As we all have been granted more time at home in the last few years, many people have looked to expand their livable space to include functional outdoor areas. Even with so many outdoor flooring selections, wood effect outdoor tiles have become a common selection for a range of projects.
Wood effect tiles get manufactured from an assortment of materials, which makes researching your options essential in selecting the best product. Later along, you’ll find six designs to transform your garden with and explore the world of wood effect outdoor tiles.
What Are Wood Effect Tiles?
Wood effect tiles get manufactured from non-wood materials treated with a finish or designed to give a natural wood appearance. These products provide tile durability with the visual of hardwood or other unique wood that might otherwise be difficult or costly to acquire.
Wood effect tiles are a great alternative to products that lead to deforestation practices and when your product needs to withstand the elements and time. No two products will ever be identical, but wood effect tiles give the wood aesthetic in ways that can be much more environmentally and budget-friendly.
Tile Layouts and Planning with Repeat Patterns
A complaint of wood effect tiles often comes in the dislike of the repeated patterns. Woodcut patterns can be as unique as a snowflake, but composite and stamped materials are reusing the same design repeatedly.
Quality companies will have provided as many prints as necessary to avoid the human eye noticing the repeat pattern. Some products have boxes with no-repeat designs, and some won’t tell you what to expect.
If you want to avoid being able to detect repeat patterns in your wood effect tile, use familiar wood patterns like:
- Straight Planks
- Brick bond
- Herringbone
A single pattern can be used at least twice in a small area if the installer can rotate the tile 180 degrees without issues in installation.
Due to the potential bowing of large piece tiles, avoid starting a new plank or slate at the centre of the large piece. If the bowing is significant in the middle, beginning a new end at the same spot will highlight this issue further. Bowing is natural, and thoughtful installation can help mitigate this issue.
What Tiles Are Suitable For Outdoors?
The same principles apply to selecting outdoor tiles as they do indoor tiles. Selection of the proper product involves understanding the needs of the space.
Outdoor spaces have to withstand the elements and frequent foot traffic if the goal is to use the area. With tiles, rain can often make them dangerous and slippery, but manufactured tiles of today may get topped with an anti-slip finish. Outdoor spaces should be magnificent and safe to use.
Wall Tiles vs. Floor Tiles
You will see them rated for different purposes as you shop for tiles. Installers and homeowners should respect the approved use of the tile unless you want to see your tiles break with foot traffic or fall off the wall.
Wall tiles have the right thickness for safely adhering to a wall. Floor tiles withstand people and things putting pressure on them. Some products are rated to allow for both the heavy use of people and furniture and a wall facing.
The aesthetic of the tile you choose also sets the tone for the style of the home. Whatever your design goal, selecting flooring that creates a strong design basis is essential.
Thickness of Tile
If you are shopping for tile and the thickness is not rated, some retailers offer customer support and the option to receive a sample of their product. Too thin a millimetre of consistency and your low-cost porcelain tile will now cost you more pounds in addition to breaking under a mere stone.
If you are unsure if the thickness of your tile works for walls or flooring, call the manufacturer for their ratings before purchase. Quality companies will have tested their products and have no issue sharing the results.
Types of Materials for Outdoor Tiles
Outdoor tiles now come in a wide variety of shapes and styles. The materials used to create the tiles have also expanded and include natural and composite options. Materials ideal for outdoor tiles include:
Natural Stone
Natural stone is a general term used for any stones from natural sources, like granite, limestone, marble, slate, and travertine. Manufacturers and professionals can cut polished stone tiles from more significant stone sources, but typically people select natural stones for their seamless blend into nature.
Granite
Granite is durable and element resistant because it is one of the hardest natural stones. Granite tiles can survive extreme and surprising weather conditions, which reduces the cost over time. If the granite tile is porous, you may need to apply sealant regularly to prevent damage.
Limestone
Limestone is much softer and more porous of a stone than other options, which means extra care to protect them from the elements. While limestone is a beautiful historical stone, it may not hold up in high-traffic areas.
Marble
Marble is also a hard stone, but it is more porous than granite and will need a sealant to withstand outdoor use. Marble can be slick without some form of slip-resistant treatment.
Slate
Slate is a hardscape option that is tough enough for heavy use. It is not the hardiest of stones, but the variety in colour and texture can fit beautifully into any landscape or patio area.
Travertine
Consider travertine, a softer and more brittle limestone composed mainly of calcite. Due to the porous nature of any limestone, a sealant is required for outdoor use and to prevent cracks. Locations with harsh or extreme elements may find travertine ineffective over time.
