Commonly used on cement patios and walkways, granite tiles add elegance to any outdoor space. However, poorly-placed granite tiles can become yellowed, cracked or waterlogged. Ensure your granite tiles withstand the elements by choosing weather-resistant materials and installing these materials with the outdoors in mind.
What You'll Need:
- Class A, B or C granite tile
- Tape measure
- Level
- Epoxy-based cement filler
- Moisture barrier (exterior grade)
- Tile adhesive/mortar (acrylic-or epoxy-based)
- Notched trowel
- Grout
- Grout float (rubber coated)
- Sponge
- Grout sealer (exterior-grade)
- Measure the space you wish to cover with granite to determine how many tiles you will need. Purchase roughly 10 percent more tile than you will need, to allow for mistakes or broken pieces.
- Choose a Class A through C granite for your outdoor space, and steer clear of class D granites. Class D granite tiles are highly pocked and filled with a UV-sensitive polyester epoxy resin. After continuous exposure to the sun's rays, the resin breaks down, causing a crackled yellow appearance. Also, avoid dark granite tiles, as these will absorb the sun's intense heat.
- Remove debris from your existing concrete walkway or patio, and repair any cracks or fissures using an epoxy-based cement filler. Allow the filler to dry completely.
- Coat your existing concrete slab with a layer of thin-set, acrylic- or epoxy-based tile adhesive or mortar, using a notched trowel.
- Place the moisture barrier onto the thin-set, and press the barrier into the mortar to be sure it is tightly sealed. Common exterior barriers are polyethylene or plastic sheeting or exterior-grade plywood.
- Smear a layer of thin-set, acrylic- or epoxy-based tile adhesive over a small portion of the moisture barrier, using a notched trowel.
- Install the granite tiles quickly, before the mortar dries. Use a level as you go, and add more or less thin-set to raise or lower the tiles, so they remain level with one another. Allow the mortar time to set, according to the manufacturer's directions.
- Grout over the tile seams, using an exterior grout and a rubber-coated grout float. Wipe away excess grout haze using a moist sponge. For tougher spots, spray off the haze using a garden hose.
- Seal the grout from stains, using an exterior-grade sealer.
Tips:
- Buy all of your tiles at once, as there may be slight variations from box to box.
- Place tiles close together for exterior surfaces. This helps to keep moisture out of the underlayment.
- Use a moisture-resistant underlayment and slope it away from the home. This will prevent the tiles from becoming waterlogged and then freezing and cracking in the winter.
- Dry fit the tile before installing it to determine how the finished project will look. If pieces need to be trimmed -- using a tile saw -- this is a good time to do so.
Source: GomeGuides.sfgate.com
