You've researched the options and decided that outdoor porcelain tiles are just right for your project, but how do you install them? Although often referred to as 'porcelain paving', these external slabs are much closer to internal floor tiles and therefore cannot be installed in the same way as traditional paving slabs.
Here we're going to run through the different installation options suitable for fixing Valverdi outdoor tiles. Speak to your installer about which method best suits your project.
Solid Concrete Base with Adhesive
Most similar to the method used to fit tiles inside your house, this method takes the longest because you will need to wait for the screed to fully cure. A slab of concrete will be poured which needs to include a slight slope, or 'fall', to accommodate drainage.
Once the concrete base is fully cured you can tile onto it using a tile adhesive suitable for outdoor use. Bear in mind that a decoupling layer and movement joints may be needed depending on the size of your patio. The joints are grouted using a suitable external tile grout.
Raised Pedestal System
This method is becoming increasingly popular in the UK thanks to the ease and essentially mess-free installation. Pedestals such as the Eterno Ivica range are often used for roof terraces and balconies as they are lightweight, but they can also be used for traditional patios.
The pedestals are usually made of plastic, and often have self-levelling heads so that your patio will be level even with a slope or uneven base. The joints are left open, which allows drainage and means you can remove or change the tiles at any time. There is no adhesive or grout needed for this method.
PorcelQuick Adped Adhesive Pedestals
The Adped system uses solid pedestals to raise the tiles, creating a void underneath the tiles. The plastic Adped rings are filled with adhesive, left to cure and the tiles are then fixed to them. The joints are grouted with traditional tile grout, with the addition of a backer rod to keep it in place.
On a Wet Bed with Primer
This is the method favoured by landscapers installing traditional paving slabs, however as porcelain is non-porous a special primer is applied to the underside of the tiles to ensure they stick to the mortar. The Norcros Rock Tite system is designed to allow you to fix porcelain onto a wet bed and includes a brush in grout for jointing.
Finishing the Edges of your Patio
There are a few options for finishing the edges of your porcelain patio. Profiling is available, where the edges of the tile are cut or grout to create an attractive finish - get in touch to enquire about pricing.
If you are using a traditional concrete slab or wet bed you can use PorcelQuick External Tile Trims to finish the edges. For a raised pedestal system you can often purchase clips that allow you to add tiled upstands around the perimeter.
Do you have questions about how to install your Valverdi outdoor tiles? Our team are experts when it comes to all things porcelain and will be happy to recommend the best products to help you create your dream outdoor space - get in touch today.