Choosing the Right Materials for Outdoor Living Spaces: What to Know Before You Remodel
- turnermaxwell
- Jun 3
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 minutes ago
Outdoor spaces are some of the most rewarding parts of a home, but they are also the most exposed to the elements. Whether you are planning a new patio, an outdoor kitchen, or a cozy lounge, choosing the right materials is key to creating a space that is beautiful and built to last.
Here is what to look for when selecting surfaces, storage, and finishing touches for your outdoor project:
Tile: Add Color and Character to Outdoor Spaces
Tile is not just for inside the home. It is a great way to add personality and design flair to outdoor living areas. When chosen correctly, tile can elevate the look and function of everything from outdoor kitchens to lounge spaces.
Where to Use Tile Outdoors:
Backsplashes - Behind outdoor kitchen counters, bar areas, or prep stations to protect walls and add a decorative finish.
Feature Walls - Create a statement around fireplaces, seating areas, or even outdoor showers.
Flooring - Tile can be used on floors in both covered and uncovered outdoor areas. Just make sure it is exterior-rated and has a non-slip, matte, or textured finish for safety.
What to Look For:
Exterior-rated tile - Always check that the tile is designed for outdoor use to handle temperature changes and moisture exposure.
Slip resistance - For floors, pick tiles with a textured or matte finish. This helps prevent slipping, especially when wet.
Recommended brands: Daltile, Crossville, United Tile, MSI, Arizona Tile.
Pro Tip: Tile is a perfect way to introduce bold colors, eye-catching patterns, or unique textures into your outdoor design. This helps create a customized look that ties your indoor and outdoor spaces together.
Pavers: Style and Performance for Every Outdoor Space
When creating patios, pool decks, and walkways, pavers offer a durable and beautiful solution. It is important to choose materials that are both functional and designed for the outdoors.
What to Look For:
Proper drainage - Prevent standing water and extend the life of your pavers.
Slip-resistant textures - Create safer walking surfaces, especially around pools or in rainy areas.
For outdoor projects, we recommend two main types of pavers: porcelain and natural stone.
Porcelain Pavers: Porcelain is an excellent choice for outdoor living spaces for many reasons:
Exterior-rated porcelain is designed to handle freeze-thaw cycles and direct sun without cracking or fading.
Low maintenance - Resists staining, mold, and mildew with minimal upkeep.
Wide design variety - Achieve the look of natural stone, wood, or concrete without the maintenance headaches.
Size versatility - Porcelain pavers are available in larger formats for a modern, clean look with fewer grout lines.
Natural Stone Pavers: If you are drawn to the authentic look and feel of real stone, natural stone pavers offer timeless beauty. However, they do require more maintenance:
Stay cooler - Natural stone can stay cooler underfoot than porcelain, making it a good option for hotter climates like Arizona.
Varied textures - Different types of stone, such as travertine, limestone, and granite, have varying heat resistance and slip resistance.
Maintenance - Natural stone needs sealing and periodic upkeep to keep it looking its best, especially in wetter climates like Oregon.
Pro Tip: In cooler, wetter regions, porcelain offers lower maintenance and better freeze resistance. In hotter, sunnier climates, natural stone can be a more comfortable choice underfoot.
Cabinetry: Why Outdoor Cabinets Matter
Choosing the right cabinetry is essential for an outdoor kitchen or storage space that will last. Indoor cabinets are not built to handle the demands of an outdoor environment. Exposure to moisture, temperature swings, and direct sunlight can cause them to swell, warp, fade, or deteriorate.
What to Look For in Outdoor Cabinetry:
Weatherproof materials - Resist water absorption, warping, and rotting.
UV-resistant finishes - Help prevent fading and sun damage.
Bug resistance - Materials that insects cannot chew through or damage.
Low maintenance - No need for sealing, painting, or frequent upkeep.
Design flexibility - High-end looks that complement your outdoor style.
At CFM, we recommend NatureKast cabinetry because they meet all of these standards. Their cabinets are made from 100% weatherproof materials that resist rain, humidity, and sun without warping or rotting. With UV-resistant finishes and bug-proof construction, NatureKast cabinetry is built for durability. They also deliver the look of natural wood cabinetry without the ongoing maintenance, combining beauty and resilience for the perfect outdoor kitchen setup.
Pro Tip: When planning your outdoor kitchen, consider exposure. Even weatherproof cabinets will perform better and last longer if they are partially shielded by an overhang, pergola, or patio cover. A little extra protection helps preserve your entire setup.
Countertops: Built for Beauty and Durability
Outdoor countertops must withstand everything from UV rays to summer heat and winter freezes. Choosing the right material ensures your outdoor kitchen looks good and performs for years to come.
Top Choices:
Dekton - Extremely durable, UV-stable, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant. Dekton is ideal for any outdoor kitchen.
Granite slabs - A natural stone option that performs well outdoors when properly sealed and maintained. Granite offers timeless beauty and high durability but does require periodic sealing to protect against moisture and stains.
Porcelain slabs - Engineered to be ultra-durable, porcelain slabs resist UV damage, scratches, and stains without the need for sealing, making them a low-maintenance and high-performance choice for outdoor kitchens.
Caesarstone Outdoor Collection - Select quartz surfaces designed specifically for outdoor use. They are highly resistant to UV rays and temperature changes, offering the beauty of quartz with durability built for the outdoors.
What to Look For:
Resistance to heat, UV, and impact.
Low porosity - Prevent staining and water damage.
Easy maintenance - Minimal or no sealing requirements, depending on the material.
Pro Tip: Not all countertop surfaces are made for outdoor use, especially quartz, so always check that the material is outdoor-rated to ensure it can withstand sun, rain, and temperature swings without fading, cracking, or degrading over time.
Rugs: Style and Comfort Underfoot
Rugs complete the look of an outdoor space, making it feel just as cozy and finished as an indoor room. Outdoor conditions require materials that can handle the elements.
What to Look For:
UV-resistant, water-repellent, and anti-microbial materials - Prevent fading, mold, and mildew buildup.
Polypropylene - Best choice for rugs used in fully uncovered areas. It is durable, moisture-resistant, and holds up well against prolonged sun exposure.
Quick-drying fibers - Help prevent waterlogging.
Outdoor-rated rug pads or mats - Provide added comfort and stability.
One brand we love to recommend is the All Seasons Collection from Masland. These rugs are designed to bring indoor style outside, with durability that can handle changing weather conditions beautifully.
For hotter climates like Arizona, it is smart to choose lighter-colored rugs to reflect sunlight and stay cooler underfoot. Whenever possible, place rugs in partially shaded areas to extend their life and reduce fading. Rotating your rugs a few times throughout the season can also help balance sun exposure and minimize wear.
Pro Tip: In wetter regions like the Pacific Northwest, roll up and store your rugs indoors during the winter to protect them from excess moisture and extend their lifespan.
Final Tips
Outdoor materials must match your environment, from wet, freeze-thaw cycles in Oregon to the intense sun and heat of Arizona. By choosing weatherproof, UV-resistant, and low-maintenance materials, you can create an outdoor space that is both beautiful and built to last.
Ready to upgrade your outdoor space? Visit a CFM showroom to browse the best materials and get expert advice tailored to your project.
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