How to Install Tile or Slate Over a Concrete Driveway

Create a durable base. Repair cracks, chips, and holes in the existing concrete driveway slab. Level depressions and humps on the concrete surface. It is imperative to begin with a smooth and level surface or the tiles will crack.

Measure the driveway from side to side and write the measurements; on the driveway itself, mark the halfway points. Measure the driveway from end to end on each end; write the measurements and mark the halfway points on the driveway. Snap a chalk line (see Tips section). You will now have four large squares marked on the driveway.

Place the end of the chalk line into a corner and draw it into the opposite corner. Snap the chalk line. Place the end of the chalk line into the next corner and draw it into the opposite corner. Snap the chalk line. The lines will result in a pattern of eight triangles.

Begin laying tiles at the midpoint of the driveway. The midpoint is where all of the chalk lines cross each other. The center of the tile should be laid as closely as possible atop of the midpoint. Work from the center towards the edges. It is best to work in smaller areas to avoid disturbing the wet mortar which will cause the tile to shift.

Mix mortar in a bucket according to the package directions.

Lightly wet the concrete driveway with water.

Use the straight edge of a trowel to apply a very thin layer of mortar, which is called a skim coat, in a 3 foot by 1.5 foot section.

Apply a 1/2 inch thick coat of mortar on top of the skim coat. Use the comb or notched side of the trowel to create straight lines or ridges. The first two coats are mortar atop of mortar.

Firmly press the first tile into the mortar at the midpoint of the driveway.

Use a wooden spacer to create an equal distance between each tile if the tiles do not have attached spacers. A wooden spacer is a thin piece of wood placed between tiles to keep the space between tiles uniform. Tiles with attached spacers have a small piece attached to the bottom edges of the tile which act to keep each tile at an equal distance from one another.

After 3 to 4 tiles are laid, place a level across the tiles to check for levelness. If the tiles are not level, lay a piece of wood on top of the tile that is out of level and gently tamp it down with a wooden mallet.

Continue to spread mortar, lay tile, and level tile in 3 foot by 1.5 foot sections until the concrete is covered with tile or slate.

Leave all tile cuts until the end. As soon as you have whole tiles as close to the driveway edge as possible without making cuts, mark and cut the remaining tiles with a wet saw to cover the exposed concrete.