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Flooring IdeasSUPPLIES
- Measuring Tape
- Mortar
- Trowel
- Grout
- Grout Float
- Grout Sealer
- Ceramic Tiles
- Tile Spacers
- Wet Saw
Overview
If you don't have enough room inside your house for those big family gatherings, it's easy to create an outdoor room. Outdoor living spaces have become the new way to expand the square footage of your home. Instead of starting with a plain concrete slab, you can tile it with ceramic tile to give the patio a beautiful new look. There are many styles and colors available to complement any decorating style.
Preparing The Area
Step 1
First, clean the concrete and free it from any dirt or grease so that the tiles will adhere properly. If there are any uneven spots on the concrete patch those with concrete patch and smooth them out. Let it dry thoroughly before attempting to tile over it. A level surface is very important; otherwise the tiles can crack when people step on them.
Step 2
When purchasing ceramic tile, be sure to buy 10 percent more than the space you will be tiling. There are usually broken or defective tiles in every box. Buying a little extra will cover any possible defects and give you an on-hand supply if any of the tiles crack later on.
Step 3
After you prepare the concrete, lay the tiles out in the pattern where the tiles will be installed. It's best to start in the middle of the slab and work your way outward. Likely you will have to cut the tiles to fit around the edges. Once you have a pattern in mind, mark your starting point with a pencil or chalk line. This will help you to keep the tile line straight while you are moving along.
Step 4
After you have decided on a pattern and have marked the area, mix your mortar. Only mix enough to last about 30 minutes because the mortar dries quickly. You can mix more as needed; this will help to eliminate waste. After mixing, use the trowel to apply mortar to both the concrete and the tile piece. Apply 1/4 inch of the mortar on the concrete in one direction and on the tile in another direction. This will help the tiles to adhere better and eliminate any air bubbles. Press the tile down, firming it, and then place a tile spacer on all four sides, leaving a 1/8 inch space between the tiles. Wipe each tile with a wet rag as you work so that none of the mortar sticks to the outside of the tiles.
Step 5
As you make your way to the concrete edges, measure and cut tiles on the wet saw to fit the space. Let the tiles set overnight before applying the grout. Mix the grout according to package directions and begin pressing it into the spaces between the tiles with a grout float or your finger. Run your finger down the grout lines to make them smooth and even. Don't worry about getting the grout onto the tiles; you can wipe it off later after the grout has set. After the grout has completely dried, wipe the tiles off using a damp rag. Keep going over the tiles until they are completely clean. Allow the floor to dry and apply grout sealer to each grout line and let it dry thoroughly before walking on the new floor.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Keep a bucket of water close by so you can rinse your rag as you work.
- WARNING : Avoid getting the mortar onto your skin and eyes by wearing protective goggles and gloves.
