Installing tile outdoors can transform your patio, pool deck, or pathway with beautiful and durable surfacing. With the right planning and preparation, even novice DIYers can achieve professional-looking results. This guide will walk you through the entire process of installing outdoor tile, from selecting the right materials to properly grouting and sealing your finished project. Follow these steps and tips for a stunning new outdoor living space.

Choose Appropriate Tiles for Outdoors

The type of tile you select will impact how well your installation withstands weather, foot traffic, pooling water and freezing temperatures. Consider these factors when choosing outdoor tiles:

Climate Conditions

In colder climates, choose tiles rated for freeze-thaw resistance. Ceramic and porcelain tiles hold up best. Avoid natural stone as it can crack.
In hot, sunny areas look for tiles with UV stability. Unglazed tiles resist fading. Porcelain and saltillo tiles are good options.
Consider drainage needs. Porcelain or textured tiles allow water to drain through grout joints. Slate and saltillo work for drier climates. Smooth tiles require proper slope for drainage.

Amount of Use and Wear

High traffic areas like patios benefit from textured, non-slip tiles for safety. Porcelain and saltillo provide traction.
For pool decks and other wet areas, mosaic tiles offer better grip. Small grout joints provide smoothness underfoot.
Softer materials like natural stone and terra cotta can scratch or chip more easily than ceramic and porcelain.

Style Preferences

Match your outdoor aesthetic. Choose from rustic looks like slate or travertine, Mediterranean style with terracotta, or modern with large format porcelain.
Mix multiple colors or patterns for decorative accents. Use mosaics or borders to add visual interest.

Tile Format

Larger tiles have fewer grout lines for easier cleaning. 12”x24” sizes are popular. But smaller 8”x8” tiles allow more design flexibility.
Tile thickness should be at least 1/4″ for floor applications. Thinner mosaic tiles work for walls.
Use bullnose or other edged tiles when transitions are needed, like pool coping.

Other Considerations

Tile quality matters. Select tiles that meet ANSI A137.1 specifications. Porcelain tiles should say “vitreous” not “semi-vitreous.”
Check manufacturer guidelines on indoor vs. outdoor use. Not all tiles can withstand freeze-thaw cycles.
Consider slip-resistance ratings (SCOF) for floor tiles, especially around pools. SCOF of .60 or above is best.

Gather Your Materials

Installing outdoor tile requires having the right tools and materials on hand before starting. Be thorough in your planning and material purchases to avoid delays.

Tiling Tools Needed

Mixing bucket for thinset mortar
Notched trowel for spreading thinset
Grout float for applying grout
Rubber grout float and sponge for grout cleanup

-Tile spacers and leveling system to keep tiles even

Tile cutter for straight cuts or nipper for irregular cuts
Bucket for mixing grout
Grout sealer
Safety gear – gloves, goggles, knee pads

Adhesives and Grouts

Outdoor thinset mortar for bonding tiles to surface
Polymer-modified grout for water resistance
Non-sanded grout for grout joints 1/8” or smaller
Epoxy grout for areas that get wet like pool surrounds

Underlayments

Concrete backer board for floor installations
Cement board or fiber-cement board for walls
Waterproof membrane for wet areas like shower floors
Drainage mat for exterior installations over concrete

Other Supplies

Concrete anchoring screws if installing over existing concrete
Tile spacers for consistent grout line width
Silicone caulk for movement joints and transitions
Sealer to protect grout lines and enhance stain resistance

Prepare the Installation Surface

Outdoor tile must be installed over a solid, stable surface. New concrete should cure for at least 28 days before tiling. Use these guidelines for surface prep:

New Concrete Surfaces

Concrete must cure fully and have light broom finish for bonding
Slope surface at minimum 1/4” per foot for drainage
Install crack isolation membrane if cracking is a concern

Existing Concrete

Clean surface thoroughly and roughen with sander or grinder
Repair cracks, holes and damaged areas with concrete patch
Use concrete anchors and thinset for extra adhesion

