How to Install Ceramic Tile Outdoors

Ceramic outdoor tile makes the outside of your home warm and inviting.

Installing ceramic tile outdoors of your home can give your home great curb appeal and a warm and inviting feel. It's crucial to choose the right ceramic tile and grout when tiling outdoors - the tile needs to be frost proof, especially if you live in a cold weather climate, and the grout needs to be moisture proof. Here's how to install ceramic tile outdoors:

Things You'll Need

• frost proof ceramic tiles
• spacers
• level
• pencil
• tile adhesive
• concrete backerboard
• notched trowel
• tile cutter
• grout (moisture resistant)
• acrylic grout additive
• rubber float
• sponge
• floor patch and leveler compound for concrete (optional, use if laying tile on concrete)
• acid based solution for roughing up concrete (optional, use if laying tile on concrete)
• knee pads

Instructions

1. 

   Go to your home improvement store and purchase materials for laying ceramic tile outdoors. Make sure the ceramic tile is frost proof and the grout is water resistant.

2. 

   Install concrete backerboard over the area you want to tile outdoors. Concrete is great for laying ceramic tile outdoors, so if you plan to tile on the concrete that is already there, perfect! Just make sure you use a patch and leveler compound to fill holes and flatten the surface of the concrete before you begin. Also use an acid based solution to rough the concrete up before you lay tile. Finally, use a leveler to make sure the surface is flat.

3. 

   Find the center of the outdoor area you are tiling and 'dry fit' the ceramic tiles to see if the pattern ends similarly on the edges. Use a pencil to mark vertical and horizontal lines where appropriate. You want the ceramic tile size to be consistent as they approach each end point when laying tile outdoors.

4. 

   Apply the ceramic tile adhesive with the notched trowel, starting in the middle of the outdoor area you want tile. Lay the ceramic tiles in the adhesive and place the spacers in-between each tile as you go. Be sure to give each tile a little twist to ensure a good bond with the adhesive. Cut the ceramic tiles as needed to fit on the ends. You can also use sandpaper to smooth out the tile edges if they are sharp after you cut them.

5. Let the ceramic tiles dry in the adhesive overnight.

6. 

   Remove the tile spacers and mix the grout according to the manufacturer's directions.

7. 

   Using the rubber float, apply the grout to the ceramic tiles at a 45 degree angle. Wipe off excess grout with a wet sponge.

8. 

   After about an hour, check for grout haze on the ceramic tiles and wipe them clean as needed.

9. See the Resources listed below for more tiling and home improvement ideas.

Tips & Warnings

• If the space between your tiles is wider than 1/8 inch, use sanded grout for a stronger hold. Otherwise you can use non-sanded grout.

• Apply grout sealant as desired.

• Use an acrylic grout additive to give the grout some room to 'flex'.

• Use rubber gloves when applying the adhesive and grout.

• After cutting ceramic tiles, be sure to handle them carefully - their edges may be sharp.

• Always wear goggles when cutting ceramic tile.

Resources

• How to Install Ceramic Tile on New Concrete
• How to Lay Tiles on Cement
• How to Tile a Concrete Floor
• How to Install Ceramic Wall Tiles
• How To Install Wall Tiles
• How to Lay a Tile Backsplash
• How to Buy and Install Glass Tile
• How to Cut Granite Tops
• How to Make Stainless Steel Cleaners
• How to Install Marble Tile on a Fireplace