Here at Lazy Magazine, we think porcelain tile patios are a stunning, low-maintenance choice that pairs perfectly with our patio furniture range—but keeping them looking their best does take a little know-how.
Porcelain tile patios are a sleek and durable choice for any outdoor space. With their low maintenance appeal, resistance to staining, and modern finish, they’re fast becoming a top choice for homeowners and garden designers alike.
However, like any outdoor surface, porcelain tiles still need regular care to stay in tip-top condition.
In this guide, we’ll explore why porcelain is a smart patio choice, the most common stains to watch out for, how to clean your tiles effectively, how to remove grout haze, and the best ways to protect them year-round.
Why have outdoor porcelain tiles?
Porcelain tiles are a popular outdoor flooring option for good reason. Made from dense, non-porous ceramic clay and fired at high temperatures, these tiles are incredibly hardwearing. They resist water, scratches, fading, and even frost—making them ideal for the UK climate.
The main benefits include:
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Absorption
Low water absorption prevents cracking and damage in colder months. -
Slip-Resistant
The finish enhances safety on rainy or damp days. -
Flexibility
Available in various designs and styles, from natural stone looks to sleek contemporary designs. -
Maintenance
Compared to natural stone or wood decking, porcelain requires minimal upkeep.
Whether you're entertaining guests or enjoying a peaceful moment outdoors with a cup of tea and a good book, a porcelain tile patio is certain to bring style, value for money, and practicality to your outside space.
What are the common stains on outdoor porcelain tiles?
While porcelain tiles are stain-resistant, they’re not immune to the elements. Here are some of the common stains we’ve come across and what causes them:
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Organic
Leaves, pollen, and tree sap can leave discoloured patches if not swept away. -
Algae & Moss
In damp or shaded areas, green buildup can occur. -
Rust
Metal furniture or tools left outside can leave rust marks. -
Oil & Grease
BBQ spills or garden tools can cause greasy spots. -
Hard Water Marks
Mineral deposits from sprinklers or rainwater can leave a chalky residue. -
Grout Hazing
Grout hazing is a cloudy film left after grout dries, often caused by excess grout residue or moisture during cleaning.
Identifying the stain type is key to choosing the right cleaning method—some may need just soapy water, while others require a specially formulated solution and a little more elbow grease.
How do you clean porcelain paving?
Routine cleaning is straightforward and can be done with basic tools. Here's our simple step-by-step process for a monthly regular maintenance routine:
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Sweep
Use a soft-bristled broom or a garden vac to remove leaves and dirt. -
Rinse
A garden hose works well to wash away light grime.
For a deeper spring cleaning, we like to add the following steps:
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Wash
Mix a mild detergent or outdoor tile cleaner with warm water. Make sure you use a pH-neutral cleaner that’s safe for porcelain tiles. -
Agitate
Scrub with a soft brush to agitate the cleaning solution. Avoid wire brushes, which can scratch the tile surface. -
Rinse
Use clean water to remove any leftover soap or residue.
For any of the tough stains we listed above, tackle them with the following solutions:
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Organic
Use a diluted vinegar solution or a patio-specific cleaner. -
Algae & Moss
Again, use a diluted vinegar solution or a patio-specific algae and moss remover. -
Grease & Oil
Apply a degreasing agent or baking soda paste, scrub gently, and rinse. -
Watermarks
Apply a mixture of white vinegar and water, then scrub with a non-abrasive brush or sponge. -
Rust
Use a porcelain-safe rust remover—always test a small area first.
Grout hazing is a common yet tricky issue, which we’ll explore in more detail below. Avoid using bleach-based cleaners though, as they can damage grout and discolour tiles over time.
Can you use a pressure washer on outdoor tiles?
One of the big advantages of porcelain paving slabs is that you can safely use a pressure washer—but with a few important precautions.
Porcelain paving is tough stuff, but using too much pressure or the wrong nozzle can damage grout lines or force water under the tiles, especially if they’re not properly sealed.
