Tiling Outdoor Spaces
#1
Tiling Outdoor Spaces
I have a couple of ugly concrete porchs outside my front door and side doors. The porches are just one level up from ground level, and are about 5' by 5' square.
I would like to decorate the porches with tile. The tile will be exposed to rain, snow, and freeze/thaw cycles.
What kind of tile can I use? I heard that glazed tile is not a good idea?
How about slate - is that recommended for outdoor use?
What about adhesive and grout. Are there special outdoor grades?
The house has cedar siding on it, so the tile's grout line will meet the cedar side wall. Is there anything I need to know about this joint - like flashing or some other important item to prevent water damage to either the siding or the tile.
Thanks,
Chuck
I would like to decorate the porches with tile. The tile will be exposed to rain, snow, and freeze/thaw cycles.
What kind of tile can I use? I heard that glazed tile is not a good idea?
How about slate - is that recommended for outdoor use?
What about adhesive and grout. Are there special outdoor grades?
The house has cedar siding on it, so the tile's grout line will meet the cedar side wall. Is there anything I need to know about this joint - like flashing or some other important item to prevent water damage to either the siding or the tile.
Thanks,
Chuck
#2
Installing ceramic tile
You can find helpful info at www.doityourself.com/ceramic to help with your installation. And, you can find tile pros on the forums at www.johnbridge.com. Make sure you purchase a frost proof tile recommended for the outdoors. You may also want to purchase one that offers some traction should it get wet. If you are not installing over concrete, then a concrete underlayment is recommended. A premium quality latex modified thinset mortar and grout are recommended.