So you’ve just moved to the Northwest (welcome to Seattle!) and barbecue season is fast approaching. How are you going to cover that mound of dirt in your backyard that could so easily be a beautiful patio? Good question. Let’s talk about your possibilities.

With the variable weather here in Seattle, you have limited options for outdoor tile use–quartzite (natural stone) and porcelain tile. Here are a few excellent choices that you’ll find in our showroom:

Sahara Sands Quartzite: This quartzite is more dense than slate which makes it appropriate for outdoor use. Because of its dense, granular structure, Sahara Sands does not accept moisture in a way that will cause it to crack with extreme temperature changes.

Diamond Black Quartzite: Like Sahara Sands, Diamond Black quartzite’s dense make up makes it appropriate for outdoor use. This dark, graphite-colored quartzite has little to no color variation and sparkles with a mica fleck throughout.

Sites porcelain: With its chiseled edge and subtle veining, the Sites line has a traditional look and feel that mimics natural stone. Sites has a moderately textured surface which lends to its low slip resistance rating–another plus for outdoor use.

Natura porcelain: This new line by Italian manufacturer, Mirage, comes in five nature-inspired colors. The density of this porcelain tile makes it extremely durable and frost proof while its linear, textured surface gives it plenty of grip to guard against a slippery surface.

Zebrano porcelain: With a modern look and feel, this through-bodied, rectified porcelain creates a contemporary look both indoors and out. This tile has a subtle linear texture that guards against a slippage in our rainy climate.