How to Prepare an Outside Patio for Tile

A patio can be covered with ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tile to liven up your outdoor area and incorporate that once-boring concrete slab into your home decor. Tiling a patio is a very similar to tiling a floor within your home, although some additional preparation is required to ensure that the tile stays firmly adhered to the patio. Taking the time to properly prepare for tile installation will extend the life of your outside patio.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Trisodium phosphate
• Water
• Sponge
• Power washer
• Concrete patching compound
• Trowel

1. Mix 1/4 cup of trisodium phosphate into one gallon of warm water. You may need to make more than one gallon of this mixture depending upon the size of the patio.

2. Use a sponge or a scrub brush to thoroughly clean the patio with the trisodium phosphate and water mixture. After you have scrubbed the entire patio, allow the mixture to rest on the patio for a few minutes.

3. Rinse the patio with a power washer to remove all traces of the trisodium phosphate.

4. Fix damage to the patio by applying a concrete patching compound with a trowel to any cracks or pitted areas. Smooth the area flat with the trowel and allow the patching compound to dry according to the package directions.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves, eye protection and protective clothing when working with trisodium phosphate as it can cause eye and skin irritation.

References

• Tiling Step-by-Step; Better Homes and Gardens; 2004
• Installing & Finishing Flooring; William P. Spence; 2003