01
Pool Surrounds
Around a pool, tiles need a tested slip rating of at least P4 and a finished edge along the water, called coping.
See Pool Paving and Coping
Porcelain and Travertine · Laid in Mortar
Outdoor Tiling Canberra
Prime Paving Canberra lays porcelain and travertine outdoor tiles in mortar, over a sound slab or compacted road base, for patios, porches and outdoor areas in Canberra.
Outdoor tiling is wet paving, also called rigid paving: tiles or pavers fixed in mortar over a prepared base. We assess the existing surface, prepare the base and lay the finished paving, with the installation method chosen to suit the material and location.
If you're replacing an old patio or planning a new outdoor area, the same person measures the job and lays the tiles.
Our Outdoor Tiling Services Include
- Porcelain outdoor tiles and pavers
- Travertine outdoor paving
- Pool surrounds and poolside paving
- Patios and alfresco areas
- Outdoor paths, entrances and steps
- Base preparation and wet paving installation
- Removal of old paving, concrete and turf where required
Where Outdoor Tiles Go
Outdoor Tiling for Pools, Patios, Paths and Steps
Porcelain and travertine set in mortar suit pool surrounds, patios, paths and steps. What changes from one area to the next is the grip the surface needs and how the edges are finished. Each area has its own page with the full detail.
02
Patios and Alfresco Areas
A tiled alfresco is laid with a slight slope, called a fall, so rain runs off and away from the house.
See Outdoor Entertaining Areas
03
Paths and Front Entrances
The same tile can run from the front gate to the door and on into the backyard, so the paving matches all the way through.
See Paths, Steps and Courtyards
04
Outdoor Steps
Each step needs a tread with grip and an even height, and the front edge can be finished with a rounded tile, called a bullnose.
See Garden Steps and PathsOutdoor Paving Materials
Porcelain and Travertine Outdoor Tiles
Porcelain and travertine are two options for outdoor paving in Canberra. Both make a durable surface when the right product and installation method are chosen, but they differ in appearance, how much water they absorb and how much care they need.
We work with porcelain and travertine bought from Canberra suppliers.
Porcelain Outdoor Tiles and Pavers
Porcelain is a dense, manufactured ceramic with very low water absorption. Products classed as porcelain generally absorb no more than 0.5% of their weight in water.
Outdoor porcelain comes in different sizes, colours and surface textures, including finishes made to grip better in the wet.
Not every porcelain tile suits every outdoor job. Thickness, slip resistance, the manufacturer's requirements and the base it goes on all need checking before it is laid.
Travertine Outdoor Pavers
Travertine is a natural stone with variation in colour, pattern and texture. Its look makes it a popular choice for patios, pool surrounds and entertaining areas.
Because travertine is porous, it can soak up moisture. A penetrating sealer, one that soaks into the stone rather than sitting on top, can help reduce staining. What it needs depends on the stone, its finish and how exposed it is.
Travertine pavers come in different thicknesses and finishes, so the product has to suit where and how it will be laid.
Porcelain vs Travertine: Which Is Better for Outdoor Paving?
| Feature | Porcelain | Travertine |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Manufactured ceramic | Natural stone |
| Appearance | More consistent colours and patterns | Natural variation in colour and texture |
| Water absorption | Very low | Porous |
| Maintenance | Generally low maintenance | May need sealing and ongoing stone care |
| Slip resistance | Depends on the tested surface finish | Depends on the stone finish and tested result |
| Canberra conditions | Choose an exterior-rated, frost-suitable product | Confirm frost suitability with the supplier |
| Installation | Depends on product thickness and fixing method | Depends on stone thickness and fixing method |
Neither material is automatically the better choice. It comes down to the finish you like, how the area will be used, how much upkeep you want and what the installation needs.
If you have seen a tile or paver you like, ask the supplier for its tested slip rating and frost advice before you decide.
Why Choose Prime Paving Canberra
Outdoor Tiling From Base Preparation to Finished Paving
The finished tiles are only one part of an outdoor paving job. What sits underneath them, how the area drains and the way the paving is laid all matter.
01The Person Who Measures Your Job Lays It
You deal directly with the person doing the paving. The same person who visits to measure your area lays it, so you talk to the installer rather than passing instructions through different people.
02We Prepare the Base as Well as Laying the Paving
We work on what goes under the paving as well as the finished surface.
Depending on the job, that can mean removing old materials, preparing the ground or checking an existing concrete slab before installation.
