Outdoor rooms and entertainment spaces are hugely popular with homebuyers topping the list of most popular special function rooms since 2013, according to The American Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey.
“No matter where you live in the country, spending time outside is a valued aspect of our lives. And it’s becoming increasingly more important to have a nice outdoor living space to enjoy the weather whenever possible. Having an outdoor living area is a great way to make your home feel bigger without having to do major construction, and it can significantly add to your home’s resale value if you’re looking to sell,”said Marisa Salas of Showhomes Coral Gables.
These luxurious special rooms go beyond the crappy concrete patios of yesteryear with homeowners adding high-end materials to their outdoor entertainment areas like ceramic tile and luxurious stone.
Stone has always been a popular outdoor building material because it’s durable, weather-proof, natural, and fade-resistant. As it turns out, tile has these same properties, and is available more variety of styles than stone. Adding tile or stone to your landscape improves the function and appearance of the area, while bringing a touch of elegance to your home’s exterior.
To help jumpstart your imagination, we’ve assembled a list of several ways to incorporate tile or stone into your outdoor entertaining spaces.
How to Use Stone Tile in Outdoor Spaces
Tile and stone are the ideal outdoor building material. Some of the most popular ways to use stone and tile outdoors include:
Patios and Decks
The patio and/or deck is the most common place to use stone and tile. These materials are far more durable and longer-lasting than traditional wood decking and create a much more polished look than pavers or concrete. Like the look of wood? You can now find tile in wood grain patterns!
Flooring for Garden Structures
Adding a stone or tile floor or wall to a gazebo, cabana, or three-season room will minimize wear and tear on the floor and can help create a more impressive interior.
The Front Stoop
If you hate the look of your concrete steps or plain porch, cover it up with stone or tile! This enhances curb appeal and improves safety by creating a less slick surface.
The Yard
Do you have an area of yard where grass just won’t grow? Or maybe you have a section of lawn you’d like to replace but not cover over entirely? Consider a checkerboard tile-grass pattern for a modern and luxurious look.
Water Features
Who doesn’t love the sound of gently tinkling water outdoors? Rustic stones can create a small water garden, fountain, or even stream in your backyard. Create a European-inspired fountain in eye-catching tiles.
Outdoor Kitchens and Living Rooms
If you use tile or stone in your outdoor kitchen or living room, you can spend less time covering and protecting the area from the weather and more time simply enjoying the space. Opt for stone fireplaces or brick ovens for a natural cooking area. Or, even better, double your space as a home bar.
The Walls
Stone walls or sections of walls are very popular exterior enhancements. Now tile is making inroads with homeowners cladding an entire exterior wall in large tiles, designing wall murals out of tiny mosaic tiles, or combining two different tiles into patterns and designs.
Stairs and Steps
Just like the front stoop, outdoor stairs and steps can get slick in the rain. Textured tiles provide traction and can complement any design style. Stone steps are also extremely versatile. Granite, marble, and quartz, give off a very different feel than slate, travertine, or Spanish tile.
Unleash Your Creativity With Stone and Tile
Tile and stone create a one-of-a-kind, low-maintenance, outdoor space. They allow homeowners to experiment with patterns and textures that they wouldn’t consider inside the home, no matter the scale and budget of the project. With a little imagination, anyone can transform their outdoor space into the perfect retreat!
How will you use tile and stone in your home’s outdoor spaces? Let us know in the comments below.
Liyya Hassanali is a Project Manager and Content Strategist for Kinship Design Marketing, a boutique agency that provides marketing strategies and content for architects, interior designers, and landscape designers. She is a 15+ year veteran of the marketing and advertising industry, working closely with her clients to provide written content that meets their marketing goals and gets results.
Liyya is passionate about home design and décor and is a confessed HGTV and Pinterest addict. When not providing content writing services for her clients, she can be found browsing home décor sites or spending time with her family.
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