Patio tiling

injvstice · 10-30-2010, 07:08 PM

We have a patio that is poured concrete and would like to make it look a little nicer. It is poured in 4 slabs with exxpansion joints (with wood filler) in between.

We considered porcelain tile, but we understand we cannot cover the expansion joints. Are there additives that would allow us to use porcelain tiles over expansion joints? Would slate tiles have the same problem? We have rather humid conditions, ranging from ~ 20F to 110F.

What other alternatives do we have for a DYI? I have an additional concern that I do not want to raise the patio too much (so rain water won't get in the house), so I cannot use thick pavers. We are open to anything that's pleasant looking and easy to clean.

JazMan · 10-31-2010, 09:49 PM

I'm not aware of any way to successfully tile over the expansion joints in an outdoor installation. But why do you think it's a problem to install tiles on that patio? It's done all the time esp. in fair weather zones.

Hopefully the cuts or cold joints are square so you can utilize them as the grout lines of your starting point. There are specific guidelines, but it can work.

Jaz

injvstice · 11-02-2010, 12:14 AM

I do not think it's a technical issue, I just find it ugly to have a somewhat small (maybe 10x10) patio broken up into three non-equal pieces. The expansion joints are larger than your average grout line, they are about 1-2 inches. I would just like to make the patio look like a contiguous piece.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding what you are suggesting?

Bud Cline · 11-03-2010, 06:01 PM

How about a picture of this patio.

Are you sure these joints are 1-2 inches wide?