03Measured Quotes Based on Your Property
Every outdoor area is different. We look at the size, access, existing surface, ground levels and the paving you've chosen before preparing a quote.
If old paving, concrete or turf needs to come up, the removal is included in your quote.
Base Preparation and Wet Paving
What Goes Under Your Outdoor Tiles?
A suitable base is essential for an outdoor tiled surface. The right preparation depends on the existing ground, the material and how the finished area will be used.
Mortar-Set Paving Over Compacted Road Base
We lay wet paving in mortar on 100 mm of compacted road base, crushed rock packed down to make a firm foundation. For suitable products, this is a more cost effective option than building a new concrete slab.
How deep the preparation goes depends on the ground, how the area will be used and the paving you've chosen.
Outdoor Tiles Laid Over a Concrete Slab
We also lay wet paving in mortar on a concrete slab. A sound slab gives a stable foundation for many outdoor tiling jobs.
Before new tiles go down, a slab needs checking for its condition, levels and drainage. Cracks, movement or the wrong falls, the slight slope that sends water away, may need fixing first.
How Do We Choose the Right Base?
It depends on the paving material and its thickness, the existing ground, drainage, site access and how the space will be used. We look at these when we measure your property and talk through the options before work starts.
Our Installation Process
How We Lay Outdoor Tiles
Each job starts with understanding the existing area and what it needs to become a sound finished surface.
01Measure and Assess the Area
We visit your property to measure the space, look at access, check the existing surface and talk about the paving you want.
02Remove Old Materials Where Required
Existing paving, concrete or turf is removed when needed. This work is included in your quote.
03Prepare the Base
We prepare the base to suit the paving product, the installation method and the site.
04Lay the Tiles or Pavers
The tiles or pavers are bedded in mortar, with cuts made to fit the shape and edges of the area.
Slip Resistance and Local Conditions
Choosing Slip-Resistant Outdoor Tiles for Canberra
Outdoor paving has to handle more than foot traffic. Rain, pool water, sprinklers and changing temperatures all affect how the surface performs, and Canberra's cold winters add frost to the list.
What Do Outdoor Tile Slip Ratings Mean?
In Australia, the wet slip resistance of tiles is tested under AS 4586. The wet pendulum test gives a rating from P0 to P5. A higher rating generally means more grip in the wet.
For level pool surrounds, the Australian handbook HB 198:2014 recommends at least P4, and P5 for ramps and steps that lead into the water. The right rating depends on the location, slope, exposure and use: an uncovered pool surround needs more grip than a sheltered alfresco.
- P0
- P1
- P2
- P3
- P4
- P5
Less gripMore grip
Before choosing your tiles, ask the supplier for the tested slip rating and whether the product suits where it is going.
Can Outdoor Tiles Handle Canberra's Frost?
Canberra has winter mornings below freezing, so product choice and drainage matter for exposed paving. Some products are made and tested for freezing conditions; others are not. When choosing outdoor tiles or pavers, check:
- Frost suitability: the manufacturer recommends the product for the conditions it will face.
- Water absorption: materials that soak up less water generally cope better with freezing.
- Drainage: the finished surface lets water run off rather than sit in low spots.
- Slip resistance: a tested surface finish suited to wet conditions and the area's use.
- Installation: the base, fixing materials and movement joints (gaps filled with a flexible sealant that let the paving expand and shrink) suit an outdoor setting.
We can talk through these points when we assess your project, with product suitability checked against the manufacturer's recommendations.
Existing Outdoor Surfaces
Can You Tile Over Existing Concrete or Tiles Outside?
If you already have a concrete patio or an older tiled area, it may be possible to lay new tiles without removing the whole surface. But the existing base has to suit the new installation: covering a damaged or unstable surface can leave the new paving with the same problems.
Tiling Over Existing Concrete
An existing slab may suit outdoor tiling if it is structurally sound and in good condition.
It needs checking for cracks, movement, moisture, surface condition and drainage first. If the concrete has deteriorated or the levels are wrong, it may need preparation or replacing.
Laying Outdoor Tiles Over Old Tiles
Only where the existing surface and the new exterior tiling method allow it.
The old tiles must be firmly stuck to a sound base. Loose tiles, cracks, hollow-sounding spots or movement mean the surface needs attention. Drainage, finished heights and existing joints matter too.
