I Want to Tile Over the Sidewalk Outside

Legality

• If you decide that you would like to tile over a sidewalk, you should check with your local government before making any changes. Describe where this sidewalk is located and ask if there are any laws against making permanent changes to it. If the sidewalk is owned and maintained by your local government, it is likely that making changes is against the law. Also be aware of the possibility that you may be sued if someone falls and injures themselves on a public section of sidewalk that you have tiled over.

Preparation

• Unsealed sidewalk cement can accumulate a lot of dirt and grease, which will interfere with the bonding ability of the tile mortar, called thin-set. To remove this residue, wash the sidewalk with a heavy-duty cleaning solution such as TSP or muriatic acid. Scrub the surface well with a wire brush and rinse the concrete thoroughly after cleaning. If you find that water is not penetrating the cement, this means that the cement has been sealed. To prepare sealed cement for tiling you will need to grind the surface, usually with a scarifying machine, to scrape off the sealant and make the surface rough enough to bond with the thin-set mortar. If there are any cracks in the sidewalk, you should repair those before attaching tile.

Choosing Tiling Products

• The products you choose will play an important role in how durable the new surface is. Purchase products that specifically mention that they can be used outdoors, or ask the salesperson at your hardware or flooring store to help you. If you are in doubt, err on the side of caution and move on to another product, as tiles and tile products that are not designed to be used outdoors can crumble, chip or create a dangerous walking surface if used improperly.

Installation

• When the sidewalk is very dry, apply a layer of thin-set and then arrange the tile on the surface. If there is a vertical surface that you would like to tile over, such as the sides of the sidewalk or any steps, cover those surfaces first for the most professional look. You can keep the spaces between the tiles even by using plastic spacers from the hardware store. Wait a full day before removing the spacers and applying grout to the tile. After two weeks, apply exterior-grade grout sealer, following the manufacturer's instructions. This will help to keep moisture from degrading the grout and mortar.