Exterior Tile Installation Over Concrete

Mix up a bucket of tsp tri sodium phosphate solution.

Exterior tile installation over concrete.

Tile porosity affects exterior performance. Choose tile that is intended for exterior this may seem like a no brainer but we do see interior tile installed outside it lasts exactly one freeze thaw season. Yet this application does make sense since concrete is heavy solid and is typically thought of as an unbending uncompromising material. These substrates must be structurally sound meet deflection requirements and meet on plane requirements.

The intersection of the two lines marks the center point of the floor. Step 1 preparing the concrete before you begin to lay the tile over your concrete slab make sure the concrete is properly prepared. Create a line connecting these points. Generally ceramic porcelain or stone tile can be installed in exterior locations over suitable substrates such as masonry concrete mortar beds and in some cases certain types of backer board units.

Once your repairs have dried take the time to seal the concrete. Use mortar that is compatible with the tile. Measure and mark the center points of two opposite walls or edges. Installing tile directly on concrete.

Choose tile that does not absorb much water. In the winter the water filled cells will expand and the tile will crack. Measure and mark the center points of the two remaining walls or edges. Ceramic and porcelain tile are so frequently installed at or above grade level on a cement board underlayment or directly on plywood that it almost seems novel to install tile directly on concrete.

Often people want to cover a concrete patio or porch with tile and need to know how that differs from indoor tile installation. For starters moisture and cracking are bigger concerns outside so you need to apply a waterproofing and crack isolating membrane to the slab before you begin. A muriatic or other acid based cleaner is usually the best way to completely clean the concrete prior to installing tile. Once finished a porcelain tile installation over concrete will last generations ensuring your investment is beyond a mere one to five year warranty that some floor finishes have.

Use tile that has a porosity level of 3 or less. Create a chalk line using a chalk line tool to connect the two points. These substrates must be structurally sound meet deflection requirements and meet on plane requirements. Make sure to bond the tile to the substrate with complete mortar.