QA

How To Lay Patio Tile

Can you lay tile directly on concrete slab?

A: It’s perfectly acceptable to put tile directly on concrete — with a couple of caveats. First, it is important to determine if there is moisture coming up from the slab. Those products should help prevent any cracks in the slab from damaging the newly installed tile.

Can I lay porcelain tiles on sand and cement?

Laying porcelain paving requires more cement than other pavers (it’s necessary to build a stronger bond between paving slab and earth). As such, you’ll need to mix your mortar using 4 parts sharp sand to 1 part cement.

Can you lay floor tiles on sand and cement?

To lay tiles with sand-cement traditional way is to apply the mixture of sand-cement in lump on tiles’ back so it has to be done with one tile at a time.

Is thin set a mortar?

The word “thinset” is sometimes used interchangeably with “mortar,” because it’s a type of modified mortar made specifically for tile. Thinset is made of sand, water, and cement, and can also contain additives for increased bonding, water resistance, and flexibility.

What is the best tile adhesive for outdoor use?

We recommend Mapei Keraquick – it’s suitable for all weather types and is perfect for porcelain tiles (it’s not advisable to install ceramic outdoors). This particular adhesive can be grouted in just 2 hours and you can use it for an adhesive bed of up to 10mm, making it perfect for 10mm porcelain tiles.

Do I need to seal concrete floor before tiling?

As a general rule, we would say use a primer of some description to prepare your floor prior to tiling. For instance, an old concrete floor that was tiled previously will probably not need a primer, as long as the surface is clean and free from old adhesive and anything else that was stuck to the floor.

Do I need to prep concrete floor for tile?

Although you don’t need to install an underlayment between the concrete and the tile, you need to prepare the surface before placing the tile. After all, cracks and uneven areas in the concrete can cause damage to the tile above, and uncontrolled moisture in the concrete can destroy the mortar and loosen the tiles.

How do you lay tile on uneven concrete?

As a whole you can install tile on an uneven floor, what you need to do first is apply a layer of levelling compound. It will fill in any gaps, and go hard like concrete. You use a trowel to spread it out and make it flat and even.

Can you tile over patio slabs?

Yes, you should lay the tiles to a fall, 1 in 40 is about right but you could go more or slightly less than this. Question about DPC is very relevant. You should have 150mm (6 inches) from top of new paving to DPC. If you can’t achieve this then probably best to take up the old slabs and possibly the sub base also.

Are porcelain tiles good for patios?

Porcelain isn’t just good for patio paving, it’s pretty much the perfect material, providing everything you could want from an outdoor tile. The water-resistance also makes them the ideal surface for those that are looking to accessorise their patio with watery activities, such as a hot tub or a pool.

How thick should mortar be under tile?

Most tile installations require a 3/16-inch layer of mortar beneath the tile. A mortar layer 3/16 an inch thick is accomplished by spreading mortar with a 3/8-inch by 3/8-inch square-notched trowel. This thickness is ideal for most tile installations. However, sometimes a thicker layer of mortar is required.

Can you use mortar mix for tile?

Mortar is a blend of water, cement, sand, and additives mixed into a strong but sticky adhesive. It is used in all kinds of masonry, such as for holding brick, stone, and even tile together. After you make a bucket of thick but spreadable mortar, use it to install tiles over a wall or floor.

Can you lay tile on dirt?

Dirt can make for a perfect bed for outdoor tiles, and, best of all, it’s very affordable. Laying tile on sand is easier than laying tiles on gravel, as it’s a finer type of dirt. Therefore, clearing a pathway of gravel or rocks and starting with a layer of fine dirt like sand can make the process far easier.

What is the difference between thinset and tile adhesive?

The adhesive is premixed, does not require water and will hold the tiles in place with no beating or additives. If installing a large amount of tiles, stone tiles or glass tiles, thinset mortar should be used. Thinset mortar can also be used for small jobs, if the material in question is unknown.

Are thinset and mortar the same thing?

Thinset, while it is also sometimes referred to as a “mortar” is an adhesive. It’s a mix of cement, water, and fine sand. Due to its cement ingredients, thinset should be made up in small batches as needed.

Can I use grout instead of mortar?

Yes you can do it, is simple answer, if what you have is sanded grout. If you can add a little acrylic glue available in 4oz tubes at building material centers for a couple of dollars it will be even better. Alternatively you may be able to ask to take a torn bag of ThinSet for free, such as I have done.

Can you tile directly onto brick?

First things first, yes, you can tile over a brick wall. However, as you may have guessed it’s not that simple as tiling over a brick wall is tricky and can result in an uneven finish. Plus, removing tiles that have been directly applied to brick can be a painful job.

Can I use mortar outside?

For an outdoor patio, you will almost always use a modified thin-set mortar for an adhesive.

Can grout be used outdoors?

There are two basic types of grout that are suitable for outdoor use and are relatively DIY-friendly: standard cement-based grout and pre-mixed grout. Most outdoor applications call for a sanded grout, which is used for grout joints 1/8 inch or wider (for smaller joints, you can use unsanded grout).