When Existing Paving Should Come Up
If the paving is sinking, moving, cracked or laid on a poor base, removing it may be the better option.
We check the existing area when we measure and include any removal in your quote.
Tiling Costs in Canberra
What Your Outdoor Tiling Quote Covers
The cost depends on the size of the area, the materials and the preparation needed before installation. Laying over a sound existing slab is different work from removing an old patio and building a new base.
Rather than applying one square-metre rate to every job, we measure your area and quote on the actual work.
01Size and Shape of the Area
Larger spaces need more material and labour. Curves, corners and irregular edges also mean more cutting.
02Porcelain or Travertine
Prices vary with the product, its size, finish and supplier. Different materials can also need different installation methods.
03Base Preparation
A suitable existing base can reduce preparation. Excavation, a new base or extra work costs more.
04Removing Old Paving or Concrete
If tiles, pavers, concrete or turf need to come up, the labour and disposal are included in the quote.
05Pool Edges, Steps and Other Details
Areas that need more cutting or careful finishing take longer to lay.
06Access to the Property
Limited access for equipment and materials can add time and labour, particularly in enclosed backyards.
Request a Measured Outdoor Tiling Quote
You don't need exact measurements to contact us. Tell us roughly how big the area is, what surface is there now and where your property is.
We'll arrange to measure the space, talk through the paving options and prepare a quote for the work involved.
Common Outdoor Tiling Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Tiling
How Much Does Outdoor Tiling Cost in Canberra?
It depends on the size of the area, the materials, the existing surface and the base preparation. Removing old paving or concrete also affects the price. Prime Paving Canberra measures each job before preparing a quote based on the work required.
Can Outdoor Tiles Be Laid Over Existing Concrete?
Yes, if the slab suits the installation. Its condition, levels, drainage and any cracking need checking before new tiles go down. A damaged or unstable slab may need more work first.
Are Outdoor Tiles Slippery When Wet?
Some can be, particularly smooth ones. In Australia, wet slip resistance is rated from P0 to P5 under AS 4586. For level pool surrounds, HB 198:2014 recommends at least P4, and P5 for steps into the water.
Can Porcelain Pavers Be Laid on Road Base?
Yes, for suitable products. We lay wet paving in mortar on 100 mm of compacted road base, which is more cost effective than a new slab. Whether a particular porcelain suits it depends on its thickness, the manufacturer's instructions and the site.
Are Outdoor Tiles the Same as Pavers?
Yes. Outdoor tiles are the same thing as rigid paving, also called wet paving: porcelain or travertine set in mortar. We lay them over a sound concrete slab or over 100 mm of compacted road base, which costs less than pouring a slab.
Which Is Better for Outdoor Paving, Porcelain or Travertine?
Porcelain absorbs very little water and comes in a range of manufactured finishes. Travertine is a natural stone with variation in colour and texture, and it may benefit from sealing. The best choice depends on the look you want, where it is going and the product itself.
What Outdoor Tiles Suit Canberra's Climate?
Choose tiles or pavers the manufacturer recommends for the outdoor exposure they will face, including frost. Slip resistance, drainage, water absorption and installation matter too. Not every product sold as an outdoor tile suits every location.
Have Another Question?
Ask Your Question on the Contact PageBeyond the Tiles
Other Outdoor Areas We Pave
Outdoor tiles often finish one area of a bigger job, so it's worth thinking about what sits next to them.
Pool Paving and CopingTravertine or porcelain pool surrounds with coping to finish the pool edge.View service 
Outdoor Entertaining AreasClay paver patios where a softer, traditional look suits the house better than tiles.View service 
Paths, Steps and CourtyardsPaths and steps leading off a tiled alfresco area into the garden.View service 
Driveway PavingClay paver driveways in 45° or 90° herringbone.View service
Clay, travertine and porcelain can be mixed across a property to suit each area.
Request Your Outdoor Tiling Quote
Get a Quote for Outdoor Tiling in Canberra
Whether you're updating a pool surround, replacing an old patio or planning a new alfresco area, Prime Paving Canberra can help you choose and lay suitable outdoor paving.
We work with porcelain and travertine tiles and pavers across Canberra and surrounding areas, including Yass, Goulburn, Braidwood and Cooma.
Tell us roughly how big the area is, what is there now and the finish you have in mind. We'll arrange to measure your space and prepare a quote based on the work involved.
Choosing Outdoor Tiles? Call (02) 6189 4970