How To Install Ceramic Tile On Exterior Wall

Starting in the center on one side of your reference line apply a coat of tile setting adhesive to an area about 3x3 feet square.

How to install ceramic tile on exterior wall.

Let the wall dry 24 hours. The tile industry standard recommendation is no more than 5 porosity. With ceramic tile the most common recommendation is porcelain tile due to its low absorption wide variety of colors and finishes. Of course it should also have a slip resistant surface.

Installing tile on exterior walls. Test a tile to make sure the mortar is mixed and spread correctly. Pull the tile up and look at the pattern that is create on the back. For the average small wall tiles which are currently popular you will want to use a 1x4 square notch trowel.

Take care not to cover your lines. Lightly tap each tile with the mallet to firmly set it. Clean excess grout from the tile and allow the grout to set. Select a ceramic tile that is suitable for an exterior installation.

With less than 5 absorption most porcelain tiles are suitable for exterior walls however always confirm with your supplier. 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. Remove the caulk backer rod when the grout. Certain natural stone and ceramic tiles are not suitable for outside installations due to their porosity.

Continue to spread mortar and lay tile onto the rest of the wall in sections working from the center outward. If possible you should always use concrete board underlayments rather than plywood. Use an exterior grade grout mixed with a latex fortified grout additive to grout the tiles. Mortar a small spot and then place a tile.

Nevertheless you should ensure that the tile is placed properly level and plumb. Under 3 is ideal. To help illustrate how to install wall tile outdoors we ve included the diagram below. Installing ceramic tile on concrete wall start with one corner of the wall an lay the first tile into position.

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. The preferred method for tile installations is to use a sheet of underlayment. Push it firmly in the adhesive twisting it lightly to make sure it is locked 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.

Finally choose a grout that will resist stains and fading so your project will still look good for years to come.