Compacted Gravel Bases

Compact to 95% density and follow above slope guidelines
Install 2”-3” gravel base layer tamped in 2” lifts
Cover with geotextile fabric to prevent thinset oozing
Spread thinset directly onto fabric; no cement board needed

Wood Decking

Ensure framing and joists are sound and meet deflection limits
Replace any damaged boards and secure loose decking
Cover deck with two layers exterior grade plywood, 1/2” each

Alternate Substrates

Install concrete board over crack-resistant self-leveling underlayments
Use galvanized lath over waterproof membranes or existing tile
Follow manufacturer instructions for unusual substrates like metal

Plan the Tile Layout

A well-planned tile layout ensures no small, awkward cuts and an aesthetically pleasing design. Consider these tips before starting:

Draw Detailed Plans

Sketch layout to scale with measurements for the space
Mark tile locations, patterns, borders and any accents
Indicate movement joints, transitions and edging details

Select a Tile Pattern

Grid, offset grid, brick patterns work well for floor tiles
Stacked, offset stacked, herringbone patterns best for wall tiles
Align tiles with main axes or symmetry lines in the space

Determine Grout Line Width

Standard is 1/8” for walls and 1/4” for floors
Smaller mosaic tiles may use 1/16” joint width
Larger format tiles can use 3/8” or more grout width

Accommodate Cuts

Plan layout so tiles at edges are cut to half size or larger
Adjust field tile placement to avoid slivers against fixed objects
Use edge tiles like bullnose at transitions and terminations

Allow for Expansion

Include movement joints every 8-12 feet and where tiles abut restraining surfaces
Soft joints from caulk allow for expansion; hard joints from grout do not
Use porcelain edge tiles with built-in spacers at movement joints

Install the Tile

Once you have prepped the surface and planned the layout, it’s time to start setting the tile. Follow these best practices during installation:

Double Check Surface Flatness

Any dips or humps over 1/8” in 10 feet must be leveled first
Grind down high spots; fill low areas with patching compound

Mix Thinset Mortar

Use latex-modified thinset suitable for exterior applications
Mix to a thick, smooth consistency according to package directions

Spread Thinset Evenly

Apply to workable area using proper trowel size; 1/4″x 3/8″ is common
Spread in straight rows; scrape any ridges smooth
Do not spread more than can be tiled in 15-20 minutes

Set Tiles in Thinset

Place tiles firmly in mortar with light twisting motion
Use spacers to maintain even grout line width
Make sure tile edges are fully supported, not just middle

Check Alignment Frequently

Visually align tiles after installing every few rows or sections
Use levels, chalk lines and measurement to check plumb and plane
Adjust tiles that are slightly out of alignment before thinset hardens

Cut Border and Edge Tiles Last

Leave gaps at edges where final tiles must be cut and fitted
Custom cut border and edge tiles for accurate fit after field is set
Use nipper pliers for quick freehand cuts

Let Thinset Cure Before Grouting

Wait at least 24 hours before grouting if using regular thinset
Quick-cure modified thinsets may allow grouting in 4-6 hours
Do not grout until tiles are firmly attached and thinset has hardened

Apply Grout for a Professional Finish

Grout fills the joints between tiles, locking pieces together and protecting edges. Careful grouting prevents staining, haze, and other problems.

Choose the Right Grout for Wet Areas

Use polymer-modified grout for basic water resistance
Epoxy grout is extremely waterproof for pools, showers, etc.
Match grout color to your tile; contrasting or coordinating shades work

Prep and Seal before Grouting

Wait at least 24 hours after mortar has cured before grouting
Apply grout release or sealer if needed to prevent grout haze
Dampen tile slightly for easier application and cleanup

Mix and Apply Grout

Follow package directions; do not add too much water which weakens grout
Hold grout float at 45° angle, packing joints firmly without gaps
Take care wiping diagonally across tile; check work as you go

Clean Excess Grout

Wipe gently with damp sponge rinsing frequently in clean water
Polish tile and grout haze with soft cloth once drying
Do not overly wet tile; allow grout joints to become firm

Final Polish for Grout Lines

Once grout whitish film has dried on tile, buff surface with towel
Use stiff nylon brush to clean out any remaining haze in grout lines
Vacuum up dust with soft brush attachment after 1-2 days

Caulk Joints and Seal Grout

Adding flexible caulk and protective sealant finishes the job and keeps your tiles looking great.

