How to Install Outdoor Porcelain Tiles
What Are Outdoor Porcelain Tiles?
Outdoor porcelain tiles are a type of garden paving slab made from 20mm-thick, extra durable, slip-resistant and waterproof porcelain. Porcelain is one of the oldest and most popular tile materials in history, and for good reason.
In contrast to thinner indoor porcelain tiles, also available here at Tile Merchant, outdoor tiles are designed to withstand Ireland's unpredictable weather and heavy traffic. This makes outdoor porcelain ideal for creating stunning and practical patios, garden paths, porch steps and driveways, anywhere in Ireland!
Our outdoor porcelain paving slabs also come in the widest variety available in Ireland. We stock outdoor porcelain designed to replicate the aesthetics of natural wood, marble, sandstone, limestone and more. With colours, shapes, textures and sizes to suit every taste and budget, we believe outdoor porcelain tiles are your ticket to a dream garden!
But of course, the job of this guide isn't to sell you on the perks of outdoor porcelain, it's to show you how to install outdoor porcelain tiles!
Why Choose Outdoor Porcelain Tiles for Your Garden Renovation?
Before we get to the meat of the article, and teach you how to lay outdoor porcelain paving slabs, let's discuss some of the key benefits to installing outdoor porcelain tiles in the first place!
- Outdoor porcelain is slip-resistant: Did you know that all of our outdoor porcelain tiles are R11-12 anti-slip rated? That means they don't get slippery when wet, therefore protecting you and your family from falls.
- Outdoor porcelain is waterproof: Porcelain pavers are also waterproof, meaning that they don't soak up water and grow mould or black lichen, like natural stone can do.
- Outdoor porcelain is built to last: 20mm porcelain tiles for Irish gardens are extra thick and therefore extra durable. We even ran over our tiles in a truck to prove how unbreakable they are!
- Outdoor porcelain comes in a wide variety of styles: Stuck for outdoor garden renovation inspiration? We stock outdoor porcelain tiles in enough colours and finishes to suit anyone's tastes.
- Outdoor porcelain can be installed almost anywhere: As you'll find out in our next section on laying porcelain paving, you can build patios and more on top of almost any surface!
How to Install Outdoor Porcelain Tiles: 3 Effective Techniques
It's up to you how you go about laying 20mm outdoor porcelain tiles. Some people might feel more comfortable doing it DIY, whilst others should consider hiring a professional. Below, we've outlined three of the most common and effective methods for installing outdoor porcelain tiles. Check them out!
Installation Method 1) Tile Adhesive Onto a Solid Base
This method can be used for patios and driveways. It requires the concrete base to be fully cured and expansion joints will need to be added where necessary. With a solid base, achieving a level surface is simple but remember that falls will need to be added to help rainwater drain away. Use a polymer-modified cement-based adhesive that is suitable for outdoor use. On a solid base, rectified porcelain paving can be installed with a narrow join for a semi-seamless finish.
Installation Method 2) Wet Bed Onto a Prepared Sub-Base
Paving installers and landscapers favour this method. However, because the tiles are non-porous, they will not adhere to a traditional wet bed. To make the tile stick, you will need to either mix an admix into your sand and cement or apply a primer to the underside of the tiles. Be careful if using a primer – remove it from the surface and sides of the tile immediately! Check falls during installation and make adjustments by tapping the tiles with a rubber mallet. Avoid any voids beneath the tiles as this may result in the collection of residual moisture which will have no escape route.
Installation Method 3) Self-levelling Pedestals On Roof Terraces and Balconies
Adjustable pedestals are perfect for use on balconies and terraces. Each pedestal has a self-levelling head and can be slightly adjusted once the tiles are installed. This is a ‘dry’ installation method as no adhesives or grouts are required. Joints are left open which allows for easy drainage and simple removal of tiles. Lay the weed membrane directly under the grass. Take it right to the edge of the area and overlap it by at least 100mm.
Why Tile Merchant?
We offer extremely competitive pricing on our entire range of tiles and likewise. We stock a huge range of wall and floor tiles and our prices are competitive for retail and trade. Our stock is widely available in our tile stores in Dublin and Ashbourne (Co. Meath) which are open 7 days a week.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to shop our tiles online, we can supply you with samples delivered for free.
Article written by Tile Merchant