How to lay tiles for patio?

This is my very first post in this community 🙂

I have two patios where I am planning to lay tiles. I have been following many youtube videos and instructions on internet and it seems like it is doable by myself ( little help from my wife). I would really like to try myself and give it a go. Any suggestion would be nice before starting. I have attached images of my two patios. And also if you can suggest me what type of tiles are best suitable for such case. I believe timber decking is going to be expensive in this case.

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Tiling

Comments

Jason

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Sugar. It's great to have you join us. We trust you'll get loads of helpful information, advice and inspiration for all your projects around the home and garden from our clever and creative members.

Tiling is certainly an achievable D.I.Y. project. Have you also considered other options, such as paving paint or Pebble Resurfacer? The latter was used to create effect by the @MakeItYours team in their recent backyard makeover project.

Let me tag very helpful members in @ProjectPete, @Adam_W, @PJA, @gippslandhome and @JDE to see if they might like to kick off this discussion for you and share their thoughts. Our resident handyman @MitchellMc will also be more than happy to share his thoughts when he is back on the site tomorrow morning.

Thanks,

Jason

Sugar

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/9024#Comment_9024

Thank you for optional advice @Jason. I will look into those options as well and do some research whether that fills my requirements or not. In mean time, I will wait what other helpful members have to say about this.

JDE

Sugar just a couple of suggestions. First make sure the patio is clean with no bits sticking up, id suggest using a pressure cleaner. Decide if you are going to centre your tiles (old school) or start from one corner and work out usually puting cut tiles where least visual ( new school) Personally I like old school but you need to layit out to get measurements even. Stepping the joints so they are brick pattern can hide a lot of sins. Iast time I did one I worked off the house edge with full tiles and put a thin contrast strip of rock tiles on the outside edge to give a nice edge and finish. If you do this make sure you seal the rocks before grouting. Also make sure you clean the glue off the top of your tiles before it sets it will save you hours later. As for cutting a tile, scoring using a tile cutter or scoring and snapping tiles across an edge gives a nicer finish but some tiles are hard to cut this way. Another way is to use a diamond blade on an angle grinder which is what I ususally do. I you do this remember the kerf and if you are not gentle it can chip the face of the tile.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/66754#Comment_66754

Hi @Sugar.

Standard floor tiles are suitable for external use in light trafficked areas like your patios. As @JDE suggested, a good clean to start with will ensure a great bond. You might also like to give the areas a quick acid wash which will key the surface ready to accept the tile adhesive. Please, follow the safety directions, which include wearing gloves, safety glasses and a respirator whilst using the acid.

Here's a helpful step-by-step D.I.Y. tutorial on How to lay floor tiles which I trust you'll find useful in the process.

Please let me know if you have further questions or need assistance.

Mitchell

Sugar

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/96163#Comment_96163

@MitchellMc & @JDE Big thank you for your advice. I am definitely going to follow the safety procedures and going to take it slow. I am not in rush but I am planning to do it within 2-3 weeks. This is for sure light trafficked area. It's just two of us. My study and understanding will continue this weekend as well. I will let you know guys, if I have trouble understanding something or need some advice. I highly appreciate your suggestions.

Sugar

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/114672#Comment_114672

Hi guys @MitchellMc @JDE , after a long time, I am getting back to this project and running a few other projects in parallel also.

I would like to know how to cut ( what equipment i can buy or burrow to make the desirable shape of the tile, and also type of the tiles suitable for such locations or any further information to start with, I would appreciate this.

Thank you Rgards

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/126526#Comment_126526

It's great to hear you're back on this project, @Sugar.

You can hire a tile cutter suitable for any straight cuts. An angle grinder and diamond blade would be handy for more intricate cuts. Standard floor tiles are ideal for these areas, and there is a wide selection for you to choose from.

Please have a read through the step-by-step guide I linked above. If you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them.

Mitchell

Sugar

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/132989#Comment_132989

@MitchellMc Thank you.

I have a few pictures taken from mine on two different patios.

What product can I use to fill the gaps between floor and the vertical wall in here:

What can I use to fill the cracks on the floor like this ?

