DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

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

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