20MM OUTDOOR PORCELAIN TILES
INSTALLATION GUIDE
WHY 20MM OUTDOOR
PORCELAIN TILES?
20MM
Transform an outdoor space with
20mm outdoor porcelain tiles
A step up from the usual landscaping paving
slabs, outdoor porcelain tiles offer a modern,
sleek look that brings interior design to the
outdoors. With a thickness of 20mm, outdoor
tiles are ideal for patios, terraces and pathways
Why use outdoor tiles?
and will transform outdoor living.
Resistance to temperature
and weather changes
Outdoor porcelain tiles offer many features and
benefits including a durable, scratch resistant
Frost resistance
and weatherproof surface requiring very little
maintenance. Sealing is not required as the
non-porous nature of porcelain tiles makes them Load resistance
resistant to staining, algae and mildew. This also
results in them being very easy to clean. Safe Scratch resistance
even when wet thanks to a high slip resistance,
porcelain tiles are an ideal solution to any
outdoor living space. Resistance to staining and chemicals
Easy to assemble and disassemble
Installation methods *May differ depending on installation option used
There are several installation methods for 20mm Easy to clean both dry and wet
outdoor porcelain tiles.
This guide uses a compacted stone sub base, Slip resistant surface
bedding mortar, slurry and external grout for
installation.
PREPARATION
150mm
minimum below
damp course
Planned patio surface
Bedding mortar (30mm)
Total depth
Compacted MOT Type 1 or 150mm
GSB (General Sub Base) Material minimum
(100mm minimum)
1) Mark out the patio area Alternatively the installation of a linear drain
system would allow for a seamless transition
Allow 150-200mm for kerbing or haunching
between the internal and external floors.
should the patio not join a solid construction such
as a house or garden wall.
3) Compact the sub-base
2) Dig at least 150mm depth below the The use of a MOT Type 1 or GSB material is
proposed height of the patio required to give the strength and stability to the
patio.
This is to allow 100mm minimum compacted MOT
Type 1 or GSB (General Sub Base) material, a Rake out the aggregate to create an even layer,
30mm minimum bed of bedding mortar and the then use a compacting plate to compact the
20mm porcelain tile. loose aggregate to a compressed height of 50mm
below the string line, ensuring a 100mm depth of
Building regulations state that the paving must be
material.
150mm below any DPC (damp-proof course) so
that it protects the house from damp.
4) Mix and apply the bedding mortar
The patio must have suitable water drainage,
Using a mixer, mix the sharp sand and cement
such as a 15mm fall in the sub base for every
4-parts sand to 1-part cement. This should be a
1000mm. This can be achieved by using a tense
firm consistency, not sloppy or runny.
string line to guide the alignment along the
length of the paving. Ensure that the sub base Apply the mortar to the sub base levelling it out to
is no less than 100mm depth at any point when a height of 20mm below the string line, ensuring
incorporating the fall. a 30mm minimum depth of mortar.
Ripple or roughen the surface to allow for better
coverage of the porcelain tile.
recommended tools
Available in-store at CTD Tile Showrooms
and online at ctdtiles.co.uk
OX Tape Measure
5M D11011
8M D11012
INSTALLATION
Slurry
(1-2mm)
Outdoor tiles (20mm)
1) Prime the paving using slurry
Cutting 20mm Outdoor Porcelain Tiles
Put 7 litres of water in a suitable container or
bucket, add the slurry powder into the container Outdoor porcelain tiles should only be cut
and mix for 3 to 5 minutes so that it creates a using a continuous rim diamond blade (bench
smooth and lump free slurry. or handheld cutter) and water-fed for dust
suppression and cooling.
Using a brush or roller apply 1–2mm of slurry
onto the back of the tile and place immediately Recommended tools include:
onto the bedding mortar ensuring wet on wet
contact, lifting if required to check full coverage is
achieved.
Allow a 3mm minimum joint, up to 20mm
maximum between tiles (if using ProPave grout,
other brands may differ).
Rubi DV-200 Rubi SPT Premium
Electric Tile Diamond Blade
2) Knock down the paving with a rubber Cutter
mallet
To aid full coverage and adhesion to the bedding
*Depending on conditions and products used. Sand/
mortar, check that the tiles are level using a spirit cement mortar may take up to 4 days to fully cure. Check
level. manufacturer recommendations before grouting.