Would you recommend I fill the tiles on the vertical portion ( highlighted on the red shades) of this floor?

waiting for your reply. Thank.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/136988#Comment_136988

Hello @Sugar

Thank you very much for posting those photos of your patio. It would seem that there has been a bit of movement on your patio flooring. I suggest using Selleys 440g Medium Grey No More Gaps Bricks And Mortar Gap Filler. Before using the gap filler make sure to remove all the loose debris and old gap filler that's in the gap. Please make sure to wear disposable gloves when wiping off the excess gap filler.

Are there cracks along the vertical portion of the patio? If there are none, I don't think it's necessary to use filler on this portion, especially if it's going to be covered in tiles.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Sugar

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139716#Comment_139716

hi @EricL

Thanks, I will use that product to fill the gap.

The answer to your last question is: No, there are any cracks. How to lay tiles on the vertical portion of the patio, should the these small vertical portions should be done first and the floor afterward?

I am thinking how should it appear at the corners where the floor tiles and vertical tiles meet?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/141589#Comment_141589

I'd recommend laying the vertical tiles after you've done the floor @Sugar. That way, you can place a tile spacer on top of the floor tiles to get the gap correct and hold the tile up until the glue has dried. If you do the verticle tiles first, it will be hard to get the gap at the bottom consistent, and they'll fall off the wall if not supported whilst the glue dries.

The tile spacers will gap the tiles correctly at the corners. You'll then come back and add grout or silicone to the gap.

Mitchell

Sugar

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/142990#Comment_142990

@MitchellMc @EricL

Thank you for your reply. So many things going around and have not got a chance to do tiling. I am hoping next weekend I will be able to do it.

I have added another area (my front area). Please have a look at the picture.

I am going to do tiling in the area indicated by the Red dotted lines. I am a little worried about finishing off the tile here, where two pillars ends ( the dotted line away from the main door). Later I googled and found this:

https://www.nationaltiles.com.au/aluminium-diminishing-trim-robtt370?gclid=CjwKCAjwtKmaBhBMEiwAyINuwJvFFgX5Nh-ioWRnF7Y9ro3En492Lqzp1yFOKWSbKj-BttqsPHsMOBoCpq4QAvD_BwE

I would like to create a smooth transition between the tile and the pebblecrete surface so that nobody trips. What is the name of the item we call in Bunnings Store and how to use that during the tiling process where the last tiles end?

Besides the above, I have a few questions:

1.) How many hours after we can take out the spacing between tiles?

2.) How many hours after we can apply grout in between tiles? I believe we have to let the adhesive dry first.

3.) I am planning to apply vertical tiles on the areas indicated by the green lines (probably I had already asked this before). Is that a good idea or are there any other alternatives for the vertical section of wall just above the floor ?

Thanks guys for your experts advice.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143988#Comment_143988

Hi @Sugar,

The diminishing tiling trim you're after is manufactured by one of our suppliers, Roberts design. If you speak with one of our helpful team members at your nearest store's Special Orders desk, then we'll be able to order the trim for you.

Here's a helpful step-by-step guide that you should find useful: How to lay floor tiles. I'm sure it will answer many of your questions and give you the confidence needed to start this project.

You'll need to wait for the adhesive to dry before removing the tile spacers. Drying times are dependent on the tile adhesive you choose. Typically, a 24-hour drying time is fairly common. Once the adhesive is dry, you can grout your tiles.

Tiling the verticle sections is certainly an option. An alternative could be to use 42 x 18mm 2.7m FJ Pre Oiled Merbau Screening which might make a nice natural wood highlight to your tiling job.

Please let me know if you have further questions.

Mitchell

Sugar

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144744#Comment_144744

@MitchellMc

Thank you for your prompt reply.

Could you please elaborate a little bit more on how to use 42 x 18mm 2.7m FJ Pre Oiled Merbau Screening in my case or if you can direct me to the project if anyone had done this before?

This option looks interesting and looks like it is going to add more features to the tiling project.

Waiting for your reply.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/145297#Comment_145297

Hi @Sugar,

My idea was to use the timber as a trim above the tiles, something like the below image. It's certainly not necessary, but it is an option that could add some interest. The timber could also be added to either side of your pathway.

Mitchell

Sugar

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/145731#Comment_145731

@MitchellMc

I like the idea of adding timber on either side of the pathways plus around the . How can we achieve this? Bolt the timber on the pathways or how do we stick that on either side of the pathways? This can be added to the either side of the porch where there are flowers.

