Concrete base or not for outdoor porcelain tiles? Post your questions and get answers regarding all areas of drives, pathways and patios

[Ifu01307]

Hi,

I’m looking to lay outdoor porcelain tiles (1200 x 600, 20mm thick) and have had differing opinions on how to do it.

Several builders and a tiler have told me it must be on a concrete base however others have said that, unless tiles will be bearing a heavy load (vehicles driven over them) it will be fine to do on a hard core sub base and then a wet mortar base.

I know don’t know what to do, I want job done properly and certainly don’t want to skimp but equally I don’t want to spend considerable time and money on something that doesn’t need to be done, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Ryan

[stoneyboy]

Hi lfu01307,
Your tiles must be supported over their whole area so if you use a rubble base which may sink in some areas, there is the possibility of cracked tiles.
If you were laying a concrete path you would probably form a rubble sub-base and then lay 75-100mm concrete with expansion joints about every 3 metres.
This would be a good base for your porcelain tiles.
Regards S