Outdoor kitchens look a lot nicer with the proper flooring. Is your “patio” simply a concrete slab? You can give your patio new life by installing tile right over it! Are you ready to DIY? This is an easy project to tackle. Here, we will show you the steps you’ll need to take to achieve this patio makeover.

 

Materials:

 

Tile

Tile spacers

TSP cleaner

Industrial scrub brush

Thin-set mortar

Trowel

Grout and sealer

Rubber float

Sponge

 

Step 1: Prep your surface.

 

Before you transform your concrete patio into a beautiful tiled masterpiece, you will want to clean and prep the surface for your installation. To get this done, all you need is warm water, TSP cleaner, and an industrial scrub brush. Scrub the surface clean, using the proper precautions, and then rinse with warm water.

 

Step 2: Do a dry-lay.

 

It is best practice to do a dry-last first before installing your tile. This way you can ensure you have enough tiles to cover your entire patio, and can make any necessary cuts before applying your mortar. When laying tile, you want to work fast, so knowing exactly where each tile will go before you start will make this process much more seamless.

 

Step 3: Install your tile.

 

Read the instructions on your thin-set mortar and mix accordingly. Using your trowel, spread the mortar smoothly on to the concrete surface, and then create grooves using the trowel’s comb edge. Work in sections, placing your tile side by side, and using spacers to maintain the same size gaps throughout your patio.

 

Once you have completed this step, you’ll want to let the mortar dry overnight before moving on to step four.

 

Step 4: Grout your tile.

 

Before you begin grouting the tile, remove the spacers, and clean any excess mortar from the gaps using a utility knife.

 

Next, read the instructions on your grout, and mix accordingly. You’re going to pour the grout over the tiles, packing in the gaps using a rubber float. After you are finished grouting the tile, wipe away any excess grout with a lightly dampened sponge. Rinse and repeat until you have wiped away all of the excess grout.  

 

Step 5:  Seal your grout.

 

Since this tile is going to be outdoors, sealing your grout is an important step. Without it, your grout will not be water resistant — which is not good for patios!

 

However, you will want to wait a few weeks before sealing your grout, so that it can cure first. At that time, you are ready to apply your grout sealer.

 

If your patio adjoins your home, you will also want to caulk the edges where the tile meets your home. This will stop any sitting water from finding its way into the home.

 

Step 6: Enjoy your new patio!

 

Outdoor kitchens are made to be enjoyed! With your new tile floors, you’ll be a lot more likely to dine outside next weekend. So grab your portable kitchen cart, and get grilling! Cheers to warm weather and meals under the stars.

 

 

At The RTA Store we help make your dream kitchen a reality with RTA (Ready To Assemble) and Pre-Assembled kitchen cabinets, and accessories with the same (if not better) quality you would find at any retail store but for a fraction of the price. Stop by our website or give us a call and let us make your kitchen dreams come true with the help of our free kitchen design tool!