Lido: Soie, ½" x ½" Confetti, Aquamarine, Gloss. Photo courtesy of Charles Deluvio.
Discover the 10 Best Pool Deck Tile Options for Distinctive Spaces
Specifying tile for a high-end pool deck is always a balance of safety, durability, and aesthetic intent. When done right, the result is striking. The tricky part? Narrowing down your material options.
In this guide, we outline ten of the best tiles for pool deck applications, focusing on materials that perform in wet areas while delivering beautiful results for hardscapes and landscapes. Then, stick around: We also explain slip resistance and low porosity concerns — and offer practical notes for coordinating tiles with the rest of the outdoor space.
Whether you’re a landscape architect, interior designer, or discerning homeowner, use these considerations to find the best choice that aligns with your project goals and site conditions.
Begin your design journey with OUTERclé’s curated poolside collection — where every tile tells a story of artistry and endurance.
The Best Tile for Pool Decks: 10 Artisan Options Matched to Your Aesthetic
Selecting the best outdoor tile for a pool deck involves more than visual appeal. You’ll need to consider material performance — especially for wet areas — along with maintenance guidelines, climate compatibility, and installation complexity. The following ten types of tile include a variety of options in different colors and finishes, so you can align your client’s aesthetic intent with long-lasting performance.
1. Terrazzo Tile: Polished Modernism for High-Design Spaces
Terrazzo tile brings a refined and contemporary edge to the pool deck. Composed of marble, quartz, or glass chips set into cement, this material comes in a variety of aggregate sizes and colors for a custom look. Think of it as the versatility of a solid with the visual interest of a pattern.
For wet areas, this tile’s naturally matte finish offers much-needed slip resistance. (Just be sure it’s sealed regularly to minimize staining and excess moisture exposure.) Terrazzo is an excellent choice when the project demands a high-design look that pairs with crisp furniture and minimal plantings.
2. Cement Tile: Geometric Texture for Bold Outdoor Statements
Cement tile, which comes in many different colors, can grace monochromatic surfaces or create bold geometric patterns to define outdoor rooms and circulation paths. The material also has a tactile surface that can enhance traction, but it requires sealing and maintenance to protect its color and prevent efflorescence in wet areas.
Keep in mind that cement tile is only suitable for mild climates that don’t see freeze-thaw cycles. In addition, you’ll want to pair it with a compatible grout to prevent staining. With these guidelines in mind, cement tile is a solid choice for projects that favor bold colors or graphic layouts. It pairs well with natural stone and plant beds to ground the composition.
3. Brick Tile: Timeless Character for Rustic and Traditional Decks
Brick tile offers tactile warmth and historic presence for pool projects that are rooted in tradition. Most commonly available as brick pavers, these outdoor tiles endure all sorts of weather conditions and age gracefully over time. For wet areas, their rugged surface also offers welcome slip resistance.
Brick pairs seamlessly with stone pavers and plant beds to create cohesive patios and transition spaces. Consider mortar selection and grading to ensure longevity and avoid ponding around pool steps and entries.
4. Glass Tile: Luminous Accents for Poolside Elegance
While not traditionally used for the pool deck itself, glass tile excels as a luminous accent for waterlines, inset borders, and decorative features adjacent to the pool deck. Non-porous and chemically resistant, these small-format glass tiles hold color and resist staining from chlorinated water.
Because glass can be slippery, reserve it for vertical surfaces and water features, and pair it with non-slip porcelain or textured stone for walking zones. In addition, be sure to select grout and setting systems that tolerate frequent moisture exposure.
5. Terracotta Tile: Warm Earthiness for Mediterranean-Inspired Retreats
Terracotta lends warm, sun-washed tones that complement Mediterranean and southwest design schemes. The main thing to keep in mind: Traditional terracotta is porous and must be specified carefully for pool deck use. (We recommend having it sealed and resealed regularly according to the tile’s material guidelines.)
Terracotta’s unglazed finish and subtle texture improve traction underfoot while retaining the material’s handcrafted appeal. It also pairs nicely with planted borders and stone pavers, offering an earthy palette that ages gracefully when maintained properly.
Explore the poolside collection from OUTERclé to discover materials that elevate, endure, and define outdoor luxury.
Lido: Florilegium, 2x4" Double Pixies, French Press, Gloss. Photo courtesy of Marc-Antoine Roy.
