Installing Patio Tile Over Concrete

Use a push broom to sweep the sand into the gaps between the pavers and run the plate compactor across the patio surface.

Installing patio tile over concrete.

Often people want to cover a concrete patio or porch with tile and need to know how that differs from indoor tile installation. Cracks in concrete immediately become cracks in the tile. It is best practice to do a dry last first before installing your tile. If you were to remove a cracked tile from concrete undoubtedly you would see the same crack pattern below.

Using an acid based cleaner or deep cleaner of your choice clean the concrete and allow it to dry thoroughly. You start by preparing the area laying out the tile exactly as it will look then setting it grouting and finishing. Spread a light layer of paver sand over the entire area. Mix up a bucket of tsp tri sodium phosphate solution.

How to install tile over an existing concrete patio laying tile outside is just like laying tile inside. An existing concrete patio or walkway can be tiled as long as water drains off it and any cracks in it are stable and level one side of the crack shouldn t be higher than the other. Step 1 preparing the concrete before you begin to lay the tile over your concrete slab make sure the concrete is properly prepared. Installing ceramic tiles over concrete can help to create a more inviting indoor or outdoor living space.

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. Let the glue dry for a few hours before you tamp the field pavers and sweep sand across the patio to fill the joints. Run the plate compactor over the area one last time. All of the movement in concrete is transferred to the tile.

Here s the step by step process to transform that ordinary concrete patio into something extraordinary. Glue down the last border patio blocks. Lay the field pavers over concrete as you would on any paver patio. When laying tile you want to work fast so knowing exactly where each tile will go before you start will make this process much more seamless.

This way you can ensure you have enough tiles to cover your entire patio and can make any necessary cuts before applying your mortar. Cracks normally widen and narrow slightly with the seasons but if they re getting wider year by year don t tile over them. Add another thin layer of sand and use the push broom to spread it across the patio.