Material |
Pros |
Cons |
Style |
Durability |
![Extruded Tile
Maureen Gilmer
Morongo Valley, CA](https://images.landscapingnetwork.com/pictures/images/120x80Exact_0x86/site_8/extruded-tile-maureen-gilmer_5597.jpg) Quarry tile (extruded) |
Slip resistant, universal appeal, widely available. |
Highly variable in quality depending on source. When low fired longevity is minimal. Uniformity may be irregular |
Mediterranean, Spanish, Ranch and Rustic home styles |
Quality red clay properly made and fired is durable. |
![Saltillo Tile
ARTO Brick and California Pavers
Gardena, CA](https://images.landscapingnetwork.com/pictures/images/120x80Exact_0x100/site_8/saltillo-tile-arto-brick-and-california-pavers_5378.jpg) Stoneware (handmade) |
Improved red clay tile, universal appeal, frost proof, damage resistant |
Slightly more expensive due to additional firing. |
Mediterranean, Spanish, Ranch and Rustic home styles |
High |
![Glazed Tiles, Spanish Fireplace Design
Outdoor Fireplace
Maureen Gilmer
Morongo Valley, CA](https://images.landscapingnetwork.com/pictures/images/120x80Exact_0x74/outdoor-fireplace_13/glazed-tiles-spanish-fireplace-design-maureen-gilmer_5598.jpg) Glazed polychrome |
Integrates unlimited colors and patterns into tile. Low cost. Wide availability |
Not slip proof unless specially glazed. Wide range of clay quality, firing and density. |
Suits virtually all design styles due to high variability of colors and patterns. |
Variable. Low fired tile not long lived. |
![Pool Water Feature
Bonick Landscaping
Dallas, TX](https://images.landscapingnetwork.com/pictures/images/120x80Exact_100x0/site_8/pool-water-feature-bonick-landscaping_2210.jpg) Swimming pool tile |
Frost proof, withstands treated water. |
Limited colors and styles. |
Spanish, solid or mottled only. |
High |
![Pool Deck Tile
Integral Renovation Projects
New Canaan, CT](https://images.landscapingnetwork.com/pictures/images/120x80Exact_100x0/site_8/pool-deck-tile-integral-renovation-projects_5396.jpg) Porcelain |
Very large size, light weight. |
Industrial looking. |
Modern |
Very High |
![Custom Fountain, Tile Fountain
Fiore Design
North Hollywood, CA](https://images.landscapingnetwork.com/pictures/images/120x80Exact_100x0/site_8/custom-fountain-tile-fountain-fiore-design_3726.jpg) Glass |
Unique jewel quality. |
Prone to cracking, scratches and efflorescence. May be difficult to install outdoors. Expensive. |
Modern |
Low |
![Yellow Green Red Tile, Cement Tile
Granada Tile
Los Angeles, CA](https://images.landscapingnetwork.com/pictures/images/120x80Exact_0x100/site_8/yellow-green-red-tile-cement-tile-granada-tile_5408.jpg) Cement |
Green alternative, long lasting, intense patterns, good "feel" on feet. |
Not frost proof, porous, expensive, not suitable to water related locations |
Modern or traditional |
Moderate |
![Stone Tile, Tiled Bbq
Outdoor Kitchen
Maureen Gilmer
Morongo Valley, CA](https://images.landscapingnetwork.com/pictures/images/120x80Exact_40x0/outdoor-kitchen_7/stone-tile-tiled-bbq-maureen-gilmer_5599.jpg) Stone tile |
Character of natural stone. |
Heavy, expensive, prone to flake and chip. Variable stone quality difficult to identify. |
Variable |
High |
![Deck Design
Advantage Lumber
Buffalo, NY](https://images.landscapingnetwork.com/pictures/images/120x80Exact_0x100/deck-design_11/advantage-lumber_5062.jpg) Wood deck tiles |
Allows rehabilitation of older wood decks, porches and roof garden surfaces without rebuilding them. |
Expensive |
Traditional and modern |
Moderate |
![Concrete Saltillo Pavers
ARTO Brick and California Pavers
Gardena, CA](https://images.landscapingnetwork.com/pictures/images/120x80Exact_100x0/site_8/concrete-saltillo-pavers-arto-brick-and-california-pavers_5088.jpg) Saltillo pavers |
Rustic, old world look. |
Irregular, poorly fired, soft, porous and requires sealing for use outdoors. |
Mediterranean, Spanish, Ranch and Rustic home styles |
Low |