Take it outside: how to choose floor tiles that lead you seamlessly from inside to out

Embrace outdoor living

It’s that time of year when we throw open the doors of our homes, cross the threshold into the garden and live life a little more alfresco. And a great way to achieve an effortless flow from inside to out is picking a flooring that can be used in both spaces.

Connecting our homes to the outside using indoor-outdoor tiles is a great way to make your space feel more open and welcoming, creating the perfect spot for hosting friends and family, and bringing us closer to nature.

Whether you have large bifold doors that run along a track, Crittall doors that open onto a patio or a backdoor that leads onto steps, we’ve got plenty of inspiring designs that will transform your space, inside and out.

While we have a wide range of both indoor and outdoor tiles to choose from, it’s our range of indoor/outdoor tiles that are really worth talking about. This selection can be used in both spaces, with a discreet difference in thickness that won’t be seen or felt under foot.

Create a feeling of cohesion

If being together is at the heart of your home, then creating a space that feels open and connected will be high on your priority list. Inside-outside tiles are perfect for achieving a smooth transition but if you’re unsure how to choose outdoor floor tiles between natural stone and porcelain, then let us assure you that we have plenty of options for both.

While our natural stone options such as limestone will bring character and incredible durability to your home and garden, porcelain outdoor floor tiles will also deliver on these fronts but can be produced in impressively large sizes plus they are non-porous. But whichever option you go for, you can be sure that they’ll both create a space that you’ll love, from inspiring patio tile ideas to stunning kitchen-diners.

Lets get technical

So, how do our indoor-outdoor tiles create that seamless transition from home to garden? It all comes down to the thickness of each tile. Indoor tiles are typically around 10mm thick, while their outdoor counterparts are better suited at 20mm. During installation, this difference is accounted for, so the end result is smooth and level, both to look at and to walk on. You’d never know there was a change at all.

Outdoor floor tiles also tend to have a rougher surface texture, and that’s no coincidence. This added texture isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a key feature that enhances grip and improves safety. By increasing friction underfoot, these tiles reduce the risk of slips and falls, particularly in wet or exposed areas. That’s why external tiles usually come with a higher slip rating, making them ideal for patios, driveways, pool surrounds, and other outdoor spaces.

Not sure where to begin? Let us inspire you with some of our favourite indoor/outdoor tile options, perfect for creating a stylish, cohesive flow between your interior and exterior spaces.

First up, our Nero Riven slate tiles will look cool, calm and collected in a farmhouse kitchen, with their subtle texture but smooth finish. Paired with our Nero Riven Slate outdoor floor tiles in a large-format style, they’ll create a stunning patio, seating or even outdoor-showering area that can be accessed directly from the kitchen, with no detection of difference in sight.

Next, we love how wonderfully tactile and durable our Dijon Blend Tumbled Outdoor Limestone Cobble tiles are, which can extend from your patio all the way to your driveway. Marry this with our Dijon Blend Tumbled Limestone tiles in a kitchen, bedroom or even bathroom with direct access to outside, and you’ll have a space that flows freely from inside to out.

Finally if you’re looking for a light and bright tile option, then you can’t go wrong by starting with our Trulli Sand Matt Stone Effect Porcelain tile. With a remarkably realistic stone-effect finish, they are low-maintenance, cost-effective and will bring a true feeling of sophistication to your home. Continue that same feeling by opting for our Trulli Sand Matt Stone Effect Outdoor Porcelain tile and watch as your interior extends beyond the threshold effortlessly with these beautiful inside-outside tiles.

Throw out the rule book

Of course, you might decide that the best look for you is to opt for flooring that creates a clear contrast between your two spaces and we’ve got plenty of options to help you achieve that too!

We love the combination of a patterned tile outdoors such as our Casa Grande Decor Outdoor range, with our plain Argento Larch Wood Effect Porcelain tile indoors. The contrast of the two will really make a style statement and will clearly define the two areas.

Or you could opt to mix up your textures and sizes but stick to the same colourway. Start by choosing our Cameronstone Tumbled Outdoor Limestone Cobble tiles laid in a smart herringbone formation for your exterior, then couple it with our Agincourt Grey Tumbled Limestone for your interior flooring.

Whether you choose to go for a seamless finish that merges your two spaces, or a contrasting one, we have plenty of choices to help you achieve your dream indoor/outdoor tile look.

So, do you have a favourite design?

For more inspiration and ideas on how to choose floor tiles, or how you can blend indoor/outdoor tiles in your own home or space, browse our extensive tile range and view real-life My #mandarinstone projects. You can order online or at one of our tile showrooms around the UK. See our lookbook or contact us on +44 (0)1600 715444 to learn more.