As ‘outdoor living’ continues to grow in popularity, the choice of materials for patios and gardens has never been more important. Steve Holloway, Sales and Marketing Director Tiles at RAK Ceramics, explores how porcelain paving is stepping up to the challenge.
Outdoor spaces have come a long way from basic slabs and decking. Nowadays, clients want something that looks great, lasts, and requires minimal upkeep, all while standing up to whatever the British weather throws at it. Porcelain outdoor tiles are ticking all those boxes and then some, making them an increasingly popular choice for garden projects.
RAK Ceramics has been at the forefront of this trend, offering a broad range of outdoor porcelain tiles that deliver on style, durability and performance. And for builders’ merchants working with landscapers and contractors, understanding what makes these tiles stand out can help you add real value to your customers’ projects and ultimately boost your sales.
Maintenance? What maintenance?
One of the biggest headaches with traditional decking and natural stone is maintenance. Timber decking needs regular staining and sealing or it’ll rot or warp. Natural stone can get covered in moss, algae and stains, especially in damp climates. Porcelain tiles, however, are a different beast altogether.
“For builders’ merchants, understanding what makes porcelain tiles stand out can help you add real value to your customers’ projects and ultimately boost your sales.”
Thanks to their dense, non-porous surface, these tiles repel stains, water and dirt. They don’t absorb anything, so they won’t swell or crack. This means no annual sealing, no scrubbing and no fuss. For homeowners, that’s a huge selling point. For landscapers, it means less hassle post-install and fewer callbacks.
And for builders’ merchants, this makes porcelain tiles an easy sell when customers are weighing up the long-term costs of different materials. The upfront price might be higher than some options, but the savings on maintenance and replacement make porcelain the smarter choice over time.
Furthermore, it’s a convincing argument for landscapers to present when advising clients who want to future-proof their outdoor investment.
Slip-resistant and weatherproof
Safety is front of mind on any outdoor surface, particularly in gardens or commercial spaces that see heavy foot traffic. RAK Ceramics’ outdoor porcelain tiles come with slip-resistant finishes that provide reliable grip, even when wet. This can be a real deal-breaker for public areas, schools or hospitality projects where safety standards are strict and the risk of slips and falls must be minimised.
Plus, these tiles can handle the UK’s unpredictable weather with ease. Whether it’s scorching sun, frost or heavy rain, porcelain won’t fade, crack or degrade over time like timber or concrete can. It’s worth reminding customers that unlike timber, porcelain won’t warp or splinter. Nor will it lose colour or texture from UV exposure, meaning outdoor areas stay looking sharp and fresh season after season.
For landscapers, this means peace of mind that their work will retain its quality long after installation. And for merchants, it’s a key benefit to highlight in conversations with specifiers and contractors who need to recommend durable, no-nonsense solutions.
Style that works inside and out
Design-wise, the latest porcelain tiles offer something for every taste. Whether your client is after the natural look of stone or marble, or a sleek, modern concrete effect, RAK Ceramics has a palette that suits all styles.
And because these tiles can be used both indoors and outdoors, they’re perfect for creating seamless transitions — think patios that flow effortlessly from living rooms or kitchens.
This design versatility is a great upsell opportunity for merchants to pitch to landscapers looking to offer a premium finish that adds real value. Matching interior tiles with outdoor options creates a cohesive, luxury feel that appeals to discerning homeowners who want their garden to feel like an extension of their home.
Another design advantage is the range of textures available, including natural matt and textured finishes that add depth and grip without compromising style. This means outdoor areas can be both beautiful and practical.
Built to last and eco-friendly
Porcelain tiles don’t just look good, they’re made to last too. Unlike timber decks or concrete slabs that may need replacing every few years, porcelain can keep looking great for decades. That longevity makes it a sustainable choice, reducing waste and repeat spending.
RAK Ceramics is also committed to responsible manufacturing practices, supporting environmentally conscious builders and landscapers. Offering products that stand the test of time while aligning with eco-friendly values makes these tiles an increasingly attractive option.
For merchants, this means a compelling case to be made about the cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits of porcelain tiles — a conversation that’s becoming increasingly important with more eco-conscious customers and contractors. Offering product samples, technical specs and design inspiration can help your customers make confident choices.
Porcelain outdoor tiles are reshaping what’s possible in outdoor spaces. For builders’ merchants, understanding their advantages is the first step to helping landscapers deliver durable, stylish and low-maintenance results that homeowners love.
Click or tap the link for more information on the porcelain paving solutions available from RAK Ceramics.
