Exterior Ceramic Tile Installation

Buy the desired ceramic tile, making sure it is approved for use outdoors. This tile is usually porcelain and is rugged enough to withstand a variety of weather conditions. Also, look for a tile that has a textured surface. Since tile gets very slippery when wet, it is important to have added traction in a texture for safety.

Prepare the concrete where the tile will be installed. Make sure that the area is free of all debris, as this will interfere with the bond between the underlay and the base. If something gets in the way here, the tiles will not adhere correctly.

Mix the appropriate thin set mortar in a bucket, according to the manufacturer's directions. Trowel the thin set mortar onto the concrete and spread it out evenly. Generally, this is done with the 1/4-inch notch side of the trowel. Lay the underlay on top of this thin set. Use the grout float to press the underlay into the thin set for good adhesion between the two.

Start laying tiles. Trowel thin set mortar on top of the underlay, enough to lay one to two tiles. Laying tile in small batches makes sure that the thin set mortar cannot dry out too much before placing the tile on top of it. If the thin set dries too much, the tile will not set properly and will likely pop loose. Follow the tile manufacturer's directions for the appropriate amount of thin set and the correct notch on the trowel. Larger tiles require a larger notch. Set the tile so it is fairly close together. This will make for narrow grout joints and help keep moisture from finding its way into the tile.

Wait for the mortar to dry. This usually takes twenty four hours, but it will depend on the weather conditions. Mix the grout with water in a bucket and have another bucket of clean water handy. Apply the grout with a grout float, making sure that all the nooks and crannies in the grout lines are filled with the grout. Wipe off excess grout with a sponge and the bucket of clean water. Keep wiping until all the extra grout is gone. Change the water frequently to keep the sponge clean. Let the grout dry for about forty-eight hours. Then, the tile is ready to be walked on.