Outdoor Tile Project

RegeSullivan

I have successfully tiled bathrooms, kitchens, entry ways and a basement. I am considering tiling an outdoor cement slab (covered porch) and cement steps leading to the house. Both the steps and slab are more than 5 years old and have not cracks other than where the relief cuts are. This is located in S.W. PA where the winters can go well below 0 degrees and the summers occasionally get well above 90. It is covered but somewhat exposed to the elements so it will get rain and snow.

What are your suggestions for a successful install?

Rege

Grampa Bud

For a continued healthy, loving marriage don't use any glazed tile unless your name is Drew Peterson.

JazMan

I know what you mean, but there's nothing wrong with using glazed tiles outdoors. Just not smooth and glazed.

Jaz

__________________
Tile 4 You LLC Troy, MI
KERDI Shower Specialist ... DITRA Installs ... Product-Method suitability consultation. I have NEVER made a mistake, I thought I did once...........but I was wrong! - PRODUCTS ADVERTISED WITHIN MY POST ARE NOT ENDORSED BY ME!

manjo

I think the question you want to ask is porcelin tile or stone? Stone will handle 0deg weather better, but is more expensive.

manjo

I think the question you want to ask is porcelain tile or stone? Stone will handle 0deg weather better, but is more expensive.

JazMan

Yes of course Manjo, he should use porcelain or a frost resistant ceramic of some type. We were not talking about that. We were talking about the finish and texture of the tiles. But your topic was going to be the next topic.

Jaz

__________________
Tile 4 You LLC Troy, MI
KERDI Shower Specialist ... DITRA Installs ... Product-Method suitability consultation. I have NEVER made a mistake, I thought I did once...........but I was wrong! - PRODUCTS ADVERTISED WITHIN MY POST ARE NOT ENDORSED BY ME!

RegeSullivan

What type of thinset is best for outdoor use? Is there any benefit to buttering each tile or just us a notched trowel? Will water get trapped under the tile and cause it to crack and if so what can I do to minimize that problem. And, any other tips for this project would be helpful.

Rege

Ron6519

I've used 6x6 quarry tile on enclosed screen porches on LI,NY. I used a modified thinset with a notched trowel. Been there for 15+ years with no ill effects due to weather. They were placed on concrete, 18-24" off the ground in each case.
Ron

Rivethead

This might look good. I did a section of porcelain on a small slab - southern exposure so very hot in the summer and heavy winter weathering. It's held up well - I used thinset for stone and large tile interior/exterior. Only error was in the color of the thinset - I used white and you could see it on the leading edge of the slab.

I'm planning to do the front walk and stoop this year. Went to a real tile store this time and they actually recommended Redgard on the concrete first to help prevent moisture from rising out of the slab behind the tile.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...il=&lpage=none