How To Install Ceramic Tile On Exterior Wall

Let the wall dry 24 hours.

How to install ceramic tile on exterior wall.

Select a ceramic tile that is suitable for an exterior installation. For the average small wall tiles which are currently popular you will want to use a 1x4 square notch trowel. Installing ceramic tile on concrete wall start with one corner of the wall an lay the first tile into position. The tile itself should also be rated for outdoor use and as a general rule porcelain tends to be more durable than ceramic.

With less than 5 absorption most porcelain tiles are suitable for exterior walls however always confirm with your supplier. Remove the caulk backer rod when the grout. Clean excess grout from the tile and allow the grout to set. The tile industry standard recommendation is no more than 5 porosity.

Of course it should also have a slip resistant surface. Spread the adhesive with the smooth side of your notched trowel and then go over it with the notched side to create ridges in the adhesive. Under 3 is ideal. Figure a and figure b are typical examples of exterior wall tiling.

Finally choose a grout that will resist stains and fading so your project will still look good for years to come. Nevertheless you should ensure that the tile is placed properly level and plumb. Mortar a small spot and then place a tile. Certain natural stone and ceramic tiles are not suitable for outside installations due to their porosity.

Pull the tile up and look at the pattern that is create on the back. For wall installations plywood is overkill beneath the concrete or fiber board which is designed in five eighths inch material for wall settings. To help illustrate how to install wall tile outdoors we ve included the diagram below. Meanwhile there are numerous porcelain product lines specifically approved for exterior use.

Take care not to cover your lines. Figure a represents tile installed over a mortar bed fastened to masonry or concrete while figure b is tile bonded directly over masonry or concrete. Installing tile on exterior walls. Test a tile to make sure the mortar is mixed and spread correctly.

If possible you should always use concrete board underlayments rather than plywood. Continue to spread mortar and lay tile onto the rest of the wall in sections working from the center outward. Lightly tap each tile with the mallet to firmly set it. Use an exterior grade grout mixed with a latex fortified grout additive to grout the tiles.

The preferred method for tile installations is to use a sheet of underlayment.