Porcelain
Porcelain tiles have transformed from delicate bathroom designs to sturdy materials for any style. Porcelain is a clay-based material that is non-porous, durable (concerning the thickness of tile), and resistant to fading from sun and weather conditions.
Porcelain tiles get made using extreme heat so high temperatures will not damage the quality. Maintenance and cleaning are simple as the non-porous surface requires a sweep and wipe down with soap and water.
Ceramic
Ceramic has been used for ages to build beautiful spaces. However, it is more crack-prone than tiles made of materials like porcelain. They are not suitable for high-traffic areas but may be appropriate for decorative areas of the garden.
Vitrified
Vitrified tiles are non-porous ceramic tiles made using a hydraulic press and a mixture of clay, quartz, feldspar, and silica. Vitrified tile is often considered an alternative to more expensive materials.
Concrete
Concrete is used to create durable, economical tiles and can be shaped into any pattern and coloured. However, concrete is heavy and adds additional weight for consideration and reinforcement.
Wood & Composite Wood
Wood-based tiles are another option for deck and patio areas, especially if made using high-quality hardwoods. Wood tiles get assembled in different patterns and functions, which requires awareness of individual product details.
Wood tiles require proper maintenance and care. Care requirements include a thorough washing and application of an appropriate finish.
If the product is composite wood, maintenance may be only cleaning and no finish. Some composite wood products get sealed with a vinyl exterior or other water-resistant products.
Vinyl
Vinyl tiles and planks get used frequently in outdoor hardscape structures. The vinyl material provides moisture resistance and low maintenance. Not all vinyl flooring will work outdoors, of course, so select hardscape materials wisely.
Wood Effect Outdoor Tiles
Wood effect outdoor tiles are the durability of tile with the appearance of hardwood. Manufacturers use different tiles like porcelain as a base to overlay designs that look as if they are natural wood. The result is low maintenance and long-term product.
Wood is not ideal for all flooring, especially in areas with high moisture content or extreme elements. Even the best of sealants cannot prevent you from having to clean and reseal your wood deck regularly. Landscapes can have wood effect tiles in wet locations without ever sealing the product or worrying about termites.
How Good Are Outdoor Tiles?
Manufactured products will always have some inconsistencies. In theory, higher-end products will have fewer imperfections and product failures, or at the very least, a higher quality assurance team.
It is important to remember that no tile is perfectly flat. Natural stone is all sorts of bumpy, but even machine cut marble will experience bowing if the piece is large enough.
There are always variations in cuts which prevents a perfect square or straight edge every time. Part of the installation process includes taking the time to line up and plan your tiles like you would in any other space. Cuts may need to happen for your flooring to fit correctly, and different materials need a specialized blade or saw.
Inexpensive tile can look high-end if used well and installed by a qualified professional or experienced DIYer. Proper tools and product understanding can solve complex problems and create beautiful outdoor spaces.
Pros
- Users can use it in a range of climates without issue
- Water-Resistant
- Stain Resistant
- Scratch Resistant
- UV Resistant
- Fire Resistant (depending on the material)
- Easy Cleanup
- Wide Range of Style
- More damage resistant than natural woods
Cons
- Can become slick with water or rain
- May require professional installation
- It can be expensive depending on the choice of tile
Builders can use outdoor-appropriate tiles indoors to provide continuity of design. Designers can use tiles rated for both floor and wall to create water-resistant spaces of all kinds. Selecting a product that can serve more than one purpose will reduce your cost if it results in a bulk order.
Grout for Wood Look Tile
Grout appearance and maintenance are two of the most significant complaints about tiles of any material. The good news is that grout options have expanded over the years to include a range of colours to match decor and materials to ease cleanup.
A bad grouting job or even wrong grout itself can leave residue on your tiles and cause difficulties with the finish. Some grout compounds have added chemicals to reduce the dry or cure time, so make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to handle your selected product.
Six Wood Effect Outdoor Tiles to Transform Your Garden With
There is an excellent range of tiles available to transform your garden and extend your living space. Therefore, it was hard to narrow down the list. But we managed to gather these magnificent options for you to match to your desired style. Take a look at these gorgeous porcelain tiles to see if our favourites can add to your outdoor project.
Thirty-three different plank designs make up the Muniellos Honey Oak Wood Effect Tile. Rustic knots and grains add to the illusion of wood, but the porcelain construct will provide a surface to last longer than wood would. This tile also features an anti-slip surface. The honey oak colour is fantastic for interiors that use blues as their wall colour with a nice white trim.
