OK to use porcelain tiles outside?

We want to tile an area 3mx3m outside the front door plus 5 steps leading down to the drive.

Our local tile-shop owner (Wexford) says it's fine to use porcelain tiles, just to make sure their surface is non-slip and the tile good quality (he suggested ones around €24/m2). Then we went to BTW/Tilesavers and the guy there said they didn't recommend using porcelain tiles at all outside because they might lift or crack - even though we're virtually frost-free here. He said we should use a natural material like sandstone or slate (€40+/m2).

They were both adamant about what they said. But who should we believe?

I've seen plenty of people using tiles around a front door. Another thing you could get done is stenciled concrete. It would be way more hard wearing and non slip. It can be applied over concrete and there would be plenty of colours and design available to you. My aunt got here drive done lately. If you want i'll pass on company name.