How to Lay Slate Tiles on a Porch
Slate is a building material made from natural stone. It is known for its rich gray coloring, though buyers will also find slate in shades of tan, green or deep blue. In addition to its attractive appearance, slate offers a high level of strength and durability, and will last for decades with very little maintenance. Slate tiles can be used on indoor or outdoor surfaces, including porches and patios. These tiles are installed using similar techniques to ceramic tile, and can be installed by most homeowners. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Grinder
- Leveling compound
- Trowel
- Sandpaper
- Hammer
- Nails
- Broom
- Chalk and string (chalkline)
- Slate tiles
- Diamond wet saw
- Thinset mortar
- Water
- Bucket or wheelbarrow
- Tile spacers
- Grout releasing agent
- Paint brush
- Sand grout
- Grout float
Instructions
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1
Prepare your sub-floor. Most porches are made from concrete, though wood is also a possibility. While it is critical that the sub-floor is even before slate tile is installed, it is not as important for the porch to be level from end to end. Even out concrete by grinding away bumps and ridges, then use a leveling compound to fill low spots or holes. Tighten up wooden porches by adding nails to loose boards, sanding or planing high spots, and filling low areas with leveling compound. Clean the porch to remove dirt and debris before proceeding.
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2
Snap a chalkline from the midpoint of one side of your porch to the midpoint of the other. Repeat the process on the two opposite sides of the porch. The point where these two lines intersect is the center of your porch. By starting your tile installation at this point, you'll be able to make the tiles run in straight rows even if your porch isn't even or square.
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3
Lay out your tiles starting at the midpoint of the porch without using mortar. This will allow you to decide on the pattern and layout you want to use without making a mess.
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4
Cut tiles as needed using a wet saw with a diamond blade. Slate is very hard, and is nearly impossible to cut evenly with any other type of saw. Wet saws can be rented from most home improvement stores, and are easy to set up and use. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask for protection when cutting slate tiles.
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5
Mix thinset mortar with water according to the instructions on the mortar package. Blend the mortar using a drill with a paddle bit attached. Mix only a small amount of mortar at a time, generally less than 1/4 of a bag. If you mix more than this, it will likely harden before you can use it.
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6
Apply the mortar to the floor using a notched trowel. Only apply enough mortar to cover two to three rows of tile at a time, as the mortar will start to set quickly.
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7
Press the tiles into the mortar, starting in the center of the porch and working in rows. Place spacers between each tile to maintain even grout lines. Repeat Steps 5 through 7 until the entire porch is tiled.
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8
Remove the spacers and paint the slate with a grout releasing agent. Slate is a fairly porous material, and can easily be stained by grout without this releasing agent. Apply this material using a paint brush or roller.
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9
Allow the grout releasing agent to dry, then mix a sanded grout blend with water according to the instructions on the package. Pour the grout onto the porch, then use a grout float to force it into the spaces between the tiles. Wipe the surface of the tiles clean with a damp sponge and allow the grout to dry overnight.
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