Product Specifications
Weight: 3.25 KG
Suitability: Floors and Walls
Material Type: Porcelain
Colour: Brown
Underfloor Heating: Yes
Finish: Matt
Size: 150x900x10mm
Tiles Per SQM: 7.41
Anti Slip Grade: R11/35 Degrees
Grade: 4
Dark honey tiles from Madagascan Ipil create a warm wood effect for any space. Builders can use the Madagascan Ipil tiles on floors and walls, which allows for greater versatility in hardscaping your outdoor spaces. Dark honey looks beautiful against most colours but nicely compliments creamy tones.
Product Specifications
Weight: 6.27 KG
Suitability: Floors and Walls
Material Type: Porcelain
Colour: Brown
Underfloor Heating: Yes
Finish: Matt
Size: 230x1200x10mm
Tiles Per SQM: 3.62
Anti Slip Grade: –
Grade: 5
Sherwood Natural Wood Effect Tiles have a gorgeous natural wood colour with an anti-slip matt finish. At 20mm thick, they are rated perfectly for outdoor use. If you are looking for a very soft, almost beached wood look, these fit in nicely with decor from the beach to modern, more industrial spaces.
Product Specifications
Weight: 15.29 KG
Suitability: Floors
Material Type: Porcelain
Colour: Beige/Ivory
Underfloor Heating: Yes
Finish: Matt
Size: 295x1195x20mm
Tiles Per SQM: 2.84
Anti Slip Grade: R11/35 Degrees
Grade: –
The Sherwood Light Grey 20mm Wood Effect is perfect for hardscape outdoors and in your garden. The anti-slip surface reduces injury risk, and porcelain construction stays weatherproof year-round.
Designers can use tiles like these both indoors and outdoors, and the neutral grey tone goes with any decor, including that with natural woods, as the tones do not compete. The flooring is so light it would be an ideal selection to brighten dark spaces.
Product Specifications
Weight: 15.29 KG
Suitability: Floors
Material Type: Porcelain
Colour: Grey
Underfloor Heating: Yes
Finish: Matt
Size: 295x1195x20mm
Tiles Per SQM: 2.84
Anti Slip Grade: R11/35 Degrees
Grade: –
Sherwood’s Grey Wood Effect Porcelain Paving Slabs are another excellent option for realistic-looking wood tiles. The range of colours in each tile complements most decor but especially thrives in large, open spaces. The colour works nicely against other dark natural woods and can be both visually striking and a soft addition.
Product Specifications
Weight: 15.29 KG
Suitability: Floors
Material Type: Porcelain
Colour: Grey
Underfloor Heating: Yes
Finish: Matt
Size: 295x1195x20mm
Tiles Per SQM: 2.84
Anti Slip Grade: R11/35 Degrees
Grade: –
The Cherished Balau Wood Effect Tiles can transform both wall and floor spaces with durable porcelain tile. The wood effect for these tiles includes a matt finish and anti-slip grade. Builders can take this tile from outdoor to indoor and up the wall.
The colours for these tiles go best with warmer tones on the brown side because it pulls out the range of browns found in the tile. However, this light but warm tile would work marvellously against a more complimentary blue theme.
Product Specifications
Weight: 9.75 KG
Suitability: Floors and Walls
Material Type: Porcelain
Colour: Brown
Underfloor Heating: Yes
Finish: Matt
Size: 300x1200x11mm
Tiles Per SQM: 2.78
Anti Slip Grade: R9/6-10 Degrees
Grade: 4
Tips for Choosing the Ideal Tiles For Your Project
Not all tiles work for all applications, so before you decide to tile your home from wall to wall and fence to fence, walk through some easy questions to help you choose the ideal tile for your project.
- What is the weather in your area, and does it change dramatically?
- How much sunlight will the site see?
- Does the space need a light colour to help brighten or a dark colour to add drama?
- What is the style and design of your home, both inside and outside?
- Do you want to use the same tile in any other locations of your yard or home?
- Do you like mixed tile designs?
Answering those questions can reduce the time it takes to find the perfect tile for your outdoor space.
Maintenance for Porcelain Tile with Wood Effect
One of the beautiful things about porcelain tile with a wood effect is that it has the aesthetic of wood and the maintenance of porcelain tile. Porcelain tile is a very low-maintenance material that requires regular cleaning.
Some types of tiles can take sealant or finish to reduce the slickness and resist weather even further, but it all depends on the needs of your area.
Which Wood Effect outdoor Tile Should You Choose
The type of wood effect tile you choose should depend on your project and preferences. No two projects have identical needs, so assess your situation and compare tiling details to your intended use.
Take the time to plan and prepare before laying down the tile with any tile. A stable foundation is a way to long-lasting flooring.