What expansion joints for tiling on concrete patio?

[fabien]

Hi Community

we have are in  the middle of a tiling project where we will lay new tiles ( 20 x 120cms) on a concrete patio in a stretcher bond pattern (as shown on picture 2 on upper slab which 2.5 x 2.5m) .

The lower slab concrete patio will follow the same pattern as the upper slab and is ~ 4x8 meters  

I m have been wondering about expansion joints and how far this would be required for the lower slab (not planning for upper slab) -any advice ?

 lower slab ( 4x8m)stretcher bond pattern on upper slab

[EricL]

Hello @fabien 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your tiling project.

Since your upper slab (2.5 x 2.5 m) is relatively small, it might not require a joint if it's isolated and doesn't receive significant sun or movement, although it's still best practice to provide perimeter relief. For the lower slab, a 4 x 8 m area should absolutely have expansion joints at minimum one running across the width (dividing it into two 4 x 4 sections), and ideally another one lengthwise (making four 4 x 2 sections).

If your patio is fully exposed to the elements (direct sun, rain), these joints become even more critical. Use movement joint profiles or flexible sealant joints and make sure to integrate them cleanly into the stretcher bond pattern, possibly aligning them with grout lines to keep the appearance tidy.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Sorry @fabien @this is outside of my expertise 

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Morning @fabien 

I have to follow @Nailbag's words and also say its outside my experience. All I can suggest is asking the tile supplier what their recomendation is.

Sorry as well.

Dave

[fabien]

thank you very much @EricL 

our patio is not exposed to the sun at all so i m guessing one expansion joint to divide the lower slab into 2  4x4 sections makes sense . I do not want it to be a straight line as it would mean a lot of tile cutting and the straight line would stand out in the middle of the pattern . i assume i can just follow the pattern and zigzag along the tile then ?

[EricL]

Hello @fabien 

Yes, that will be ok to just follow the pattern. As long as you are confident that it will not get a lot of exposure movement should be to a minimum.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[fabien]

@EricL excellent thank you ! can you suggest which material i should using for the joints from bunnings and if there would be a choice of colour to match the grout  knowing the tiles will be 2cms thick ? 

[EricL]

Hello @fabien 

I propose looking at the Sika 600ml White Sikaflex Pro+ Polyurethane Sealant. It comes in seven colours and is rated for outdoor use.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric