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Landscaping with Tile

The commonly accepted rule for stone is that tile stay indoors, pavers stay out. But many homeowners do not realize that tile can not only go outside, but can really spruce up the patio or landscape. In fact, the uses for tile outdoors are numerous. But first, a word of caution.

Not all tile can be used outdoors. Porcelain and natural stone tiles most commonly venture into the open air. There are two things to look for when choosing tile for an outdoor space.

  • Water absorption rate is important in outdoor tile for obvious reasons. Look for tiles that are rated for outdoor use and watch out for glossy finishes because they are slippery when wet.
  • PEI rating, from the Porcelain Enamel Institute, measures how much foot traffic a specific tile can handle. The ratings move from one (no traffic) to five (commercial, heavy traffic). For outdoor uses look for tiles with a PEI rating of at least four.

Landscaping with Tile

While the obvious outdoor uses for tile are patios, decks, and pool surrounds, there are many other landscaping uses as well.

Tile can wrap any posts or rails on your deck or patio. It is also great for outdoor kitchens or bars (and you can use the glossy tiles where feet don't tread), the interior of pools, as foot paths, for fountains and other water features, in the garden, on raised beds, benches, and so on and so on.

And don't forget the artistic side of tile. Often outdoor landscapes and patios offer a lot more room than inside. That means open space for mosaics and colorful patterns galore.

Tile and landscaping can be fast friends. It is only a matter of choosing the right tile and finding a local contractor with whom you jibe.

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