To use a pressure washer on porcelain tiles safely, we would recommend the following steps and techniques:
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Pressure
Start by choosing the right pressure setting, and in our experience, you’re best sticking to a max of 1500 PSI. That’s enough to clean grime without damaging the surface or grout. -
Nozzle
The fan nozzle/ attachment set with a 25-degree or 40-degree tip is the best tool for the job. Avoid narrow or pinpoint nozzles like a 0-degree as they concentrate pressure and can damage grout or even chip tile edges. -
Distance
Hold the wand 12 to 18 inches from the surface and keep it moving in a sweeping motion to avoid concentrated pressure on one spot. -
Technique
Sweep up first and pressure wash second is the mantra here. Always remove loose dirt and debris with a broom or blower before washing. -
Avoid
Stick to water or tile-safe detergents—no bleach, ammonia, or acidic cleaners. -
Caution
Mind the grout and angle the spray so water flows across the grout lines, not directly into them. -
Test
If you're unsure about your pressure washer's settings or the condition of your grout, test a small, hidden section first to make sure everything is OK.
How do you remove grout haze from outdoor porcelain paving?
Grout haze is a thin, cloudy film that appears on the surface of tiles after grouting. It's composed of fine grout particles, usually cement-based, that remain after the initial cleaning during tile installation.
Even when installers wipe off the excess grout, some residue often lingers, drying into a dull, whitish haze. This haze might be barely noticeable at first but can become more evident when sunlight hits it or when you’re cleaning your patio and it still looks dirty.
The main causes of grout haze include not wiping thoroughly during the grout cleanup process, using too much water or letting the grout sit too long before wiping it off, and evaporation of water, which leaves behind minerals and grout particles.
Grout haze can be distinguished from dust or efflorescence because it doesn’t wipe away easily with a dry cloth. It usually appears only on the tile surface, not in the grout lines, and shows up as a dull film that’s especially visible when the tiles get wet or under direct sunlight.
Removing grout haze from porcelain tiles is a bit of a task, but with the right approach, it’s manageable. Here’s the best way we’ve found to get that haze off without damaging the tiles:
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Tools
To tackle this we like to use soft microfibre cloths or a non-abrasive sponge mop. Fill a bucket with water and a commercial grout haze remover. You can use white vinegar but we prefer to use a specialist cleaner for this job. Where the relevant protections such as rubber gloves. If your tiles have a sealant applied, then only use a pH-neutral cleaner. -
Caution
If the patio is new or recently sealed, let both the grouting and sealant cure first. In our experience, it is best to wait at least 48 hours after grouting before attempting to clean. You don’t want to damage grout that’s still setting or sealant that is still curing. -
Wash
Start with warm water, a soft bristle brush, and plenty of elbow grease to agitate the surface of the tile. Then dampen the microfibre cloth or sponge mop with warm water. Wipe the tiles in a circular motion to see if the haze comes off. For light haze, this might be enough. -
Stubborn
If the above doesn't remove it, then you need to use a specialist cleaner (as per the manufacturer's guidelines) or 50/50 white vinegar to water mix. Apply to the tile surface with a sponge or mop and let it sit for around 5 minutes or as per the guidelines (many of the haze remover brands we've used only need to sit for a couple of minutes). -
Scrub
With a soft bristle brush gently to agitate the solution and be sure to not let it dry out. It is important to stress that grout haze removers and vinegar are acidic, so use them with caution, and don’t use them on natural stone or if the grout manufacturer warns against it. -
Rinse
After cleaning, carefully rinse away the area (avoiding plant beds and lawns) with lots of clean water to remove any leftover remover, vinegar solution, or haze residue. -
Dry
With a clean microfibre cloth or soft bristle brush help dry it off and remove any pooling to prevent watermarks. If your patio is large, doing it in sections can help keep the job more manageable. -
Test
Always test any solution on a small, inconspicuous area first and don’t wait too long to tackle it—grout haze gets harder to remove the longer it sits.
How do you protect a porcelain tile patio?
Maintaining your patio in good condition requires some foresight and care for each season. Here’s the Lazy Magazine team’s guide to help you protect your outdoor space year-round:
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Spring & Summer
During the warmer months, it’s essential to keep your tiles clean. Regularly remove pollen, dust, and grease from BBQs to preserve the look of your patio. If needed, consider applying a porcelain-safe sealant to the grout lines to keep them looking fresh and prevent staining. -
Autumn
As the leaves begin to fall, it's important to sweep your patio frequently to avoid leaf buildup and stains. Trim nearby trees to minimise the amount of debris that lands on your patio. Additionally, give your patio a thorough cleaning before the colder weather sets in to prevent stains caused by wet conditions. -
Winter
In the winter months, be mindful of using harsh de-icing chemicals, as they can damage your tiles. Instead, choose tile-safe deicers to protect the surface. If you need to remove snow, use a plastic shovel instead of a metal one to avoid scratching the tiles.
