Superb outdoor tile design ideas for New Zealand homes

The best outdoor tile design ideas are sometimes the simplest, drawing on design techniques and traditions that have been used for hundreds of years. Then again, there are those that have emerged in more recent times as a result of new products, innovations and thinking. A mixture of all of the above has been collected for this list to help paint a full picture of the possibilities.

A great way to use outdoor tiles is to lay them in an arrangement of different sizes. This instantly creates a captivating visual feature in your outdoor space bringing a feeling of measure and balance. It's not the easiest of design styles to pull off so the expertise of an experienced tiler will probably be required but the results are well worth it.

Marble has been revered as a building material for well over a thousand years due to its incredible durability and its stunning appearance. The luxuriousness it exudes is undeniable with its exquisite range of colours and veining patterns means every piece is one of a kind. Marble outdoor tiles are a surefire way to enhance and uplift an outdoor living space for the better.

Mosaic tiles are a wonderful way to beautify outdoor spaces in a striking display that draws the eye. There are many ways to incorporate mosaics including flooring, feature walls, splashback and more. They are also often used around pools and spa areas as edging, flooring or lining the walls to stunning effect.

Related article: Swimming pool designs that are shaping the outdoor living spaces in our homes

Flagging or flagstone refers to irregularly shaped tiles that create a rustic, organic look that is inviting, relaxing and stylish. It's a versatile approach to outdoor tiling that can be adapted to a variety of designs making it particularly applicable to complex and intricate layouts. When done well, it looks great offering a rich texture and a tactile quality that few can match.

The beautiful patterns of encaustic tiles can be showstopping, adding a finely detailed element to outdoor flooring that can be a big point of difference. Vibrant colours, artistic flair and culture all come through with their use which can also be a great conversation starter too. There's a wide range of choices available so you'll have no trouble finding something to your tastes.

Using tiles for your indoor and outdoor spaces helps create an inviting and seamless transition between these areas of the home. Using the same tiles for both is the most direct way of doing this but you can also find complementary styles that do the job just as effectively. It helps make your outdoor living space, whether it's an outdoor kitchen or otherwise, feel more like a natural extension of your indoor living space giving functional and aesthetic benefits.

Large outdoor tiles can also be used as treads for stairs in an outdoor area, a look that can be incredibly bold and dynamic. They provide a sturdy, robust platform and many also have a non-slip coating to give better traction. It's a great way to continue the design flow throughout your outdoor area without having to disrupt things visually between levels.

For character and charm, cobblestone styled tiles cannot be outdone as a type of tiling that has stood the test of time. Highly textural, they add great depth and dimension to an outdoor area while being highly durable and functional too. Well suited to high-traffic areas, they are low maintenance and naturally slip-resistant making them an excellent choice for damper climates.

Another great choice as far as natural stone tiles go is limestone, a fantastic outdoor option that delivers on multiple levels. Their natural beauty, to start with, is incredibly endearing with their unique veining and textures and a range of earthy tones, including beige, brown, cream and grey. They have great durability and also have excellent thermal insulation properties meaning they'll stay cool, even in hot weather.

Related article: Stone cladding: pros and cons, types, costs and more

Large tiles are becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand with more homeowners looking to make a bigger impact in their outdoor areas. This approach certainly does make that impact while also creating a seamless appearance with fewer grout lines and the perception of a larger space. They also tend to be more robust due to their size which also means less maintenance in the long term.

Another great outdoor tile idea is to use them as pavers in conjunction with pebbles and stones — a tried and true combination that never fails to impress. This tends to work better with the aforementioned large tiles in paths and transition areas between different outdoor living spaces. The combined textures create visual interest and a nice blend of hard and soft elements. They also promote better drainage, especially important in areas of high rainfall.

Tiles are fantastic options for outdoor patios and decks as elevated outdoor living areas that many enjoy. Their durability, longevity, and aesthetic appeal — traits already discussed in detail, make them a perfect choice for this. They are also quite comfortable underfoot, especially when compared to some other decking options, making them a great all-around solution.

Related article: Deck ideas that make a difference: From stylish homes across the country

The best design works in harmony with the natural world, a sentiment that rings true when it comes to outdoor tiles. As is the case with pebbles and stones, you can use tiles as pavers in the garden, creating a dramatic contrast with the rich green hues of your grass. This brings vitality and freshness into your outdoor spaces which can soften the aesthetics nicely.

When thinking about outdoor tile ideas you shouldn't just focus on your outdoor area in isolation. A broader view that includes the natural surroundings and the home is an incredibly important part of the decision-making. The architectural style of the home, the choice of cladding, the colour of the exterior etc are all things that need to be considered and judged as a whole to mitigate the risk of a regrettable clash.

Related article: Different types of cladding in New Zealand: pros and cons

Few building materials encapsulate the Mediterranean more than terracotta tiles, something you can passionately infuse into the outdoor area of your home. Their rich, earthy tones bring tremendous warmth to a space making it incredibly relaxing for you and welcoming for your guests. As a natural product of clay, they are also environmentally friendly, recyclable and biodegradable making it a great sustainable choice.

Related article: The pros and cons of ceramic tile flooring

No colour scheme has a greater visual impact than black and white, something that can be styled into your outdoor space. The conventional way to do it is by alternating black and white tiles but a more subtle approach is to do it through tiles and grouting. Black grouting on white tiles has been particularly trendy in recent times as a way to create horizontal accents, a look that is extremely dynamic. Coupled with black and white decor and you have a theme that nicely ties itself together.

As you can see, there are some great outdoor tile ideas for you to inform and shape your own plans for your outdoor living space. There are decorative choices like mosaic tiles and more practical ideas like enhancing your indoor-outdoor flow but whatever you choose, you can be confident that they'll help you find the best outdoor tiles for your home.

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