Allow the paving to fully cure (approx. 24-48
hours*) before grouting.
recommended tools
Available in-store at CTD Tile Showrooms
and online at ctdtiles.co.uk
20kg UltraScape Rubi Electric 38L Yellow Job Done Rubi Tile Spacers 500g Rubi White OX Pro Levels
Pro-Prime Mixer Gorilla Tub Multi-Purpose (100 pack) Rubber Mallet 600mm D11016
Slurry Primer D2819 Block Brush 3mm D3144 D522 1200mm D11017
C3058 D10967 4mm D2760 1800mm D11018
GROUTING - WET METHOD
Water External
tiling grout
The wet method of grouting is recommended 4) Repeat until the paving is fully grouted
when permeable bedding materials have been
Make sure to remove any excess material before
used in installation. This method makes it easier
it hardens on the tiles.
to apply the grout and allows the product to
move deeper into the tile joints. This will also
5) Leave for two hours then compact joints
protect the tiles from oils and aid cleaning after
with a pointing trowel
application.
To achieve the perfect flush finish, once brushed
1) Ensure that the paving is clean into place and left for two hours, compact the
joints with a pointing trowel or joining iron.
Remove any dust and bedding mortar that may be
sitting proud of the grout joint. If the joints now need topping-up, pour more
grout over the joints, brush in and compact as
2) Thoroughly soak the tiles using water required.
This ensures that no oils will penetrate the tiles,
6) Spray the paving with water and brush
eases application, helps get the grout deep into
away any excess material
the joint, and aids removal of excess material.
ProPave grout is walkable after 24-48 hours
3) Pour the outdoor tile grout over the tile
(depending on conditions) and will reach its full
joints evenly
strength after 28 days.
Use a brand new stiff brush and brush the grout
into the joints diagonally. Ensure that the paving
and grout is kept wet throughout jointing.
recommended tools
Available in-store at CTD Tile Showrooms
and online at ctdtiles.co.uk
15kg UltraTileFix ProPave
External Tile Grout
Natural Cashmere C3132
Storm Grey C3131
Cosmic Black C3130
GROUTING - DRY METHOD
External
tiling grout
The dry method of grouting is recommended 4) Top up the joints after they have been
when impermeable bedding materials have been compacted to the suitable level
used in installation, and therefore will not allow
If the joints need topping-up, pour more grout
drainage of application water. This method may
over the joints, brush in and compact as required.
also be used when temperature conditions are
below 3°C, and the water application (via the
ProPave grout is walkable after 24-48 hours
wet method) may freeze and expand in the joint
(depending on conditions) and will reach its full
before it has drained away.
strength after 28 days.
1) Pre wet the surface with a mist of water ProPave Grout can be cleaned by use of a
domestic pressure washer (130bar max) with a
This will prevent any staining of the paving.
patio head attachment or with the nozzle kept
Do not over-wet the joints.
30cm away from the face of the grout.
2) Pour the outdoor tile grout over the tile Do not use any harsh chemical based cleaners
joints and brush in as you go such as brick acid or cement residue removers
as this may affect the overall appearance of the
3) Compact joints with a pointing trowel grout. For further information please contact the
manufacturer.
Using a pointing trowel or joining iron will allow
the loose material to be pressed into the joint.
Suitable Dry Method Applications
Driveways, sheds, summerhouses, or heavy
trafficked areas.
These areas should only be grouted using
the dry method as this allows the grout
recommended tools to cure at a greater rate, avoiding excess
Available in-store at CTD Tile Showrooms moisture within the mortar as well as internal
and online at ctdtiles.co.uk
structures.
Dry compressive strength:
After 1 day: 0.80N/mm2
After 7 days: 5.80N/mm2
After 28 days: 6.70N/mm2
Check manufacturer recommendations for tiles and fixing
15kg UltraTileFix ProPave
products before installing on driveways or other areas
External Tile Grout
Natural Cashmere C3132
subject to high pressure.
Storm Grey C3131
Cosmic Black C3130
Please note: Installation requirements may vary depending on the tiles and
fixing products used, as well as the external conditions. Check manufacturer
recommendations for tiles and fixing products before installing to ensure the products
are suitable for their intended use and the required installation standards are achieved.
We strongly recommend the use of a professional tiling or lanscaping contractor.