By committing to a yearly deep clean and taking basic seasonal care, your porcelain patio will remain inviting and in great shape throughout the seasons.
Should you seal a porcelain tile patio?
While porcelain tiles themselves are non-porous and don’t require sealing, applying a high-quality patio floor sealer—like Floorseal’s Patio Floor Sealer—can offer extra protection, particularly for grout lines and textured or unglazed tiles. It's a smart step to extend the life of your patio and keep it looking fresh.
Using a patio sealer offers several benefits that help maintain your outdoor space. It protects grout lines, which are more porous than porcelain and can absorb moisture, dirt, and stains. The sealer also enhances stain resistance, helping to repel oil, grease, BBQ splatters, and organic stains like moss or leaf tannins, which is especially important in high-traffic or shaded areas.
Additionally, some sealers include anti-algae properties that slow the growth of green patches in damp areas, reducing the buildup of algae and moss. With a sealer, cleaning becomes easier as dirt and grime stay on the surface, making routine maintenance quicker and more effective. Finally, it helps preserve the aesthetic appeal of your patio by resisting weathering and discolouration, ensuring your tiles look newer for longer.
To be honest, even if your tiles don’t need sealing, the grout almost always does. Sealing your whole patio in one go is much easier—and much more effective—than trying to target just the joints.
Can you put patio furniture on a porcelain patio?
Porcelain tile patios are built to be durable and are more than capable of supporting patio furniture. Their hard-wearing, scratch-resistant surface makes them ideal for spaces where you’ll entertain, relax, or dine outside.
To keep your patio looking pristine, adopting a few smart practices and making thoughtful furniture choices can go a long way in protecting your porcelain tiles.
Start by using protective feet or pads under the legs of tables and chairs, especially if you have heavy furniture, to prevent scratches. For this reason, all our furniture is supplied with plastic screw-in glides (shown below).
It's also important to avoid dragging heavy items across the tiles—always lift them when possible to prevent damage. Placing rugs or mats in high-traffic areas can also help reduce wear and tear on the surface.
Additionally, be mindful of rust-prone materials, as they can stain tiles over time, so choosing rust-resistant furniture is a smart move for long-term care.
Is cast aluminium patio furniture a good choice for porcelain?
If you’re investing in patio furniture, cast aluminium is one of the best materials for porcelain-tiled outdoor spaces as it is easy to move without scraping or damaging your tiles, yet durable enough to handle regular use.
Unlike wrought iron or steel, cast aluminium doesn’t rust—perfect for avoiding stubborn rust stains on light-coloured porcelain. It won’t warp, crack, or peel over time and usually just needs a quick wipe-down.
Available in a variety of designs, cast aluminium beautifully complements the clean, sleek look of porcelain. It’s also highly durable, standing up to all seasons—rain, sun, or snow—making it a practical, long-term investment for outdoor spaces.
To get the most out of your furniture, look for cast aluminium sets with the aforementioned adjustable foot glides (pictured above on our chair legs). These not only protect both the furniture and the patio surface, but they also help level your furniture on uneven or textured tiles, preventing movement and wobbling.
Our final thoughts…
A porcelain tile patio is one of the smartest and most stylish investments you can make for your outdoor space. It offers the perfect blend of durability, elegance, and low maintenance—but like any high-quality surface, it still benefits from a bit of routine TLC.
By understanding how to clean common stains, using safe tools like pressure washers correctly, and applying a high-performance sealant, you can dramatically extend the life and beauty of your patio. Sealing not only protects grout lines but also makes future cleaning easier and more effective.
When it comes to furnishing your space, rest assured that porcelain tiles can safely support outdoor furniture. And with lightweight, rust-resistant options like our cast aluminium range, you can avoid damage while keeping your patio looking stylish year-round.
With a few smart choices and seasonal upkeep, your porcelain patio will stay fresh, functional, and fabulous—ready for garden parties, morning coffees, or just some peaceful downtime under the evening sun.
Remember to test new cleaning products in an inconspicuous area first and always adhere to the manufacturer's application guidelines. Keep in mind that different tiles may have specific care instructions, so consult your supplier or installer beforehand.
If you have our patio furniture on your porcelain tiled patio, we would love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
Please note that many of the beautiful tile photographs in this article were graciously provided by Tile Merchant (Ireland) via Unsplash.
