How to Install Slate Tile Outdoors

My husband and I recently added slate to the outside of our home. I must say I was skeptical at first; I wasn’t to sure about laying tile outside. But after the hard work and effort we put into the job, I have to admit it was a very beautiful addition and added style and sophistication to the outside of our home. And installing it was really much easier than what I had expected, with the use of a few inexpensive tools we had a beautiful new floor in a minimal amount of time.

To start you’ll need to decide on what type and design of tile you wish to lay. If its to be placed outside then of course, it must be one for the outdoors. You’ll need a tape measure, 4 inch putty knife, notched trowel, an old paint brush, a diamond wedge saw, some sponges and a rubber grout float, all of these are very affordable, except the saw and you can rent it at local rental stores which rents tools and machinery; check in the yellow pages for stores in your local area.

Before laying tile, and to insure the slate attaches to the concrete for any length of time, you must make sure the concrete is completely clean and dust free.

Clean it well with a brush and mild soap and water; or you can use a pressure washer to deep clean it. The concrete must be slightly damp and you can use a slightly wet paint brush right before you trowel on the mortar.

Only spread as much mortar as you can cover with a slate in 5 minutes, make sure the slate is free of dust and dirt. Once you’ve spread the mortar onto the concrete you’re ready to lay the tile. Wipe each slate with a damp cloth before setting into the concrete, work in a horizontal pattern, ensuring slate tile meets at the joints. Remember; do not install slate on a breezy or hot day.

After it is installed, and right before you grout; sprinkle the whole area very lightly with water and immediately cover with plastic sheeting for 24 hours. This raises the humidity level and allows the thinset mortar to be at its maximum strength.

Just before grouting apply a grout release agent to slate, making sure joints are well lubricated, apply with a 3/8 inch trowel, making sure each slate is filled with grout.

Wipe off surplus grout from slate with a damp sponge and rinse with clean water, keep changing water as you rinse to make sure it remains clear.

After grout is hard, clean surface of slate and along grout line by rubbing briskly with a clean cloth; or sprinkle saw dust over the completed floor and rub with a clean piece of burlap.

Sealing is not necessary but is a preference of choice, however, do not apply a sealer over wet, waxed or oiled slate. Allow 24-48 hours for your new, slate tile floor to dry before letting anyone walk on it. Slate tile is an affordable, beautiful addition to the outside of your home. For more on installing new tile flooring visit www.slatetile.com.