Arizona Outdoor Flooring Choices

Many Arizonans desire to create a personal oasis in their backyards, but before starting, you must consider what flooring material best suits outdoor patios and courtyards in desert homes.

Let’s start with outdoor tile options.

Tile is an excellent choice, but which is best for outdoor use?

Slate

The durability of slate, with its natural color variations, is stunning. Slate’s shades of black and grey offer a modern look to a patio and a weather-friendly surface. When split on the natural grain, its cleft texture makes its natural slip resistance ideal for hard-working areas like patios, outdoor porches, and entryways.

Natural stone slate requires sealing to prevent staining and repel water. Sealing slate also enhances its deep, dark gray tones.

Terracotta

Terracotta is perfect for any home or patio and is a cherished European outdoor tradition. Its earthy aesthetics and warm tones are particularly suited to the Arizona climate.

Terracotta can be used outdoors in climates that do not experience freezing and thawing, but it is essential to seal the tile properly to protect it from the Arizona weather.

Porcelain

Porcelain and gauged porcelain tiles are highly durable and freeze—and thaw-resistant, making them a good choice for outdoor use. Choose from a variety of elegant porcelain styles with glossy or matte finishes.

Porcelain is a favorite for many reasons but for outdoor living. We suggest you use porcelain primarily for outdoor walls and countertops. It is not ideal for floors or around wet surfaces, like pools. If you use porcelain on floors, like bathrooms and kitchens, ensure the porcelain has a matte finish.

Porcelain Pavers

Porcelain pavers are a great option for outdoor areas like patios and pathways because they are not only attractive but also very reliable. They are tougher than regular concrete or cement pavers, which means they last longer and need less care over time.

Ceramic

Ceramic is not as durable as Terracotta, Slate, or porcelain. We don’t recommend ceramic tile for outdoor flooring, paths, or patios.

Additional Recommendations to Consider

You should select a tile rated for outdoor use that can withstand cold weather. Cold weather may cause the ceramic to freeze and thaw, leading to potential cracks. Some contractors and designers choose ceramics for patio areas, but we advise against it.

Glossy finishes are beautiful but can become slippery when wet, so if you like a high gloss finish, use it for outdoor walls and countertops that won’t experience foot traffic.

Tile comes in various sizes, shapes, designs, colors, and textures. Its wide selection of options helps enhance the style of any home or business space, making it look beautiful and inviting.

We are here to help you find the perfect flooring or tile for your home.

Choosing the right floor for your needs and budget can be laborious and may require extensive research. Please take advantage of our experience in this area and let us help you. Give us a call, and we can walk you through the process and help you find a good match for your lifestyle, budget, and needs.

Contact us for samples and pricing.

Written by Copper State Flooring to answer questions and provide news updates.

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Note to our customers. Most of our manufacturers will not allow us to post prices, so please visit our store or call us for pricing.