For adding this timber on top of tiles (Green indicated lines) can be done later on spare time, I think.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146066#Comment_146066

Hello @Sugar

I suggest using Selleys 325g Liquid Nails Rapid Cure Strong Waterproof Adhesive to join them together. Bolting the timber to any concrete or tile surface will require that you drill carefully to avoid cracking the tile. If the concrete surface is not deep enough it might not be suitable to bolt the timber onto the surface.

Eric

Sugar

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146350#Comment_146350

Hi @EricL

Thank you for advising me with this Adhesive, exactly like I wanted. I was not comfortable bolting or doing something. As long as above adhesive holds the timber, that will be okay and I am sure it will give extra feature to my tiling or pathways.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146578#Comment_146578

That's great to hear, @Sugar. Keep us updated on your progress, and reach out if you have further questions.

Mitchell

Sugar

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/145731#Comment_145731

@MitchellMc @EricL

After some gap in our renovation tasks, my wife and I finally laid tiles on our front porch. Following are the outcomes (not in sequential order):

before beforetrying how the floor going to look likeDuring tiling process ( Somehow messy job we did)During tilingBefore grouting -1Before grouting -2

Above images are before and after image.

This is our every first tiling job done on the house. We wanted to lay from long time ago, but my father passed away and we had to hold this job. He had a wish to help me with this, but he could not make it.

Lesson learned: clean the tiles (and mess) as you go, otherwise it could be very messy and there will be no clear gap between tiles to fill the grout.

Preparation is the key. As you can see there is a fine line on the floor that separates two distinct areas on the floor. As we laid the tiles, we found out that the two floors are not on the same levels, which ultimately resulted on elevation of tile on the particular area.

I should say this is not perfect job but we are very happy with what we have got here. My wife is happy. Happy wife, happy life.

We learned a lot from this job and we still have 2 more patios to do and we are hoping this time it will be easier and more perfect than before.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146085#Comment_146085

Hello @Sugar

Thank you very much for sharing your fantastic patio tiling project. I'm sorry to hear that your father passed away and did not get a chance to help you with the tiling. I'm sure he would have been very impressed with the results that you have achieved.

I take it that you are still wating for the tile adhesive to dry off before putting the grout on? Just remember that the same rules apply for grouting and that is to clean as you go. This will save you from having to remove dry grout from the surface of the tile.

Again, thank you for sharing such a wonderful project.

Eric

Sugar

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146365#Comment_146365

@EricL @MitchellMc Here is another tile project done on a different patio. I am thrilled with this outcome and looks far better than before. Here are some Before and After images.

BEFORE

AFTER (And or DURING)

TIPS ( I am not a professional tiler, and what I have achieved may not look 100% perfect, but I am happy and thought of sharing what I little know about it.)

Always place the tiles on the floor to plan how you want to lay the tiles. I left the small cuts to run along the corners and close to the walls. This is because something the patio ( or the surfaces) are not perfectly rectangular or square.
You can finish the easiest part first and leave the edges for later to do it. However, make sure the dimension are correct and the tiles are following the straight lines.
Do not worry about cleaning (perfect) the floor while you are doing it, you can use mop the floor and clean it later on also. I cleaned this floor in 10 minutes with the mop.
I chose whitish tiles, and I get a lot of reflection as the sun sets on this side of the house. So be careful on choosing the color also, depending on the sides of the house. Also these tiles are a little bit slippery and now I am worried about rain. I am going to use this product for the safety:https://www.bunnings.com.au/dta-1l-anti-slip_p6820943 @EricL @MitchellMc Please let me know if you know any good products.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/146596#Comment_146596

Wow, that area looks fantastic now @Sugar! The transformation from the before to the after images is impressive.

Planning the layout by placing tiles on the floor beforehand is a smart approach, especially for irregular surfaces. I love how you've been able to complete a wonderful project and also share valuable feedback from the experience you've gained along the way. I'm sure any of our members considering a similar tiling project will appreciate your knowledge.

The DTA 1L Anti Slip would be an appropriate product to increase the slip resistance of the tiles.

Many thanks for sharing your results, and I can't wait to see what project you tackle next.

Mitchell

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