Outdoor Bar Tile Ideas – 8 Ways to Pep Up Your Garden Party Area

If you love entertaining al-fresco, chances are you’ve got, or are thinking about building, an outdoor bar in your garden.

Perfect for eating, drinking and relaxing with friends and family, outdoor bars are one of the must-have garden accessories and they can be enjoyed all year round. From custom-made, bespoke, boutique-style bars to impressive DIY and flat-pack versions, there is an outdoor bar for every space, style and budget.

Whether your bar is nestled under a gazebo, part of an outdoor kitchen or a stand-alone bar that’s more open to the elements, chances are that tiles will feature somewhere in your outdoor bar design.

We’ve looked at some of the most beautiful and inspirational bar tile designs to get your creative juices flowing. Before you discover them, keep reading to find out which tiles are best for an outdoor bar.

Tiles are so multifaceted, they can be used within an outdoor space to create your own bar area fit for any style or budget.

Image credit: @backyardoutdoorliving

Recommended Tile: Damask Series Decor 2

What tiles are best for an outdoor bar?

Unlike patio tiles, bar tiles aren’t going to have to deal with heavy footfall or enormous objects so it gives you much more choice when selecting your tiles. Outdoor tiles will be subjected to temperature extremes and dampness so it’s best to stick with stone or porcelain tiles for the best results.

● Stone tiles are one of the most attractive options and you can choose from a range of styles, colours and sizes. They’re an excellent option if you’re after a high-end look and they work well for more rustic-themed bars too.
● Porcelain tiles are the most versatile tiles for outdoor use. They’ll withstand the sun, rain and snow and you’ll have the most choice when it comes to colour, pattern and finish.

Outdoor bar tile ideas

If you’re looking to clad a home-built outdoor bar or tile a custom-made drinking area for your garden, here are 8 ways to add practical style and personality to your outdoor party zone:

Splitface tiles

Splitface tiles are the perfect indoor/outdoor tile and they’re extremely versatile. You can choose from real stone or stone-effect porcelain tiles, either will be well suited to a life outdoors.

Splitface tiles are an ideal choice if you want to add a rustic touch to your outdoor bar area and they’ll suit all styles of home. Because splitface tiles look so natural, they work especially well in outdoor areas where they will add subtle interest without being overbearing.

Splitface tiles offer a very natural look and work wonderfully well in outdoor areas, they are especially stylish in an outdoor bar or kitchen area.

Image credit: @marindesignco

Recommended Tile: Cubics White Splitface 

Metro tiles

One of the most desirable tile styles, metro tiles can be found everywhere from tube stations to restaurants, kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor bars. These simple tiles are extremely versatile and can be laid in a range of different ways. Metro tiles are available in every tile material and colour and whether you opt for porcelain or real stone tiles, they’re a classic choice that will always look good.

From the traditional brick bond design to vertical stack, basket weave and classic herringbone patterns, how will you lay yours?

Metro tiles are ideally suited to any outdoor bar area, easy to maintain and clean they are available in numerous colours.

Image credit: @heathersandyhebert

Recommended Tile: San Vincenzo

Patterned tiles

If you want to make your outdoor bar even more of a feature, you can do so with beautifully patterned porcelain tiles. There is an enormous range to choose from but bold, abstract or Moroccan-style prints are the most popular for outside areas. They’ll help to add an exotic feel to your garden and will make an instant impact. Porcelain tiles are also incredibly practical, durable and easy to keep clean, what’s not to love?

Patterned porcelain tiles will enhance any outdoor bar area, available in countless designs and colours, they have the added bonus of being extremely easy to keep clean.

Image credit: @veronicamishaan

Recommended Tile: Diagonal Blue 

Mosaic Tiles

If you’re feeling creative, mosaic tiles are a fantastic addition to an outdoor bar area. Create your own masterpiece with miniature mosaic tiles, you can opt for porcelain, glass, stone, mother-of-pearl or metal mosaic tiles to create an outdoor bar area that’ll get everyone talking.

Mosaic tiles will allow you to create exactly the scene you want in your outdoor bar area, whether its a bright, bold or basic theme, the choices are endless.

Image credit: @delamarhotels

Herringbone Tiles

Up the outdoor bar style stakes with these seriously slick herringbone tiles. Created from rectangular tiles, the versatile herringbone pattern exudes traditional elegance, but it’s equally at home in more minimal, contemporary settings. You can opt for glossy metro tiles in a range of colours or keep it neutral with natural stone tiles for a timeless, sophisticated look.

The Herringbone format adds a touch of class to your outdoor bar area as it can be displayed in a variety of individualistic ways t suit all tastes.

Image credit: @marstudiodesign

Recommended Tile: Woodland Grey

Brightly coloured tiles

Make a statement by choosing brightly coloured tiles to clad your outdoor bar. They’ll contrast beautifully with neutral patio slabs and brickwork and they’ll also be really easy to clean and maintain, meaning they’ll look their brilliant best for years to come.

Create a dazzling bar area with vivid colors and stand out tiles

Image credit: @cantileverbars

Recommended Tiles: Rio Verde 

Feature tiles

Liven up a stand-alone bar with tiles in bold geometric designs. You can achieve a similar effect to the tiles on the below bar by using lily pad tiles. It’s a great way to bring an overseas feel to your outdoor area and the pop of colour will bring happiness all year round.

Create a tropical feeling in your outdoor bar area by incorporating bright colours and bold patterns

Image credit: @laviebohemeinteriors

Recommended Tile: Ava Aqua Decor

Black and white tiles

Sticking with the bold theme are these fabulous black and white outdoor bar tiles. This classic colour combination is a great choice if you want tiles that pack a punch but prefer to steer away from bright colours.

Recommended Tile: Damask Series Decor 3

Outdoor bar tile tips

When choosing tiles for your outdoor bar area, consider the following:

Material

Outdoor tiles will need to be able to resist the elements. Porcelain or natural stone tiles are perfectly suited to a life outdoors. If you’re using tiles on the surface of the bar, smooth porcelain tiles will be the easiest to clean as they’re durable and resistant to stains.

Surroundings

Depending on where your outdoor bar is situated, you might want to choose tiles that match your home, outbuildings or your patio, or you could create a complete contrast and pick tiles with vibrant colours.

Colour and pattern

The colour that you choose for your bar tiles can make a huge impact. You can choose soft greens, browns and blacks to blend in with the rest of your garden, go for timeless neutrals, or make a statement with bright colours for a garden party vibe. You can also add interest with textured and patterned tiles

If you’re thinking about tiling your outdoor bar, Atlas Ceramics has an excellent selection of outdoor tiles to choose from. Browse our selection yourself or call one of our experts for advice.