Step by step guide to laying porcelain tiles outdoors
Recommended products
- Rock-Tite Mortar Exterior Porcelain and Stone System
- Rock-Tite Porcelain Primer
- Rock-Tite Brush-in Grout
Preparation
- Dig out the area to be tiled, making sure it is stable
It should be deep enough to allow for a compacted hardcore depth of 75mm to 150mm for patio flags/natural stone. Or 100mm to 150mm for porcelain tiles. - Create a fall
Set out the area to be tiled using a horizontal level line and a second sloped line to create a fall. The area should fall away from any property at a ratio of 25mm over a 1.5m length. - Compact Type 1 or MOT grade hardcore making sure it is rigid and stable
Laying
- Use a mechanical mixer to mix Rock-Tite Mortar at a ratio of 3.75 litres water to 25kg powder
Only mix enough enough to be used within the pot life of 60 minutes. - Lay a solid bed of mortar
A mortar thickness of not less than than 25mm may be used on to hardcore which is not less than 100mm deep. - Pour cold water into the graduated mixing bucket to the correct level
- Gradually add the required amount of Rock-Tite Porcelain primer powder
- Mix the primer to a smooth lump-free slurry
Only mixed enough to be used within the pot life of 60 minutes. - Apply Rock-Tite Porcelain Primer to the back of the tiles using a brush or roller
The primer must still be wet when laying into the mortar. - Lay the tiles into the mortar
Leave at least a 3mm joint width between the tiles. - Once finished, allow to dry for 24 hours before grouting
Finishing
The ground must be free-draining and the sub-base permeable.
- Wet the surface of the tiles and keep them moist throughout
- Make sure the joints are clean and dust free
- Brush the Rock-Tite Grout into the joints at 45-degrees using a long-handled brush
Keep applying until the joints are filled and void free. Don’t allow the surface to dry out. Excess grout can be put into a tub and covered with water to at least 50mm above its surface, ready for use. - Compact the joints and finish them with a jointing tool
If voids appear, refill and refinish then brush off any excess grout.
Foot traffic is permitted within 24 hours.