Identify Movement Joints for Caulking

Install caulk instead of grout at junctions between tile and wood/concrete
Use where tile abuts door jambs, pipes, foundations, steps, etc.
Soft caulk joints allow for expansion and contraction without cracking grout

Prepare for Caulking

Allow grout to cure fully for 5-7 days before caulking
Clean joints thoroughly and ensure they are dust-free before applying caulk

Apply High-Quality Silicone Caulk

Use exterior-grade, mold-resistant silicone caulk for flexibility and adhesion
Apply caulk smoothly with steady pressure, tooling into joint
Wipe excess caulk off tile with damp cloth or smoothing tool

Seal Grout Lines

Use penetrating sealer suitable for exterior grout
Apply carefully following product directions to avoid staining tiles
Reapply sealant yearly or as needed to protect grout from stains

And that concludes the process for installing beautiful and durable outdoor tile! Proper planning, careful surface preparation, and attention to detail in layout, grouting and sealing will help ensure your project succeeds. With the right know-how even novice DIYers can achieve professional-looking results. Your new outdoor living space will provide years of enjoyment with a tile floor, patio or pathway installed using these tips. Let us know if you have any other questions!

Frequently Asked Questions about Installing Outdoor Tile

Installing tile outside comes with its own unique considerations compared to indoor installations. Here are helpful answers to some of the most common questions about outdoor tiling projects:

What thinset mortar is best for outdoor tile?

Use a latex or polymer modified thinset specifically formulated for exterior applications. These provide maximum adhesion and resistance to moisture and freeze-thaw cycles.

Can I use indoor tile outdoors?

Some indoor tiles can be used outdoors, but check manufacturer specifications first. Glazed ceramic and porcelain rated for exterior use are fine. Natural stone should be freeze-thaw rated.

What slope is needed for outdoor tile?

Provide a slope or grade of at least 1/4 inch per linear foot on the substrate for proper drainage. The slope should direct water away from buildings and off the edges of the tile surface.

How close together should I space outdoor tiles?

Use tile spacers to maintain even grout joint width of at least 1/8 inch for walls and 1/4 inch for floor applications. Wider spacing may be needed for larger format tiles.

How long does mortar need to cure before grouting?

Wait at least 24 hours after installing tiles to apply grout for regular thinset mortars. Extended cure times up to 48-72 hours are better. Check thinset package for recommended grouting times.

Should sanded or unsanded grout be used outdoors?

Use polymer-modified sanded grout for joints wider than 1/8 inch. Unsanded grout is only for narrow joints under 1/8 inch. Make sure grout is rated for exterior use.

Do outdoor tiles need sealing?

Sealing is recommended for some outdoor tiles to prevent staining from dirt, oils, leaves, etc. Impregnating sealers that soak in work best. Reapply sealers periodically as needed.

How are tile transitions from indoors to outdoors handled?

Use threshold transition strips or edge tiles like bullnose at doorways. Allow for slight height differences with tapered transitions. Use caulk for expansion joints at junction.

Can you tile over existing concrete?

Yes, but the concrete must be clean, dry, and roughened so the thinset mortar bonds tightly. Use an outdoor tile mortar suitable for concrete substrates.

How long does outdoor tile installation take?

The timeframe depends on the size of your project. Allow at least 2 full days for surface prep, layout, thinset curing, grouting and sealing. Larger projects can take 4-5 days total or more.

Conclusion

Installing outdoor tile transforms plain, boring spaces into beautiful, welcoming outdoor living areas. Paying attention to planning and prep work, using quality materials, and applying tiles carefully will result in years of enjoyment and durability from your new outdoor tile. With the proper guidance given here, even DIYers with minimal tiling experience can achieve professional-looking, long-lasting results. If done right, your outdoor tile project can become a focal point that you are proud to show off for decades to come. Let us know if we can answer any other questions about your upcoming outdoor tile installation!

How to Install Outdoor Tile