Garden season is almost here. That magical moment when outdoor spaces start waking up again and suddenly everyone is thinking about patios, terraces and long lunches in the sunshine.
If you are planning a garden update before summer arrives, a little planning goes a long way. The designers at Baked Tiles have seen plenty of outdoor projects over the years, and a few common mistakes pop up time and time again.
Here are five things to think about before you start laying those tiles.
1. Falling in Love with a Tile That Is Not Made for Outdoors
It sounds obvious, but it happens more often than you might think. A tile might look perfect, but if it is designed for interiors, it simply will not cope with outdoor life.
Outdoor tiles need to handle everything the British weather throws at them. Rain, frost, sunshine and the occasional surprise downpour all play their part.
That is why it is important to choose tiles that are specifically designed for exterior use. Outdoor porcelain and natural stone are created to handle the elements, with surfaces that are slip resistant and materials that stand up to frost and moisture.
A little designer insight: always start your search in collections specifically labelled for outdoor use. It saves heartache later.
2. Playing It Too Safe with Plain Paving
When many of us picture a patio, we imagine simple slabs in soft greys or creamy neutrals. And while classic paving will always have its place, outdoor spaces are becoming far more design led.
Patterned outdoor tiles are a wonderful way to bring personality into the garden. Think a sun terrace with a decorative motif underfoot, or a veranda that feels like it belongs in a boutique Mediterranean hotel.
Thanks to porcelain technology, these decorative looks are now tough enough for outdoor living too.
Remember, your garden is part of your home. It deserves just as much character.
3. Skipping Professional Installation
A patio might look simple on the surface, but what sits beneath it matters just as much.
Proper groundwork is essential if you want your outdoor tiles to last. A professional installer will make sure the base is prepared correctly, levels are right, and everything is laid in a way that stands the test of time.
Trying to cut corners here can lead to shifting tiles, poor drainage or cracking further down the line.
Your room, our tiles. But a good installer makes all the difference.
4. Forgetting About Drainage
One of the most important parts of an outdoor tiling project is something you rarely see once the job is finished. Drainage.
Without proper drainage, rainwater can collect on the surface or run towards your home. Neither is ideal.
A skilled installer will build in subtle solutions such as gentle slopes or discreet drainage channels that allow water to flow away naturally. Done well, you will never notice it. But your patio will thank you every time it rains.
5. Choosing the Wrong Tile Size
Size plays a bigger role than many people realise.
Large format tiles can work beautifully in smaller patios because fewer grout lines help the space feel calmer and more open. It is a clever designer trick that makes compact areas feel bigger.
Smaller tiles, on the other hand, can add detail and charm. They are lovely for pathways, garden borders or creating zones within a larger outdoor space.
It is all about balance and scale. Getting this right makes your whole garden feel considered and cohesive.
Your Garden, Your Style
Outdoor tiles should feel just as thoughtfully chosen as the ones inside your home. Whether you lean towards a porcelain tile that mirrors the charm and character of natural stone, decorative patterns or warm Mediterranean tones, the right choice will turn a patio into a place you truly love spending time in.
Not sure where to start? Our interior designers at Baked Tiles are always happy to help you choose the right tile for your space.
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