Outdoor Style: Can You Use Cement Tiles on Patios and Walkways?
Thinking of elevating your outdoor space with beautiful, long-lasting tiles? Whether you’re designing a garden path, rooftop terrace, poolside lounge, or cozy patio, cement tiles offer a durable, decorative, and design-forward option. But can these stunning tiles stand up to the elements?
Spoiler: Yes, they can—with proper installation and sealing. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use cement tiles outdoors, their advantages over other materials, and how to get the most out of them for your patios, walkways, and beyond.
What Are Cement Tiles?
Cement tiles, also known as encaustic cement tiles, are handmade from a mixture of cement, sand, and mineral pigments. They’re not fired in a kiln like ceramic tiles. Instead, they’re hydraulically pressed and then air-cured, resulting in a matte surface that’s rich in color and artisan appeal.
Key Attributes:
- Handmade by skilled artisans
- Highly durable for high-traffic areas
- Naturally slip-resistant with a textured finish
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor applications
- Customizable in size, shape, and design
- Environmentally friendly with no high-heat processing
At Original Mission Tile, every tile is crafted by hand and made to last—even in outdoor environments.
Why Cement Tiles Are Perfect for Outdoor Accent Walls
Outdoor walls are often overlooked, but they offer the perfect canvas for a creative design statement. Whether you’re building an outdoor kitchen, garden nook, or patio seating area, a cement tile accent wall adds color, pattern, and personality.
Outdoor Wall Ideas:
- Garden walls with Moroccan-inspired patterns
- Outdoor shower surrounds
- BBQ areas with decorative tiles for backsplash
- Privacy dividers for patios
Pro Tip: Choose a tile with UV-resistant pigments and seal it properly to preserve color vibrancy over time.
Floor vs. Wall Applications: Outdoor Design Ideas
Cement tiles aren’t just for patios—they’re ideal for a variety of outdoor surfaces where style and function meet.
Outdoor Floor Applications:
- Patios: Create zones or full flooring with pattern tiles
- Walkways: Lay out tiles in a mosaic path or stepping stone format
- Pool decks: Textured tiles provide grip and visual elegance
- Outdoor kitchens or dining areas: Define your al fresco gathering space
Outdoor Wall Applications:
- Exterior façades or vertical planters
- Outdoor bars and cafes
- Covered porches or veranda walls
- Stair risers with eye-catching motifs
The key to success is proper installation and sealing (more on that below).
From Modern to Rustic: Cement Tile Styles for Outdoor Spaces
Cement tiles are chameleons—they adapt beautifully to any architectural style. Whether you’re building a sleek modern house, a cozy farm house, or a sprawling ranch house, these tiles can be customized to match.
Style Ideas:
- Modern House: Concrete-look tiles, geometric pattern tiles, neutral color palettes
- Farm House: Checkered floors, floral accents, weathered finishes
- Ranch House: Warm tones, terracotta tiles, traditional motifs
- Rustic House: Aged textures, antique tiles, natural stone pairings
- Contemporary Tiles: Abstract patterns, terrazzo styles, and mixed materials
Custom Design Possibilities with Original Mission Tile
Every outdoor space is unique—and your tile design can be too. At Original Mission Tile, we offer fully custom tiles made to order.
Custom Options:
- Any color, from soft earth tones to bold brights
- Custom shapes: hex, square, rectangle, diamond, and more
- Logo or icon inlays for branding or personal flair
- Pattern personalization from antique to abstract
🎨 Start your custom tile design
Custom designs are ideal for:
- Boutique hotels with custom courtyard patterns
- Restaurants with branded outdoor flooring
- Residential patios with names, dates, or symbols
Cement Tiles vs. Other Outdoor Materials
Let’s compare cement tiles to other popular outdoor flooring options:
| Material | Cement Tiles | Natural Stone | Porcelain Pavers | Concrete Slabs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handmade Appeal | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sometimes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Customizable | ✅ Fully | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ Not typically | ❌ No |
| Slip Resistance | ✅ Naturally Textured | ✅ Varies | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Depends on finish |
| UV Resistance | ✅ With Sealer | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Design Flexibility | ✅ Endless | ⚠️ Earth tones only | ⚠️ Fixed sizes | ❌ Basic |
Cement tiles win on beauty, customization, and versatility—especially when paired with the right protection.
Our Handmade Tile Process
Every tile from Original Mission Tile is made by hand using traditional techniques. Here’s how:
- Mold Creation: Your pattern is translated into a steel mold.
- Pigment Pouring: Natural colors are poured by hand into each section.
- Hydraulic Pressing: 2,000 lbs of pressure solidify the design.
- Curing and Drying: Tiles cure naturally for strength and longevity.
Our artisans in Mexico have perfected the process over generations—ensuring every tile is worthy of the space it’s installed in.
Why Designers and Contractors Choose Us
For outdoor residential and commercial projects, our partners choose Original Mission Tile because we offer:
- A wide range of handmade tiles in stock
- Fast turnaround on custom tile orders
- Experience with hospitality, retail, and luxury homes
- Personalized design assistance and sample kits
- Consistent quality and reliable shipping across the U.S.
Tips for Choosing Outdoor Cement Tile Colors and Patterns
Designing for outdoor spaces requires special attention to light, wear, and environment.
Key Considerations:
- Color Fade Resistance: Use UV-stable pigments + quality sealers
- Match Surroundings: Pull tones from nearby plants, stone, or wood
- Bold vs. Subtle: Go big on patterns in open areas; use soft tones for small patios
- Grout Selection: Choose darker grout for outdoor use to hide stains
- Mix + Match: Combine plain tiles with decorative inlays for budget-friendly layouts
Need help visualizing? Our team can mock up your design before you commit.
Outdoor Bathroom, Pool, and Kitchen Ideas
Bathrooms & Showers (Outdoor or Indoor/Outdoor):
- Cement tile floors for wet zones
- Accent wall for freestanding outdoor tub
- Full-tile showers with matching floors and walls
Kitchens:
- Floor tiles that define cooking or prep zones
- Statement backsplashes on outdoor bars
- Island tile wraps for color and style
Pools and Decks:
- Patterned walkways and lounge areas
- Textured surfaces reduce slipperiness
- Colorful borders or mosaics for visual interest
Cement tiles don’t just look great—they’re practical, safe, and durable underfoot.
How to Install and Maintain Cement Tiles Outdoors
Outdoor installation requires extra care—but the results are well worth it.
Installation Tips:
- Ensure a level substrate—like a concrete slab
- Use a high-quality adhesive suitable for outdoor use
- Seal tiles before and after grouting to prevent stains
- Choose UV-resistant sealers for outdoor durability
- Use expansion joints for large installations
Maintenance:
- Sweep regularly to remove dirt and debris
- Re-seal every 1–2 years depending on exposure
- Spot clean with pH-neutral solutions
- Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners
With minimal upkeep, your tiles can look incredible for decades.
How to Order from Original Mission Tile
Here’s how to get started on your outdoor tile project:
- Explore our online collections of in-stock tiles
- Try our custom tile design tool for personalized patterns
- Order samples to test outdoors
- Consult our team for design, installation, and sealing advice
- Place your order and enjoy fast shipping in the U.S.
🛒 Visit www.originalmissiontile.com
Final Thoughts: Style That Goes Beyond Indoors
With their artisan beauty, rugged durability, and design flexibility, cement tiles are an ideal material for outdoor spaces. Whether you’re creating a stunning walkway, a shaded patio retreat, or a lively restaurant terrace, cement tiles offer the creative power to turn outdoor areas into true design features.
Let Original Mission Tile help you bring your outdoor vision to life—tile by tile.
