Can You Use Porcelain Tile on a Covered Porch?

Cement Floor

• If your covered porch has a cement subfloor, install porcelain tile directly over the cement. Clean your cement with mineral spirits to get rid of oil stains, grease and ground-in dirt before installation. Fill in cement cracks with concrete filler and smooth the area with a trowel. Don't worry if the cement is not visually appealing because the entire surface will be covered with tile. Apply mortar and install the porcelain tile. Grout the cracks between the tiles once the mortar has dried.

Wood Floor

• Examine your wood flooring to make sure there is no water damage or deterioration before you install porcelain tile. If there is damage, repair or replace your wood subfloor before you begin the installation process. Secure cement backer board, using corrosion-resistant screws, to your wooden floors. Use thin-set adhesive or tape to close gaps and joints in the backer board before you apply mortar, install the tile and finish with grout.

Interlocking Tile -- No Grout

• Some companies sell interlocking porcelain tile that is installable on a covered porch. This type of porcelain is advantageous because it does not require grout. Grout is a heavy material that adds weight to your covered porch's subfloor. According to tile company Handy Deck, interlocking tiles are durable, long-lasting and easy to install with trouble-free snaps that lock into place.

Structural Support Under Porch

• Before you install porcelain tile on your covered porch subfloor, make sure that your porch can sustain the weight of the tile. Examine your structural support to ensure that there is no gapping, bending or warping in your original flooring. Install additional support beams or cement blocks beneath your floors to reinforce the area. Repair foundation damage before installing the tile.