Paving Porcelain Smoke Tiles, are a clever way to create the illusion of more space in any outdoor area

Making the right choices

We tend to spend a lot of time mulling over choices for indoor flooring, and it makes perfect sense to devote the same level of attention to prospective garden tiles. However, with so many options available in terms of materials, size, colour and shape, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. The first big decision you’ll need to make is all about the material. First and foremost, your garden tiles must be fit for purpose. They must be suitable for all weathers, so they won’t crack or split, especially when it’s frosty.

Crafted from durable porcelain, our Pulse Bone Tiles incorporate a realistic stone effect design, and add a touch of welcoming warmth to any size and style of garden

The power of porcelain

Porcelain is a particularly popular option for garden tiles. It’s exceptionally hard-wearing – and scratch-resistant – which makes it especially suitable for patios and even outdoor kitchen areas. It’s non-porous, which makes it more resilient to weather changes, and it's easy to clean and maintain. An anti-slip textured surface makes porcelain garden tiles safe underfoot, even when it’s wet. Yet another advantage? Porcelain tiles can be laid both outside and in. So they’re an excellent choice if you’re looking to bring the outside in, and create a seamless blend between your home and garden.

Connect the inside to the outside of your home with these Ca’ Pietra Louvre Porcelain Blanc tiles – the perfect choice to create a sleek, uniform finish

Getting in shape with garden tiles

Once you have selected the material for your garden tiles, you’ll need to think about the size and shape of them. Squares and rectangles are the most popular shapes, for obvious reasons. However, adding a curved edge to a patio can introduce a softer, more organic finish – although bear in mind that curved cuts are trickier (and therefore more time-consuming) to complete.

Especially suitable for pool surrounds, these hard-wearing Ca’ Pietra Provence Paving Porcelain Cenere tiles recreate the time-worn, stone-effect look found in French antique flagstones

Go large

For a more dramatic look, choose large format garden tiles. Most experts recommend creating a patio area that’s in proportion to your house. Too big, and it will completely dominate your garden. Too small, and it will look like an afterthought. Ideally, a patio should be roughly as wide as your house, and as deep as its height.

Perfect for porches, patios and courtyards, our Ca’ Pietra Wexford Limestone Cobble Tumbled Finish tiles feature a subtle textured finish that adds interest without overwhelming

However, if your patio is smaller than you’d like, large format patio slabs will create a sense of space. So, don’t be afraid to be bold and go large. How you position your patio is another element to consider. Traditionally garden patios are laid square and parallel to your property (and to maximise sun exposure). But do consider the option of laying your garden tiles at an angle. This creates a more contemporary look, and can emphasise your patio’s width or depth.

Choosing your garden tiles colour palette

The colours you choose for your garden tiles will also have a huge impact on the look and feel of your outdoor space. As with interiors, shades of grey remain popular, and with good reason. After all, this is a versatile, timeless colour that complements a broad range of tones and spaces. If your outdoor area is very sunny, choose dark grey garden tiles to tone down the brightness. Light grey is likely to be a better option if your garden is very shady.

Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms – and gardens – our Ca’ Pietra Avenue Porcelain Rivoli tiles work equally well in period homes and modern al fresco settings

If you’re keen to make things a little more interesting, consider introducing some texture or colour variations within your chosen palette. Decorative edging, or even a smooth pebble or gravel border, are a stylish way to enhance your garden tiles and spruce up your outdoor space.

Not a fan of grey? Classic warm, beige tones work well for garden tiles, especially when paired with furniture made from natural materials such as wood or rattan.

Add impact with patterns

If you’re a fan of patterns inside your home, why not enjoy them in your outside area too? Patterned garden tiles can make a real style statement. Depending on the colours and designs, they suit small spaces, too. A monochrome palette works well in modern settings. Choose earthy, terracotta tones to complement more traditional/rustic garden surroundings.

Bring a burst of colour to your garden with these bright, patterned Ca’ Pietra Cabana Porcelain Havana tiles, which pay tribute to the vivid designs found in traditional Caribbean buildings

Another way to add impact and interest to your outdoor space is to introduce a water feature – or even a pool, if space allows. Lastly, varying the height of any paved areas is a clever way to create the idea of different entertaining zones.

Garden looking gorgeous? Keen to update your interiors instead? Get some expert kitchen tiles inspiration