Are you considering a garden renovation or any outdoor space? No worries! This guide will help you. Outdoor Porcelain tiles are one of the best to offer when it comes to an exclusive aesthetic look for your home. It covers everything from the poolside to the front garden. These tiles are also water-resistant and durable. Outdoor porcelain tiles offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for spaces exposed to harsh weather.
In this guide, we will provide you with step-by-step guidance on how to lay outdoor porcelain tile properly with expert advice and product recommendations that will help you achieve the best results for your outdoor space.
Reasons to Choose Outdoor Porcelain Tiles
Outdoor porcelain floor tile is an excellent choice for the pool area because it’s made to be slip-resistant and is suited for waterline applications. Porcelain tiles can be one of the best choices for outdoor areas of the house, as these tiles are low-maintenance and strong. The tile is easy to clean and stain-resistant, which makes it the perfect choice for a relaxed lifestyle.
For the time-honoured look of radiant white marble, look no further than the Statuario porcelain tiles. Its marbleised finish adds a sense of sophistication to patios and outdoor seating areas, without compromising on strength for outdoor use.
Step 1 – The Base (Foundation for All Installation Methods)
Proper preparation is key. To start with, dig the site down 150mm. Mix in a consolidated sub-base of MOT Type 1 or equivalent material. That creates a flat, stable and level base for your tiles.
In particular, when laying porcelain patio tiles, you will require a solid base to avoid movement and breakage.
Step 2: Apply Bonding Primer
As outdoor porcelain tile is a non-porous product, a bonding slurry primer is required for an adequate bond. If you think the tile needs extra primer for a freeze-thaw environment, you can apply the primer on the other side as well. The perfect choice for low-maintenance and high durability is Raj Green porcelain.
Step 3: Spread Tile Adhesive
Apply an outdoor-rated tile adhesive which is suitable for both wet and dry conditions. Apply the glue in small sections with a notched trowel, spreading it evenly as you go. Firmly compress each outdoor porcelain floor tile with a rubber mallet to make complete contact.
Whether you are learning how to lay porcelain outdoor tiles or taking on a complex landscaping project, this step is integral.
Step 4: Tile Installation
Begin at one of the straight edges or in a corner and work your way out. Use tile spacers to create even joints. Also, you can lay some of those porcelain garden tiles with a light fall for water.
Tiles like County Anthracite Porcelain are ideal for contemporary gardens; the dark, industrial shade will contrast well with natural greenery and simple planting.
Step 5: Trimming Around the Edges and Corners
You’re likely going to need to cut a few tiles to fit edge and corner pieces, or for custom designs. For cutting denser outdoor porcelain tiles, use either a high-quality wet tile saw or an angle grinder fitted with a diamond blade.
Moreover, if you want delicate edgings or rounded corners, you can combine large shapes with edging stones, for example, Yellow Bricks. They are nice and warm, which will reflect contrast and structure to the room.
This is often considered the most technical part of how to lay 20mm outdoor porcelain tiles, so be sure to measure twice and cut once.
Step 6: Allow the tiles to set
After the adhesive has been applied and the tiles have been installed, the adhesive should be allowed to cure for 24 hours before grouting. Avoid stepping on the tiles while the adhesive sets. A slow and gentle set is characteristic of the best porcelain paver adhesive, which guarantees high strength and long life, which is essential in high-traffic areas such as tiling with porcelain patio tiles.
Step 7: Grouting and Finishing Touches
Once set, prepare for grouting with an outdoor grout using a rubber float. Evenly apply grout, then use a damp sponge to remove all excess from the surface. Sealing of grout lines must be done only for patios and garden paths that are with porcelain garden tiles, as they resist the growth of weeds and moisture.
Dark Grey Wall Cladding improves any outdoor design when applied on adjacent vertical surfaces such as retaining walls or planters. This material adds its natural finishing to greenish porcelain tile, thereby giving the area some visual contrast.
Maintaining Your Outdoor Porcelain Tiles
Outdoor porcelain tiles are, naturally, stain and weather-resistant, but occasional sweeping and washing will ensure that they retain their beauty. Additionally, neutral cleaners should be used for tiles to ensure they are protected from harsh chemicals.
The Takeaway
An outdoor porcelain tile-laying job freshens up your outer space into a neat, functional retreat, which is immensely satisfying as a DIY project or to get done professionally. There is an endless range of styles, from porcelain patio tiles for entertainment areas to porcelain garden tiles for walkways and planting zones.
If you’re into strong, modern finishes, County Anthracite Porcelain is the one for you.
Another low-maintenance tile option is our Statuario Porcelain, which offers timeless elegance with minimal effort. We combine strong foundations with premium products to gain an outdoor porcelain floor-tile installation that lasts for years. Enjoy the low-maintenance with high durability by mastering how to lay 20mm outdoor porcelain tiles. Start browsing our complete range of tiles and accessories today: make your project stand out with us.
FAQs: How to lay outdoor porcelain tiles
Q1. Is a strong base important for outdoor porcelain tiles?
Yes, Porcelain tiles need a robust base when laying out the tile outdoors, such as concrete or a sand and cement mixture with a screed of 4 parts sharp sand to 1 part cement. This mix will protect the tiles from moving and cracking even in strong weather conditions.
Q2. What is the recommended base for installing outdoor porcelain tiles?
Porcelain tiles require a strong base of cement or concrete, sand screed with a thickness of at least 50mm. It is a significant step when learning how to lay porcelain tile outdoors. While laying the tiles, you must ensure that the base can support the chosen finish.
Q3. What is an appropriate sub-base for exterior porcelain tiles?
The best base for outdoor porcelain tiles is a wet mix of 5 parts sharp sand to 1 part cement. While mixing the base, you must ensure that the thickness is between 15mm to 30mm, as it is the foundation of learning how to lay porcelain tile outdoors properly.
Q4. How many years do porcelain tiles last outdoors?
This type of tile can last up to 10 years in the outdoor environment. It can last for a long period with regular care and maintenance. Regular sweeping and cleaning are essential for maintaining the long-term good condition of your tiles.
