I have a concrete patio.
by
Natalie
+4
The condition is good, just stained and boring looking. I want to create a relaxing outdoor area and start with pavers over the existing patio. I would like to do this project myself. Where do I start?
Boring back patio
7 answers
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Tiling work is not overly complex, but an attention to detail is needed to yield good looking results. It can be a physically demanding job...lots of bending, kneeling, up and down, carrying heavy boxes of tile, heavy bags of thinset, grout ...etc. If your up for a challenging yet rewarding project this is what you will need to do. 1. Educate yourself in basic tile installation methods...this can be by attending a workshop at your local homecenter or reading at the library, buying a book or doing a bunch of research online. 2. Purchase the basic tools...trowel, mixer bar, sponges, knee pads, grout float, tile spacers etc. (these are not too pricey and not available to rent) You will need a heavy duty drill to mix the thinset and grout...you may already own, or you can buy, borrow or rent. 3. Purchase your materials....like the tile, thinset and grout. 4. Rent or purchase a tile saw....I put this here as this is a widely variable item...my 1st tile saw cost $99 and was mostly plastic....My second tile saw and the one I now use for all tile projects cost $1000.....the decision to purchase or rent will depend on your budget and possible future plans. 5. Plan your project....tile layout, or pattern. 6. cut and "dry place" your tile...this will allow to tweak the design if needed. 7. Set your tile, with a space this big you may want to do this in stages... 8. once all tile is set, and properly cured your can grout. 9. Invite friends over for a Patio warming BBQ...and show off your great work.
KMS Woodworks
on Apr 23, 2011
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Thank you! I have some free time this summer and need a good project. This will be perfect.
Natalie
on Apr 23, 2011
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Hi Natalie, Something that I do when tiling a large area is to set all the whole tiles first, leaving out those tiles that will need to be cut on the first go-around. Cuts take time and can slow your progress while laying out the whole tiles is relatively quick. This just helps you to feel like you are making some real progress when you can see a large area being done quickly. Once the whole tiles are dry to walk on (give at least 24 hours dry time) then you can go around and do all the cuts.
Dan's of Central Florida, Inc.
on Apr 23, 2011
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Dan...I often do the same...lay the field then come back for details.
KMS Woodworks
on Apr 23, 2011
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And make sure that you have some extra tiles. When you are making the cuts you are likely to break some of them.
Darby C
on Apr 23, 2011
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Minor point, but I have been on some slick tile patios. Make sure you choose tiles or pavers with plenty of traction. Good luck with the project, Natalie, and post photos of your progress.
3po3
on Apr 23, 2011
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Go to CD Pavers and Coping on 17-92 in Maitland. Concrete pavers are the way to go and they do it right!
Bob H -
on Aug 29, 2011
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