How to Tile Patios

Preparation

• 1

  Clear the patio of all furnishings. Sweep the patio to remove leaves, debris and surface dirt.

• 2

  Attach a bottle of concrete wash to a garden hose. Turn the water on, and with a sweeping side to side motion, apply the wash. Allow the cleaner to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the bottle from the hose.

• 3

  Take a stiff-bristled brush and scrub the patio to loosen any grime or algae. With a garden hose and spray attachment, rinse the patio.

• 4

  Mark the middle of each side of the patio by using a measuring tape and pencil. Snap a chalk line between two opposing marks to divide the patio into quadrants. Where the lines intersect is the center of the patio.

• 5

  Lay each edge of a carpenter's square along two intersecting lines at the center to check that you have marked the center of the patio correctly. If the center has not been marked correctly, make any adjustments and snap new lines before continuing.

Laying the Tiles

• 6

  Mix thinset mortar with an acrylic fortifier in a large bucket according to the instructions on the bags. Using the acrylic fortifier instead of water ensures a stronger and more pliable bond with the tiles. Use a drill equipped with a mixer attachment. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes.

• 7

  Work in one quadrant at a time. Start at the center where the lines intersect. Scoop out a portion of the mortar mix using the flat side of a tiling trowel and spread it along one line of a quadrant. Spread enough to lay four tiles. With the grooved side of the trowel, rake lines through the mortar.

• 8

  Place a tile so that two of its edges align with the two perpendicular chalk lines of the quadrant. Apply a little pressure on top of the tile with your hands to be sure it is set into the mortar. Lay the next tile along the line next to the first. Put tile spacers between the tiles. Place a block of wood over the adjoining tiles and tap it with a rubber mallet to be sure the tiles are level with each other.

• 9

  Lay the rest of the tiles along the line until you reach the edge of the patio. Continue to use tile spacers and check the adjoining tiles for level. If a partial tile is needed at the edge, cut it after all the full tiles have been laid.

• 10

  Return to the center and repeat the process. Lay another row alongside the first. Continue until the quadrant has been tiled, and then move on to the other quadrants.

• 11

  Cut any partial edge tiles using a wet saw. Take accurate measurements, allowing room for the tile spacers. Set the cut tiles using the same procedure for the full tiles. Allow the tiles to set overnight.

Grouting

• 12

  Mix the epoxy grout according to the instructions on the bag. Use a large bucket, water and a drill with a mixer attachment.

• 13

  Remove the tile spacers and apply the grout using a rubber tile float. Start at one corner, work in small sections and work your way to the opposite corner.

• 14

  Push the grout into the tile joints with the float. Once the joints are completely packed, remove the excess grout. Hold the float at a 45-degree angle and swipe across the surface of the tiles. Allow the grout to set for 30 minutes.

• 15

  Dampen a sponge and gently wipe the surface of the tiles to remove leftover grout. Be careful not to remove any grout within the joints. Rinse the sponge often during this process. Move on to the next section. Once the patio has been grouted, allow it to sit for an hour.

• 16

  Wipe the surface of the tiles again with a damp rag to remove any haze. After 24 hours, wipe the surface of the tiles again with a damp sponge. Buff the surface with a dry, clean rag.