6. Stone Tile: Organic Sophistication for Natural Landscapes
Natural stone such as travertine pavers and flagstone brings organic variation and a premium feel to the pool deck. Finishes can range from deep reds and tans to moody greys and charcoals, and their naturally textured surface offers much-needed traction in wet areas.
Stone is an excellent choice when your project prioritizes authenticity and long-term performance. (Not to mention a beautiful patina over time.) As always, opt for lower-porosity stones or require sealing where freeze-thaw or chemical exposure is a concern.
7. Ceramic Tile: Handcrafted Versatility for Artistic Flair
Ceramic tiles, including artisanal and hand-finished options, come in a vast array of colors and finishes for the pool deck. Porcelain tile, in particular — the most durable type of ceramic tile — is often the best outdoor tile for pool deck conditions due to its low porosity and resistance to moisture.
For wet areas, be sure to choose textured or matte-grip finishes and verify slip resistance using the manufacturer’s COF ratings. Ceramic tile is a solid choice for designers who are seeking a uniform look that meets performance expectations in exterior environments.
8. Mosaic Tile: Intricate Patterning for Decorative Water Features
Mosaic tiles allow you to create detailed imagery and complex patterns along water features, inset panels, and decorative thresholds. Available in durable porcelain, they can achieve striking gradations and precise motifs when viewed from the edge of the swimming pool. And because they call for many grout joints, they inherently offer increased slip resistance underfoot.
For the pool deck, always select a low-porosity option — and pair it with a high-performance grout that’s formulated for wet areas to prevent staining and water penetration. This type of tile is an excellent choice for bespoke accents that elevate the design narrative and create memorable focal points.
9. Large-Format Tile: Seamless Minimalism for Contemporary Decks
Large-format tile creates expansive planes with fewer grout lines, resulting in a seamless and minimal aesthetic for modern landscapes. Terrazzo field tiles, in particular, resist moisture when sealed properly. But like many types of pool deck tile, they demand meticulous substrate preparation and proper adhesives to prevent movement and lippage.
When it comes to large-format tile, always check the tile’s technical specifications to ensure slip resistance in wet areas, especially since there will be less grouting for traction. This type of tile is a solid choice when the project calls for calm sightlines and uninterrupted surfaces around pools and terraces.
10. Mixed Material Pairings: Curated Combinations for Bespoke Designs
Combining materials — such as stone tile with brick or porcelain borders — creates a layered composition and functional zoning across the pool deck. Use textured materials in high-traffic walking zones and low-porosity tiles in lounge areas to balance safety and maintenance.
Mixed material pairings are an excellent choice for bespoke projects where spaces shift across the deck. Careful transitions, consistent joint widths, and a unified color palette can prevent visual fragmentation with this approach. Be sure to coordinate mock-ups to validate aesthetics and performance before installation.
How to Choose the Right Pool Deck Tile for Your Design Vision
Choosing the best tile for a pool deck requires aligning aesthetic intent with technical performance. Start by defining maintenance expectations and climate conditions, then evaluate materials for slip resistance, porosity, and durability.
Consider Aesthetic Intent and Landscape Architecture
Don’t forget to situate the pool deck within the larger landscape and hardscape. This will involve assessing sightlines, greenery, and furniture layouts to determine whether the deck should recede or be a focal point. Clarity about intended visual hierarchy can help guide your material selection and help specify the right choice of tile for each zone.
Evaluate Slip Resistance and Climate Compatibility
Performance is paramount in wet areas. Specify tiles with documented COF ratings that are suitable for barefoot circulation, and choose textured surfaces where water is frequent. If there is a freeze-thaw risk, be sure to favor porcelain tile (or another type of low porosity tile). Finally, in coastal or high-UV settings, be sure the tile will be able to resist salt and sun exposure.
Prioritize Professional Installation and Long-Term Durability
Even the best outdoor tile for pool deck use can fail without precise installation. Always engage installers who are experienced in the nuances of pool deck installation, such as exterior waterproofing, appropriate mortar systems, and correct joint detailing. These details will not only prevent ponding and other issues but also protect your client’s pool deck investment for years to come.
Transform your pool deck into an architectural statement with artisan-crafted tiles from OUTERclé’s poolside collection.
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Pumice
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Pemberley Pavers
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Acquiterre
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Pampas Grass
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BrickWorks
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Beige Travertine
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lapidary
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16
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