If you’re searching for tiles for an interior design project, the hard part is choosing from the gazillion options out there. Sourcing for tiles and materials for an outdoor space, though? Even if you’re working with a landscape architect, you may find yourself frustrated by the limited options.
That’s why Sausalito-based clé tile launched OUTERclé last month, a sister site for outdoor tile, materials, and sculpture. “We wanted to launch not just a collection of exterior forms and surfaces, but a destination that could inspire designers, architects, and their clients to consider that their outdoor spaces should be as compelling as, if not more than, their interior ones,” says Deborah Osborn, founder of the Sausalito-based brands.
“People have been asking our team at clé for outdoor tile for years now, but one of the biggest challenges is that selling tile and materials for the outdoors is far more technical,” she continues. “We wanted to be able to not only offer beautiful materials, but also to help address issues such as freeze thaw, UV, heat absorption, slippage/DCOF, submerged material issues (pools and fountains), and driveway usage etc.”
And lest you assume that clé has simply relocated some of its tiles over to OUTERclé, “95% of the products on OUTERclé are new (not the same as on clé),” says Osborn. “And for those surfaces that are similar to those found on clé, we have taken the opportunity to push these materials into a more exterior realm by either reconfiguring them through the use of color (either bolder or more in keeping with nature) and/or form (larger or thicker formats that better suit spaces without walls).”
Here’s a peek at a small sampling of the many (hallelujah!) outdoor materials offered on OUTERclé:
Photography courtesy of OUTERclé.
For more on outdoor materials, see:
- Ask the Expert: Molly Sedlacek of ORCA, on Permeable Hardscaping
- Hardscaping 101: Brick Patios
- Hardscaping 101: Pennsylvania Bluestone
Frequently asked questions
What is OUTERclé?
OUTERclé is a sister site launched by clé tile for outdoor tile, materials, and sculpture.
Why was OUTERclé launched?
The launch of OUTERclé was to offer a collection of exterior forms and surfaces that inspire designers, architects, and clients to consider outdoor spaces as compelling as interior spaces.
Are the products on OUTERclé the same as on clé tile?
95% of the products on OUTERclé are new and different from those on clé tile.
What are some technical challenges in selling outdoor tile and materials?
Some technical challenges include freeze thaw, UV exposure, heat absorption, slippage/DCOF, submerged material issues, and driveway usage.
How can products on OUTERclé fit various outdoor spaces?
Materials have been reconfigured through color and form to suit different outdoor spaces, keeping in mind factors like weather and location.
Have a Question or Comment About This Post?
Join the conversation