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  • Prettyin' Up the Patio
    		•
    Prettyin' Up the Patio
    From "Grounds for Improvement"
    episode DGFI-106


    The cracked concrete patio (figure A) is getting a facelift with the addition of attractive outdoor-grade tile (figure B). There are many types of tile on the market today, so your choices are almost endless. Just be sure to use weather-resistant outdoor tile (and grout) for a project of this type.
    Photo

    Figure A
    		Photo

    Figure B

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    Steps

    • The first step in the tiling project is to pressure-wash the surface to remove dirt and debris and provide a clean surface for the tile.

    • Meanwhile, the mortar is being mixed in preparation.

    • A chalk line is pulled off the wall of the house: looking out the door, the eye wants to see straight lines and full tiles at the far edge of the patio. Dean measures back 18" from the edge of the patio (the tiles are 17-1/2" square, and the addition of 1/4" spacers will total 18").

      Note: When tiling, always begin from the center of your project space and work out.

    • The team spreads the mortar with a notched towel and begins laying the tiles, placing the spacers (figure C) to ensure an even 1/4" between each tile.

    • Once all the tiles are laid, use a grout float to apply grout and fill up the gaps between them. To save time, apply the grout just to the spaces (figure D), not to the entire surface as you might do in an indoor project. Let the grout set for 15-20 minutes, then come back and sponge the excess off the surface.

    Note: Remember to purchase exterior grout for outdoor tiling projects.
    Photo

    Figure C
    		Photo

    Figure D


    RESOURCES :

    Black and Decker tools
    Website: www.blackanddecker.com
    Black & Decker, Inc. (Corporate)
    Website: www.bdk.com/main_bd.htm

    Crossville Ceramics Porcelain Stone/USA
    Website: www.crossville-ceramics.com/

    Ames True Temper Tools
    Ames-True Temper
    Website: www.ames-truetemper.com

    Delta Tools
    Deltak Power Tools
    Website: www.deltamachinery.com

    Weathered Mosaic interlocking stone
    Versa-Lok Retaining Wall Systems
    6348 Highway 36 Blvd., Suite 1
    Oakdale, MN 55128
    Toll-Free: 800-770-4525

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  		• Tiled Patio and Stone Retaining Wall: Evaluating the Situation
  		• Retaining Wall
  		• Prettyin' Up the Patio
  		• Arbor and Plants