Outdoor Porcelain Tiles Fitting Guide
Prior to ordering & installation please ensure the tiles are suitable for the application. If not fitting yourself make sure your tiler is familiar with fixing Outdoor Porcelain Slab Tiles and that you fully discuss your requirements and expectations.
A wastage factor should be taken into account for each project prior to ordering. This is normally a minimum of 10% which should allow for cuts and any minor tile imperfections.
Read the instructions on the packaging of any priming slurry, adhesives or grouts. Keep everything meticulously clean and orderly as work progresses.
No complaints regarding the appearance of the product will be accepted by The Stone and Tile Company Ltd once the tiles have been installed.
Installing Outdoor porcelain slab tiles onto a mortar or concrete substrate.
01a. Surface Preparation - Mortar Substrate
Dig down 150-200mm to allow for the foundations. The ground should have a slight slope to allow for
drainage. Fill with hardcore (gravel and crushed hard rock) to a depth of 100-150mm and use a rake todistribute the mixture. Compress the hardcore using a whacker power plate, building up in layers. Add a layer of mortar on top of the compressed hardcore. We recommend 4 parts sand to 1 part cement.
This is the most important difference between laying traditional concrete or natural stone paving flags. A key characteristic of porcelain is its low water absorption level as it will absorb almost nothing from the bedding mortar, so a Priming Slurry needs to be used to facilitate the strong bonding of non-porous / low porous porcelain. Apply a layer of priming slurry on top of the mortar and coat the underside of each tile. If this is not adhered to your patio will fail.
01b. Surface Preparation - Concrete Substrate
Ensure that your concrete base has been left to cure for at least 6 weeks before installing tiles. Using a soft bristle brush, remove any dust or construction material. A cement based tile adhesive is recommended with porcelain tiles so you may need to check if your substrate requires sealing prior to fitting. We recommend ProFlex SP Wall & Floor Tile Adhesive and & ProFlex S2 Adhesives. Porcelain tiles must be solidly bedded using a suitable notched trowel to apply the adhesive onto the substrate, spreading only enough adhesive that remains workable. Take the flat side of the trowel and smooth over the adhesive to produce a uniform, ridge-free bed. We also recommend ‘back buttering’ each tile so you achieve a strong bond with the whole tile.
02. Laying
Place the tile into position using a corner as a starting point, e.g.next to a wall or house. Press into place and use a rubber mallet to secure and adjust the level. Continue to lay tiles in this way leaving a 3-6mm joint. Use a bucket and sponge to clean up any slurry or adhesive as you go.
03. Cutting
Outdoor 20mm porcelain tiles are very strong and cannot be cut using traditional hand tools. We recommend using a water fed cutter with a diamond blade, this will also help to minimise dust. Ensure the blade is water fed throughout and remains evenly balanced and slow.
04. Grout
As with an interior tile installation, you should only begin grouting when your priming slurry or adhesive is fully set. Ultra Tile Fix ProGrout is resistant to organic staining and mould, which makes it perfect for exterior floors. Mix the grout as per manufacturer’s instructions to form an even paste. Apply using a rubber float or squeegee at a 45° angle to the wall or floor making sure to press the grout firmly into the gaps. Wipe any excess grout from the face of the tile using a damp sponge, being careful not to remove the grout from the grout line. After approximately 30 minutes, buff the tiles with a soft dry cloth to remove any grout haze. This can be repeated until the face of the tiles is clean. Once complete, leave to dry for at least 24 hours. If wet weather is forecast, cover the area with a plastic sheet.
05. Cleaning and maintenance
As outdoor porcelain tiles have such an exceptionally low water absorption value they will not draw moisture to the same degree as other paving materials. This is a great benefit when it comes to the surface resisting staining and algae and moss developing, keeping them looking their best all year round. Just simply brush any large debris away and wash with warm soapy water.
Please download our Outdoor Porcelain Slab Tiles Fitting Guide which also details the key features and benefits of porcelain slab tiles and further planning and fitting advice.
