Tile Installation on a Porch
Add Curb Appeal and Value by Giving Your Home a Bright New Look
Jul 24, 2007
Tile Installation on a Porch
Does your porch need a new look? What kind of a look would you like? A wood deck can be rustic. Want something classier? Why not spice it up with tile? Tile is virtually maintenance free. An added benefit is its cool feel in summertime. The purpose of this article is to explain tile installation on a porch..
Most likely your porch is made of cement or it's made of wood. It's not advisable to lay ceramic tile on directly on a wooden porch. Instead, screw cement board to the wood surface. Make certain that the porch is beefed up to carry the additional weight of cement board and tile so the tile won't crack.
Tools and Materials
- a tape measure
- a wet tile saw
- a grouting float
- a grouting sponge
- a notched mortar trowel
- tile spacers (1/8” or 1/4”)
- cheesecloth
- tile
- mortar
- grout
- grout sealer
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile: Your Choice
Both porcelain and ceramic tile are good choices for your porch. Keep in mind that if you buy ceramic it must be marked frost proof or vitreous. This is especially essential if the weather will get to the freezing point. And when you install the grout, mix in an acrylic additive. This will give it added flexibility.
Prepare the Porch Surface
If there are any high areas, eliminate them. Likewise if there are any low areas or cracks, fill them. The goal is to have a smooth and level surface.
Your tile's size and their separation, or grout width, determines the layout and border size. As soon as you determine the layout, snap your two control lines using a chalk line. This marks the first full tiles starting from whichever corner you decide to work from. But, don't paint yourself into a corner, so to speak.
Make sure that the chalk lines are square. Use the 3-4-5 method by measuring 3 feet on the first line starting from the intersection of the two lines. Mark the spot. Do the same thing with the second line measuring 4 feet instead. Your lines are square when the distance between the marks is 5 feet.
Lay Your Tile
Begin with several border and field tiles. Work out from the corner where the control lines intersect. Trowel out just enough mortar as far as you can reach. Use the wet saw to cut the border tile. A score-and-snap tool will only lead to frustration.
After you lay several tiles, set them with light taps with the rubber mallet along with a beating block. Use the tile spacers between the tiles as you go. Let the mortar set for 24 hours.
Time to Grout the Tile!
The instructions for mixing the powder grout are on the packaging. It should be the texture of a milkshake.
Begin by applying some grout at the corner of your porch and work outwards using a grout float. Work it in at a 45 degree angle with a sweeping motion.
Use clean water to sponge the grout off the tile surface as you go. Shape a slight indentation in your joints. This should be done before the grout sets up so you'll be grouting in sections.
Once the grout is completely dried, use a grout sealer. Now, set out the patio furniture and enjoy!
