Hi @Sugar,
If you were using tiles in this location, as Eric mentioned earlier, you would need to pour a concrete slab in this location.
Check out How To Pour A Small Concrete Slab for some guidance on this step.
Once the concrete has been poured, graded away from the house, finished and cured for a sufficient amount of time, generally around 28 days, you would apply a primer such as Davco Ultraprime Surface Primer to the surface of the concrete, then allow the primer to dry fully in line with the manufacturer’s instructions before starting any tiling.
Plan your tile layout before mixing any adhesive by dry laying a row to check alignment, joint spacing, and cut positions. This helps avoid small sliver cuts at edges and ensures the finished layout looks balanced and intentional.
You can then mix a flexible, exterior-rated tile adhesive suitable for the tile type and outdoor conditions. Apply the adhesive using a notched trowel sized appropriately for the tile, combing the adhesive in one direction. For outdoor tiling, back butter each tile to ensure full coverage and reduce voids where water could collect.
Lay the tiles into the adhesive while it is still wet, pressing and slightly twisting to collapse the ridges. Use tile spacers to maintain consistent joints.
Allow the adhesive to cure fully before grouting. Use a flexible, exterior-grade grout and pack it firmly into the joints. Clean off excess grout before it hardens and protect the tiled area from rain, frost, and direct sun until the grout has cured completely.
Once the grout has fully cured, apply a suitable grout sealer if recommended by the grout manufacturer. This helps reduce moisture absorption, staining, and efflorescence, particularly in outdoor areas exposed to weather.
I hope this helps to clarify. Let me know if you have any further questions.
Jacob
