Colore Frattura Collection

4. Stone and Marble Tile

Stone and marble tile expand the design potential beyond standard stone pavers. While pavers tend to feel utilitarian, artisan stone and marble tiles bring refinement and luxury to an outdoor space. With their natural veining, polished surfaces, and availability in different colors, these tiles can transform the patio into a sophisticated gathering area.

The inherent durability of stone and marble also makes these tile materials some of the best patio flooring options in both residential and hospitality settings. Designers who want a solid choice for long-term performance and elegance will find stone and marble tile to be unmatched.

5. Brick Tile

Brick tile brings the familiar warmth of brick pavers but in a more flexible, streamlined format. Thinner than traditional pavers, brick tile allows for easier installation over existing surfaces, including installing patio tiles over concrete floors and walls. Its range of textures and different colors supports both rustic and modern paver design as well.

In the way of installation, brick tile delivers the charm of classic masonry with the added advantage of lighter weight and fewer technical requirements. For projects that seek to employ traditional materials while embracing contemporary installation practices, brick tile is an excellent choice.

6. Glass Tile

Glass tile is a bold and modern patio paver alternative, creating luminous vertical surfaces that catch and reflect light. Available in different colors and finishes from iridescent to frosted, glass tile transforms the patios into dynamic and visually captivating space.

This material is particularly well-suited for accent zones within a hardscaping design, such as water features or decorative insets. Beyond aesthetics, glass tile is durable and easy to maintain, resisting stains and weather-related wear. If you’re a designer looking to make a distinctive statement, glass tile is a great choice for elevated outdoor projects.

7. Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is one of the most versatile patio paver alternatives, balancing affordability with high design potential. Unlike stone pavers or brick pavers, ceramic tiles come in countless tile formats, colors, and finishes. This flexibility makes ceramic a perfect choice for projects that require both performance and creativity.

With slip-resistant finishes available, ceramic tiles are among the best non-slip outdoor tiles in safety-conscious applications. Ceramic also adapts well to multiple hardscaping ideas, from minimalist courtyards to patterned terraces, delivering enduring value across exterior projects.

Begin your design journey with handcrafted tiles curated for enduring beauty and elevated outdoor living.

Why Choose Artisan Tile Over Traditional Pavers

While patio pavers offer functional surfaces, artisan tiles introduce a level of artistry and longevity that truly distinguishes high-end design. Choosing tile materials over brick pavers or stone pavers allows architects and designers to craft projects that balance utility with narrative. In other words: You get a patio that tells a story through texture, form, and finish.

The Aesthetic and Textural Advantages of Tile

Tile offers unmatched textural diversity compared to patio pavers. Designers can specify surfaces ranging from honed marble to hand-glazed porcelain tile, making tile the best choice for projects seeking distinct identities. Different colors, finishes, and patterns expand creative potential while ensuring the patio aligns with broader design narratives. This breadth of aesthetic expression goes beyond the limited look of brick or stone pavers, elevating outdoor projects into curated works of art.

Durability, Weather Resistance, and Climate Suitability

Artisan tiles offer performance advantages over traditional patio pavers. Many types of tile, such as brick and porcelain, are engineered to withstand freeze-thaw cycles, resist moisture, and endure high-traffic use. Slip-resistant finishes make these the best options for poolside applications and climates with frequent rain, as well.

Planning a patio in a warm and sunny climate? Travertine tile and marble tile, for example, are a perfect choice for areas exposed to sun and heat, while terracotta naturally complements warm-weather settings. Tile materials ensure longevity without compromising visual impact.

Creating Cohesive Outdoor Spaces with Tile

Tile allows for greater continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces than pavers typically do. With artisan tile, designers can carry the same materials, colors, and finishes from interiors onto patios, creating a seamless flow. This makes tile an excellent choice for projects where cohesion and storytelling are essential.

Patio pavers, while practical, rarely achieve this level of integration. With types of tile ranging from ceramic to terrazzo, designers can orchestrate environments that blur boundaries and elevate the entire property’s design language.

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

Designing with tile requires thoughtful planning, especially when used as a patio paver alternative. While many types of tile can be great flooring for a patio, installation and maintenance practices play a key role in performance. From foundation preparation to long-term upkeep, here are some essential considerations.

Preparing the Right Foundation for Tile

The success of any tile installations begins with the foundation. Unlike traditional pavers, which can sometimes be placed directly over compacted sand, artisan tiles often require a more stable substrate. Installing patio tiles over concrete is a common solution, providing the necessary support and minimizing shifting. Proper grading, waterproofing, and mortar selection are also essential for durability.

By prioritizing a solid foundation, designers and contractors ensure that the specified tile materials remain the best choice for long-term outdoor projects.

Professional Installation vs DIY: What to Know

While patio pavers may lend themselves to DIY projects, artisan tile typically benefits from professional installation. Precision is critical — especially with stone, marble, and cement tiles — making expert craftsmanship the perfect choice for high-value projects. Professionals understand how to tackle substrate preparation, grout selection, and expansion joints, so every tile performs as intended.

Although DIY approaches may appear cost-effective, the investment in professional installation protects both aesthetics and longevity. For design-driven spaces, this distinction can make all the difference.

Long-Term Care Tips for Artisan Outdoor Tile

Tile maintenance differs from that of standard brick pavers or stone pavers. While durable, tiles require periodic sealing. (This is especially true for porous materials like terracotta and cement.) Regular cleaning with pH-neutral products prevents staining and preserves surface finishes. Slip-resistant treatments can be reapplied to maintain safety, as well.

With proper care, artisan tile remains an excellent choice for projects that seek to combine both performance and beauty. This ongoing stewardship transforms the patio into a timeless design feature.

Patio pavers may be traditional, but artisan tile offers elevated possibilities. From terrazzo to glass, each material introduces new textures, colors, and design opportunities for exterior projects. Tile not only rivals stone pavers and brick pavers in durability but also surpasses them in artistry and versatility.

Explore our artisan outdoor tiles and transform your patio into a curated sanctuary of texture and form.