How to tile outdoor courtyard?

Question

I am trying workout how to tile my court yard. Its already cerment bit ites like a slude out there too. I found tiles now need to find the best mux and way to cerment the tiles in. What would be the best cerment mix to use and can i just layer think load og cerment in the slop part

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @shanahart,

As it stands, we can't really see what state the underlying surface is in. The first thing you'll have to do is clean up the concrete so we can evaluate its condition.

You might like to check out

https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/diy-skills/cleaning/how-to-deep-clean-outdoor-pavers-concrete-tiles-and-decking

for some guidance.

Once we can see what you are working with, we will be far better placed to assist with recommendations about how to best proceed with the preparations for your tiling project.

Jacob

shanahart · Answer

HI, thanks. so best thing would be to do the concrete. whats the best way to do that myself. what could i mix

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @shanahart,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

It would be helpful if you could upload a few photos of the courtyard so we can see what you are working with. Let me know if you need a hand with this.

The first thing you'll need to do is ensure the concrete is flat, solid and in good condition. If there are cracks, movement or areas where the concrete is deteriorating, we may need to look at addressing those issues before you proceed with the tiling.

Once you're happy with the condition of the concrete, give it a thorough clean to remove any dirt, dust, grease or other contaminants that could affect the bond of the tile adhesive. In an outdoor area, a pressure washer would be great for this. You can then prime the surface in preparation for the adhesive. Have a look at How to lay floor tiles, which covers preparing, cleaning and priming the surface before tiling.

As this is an outdoor area, you'll also need to make sure the tiles you select are rated for outdoor use and have a suitable slip rating for the location, particularly if the courtyard is exposed to rain. In Australia and New Zealand, you'll commonly see tiles given a slip resistance rating from P0 to P5, with the higher numbers providing greater slip resistance under wet conditions. For an outdoor courtyard that will be exposed to rain, I would generally be looking for a P4-rated tile. P5 provides even greater slip resistance and can be worth considering for areas that are frequently wet. The appropriate rating can depend on exactly where and how the area is being used, so check the tile manufacturer's specifications before making your selection.

The appropriate adhesive will depend on the type of tile you select, as different tiles can have different requirements. Davco SMP Evo Tile Adhesive is a good option for many types of tiles, but I'd recommend checking the tile manufacturer's requirements and the adhesive packaging to confirm compatibility before proceeding. We'd be happy to help with this if required.

You would then use tile spacers to maintain consistent gaps between the tiles before grouting the joints once the adhesive has cured. Something like Davco Sanitized Colourgrout is suitable for interior and exterior applications and would be a good option to consider. Colour is often the deciding factor when selecting a grout, so I'd suggest choosing a colour that complements your tiles while confirming the grout is suitable for the joint width you're working with. Have a look at How to grout tiles for some guidance on the process.

Once we can see some photos of the existing concrete, we'll be happy to assist further.

Jacob