How to Install Stone Tile on Top of a Wood Patio

Stone tile is a commonly used flooring material, as it is available in dozens of different types, colors and sizes that can suit just about any architectural aesthetic. The natural properties of stone offer a durable, long-lasting material that can outlast just about every other flooring product. Exterior patios are commonly made using wood products, as wood is a generally versatile material. Adding stone tile to an existing wood patio can extend the life of the entire patio, and can be successfully achieved through a generally straightforward process that requires only basic construction tools and knowledge.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4-Inch cement-based backer board
• 1-Inch deck screws
• Electric drill with screwdriver bit
• Angle grinder with masonry blade
• Thinset mix
• Large bucket
• Mixing paddle (to fit electric drill)
• Mastic trowel
• Stone tile
• Tile saw
• Grout mix
• Grout bag
• Large sponge

Instructions

1. Lay the cement-based backer board over the wood patio surface, aligning the edges of the backer board with the edges of the wood patio (starting in a corner of the patio) and the grid-side of the backer board facing up.

2. Drive the 1-inch deck screws through the backer board and into the wood deck, using the electric drill with a screwdriver bit; the backer board is made with circular guides in the grid pattern where screws are to be installed.

3. Install the cement-based backer boards edge-to-edge (no gaps between backer boards) over the remaining wood patio surface, repeating Steps 1 and 2. Trim any backer boards to fit, using the angle grinder and masonry blade, as necessary.

4. Mix the Thinset mortar in the large bucket as directed on the thinset packaging, using the electric drill and mixing paddle.

5. Evenly apply a thin layer (about 1/2-inch) of Thinset mortar to the bottom-side of a stone (using the mastic trowel) tile and press it (the tile) to the backer board surface, compressing the 1/2-inch thinset layer to about 1/4-inch. Install the first stone tile in a corner of the patio, and work your way outward in rows, using this process, while leaving about 1/4-inch gap between each tile and lining up the tile edges with the grid pattern on the backer board surface to ensure consistent and straight rows. Trim any stone tiles to fit, using the tile saw as necessary; refer to tile saw owner's manual for operation and safety instructions.

6. Refer to the Thinset mortar packaging for curing times, and allow for the Thinset to fully cure before moving on.

7. Mix the grout in the large bucket as directed on the grout packaging, using the electric drill and mixing paddle.

8. Fill the grout bag about 3/4 full with grout and lightly twist the top opening shut.

9. Apply the grout to the gaps between each stone tile, using the grout bag. Work in small amounts so you can wipe away excess grout (using the large sponge) as you work.

References

• "Tile Your World: John Bridge's New Tile Setting Book;" John P. Bridge; 2003