Outdoor Tile

[Bub]

I was hoping to get some feedback on a project I was considering for early this fall. I have a screened in porch on the back of my house that is 16' X 30'. I have already replaced all of the screen and all of the drywall on the upper part of the walls etc. and now I want to improve the floor. I have layed tile indoor many times but never outdoors... just wondering if laying tile outdoors is any different due to moisture and humidity. For instance, do I need a different type of thinset or grout or perhaps mix it differently etc. Once in a while, there is moisture on the concrete when the humidity is real high and also when it rains, there is usually a little bit of water, nothing drastic but it does get damp once in a while.

Thanks!

[Bub]

bump

[RoadrashPaul]

I saw this and was hoping someone with a little more info would chime in. I put tile down in the parlor of our dairy barn. As you can imagine it gets wet and nasty on a daily basis. We used the standard thinset and mortar and havn't had any problems yet. I would think you would be OK but I am no expert. Good Luck. You might try to call a tile dealer and ask them what they think.

[mikepags]

not a tile guy but I doubt that you porch could be any wetter than a shower that is tiled...........I would just make sure there is plenty of slope to keep the water draining away from the house......contact a local tile supply house for the best answer but if you have done indoor jobs I think your good to go

[MBragg8]

Probably a given, but be sure you pic a "rough" textured tile. My in-laws did a back portch near thier pool and even though I suggested otherwise went with a "slick" surfaced tile. I think everyone in the family has slipped and fell after getting out of the pool, except myself, whom will now probably fall and break something now that I've made this post.

[mikepags]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by MBragg8 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Probably a given, but be sure you pic a "rough" textured tile. My in-laws did a back portch near thier pool and even though I suggested otherwise went with a "slick" surfaced tile. I think everyone in the family has slipped and fell after getting out of the pool, except myself, whom will now probably fall and break something now that I've made this post. </td></tr></table>


good advice there..............didn't even think abut that

[SoonerFan]

The problem with glazed ceramic tile in an outdoor application is the possibility of the tile absorbing moisture and then freezing. That will cause the tile to either break or sluff off the glaze. You will want to ask the dealer if the tile is vitreous...or fully vitrified and is suitable for outdoor installation. I remember using un-glazed quarry tile for several outdoor jobs I did. It's been too long since I've been that business so I can't remember the classification but I think you want a Class IV tile ... don't hold me to that though.

[Bub]

I was away for a few days so I missed all the updates!!

Thanks to all for the input.

[ChrisH]

i would stain the concrete.

[haha]

Agree with the "rough" surface tile. Could go with a slate tile.
There are thinsets for exterior application. Check for the stuff for swimming pool application. I find it best to buy the bag thinset and mix it yourself. I only use premix on walls but thats me.
If moisture is a problem you can buy Ditra. It's an orange tile mat that you thinset down first then you can tile immediately over it. The stuff is very expensive but works very well in isolating the concrete from the tile.

If you choose not to use Ditra and install directly on the concrete make sure you do not tile over any expansion joints in the concrete. If there is a control/expansion joint in the slab make sure your tile is jointed above the joint also. If not the tile will crack or pop with seasonal movement of the concrete.

For grout, just use the standard sanded grout.

EDIT: Ummm, didnt realize I'm 2 months late with this response. Wonder what the OP finally did.